The culture of tipping in Turkey confuses many first-time tourists. US travellers lead the way, who usually tip in daily life and generously. On the other hand, UK visitors who are not used to tipping are typically anxious about not offending and eager to tip if it improves the quality of their holiday. As a result, tipping is relatively commonplace within Turkey’s tourism industry but not so much for locals. For Turks who rely on tourist income, tipping makes a massive difference to their quality of life, primarily if they work on a commission and wage basis. However, hold back tips if the service is haphazard or poor. So, let us look at what to know about tipping bars, restaurants, taxi drivers, and other establishments in Turkey.
In Turkey, never put a tip onto a card payment. It will end up in the managers pocket because most business owners in Turkey prefer cash to card payments because they pay an obligatory 18% tax. So instead, leave a cash tip. If possible, to who served you. Customers tip in any currency, just so long as it is paper notes, not coins. Given the value of Turkish Kurus coins, it is an up-frontal insult if customers leave them because they have little value. Likewise, Turkish people can not exchange foreign coins for the Turkish lira because exchange offices and banks in Turkey do not accept them.
When it comes to eating out, food is so reasonable in Turkey that a 10 per cent tip is cheap to most tourists, especially in moderately priced restaurants. While tipping is not compulsory, waiters rely on extra gratuities to supplement their income and can be disappointed if they do not receive one. However, tipping is a nod to good service. If you feel the service was poor, tip a low amount - or not at all. Some restaurants or bars in Turkey feature musicians who play for tips. If it is not your thing, politely wave them away. If you allow them to serenade, slide a note when beckoned. If a restaurant features a belly dancer, diners are expected to tip. She will dance her way around the crowd, who then tuck notes into her hemline. (Turkish dishes that will tempt your tastebuds.)
Turkish people pay just the fare at airports, bus stations, and train stations in Turkey, although tourists generally tip porters who help with bags. If booking travel passenger fast track services through Turkish airports, this is usually an exclusive service not requiring a tip. Likewise, locals don’t tip taxis, just round fares upwards. So if fares come to 24 Turkish lira, hand over 25 Turkish lira. Most drivers don’t deal with loose change, only notes. If your taxi driver helps with your bags, tip them a little extra. If your driver has gone out of their way or been particularly helpful for private transfers or shuttles, they will expect a small tip. Don’t tip on a dolmus in Turkey, which is public transport buses.
Some hotel dining rooms, bars and receptions have a tip box for hotel guests to show appreciation for staff, but that is quite a bit if you tip every day. Likewise, there is no need to tip housekeeping staff every day. When you arrive at your hotel in Turkey, tip the porter who takes bags to your room. Otherwise, regardless of whether the hotel is bed and breakfast, or all-inclusive, check at the end of your holiday who the tip box content goes to, and give some to other staff not included who did a good job.
Tipping tour guides and drivers on organised tours in Turkey is optional. If your tour guide and driver have done an excellent job, tip them. On the other hand, if they do not meet expectations, do not tip - after all, you have already paid for their services. As a rule of thumb, a tip somewhere between 100 Turkish lira per group per day is a good tip for a tour guide and a little less for drivers. Please note, if your tour guide takes you to a shop or factory, they receive a commission for any purchases you make.
Travel tips for Turkey: The cultural diversity, historically rich timeline, and more than 700,000 square kilometres of land make Turkey an exciting country to visit and enjoy Turkish holidays every year. Turkey often attracts repeat visitors, lured by Turkish people’s friendly nature, landscapes of natural beauty, gorgeous beaches, and first-time visitors may find themselves overwhelmed by unique ambience and vibes. So, to enjoy a stress-free holiday, keep to a budget, and adhere to social and cultural protocols, here is our travel advice.
Things not to Miss in Turkey: Aside from tipping in Turkey, first-time visitors may wonder what they should not miss. Indeed, Turkey offers various attractions and cultural aspects for everyone to experience at least once in their life. However, the list runs into hundreds of suggestions, and anyone on a short one-or two-week holiday will struggle to fit them all in. So, when looking at the must-see places and activities below, we talk about the most popular, which stand out for unique reasons. They collectively introduce Turkey, a country you will fall in love with and return to, year after year.