Short answer: Appreciated, not expected. In Hungary about 10% is the usual tip for good restaurant service, but many restaurants now add a service charge called szervizdíj. If it is on the bill, most people do not tip on top.
Is service included?
Many restaurants add a szervizdíj (service charge), typically 10 to 15%. It is mandatory once listed on the menu, goes towards staff wages, and is separate from a voluntary tip (borravaló).
How much to tip in Hungary
| Who | Usual tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | 10% | About 10%, up to 15% for outstanding service; skip it if szervizdíj is already on the bill. |
| Cafes and bars | Round up | Round up or use the tip jar at the counter. |
| Taxis and rideshare | Round up or 5 to 10% | Rounding up is common; 5 to 10% for a longer ride. |
| Hotel housekeeping | Optional | A small amount per day, left at checkout. |
| Hotel porters | Small tip per bag | A few hundred forints is customary; amounts in older guides are dated, so it varies. |
| Tour guides | Optional | No firm local figure in our sources; tip if the guide was good. |
| Hairdressers and spas | 5 to 10% | Appreciated but never expected; less expected if the owner serves you. |
| Food delivery | Small tip | A few hundred forints is usual, more for large orders. |
Amounts are in the local currency (HUF). They are common customs, not rules: tip more for great service and less where it was poor.
How to tip
Hand the tip to the server or put it in the tip jar rather than leaving it on the table. If paying by card, say how much you want to add before the payment goes through. Cash handed directly to staff goes to them; tips added to the bill are handled by the employer.
What to avoid
Do not tip on top of a szervizdíj without checking the bill first; once the service charge is paid, an extra tip is not expected.
Work out a tip
The tip calculator is set to Hungary and the local currency: enter the bill, pick a percentage and split it between the table.
Tipping with no cash
When you have no local cash, ask whether a tip can go on the card. More and more guides, drivers and performers show a QR code instead: point your phone camera at it and you can tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay without installing anything. Workers in Hungary can read how QR code tipping works in Hungary.
Street performers
Tipping a busker is always optional. If you enjoy the show, a coin or a note in the case is the custom, and more performers now show a QR code so you can tip by card. Rules for buskers by city:
Sources
- XpatLoop (Budapest Business Journal): Restaurant service fees in Hungary eclipse tips
- Daily News Hungary: Tipping in Hungary
- We Love Budapest: Gratuity guide, how much to tip in Hungary
Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Customs change and vary between cities and venues.
Common questions
Is tipping expected in Hungary?
Appreciated, not expected. In Hungary about 10% is the usual tip for good restaurant service, but many restaurants now add a service charge called szervizdíj. If it is on the bill, most people do not tip on top.
How much should you tip at a restaurant in Hungary?
10%. About 10%, up to 15% for outstanding service; skip it if szervizdíj is already on the bill.
Is a service charge added to the bill in Hungary?
Many restaurants add a szervizdíj (service charge), typically 10 to 15%. It is mandatory once listed on the menu, goes towards staff wages, and is separate from a voluntary tip (borravaló).
Do you tip taxi drivers in Hungary?
Round up or 5 to 10%.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in Hungary?
Optional.
App Store
Google Play