Short answer: Appreciated, not expected. Tipping in Poland is voluntary; 5 to 10% is a normal restaurant tip for good service, and many locals simply round up. Be careful what you say when paying: saying thank you (dziękuję) as you hand over cash means the server can keep the change.
Is service included?
Service is seldom included, but some restaurants add a service charge of around 10% for groups, often 10 or more people, and it is not always clearly shown on the menu. No extra tip is needed if it has been added.
How much to tip in Poland
| Who | Usual tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | 5 to 10% | Around 10% for good service; locals often round up instead, so it varies. |
| Cafes and bars | Round up | A few coins in the tip jar or rounding up is typical. |
| Taxis and rideshare | Round up | Rounding up is common; not required. |
| Hotel housekeeping | Optional | Not generally expected; a small amount is a kind gesture. |
| Hotel porters | Optional | A small tip per bag is appreciated in upscale hotels. |
| Tour guides | Optional | Tip if the guide was good; no firm figure in our sources. |
| Hairdressers and spas | Optional | Round up or add a small tip if you are happy with the service. |
| Food delivery | Round up | Delivery couriers are commonly tipped a few zloty. |
Amounts are in the local currency (PLN). They are common customs, not rules: tip more for great service and less where it was poor.
How to tip
Cash is the safest way to make sure the server gets the tip. If you want change back, say "proszę" (please) instead of "dziękuję". Card terminals increasingly offer preset tip percentages such as 5, 10 or 15%, but adding a tip to a card payment is still less common than cash.
What to avoid
Do not say "dziękuję" when handing over a large note unless you are happy for the server to keep all the change.
Work out a tip
The tip calculator is set to Poland 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 Poland can read how QR code tipping works in Poland.
Sources
- Warsaw In Your Pocket: Tipping tribulations
- Careers in Poland: A few tips on tipping in Poland
- Bank.pl: Contactless tipping on PolCard terminals
- SmarterTravel: Tipping in Poland
Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Customs change and vary between cities and venues.
Common questions
Is tipping expected in Poland?
Appreciated, not expected. Tipping in Poland is voluntary; 5 to 10% is a normal restaurant tip for good service, and many locals simply round up. Be careful what you say when paying: saying thank you (dziękuję) as you hand over cash means the server can keep the change.
How much should you tip at a restaurant in Poland?
5 to 10%. Around 10% for good service; locals often round up instead, so it varies.
Is a service charge added to the bill in Poland?
Service is seldom included, but some restaurants add a service charge of around 10% for groups, often 10 or more people, and it is not always clearly shown on the menu. No extra tip is needed if it has been added.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Poland?
Round up.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in Poland?
Optional.
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