Tipping in Budapest like a local Hungarian

Practical guide: why tipping matters in Budapest?

You’ve just enjoyed a hearty Hungarian goulash or taken a scenic ride across the Danube. Now comes the check—and the question every traveller dreads: Do I tip here?

Tipping in Hungary can differ from practices in other countries. In Budapest, tipping is customary in many service industries, including restaurants, bars, hotels, and taxis. However, the expectations and norms can vary. Giving a tip is one of the tourist traps you can easily avoid with the following pieces of advice. This guide provides practical information to help you navigate tipping customs in the city.

Typical inconveniences and misunderstandings about local tipping

Expected or not expected?

Tipping is not mandatory in Hungary, but it is generally expected, traditionally in catering, taxi drivers, hairdressers, and tour guides. The amount is usually 10–15%, but for smaller amounts, rounding is common. 

Confusing service charge and tip in restaurants and bars

This is confusing not only for tourists but for local people too. If I am in a restaurant, I am always asking/ checking the bill, whether it already contains a service charge and/ or tips. Most of the restaurants are using the model to pay minimal weight to the employees and are already calculating the ( future) tips as part of their salary. When the service is excellent, I am happy to give extra for the service.

Good to know before the trip to Budapest: 

• Many restaurants automatically charge a 10-15% service charge, which guests do not always notice on the bill.
• Tourists often do not know that this already includes the tip, so tey tip twice: once on the bill, once in cash.
• The oppisite also happens: they do not tip because they think it is already included, when it is not – this can lead to unpleasant moments.

Tip for tourists: Always check the bottom of the bill! If it says “service charge = szervizdij”, then no additional tip (= borravaló)  is required.

Cash in local currency or card? 

When paying by card, it is not always possible to add a tip separately, or the system does not support percentage entry.  For this reason, most of the staff prefer cash tips, which tourists do not always understand or know.

In some places, you can use a new practice where you can select the amount of the tip on the card machine. Do not be surprised if you have an extra step on the screen before paying. ( There must be an option with no tips!) 

How Budapest’s tipping culture compares 

Use a brief comparison table for clarity:

Situation	U.S. Practice	Budapest Expectation
Restaurant tip	15–20%	10% if no service charge (“szervizdíj”)
Round-up	Rare	Common for taxis, cafés
Tipping attendants	Mostly free	100 HUF+ for porters, housekeeping
Card tip screens	Standard practice	Available in some, but not all

Understanding service charges vs. tips in restaurants

You got the bill, and it seems to be a higher amount than you expected. Besides checking the items, look for the term “szervizdij” at the bottom of the receipt or ask the waiter about it. 

• Many restaurants (often higher-end) add a 10–15% “szervizdíj” (service charge) automatically.
• This is not a tip—it is obligatory and does not go to the staff
• Tourists may tip twice, unwittingly.
• Or they don’t tip, thinking it was included, causing awkwardness.

Tourist Tip: Always check your bill. If it lists “szervizdíj,” no extra tip is required, unless service was exceptional.

When to tip: a quick reference

Restaurants & cafés

• Service charges: Many restaurants include a service charge (szervizdíj) of 10-15% in the bill. This should be indicated on the menu or receipt. If a service charge is included, additional tipping is not expected.
• Without service charge: If no service charge is included, it’s customary to leave a tip of 10-15% for good service.
• Payment methods: Tipping in cash is common. If paying by card, inform the server of the tip amount before the transaction, as adding a tip afterward may not be possible.
• Casual settings: In bars and casual cafés, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.
• High-end establishments: In upscale venues, a 10-15% tip is customary, especially for exceptional service.
• Language note: The Hungarian term for tip is “borravaló”.

Bars & casual spots

• Round up or leave loose change (worth 100–500 HUF).
• Upscale bars: possible 10 to 15 percent, especially for table service.

Tipping in hotels

Hotel staff is happy to get your appreciation via tips. 

• Housekeeping: Consider leaving a tip of 500-1000 HUF per day for housekeeping staff is a common practice. 
• Porters: Tipping 100-200 HUF per bag is customary when assistance is provided.
• Concierge Services: For special services or arrangements, a tip of 500-1000 HUF is appropriate.

Tipping taxi drivers

• Although it is not officially expected, many taxi drivers “expect” to round up to the nearest 500, e.g., 4,000 HUF instead of 3,600 HUF, or give 10%
• Tipping norms: Rounding up the fare or adding a 10% tip is standard practice.
• Payment: While many taxis accept card payments, carrying small cash denominations can be helpful for tipping.
• If the tourist does not tip, he or she sometimes encounters an impolite reaction, which is recorded as a negative experience. Tipping cultures and expectations vary greatly in a “touristy area” like pedestrian streets. 

Cash or card, or tip screens? 

• Cash tips are safest: look like 1000 or 2000  Hungarian Forints bills to avoid confusion
• Card terminals may prompt for tips (5%, 10%, 15%)—not guaranteed. Be aware that the exchange rate might confuse you. 
• Credit card tips go through registers, may incur VAT, or may not reach the staff directly 
• Best practice: ask upfront. If no option, carry small bills for cash tips.

Why it matters — staff income & culture 

Hungarians are aware of the fact that service providers are usually on minimum wage, and their salary is calculated with extra income from the customers as a reward for their level of service. When visiting Budapest, you might use tips as a way to acknowledge the service.

Here are some  cultural and economic contexts:

• Minimum wage ≈ 266,800 HUF/month (~US$  730) 
• Local tipping standards are modest: 5–10% is normal, 15% is generous.
• Staff may assume foreign tourists tip more—a misunderstanding that leads to disappointment.

Common tourist errors & how to avoid them 

• Double tipping (with service charge + cash).
• No tipping when service falls short, believing it’s already covered.
• Not knowing how to tip by card — ask first.
• Aggressive tipping or over-tipping may feel excessive. Tipping is at your discretion. 

Tip: Carry a stash of small HUF bills, inspect your check, and ask politely.

Budapest tipping cheatsheet

Service	Customary Tip	Notes
Restaurant	10 to 15% (no service fee)	Check the receipt for “szervizdíj”
Taxi	Round up / ~10%	Drivers expect a rounded fare
Café/Bar	100–500 HUF	Cash preferred, especially in casual spots
Hotel Housekeeping	500–1,000 HUF/day	Leave daily on the pillow or desk
Porters	100–200 HUF/bag	Discreet, polite handoff
Concierge	500–1,000 HUF	For extra services
Hairdresser/Massage	10%	Cash preferred
Tour Guide	1,000–3,000 HUF/person	Dependent on group size and satisfaction

Pro Tip: Hungarian for tip is “borravaló.” Local currency is the Hungarian Forint.

Tip with confidence 

Tipping in Budapest is generally simpler—and more modest—than U.S. customs. By knowing when and how much to tip, you’ll show appreciation without overspending.

Final reminder:

• Always check if there’s a service charge. 
• Cash is king for most tips. It may save you to avoid any awkward moments. 
• When in doubt, rounding up or adding 5–10% is always appreciated.

FAQ

What is the general tipping culture in Budapest, Hungary?

The tipping culture in Budapest is relatively relaxed compared to some other countries. While it’s not mandatory, it is customary to leave a tip for good service. Generally, it is considered polite to round up the bill or leave around 10 to 15 percent of the total amount. This applies to various services, including restaurants, taxis, and hotels. Many Hungarians appreciate it when visitors adopt local customs, so tipping like a local can enhance your experience.

How much should I tip in a restaurant in Budapest?

In restaurants, it’s typical to leave a tip of around 10 to 15 percent of your total bill. If a service charge is included in your bill, it’s still courteous to leave an additional tip if you feel the service was exceptional. Always check your receipt to see if the service fee is already included. If you want to add a tip, simply hand the server the cash or write the desired amount in the credit card payment section.

Is it appropriate to tip taxi drivers in Budapest?

Yes, tipping taxi drivers in Budapest is common practice. You can round up to the nearest forint or add 10 percent to the fare as a tip. Most taxi drivers will appreciate this gesture, especially if you had a pleasant ride or received helpful information during your journey. Remember to check your bill and adjust accordingly based on the service received.

What should I know about tipping hotel staff?

When staying in hotels in Budapest, it’s customary to tip hotel staff, such as bellhops and housekeeping. For bellhops, a tip of 200 to 500 HUF is common, depending on the service provided. For housekeepers, consider leaving around 200 HUF per day. 

Want to know more about forint, the Hungarian currency? Read our article here.