Tipping in Turkey

Tips (gratuities, bahşiş in Turkish) are generally modest in Turkey (a small percent of the price paid). Because Americans tend to tip big, leading Turkish tourism industry workers have been led to expect big tips from Americans who travel to Turkey.

In most cases, you cannot include the tip on a credit card charge. You should tip in cash and, in most cases, hand the tip directly to the person who has served you. (In some establishments, any tip you leave on the table will end up in the owner’s cash register, not in the server’s pocket.)

Although the person you tip would probably prefer Turkish liras, you may tip in any currency so long as you give notes/bills (paper money). Don’t give non-Turkish coins as these cannot easily be exchanged for Turkish liras.

Airports/Train & Bus Stations

Every airport, bus station (otogar), and train station (gar) has an official tariff for porters, which should be posted prominently. Of course you probably won’t see it, so tip about TL2 or TL3 per bag, which should be plenty. If you actually end up underpaying according to the official tariff, the porter is sure to let you know!

Taxis

For taxi drivers, don’t tip, just round the fare upwards to a convenient amount. For example, if the fare is TL19.70, round it up to TL20. (If the fare is TL20.30, the driver may accept just TL20.)

For private transfer services, no tip is required, though if you wish to tip—if the driver has been particularly obliging—5% to 10% of the fare is appropriate.

Hotels

Porters are happy with TL2 to TL4 per bag. Housekeeping staff are hard-working and deserving of your generosity. In moderately-priced hotels, TL5 or 7 per day is well-deserved and greatly appreciated.

In some hotel breakfast rooms, restaurants, and/or at the reception desk you may see a Tip Box. This is the appropriate place to express your appreciation to waitstaff for good service.

Restaurants

In inexpensive establishments, small tips (5% or so) are not necessary, but are appreciated. In luxury restaurants, tip 10% to 15%.

Guided Tours

Tips to guides and drivers on organized tours are at your discretion. Certainly guides and drivers hope for tips, but a good guide or driver will not think less of you for not tipping; and a bad guide or driver deserves no tip.

Remember, this is a tip meant to signify good service (if that’s what you’ve received), not his/her payment (which you will already have paid by paying for your tour).

That having been said(US$5 to $15) per day per person  from the group would be plenty for the guide.

Turkish Bath (Hamam)

When you visit a Turkish bath, or Hamam, at the end of your bath all the attendants (and there are lots of them) will line up to “bid you goodbye” and expect a tip (if service has been good). Share out among them about 10% of the total price of the services you’ve used.

Dolmuş/Minibus

No tip expected.