A very important note – tipping only exists in CASH. Always have cash on hand!
| Service Type | Suggested Tip | Additional Notes |
| upscale restaurants or meyhanes | 10-15% of the bill | Check if service charge is included – and if the service was exceptional or you stuck around for a long time, feel free to tip on top of the service charge |
| casual restaurants | Round up or tip 5-10% of the bill | |
| cafes (table service) | Round up or tip 5-10% | Only tip for table service, not for walk-up orders (unless you spot a tip jar) |
| bars | Round up or tip 5-10% | |
| food delivery | Round up or tip 5-10% | |
| bellhop | 20-30 TL per bag | |
| housekeeping | 20-30 TL per day | tip daily |
| taxis | Round up to the nearest whole number | Discuss fares in advance to avoid confusion, write the price down for extra clarity. Carefully count when giving bills and receiving change. |
| tour guides | 10-20% of the tour cost | Depending on the length and quality of the tour |
| beauty services | 10% of the total bill | Applies to hairdressers, barbers, nail salons etc. |
| spas/massage | 10-15% of the service cost |
Important Notes on Tipping Etiquette:
- Tipping as a Gesture: In Turkey, tipping is a thank-you for service well rendered, reflecting the original spirit of tipping that the United States has neglected to preserve. It should be done discreetly and respectfully as a token of appreciation.
- Currency Considerations: Due to significant devaluation, Turkish lira coins carry little value. Always tip with bills to ensure your gratitude is both practical and appreciated.
- Understanding Cultural Sensitivities: Offering a tip can sometimes be seen as trying to convert a personal favor into a business transaction, which might imply the service or help wasn’t given freely but had to be ‘evened out’. This is why tipping can be considered an insult in some non-commercial contexts. Avoid trying to tip people you know personally or anyone offering help outside of an official service setting.
