Tipping in Istanbul
Every country in the world has several traditions for tipping. The best
thing to do
is to learn what the tipping rate is and how to offer it before reaching the
destination. In Turkey, there are different traditions for tipping depending
on the service sector. Here are some ideas about tipping in Turkey.
Practical Istanbul Guide
How to Pay in Istanbul
Learn about cash, cards, Turkish lira and the most practical payment
methods for your Istanbul trip.
Read the Payment Guide
For Restaurants
Generally, the
restaurants
in Turkey don’t add the tipping in the bill. Some restaurants may add the tip
with the name service to the bill, and if so, there is no need for extra
tipping. But if there is no statement about the service in the bill,
generally, this is the case; if you like the service, you may add 10 percent
of the bill as the tip for the restaurant. Generally, the bill comes inside
of a book. You may put the tip inside of this book, or in the cashier, there
would be a box with the name tip box. You may also put the tip inside of this
box.
Travel Safely
How to Avoid Tourist Scams in Istanbul
Learn about common tourist scams and simple precautions that can help you
travel more confidently.
Read the Safety Guide
For Hotels
You can tip the
hotels
in which you are going to stay in Turkey. Compared to the other sectors in
tourism, the group that earns the least is the people working in the hotels.
Generally, the tradition calculates the days you stayed in the hotel and
considers how many staff members assisted you or whether they carried your
bags during check-in and check-out. You can give all of the tips to the
reception and state how much should go to each position. In some hotels in
Turkey, there is a separate form where you can state how much tip should go to
each person.
For Tour Services
The guides in Turkey work with a definite amount of money per day set by the
Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It is not mandatory to give tips to tour
guides, but it is a way to show your appreciation for their service. If the
tour includes a vehicle, you may also thank the driver with a tip.
Shopping Tips
How to Bargain in Istanbul
Understand where bargaining is appropriate and how to negotiate prices
politely in Istanbul’s markets.
Read the Bargaining Guide
For Taxis
There is no strong tradition of tipping taxi drivers in Turkey, but rounding
up the fare is common. This means that if the fare is 38 TL, you may hand the
driver 40 TL and leave the difference as a tip if you enjoyed the ride.
Tipping is not mandatory, so you may also request your change.
The Final Word
A tip may not be a significant amount, but it can bring a smile to the
receiver’s face and give satisfaction to the giver. It is an appreciated
gesture. If you like the service, feel free to leave a tip.
Start Planning
Top 10 Things to Do in Istanbul
See the city’s essential landmarks, experiences and activities for a
memorable Istanbul itinerary.
See Istanbul’s Top 10