Tipping in Türkiye (2026): What’s Customary, and the New Ban on Service Charges
How much to tip in Türkiye in 2026 at restaurants, cafés, taxis, hotels and hammams, and what the January 2026 service-charge ban means for your bill.
How much to tip in Türkiye in 2026 at restaurants, cafés, taxis, hotels and hammams, and what the January 2026 service-charge ban means for your bill.
Tipping in Türkiye (bahşiş) is voluntary. Since 30 January 2026, restaurants and cafés have been banned from adding service, table or cover charges to your bill. The Ministry of Trade changed the Price Tag Regulation so that you pay only for what you order. Any tip is “on a voluntary basis and at your own wish”. It also banned charging for unordered starters (kuver) brought to the table before you order. In practice, many people round up or leave around 5–10% in restaurants for good service, leave small change in cafés, and round up taxi fares. None of this is required.
Last checked: 24 September 2026, against the Ministry of Trade’s announcement of 30 January 2026.
The 2026 rule change
Before 2026, the rules let restaurants add a service charge as long as it was clearly shown on the menu. The Ministry of Trade’s amendment to the Price Tag Regulation, published in the Official Gazette and announced on 30 January 2026, changed that:
- Restaurants, lokanta, cafés, pâtisseries and similar places can’t demand extra payments called a service charge (servis ücreti), table charge (masa ücreti), cover charge (kuver ücreti) or anything similar.
- Menus and price lists can’t say that such a charge will be added. They may only list the prices of the items.
- Unordered starters brought to the table before you order, known as kuver, can’t be charged for.
- Customers may only pay extra voluntarily, such as a tip.
If a bill includes a service, table or cover charge, politely ask for it to be removed. If the business refuses, you can complain to the Ministry of Trade’s consumer line, 175.
Typical tips in Türkiye
These are common customs, not rules. Tip for good service, and don’t feel obliged when service is poor.
| Where | What many people do | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | Round up, or leave around 5–10% | More for a long meal or a special occasion |
| Cafés and tea gardens | Leave small change | Nobody expects a percentage on a glass of tea |
| Taxis | Round up to a convenient amount | The meter fare is the fare. See our Istanbul taxi prices guide |
| Hotel porters | A small note per bag | Optional |
| Housekeeping | A small note per night or at the end of your stay | Optional |
| Hammam attendants | A tip at the end for a good scrub and massage | Check whether the package price already includes it |
| Tour guides and drivers | A tip at the end of a day tour | Common on private and small-group tours |
| Hairdressers and barbers | Round up or a small tip | Optional |
Cash or card for tips?
Cash is the simplest way to make sure a tip reaches the person who served you. If you want to add a tip to a card payment, ask the staff first. Keep small notes and coins for tips, tea gardens and small purchases. Our guide to paying by card or cash in Türkiye explains where you’ll still need lira.
What not to worry about
- You don’t have to tip at counters, such as bakeries, simit sellers or takeaways.
- You don’t tip on public transport. Buses, trams, metros and ferries only take the İstanbulkart or approved payment methods.
- Declining a tip isn’t rude. Tipping is a thank-you, not a duty.
Frequently asked questions
Is tipping expected in Türkiye?
It’s appreciated but not required. Many people round up or leave around 5–10% in restaurants for good service.
Can restaurants in Türkiye add a service charge?
No. Since the Ministry of Trade’s change announced on 30 January 2026, restaurants and cafés can’t charge a service, table or cover charge, or list one on the menu.
Do I have to pay for starters I didn’t order?
No. Under the 2026 rules, starters and appetisers brought to the table before you order, without being asked for (kuver), can’t be charged for.
Should I tip taxi drivers in Istanbul?
It isn’t expected. Many people round up to a convenient amount. The official meter fare is what you owe.
