Short answer: Appreciated, not expected. In Turkey a cash tip of about 10% is normal at restaurants for good service. Since 30 January 2026, restaurants and cafes are no longer allowed to add a service charge (servis ücreti) or cover charge, so any tip (bahşiş) is now entirely your choice.
Is service included?
Banned. Since 30 January 2026 restaurants, cafes and similar places may not charge a service, table or cover fee under any name, and unrequested starters cannot be billed. Before the ban, some upscale places added about 10%.
How much to tip in Turkey
| Who | Usual tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants (sit-down) | 10% | Around 10 to 15% at most places for good service. |
| Cafes and bars | Round up | Leave small change or round up; no firm percentage. |
| Taxis and rideshare | Round up | Usually no tip; round up the fare ("üstü kalsın", keep the change). |
| Hotel housekeeping | Optional | About 3 to 5 US dollars per day in mid-range hotels, or the lira equivalent. |
| Hotel porters | 1 to 2 US dollars per bag | Or the equivalent in lira. |
| Tour guides | Customary | Around 20 to 40 US dollars per day from a small group as a whole, less for the driver. |
| Hairdressers and spas | About 15% at a hamam | At a Turkish bath, about 15% shared among the attendants; no firm figure for barbers in our sources. |
| Food delivery | Optional | No firm custom; round up if you like. |
Amounts are in the local currency (TRY). They are common customs, not rules: tip more for great service and less where it was poor.
How to tip
Tip in cash, ideally handed directly to the server, because tips left on the table or added to a card may go to the owner. Turkish lira is preferred, but paper notes in euros, US dollars or pounds are accepted. Taxi fares must be paid in lira.
What to avoid
Do not pay a line on the bill labelled service, table or cover charge; these are banned since January 2026, and tips must be voluntary.
Work out a tip
The tip calculator is set to Turkey 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.
Sources
- Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Trade: Amendment to the Price Tag Regulation (30 January 2026)
- Turkey Travel Planner: Tipping in Turkey
- Türkiye Today: Türkiye bans hidden service charges in cafes
- Rick Steves: Tipping in Europe
Checked in October 2026 against the sources above. Customs change and vary between cities and venues.
Common questions
Is tipping expected in Turkey?
Appreciated, not expected. In Turkey a cash tip of about 10% is normal at restaurants for good service. Since 30 January 2026, restaurants and cafes are no longer allowed to add a service charge (servis ücreti) or cover charge, so any tip (bahşiş) is now entirely your choice.
How much should you tip at a restaurant in Turkey?
10%. Around 10 to 15% at most places for good service.
Is a service charge added to the bill in Turkey?
Banned. Since 30 January 2026 restaurants, cafes and similar places may not charge a service, table or cover fee under any name, and unrequested starters cannot be billed. Before the ban, some upscale places added about 10%.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Turkey?
Round up.
How much do you tip hotel housekeeping in Turkey?
Optional.
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