Local’s Guide to Tipping in Hungary: When & How Much

Introduction

Navigating tipping in Budapest can feel like decoding a secret language, especially since Hungary underwent a major shift in 2024–2025. The most crucial skill you’ll need isn’t calculating percentages—it’s reading your bill. Unlike traditional tipping cultures, Hungary now operates on a hybrid system where most restaurants automatically add a szervizdíj (service charge) of 10–15%, fundamentally changing when and how locals tip. This insider’s guide will show you exactly when to tip, how much to give, and how to avoid the most common tourist mistakes—from payment terminal traps to currency confusion—so you can enjoy Budapest’s legendary hospitality with confidence.

The quick answer: In Hungary, always check your bill first—if a service charge (szervizdíj) is included, no additional tip is needed; if not, 10–15% in cash Forints is customary for good service.

Hungary’s New Tipping Reality in 2025

The Hungarian word for tip is borravaló, which literally translates to “wine money.” This charming phrase reveals something important about the country’s tipping philosophy: historically, tips were a discretionary gesture of goodwill, a small bonus to perhaps buy a glass of wine after work, rather than a necessary wage supplement. Unlike American service workers who depend on tips to reach minimum wage, Hungarian hospitality staff receive full salaries, making tips a genuine bonus for exceptional service rather than an economic necessity.

The Service Charge Revolution (2024–2025)

Here’s what changed everything: starting in 2024, Hungary’s hospitality industry widely adopted mandatory service charges. Now, most restaurants automatically add a 10–15% szervizdíj directly to your bill. This isn’t a suggested tip—it’s a mandatory fee that must be clearly displayed on menus and paid by all customers. By law, these charges are designated for employee wages, though they’re typically pooled among all staff rather than going directly to your individual server.

A significant development arrived in January 2025: card-based tips became tax-free if properly documented, joining cash tips in tax-exempt status. However, local skepticism persists about whether digital tips truly benefit servers, as they’re processed as restaurant income and may be pooled or retained by management.

The bottom line? This automated service charge system is fundamentally reshaping Hungarian tipping culture. Many locals now tip only for truly exceptional service when szervizdíj is already included, viewing additional tipping as unnecessary double-payment.

The Golden Rules: When and How Much to Tip

Rule #1 – Always Check for Szervizdíj First

Before you even think about tipping, scan your bill for a line item labeled szervizdíj or “service charge.” You’ll typically find it listed as a separate line showing 10–15% of your subtotal. If you see this charge, congratulations—service is already covered. No additional tip is expected, and locals won’t think twice about paying exactly what’s on the bill.

Only if service was genuinely outstanding (think: server went above and beyond, remembered your dietary needs, made excellent recommendations) might you discreetly hand 500–1,000 HUF in cash directly to your server as a personal thank you. But this is truly optional.

Rule #2 – If There’s No Service Charge, Aim for 10–15%

When your bill arrives without a szervizdíj line, then traditional tipping applies. The standard guideline is 10–15% for good service. However, here’s the local reality: many Hungarians tip closer to 5–10% for average service, or simply round up to a convenient number. A 15% tip is considered generous and is typically reserved for truly excellent experiences.

For context: on a 7,000 HUF dinner (roughly €18 / $19), a 10% tip would be 700 HUF, while 15% would be 1,050 HUF. Most locals would round to 1,000 HUF and call it done.

Rule #3 – Cash in Forints Beats Card Tips Every Time

Despite the 2025 tax changes making card tips theoretically more attractive, locals remain firmly in the cash camp. Why? Cash tips go directly into your server’s pocket with no intermediary, no pooling, and complete transparency. Card tips, even if tax-free, are processed through the restaurant’s accounting system, and there’s widespread skepticism about whether servers receive the full amount.

Always tip in Hungarian Forints (HUF), never Euros. Hungary isn’t in the Eurozone, and servers must exchange foreign currency at their own expense and inconvenience. Using local currency shows respect and ensures staff receive full value.

Tipping Cheat Sheet by Situation

Restaurants & Cafés

Sit-down restaurants: Check first for service charge. If none appears, 10–15% is standard, typically 700–1,500 HUF on a 7,000–10,000 HUF meal. State your total including tip before the server processes your card: “Kérem, hétezer-ötszáz forint legyen” (Please make it 7,500). Cash is preferred.

Cafés with table service: Expect to tip 5–10%, roughly 450–1,200 HUF depending on your order. Table service in Hungary means someone is waiting on you, so a tip is expected.

Counter service cafés: This is where locals often skip tipping entirely for a quick espresso. If you’d like to tip, round up to the nearest 100 HUF or drop 100–200 HUF in the tip jar. It’s genuinely optional.

Bars & Ruin Pubs

Table service: Check for service charge first. If none, 10–15% applies, typically 250–525 HUF per cocktail round. Budapest’s famous ruin bars usually operate like restaurants when you’re seated.

Counter service: Rounding up or leaving 100–200 HUF per drink is standard if you’re ordering directly at the bar. Many locals leave a modest tip at the end of their tab for attentive bartenders rather than per drink.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed taxis, Bolt, and Uber: Tip 10% of the fare or round up to the nearest 100–500 HUF for short rides. For a typical 2,500–4,000 HUF crosstown trip, that’s 250–400 HUF. Airport runs costing 9,000–13,000 HUF warrant 900–1,300 HUF. Always ensure the meter is running before departure to avoid scams.

You can tip in cash or through ride-sharing apps, though cash ensures drivers receive the full amount immediately.

Hotels

Housekeeping: Leave 500–1,000 HUF daily on your pillow or desk with a note saying “Köszönöm!” (Thank you). This is optional but deeply appreciated.

Porters: Hand 100–200 HUF per bag (or 200–500 HUF total) directly when they deliver your luggage.

Concierge: Only tip for exceptional, personalized service—500–1,000 HUF for securing impossible reservations or tickets. Don’t tip for basic tasks like calling taxis.

Valet: 100–200 HUF each time they retrieve your car.

Tours, Spas & Personal Services

Paid tour guides: Tip 10% of the tour cost or 4,000–5,000 HUF per person for full-day tours. Adjust based on group size and guide quality.

“Free” walking tours: These guides work for tips only—this is their entire income. Budget 2,000–4,000 HUF per person minimum if you enjoyed the tour. Anything less is considered stingy.

Spa treatments & massage: Tip 10–15% or a flat 300–450 HUF for a 2,000–3,000 HUF massage. Hand cash directly to your therapist at the end.

Thermal bath attendants: For specific assistance with lockers or cabins, 100–200 HUF is appropriate.

Hairdressers: 10–15% for salon employees. If the owner is cutting your hair, tipping is less expected since they set their own prices.

Food delivery (Wolt, Foodora): Optional due to high delivery fees. 200–500 HUF is appreciated for bad weather or excellent service, but many locals skip it.

Where NOT to Tip

Small shops and retail: Tipping isn’t part of retail culture in Hungary.

Public transport: Never tip bus, tram, or metro drivers.

Petrol stations: Self-service is the norm; attendants aren’t tipped.

Public restroom attendants: If there’s a saucer with coins at the entrance, leave 50–200 HUF. This is semi-expected rather than truly optional.

Common Mistakes Tourists Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Double-tipping when service charge is included: This is the number one tourist trap. Always check your bill for szervizdíj before calculating a tip. If it’s there, you’re done. Paying an additional 10–15% means you’ve just tipped 20–30% total—far more than locals ever pay.

Tipping in Euros instead of Forints: Even though some tourist-heavy establishments accept Euros, always tip in HUF. Your server has to exchange foreign currency, losing money on conversion fees. It’s considered thoughtless and ensures they receive less than you intended to give.

Falling for payment terminal pressure tactics: Modern terminals often prompt for 15–20% tips before you’ve even seen your itemized bill. Many display service charges already included in the total, then suggest additional tips. Locals confidently select “0%” or “custom tip = 0” when szervizdíj is already paid. Don’t feel guilty.

Leaving cash on the table: Unlike in many countries, Hungarian custom is to hand tips directly to your server or include them when stating your total during payment. Leaving money on the table can lead to confusion or the tip being pooled rather than going to your server.

Over-tipping American-style: Hungary isn’t the United States. Tips aren’t a primary income source for service workers, and 20% tips make you look like you don’t understand local customs. Stick to 10–15% maximum, and remember that with service charges, you often don’t need to tip at all.

Paying by Card vs Cash: How to Add a Tip Correctly

Here’s a critical technical detail many visitors miss: not all Hungarian payment terminals support adding tips after the initial amount is entered. The safest method is to state your total including tip before your server processes the payment.

Step-by-step example:

• Your bill shows 8,800 HUF with no service charge
• You want to leave a 10% tip (880 HUF), rounding to 1,000 HUF
• When the server brings the card reader, say: “Kérem, kilencezer-nyolcszáz forint legyen” (Please make it 9,800 forints)
• They’ll enter 9,800 HUF and process your card
• Done—your tip is included

If the terminal prompts for a tip percentage before payment, read carefully. If your paper bill already shows szervizdíj, locals select “0%” without hesitation. If there’s no service charge and you want to tip, select your percentage—but be aware it calculates from the total, so 10% is usually sufficient.

When terminals don’t support tips or the system seems confusing, there’s zero social pressure to force it. Simply pay the bill amount and hand cash directly to your server, saying “Köszönöm” (Thank you) or “Tartsa meg” (Keep the change).

Essential Hungarian Phrases for Tipping

Köszönöm (KUH-suh-nuhm) “Thank you”—your basic phrase when handing a cash tip or receiving good service.

Tartsa meg (TART-shah meg) “Keep the change”—used when you’re handing payment and don’t want change returned.

Kérem, hétezer forint legyen (KEH-rem, HEH-teh-zer FOR-int LED-yen) “Please, let it be seven thousand forints”—how to state your total including tip before card payment (adjust the number as needed).

Szervizdíj benne van? (SER-veez-deey BEN-neh vahn?) “Is service charge included?”—the most important question you can ask before calculating tips.

Köszönöm szépen (KUH-suh-nuhm SEH-pen) “Thank you very much”—a more emphatic thank you for truly exceptional service.

A többi a magáé (ah TUH-bbi ah MAH-gyah-eh) “The rest is yours”—a slightly more formal alternative to “keep the change.”

Ez rendben van (ez REND-ben vahn) “This is fine/okay”—confirms the amount is correct when your server clarifies the total including your tip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tipping mandatory in Hungary? No, tipping is customary but not mandatory. However, service charges (szervizdíj) of 10–15% are increasingly mandatory at restaurants and must be paid. These charges are separate from voluntary tips. Always check your bill first.

How much should I tip in a Budapest restaurant? If no service charge appears on your bill, tip 10–15% for good service. If szervizdíj of 10–15% is already included, no additional tip is expected. Use cash in Forints when possible.

Should I tip hotel staff? Yes. Leave 500–1,000 HUF daily for housekeeping, 100–200 HUF per bag for porters, and 500–1,000 HUF for concierges who provide exceptional, personalized service (not basic tasks).

Do I tip taxi drivers in Budapest? Yes, tip approximately 10% of the fare or round up to the nearest 100–500 HUF. For airport trips, 900–1,300 HUF is appropriate. Always ensure the meter is running before departure.

Can I tip by card or is cash better? While card tips became tax-free in 2025, cash is still strongly preferred by locals to ensure servers receive the full amount directly. If tipping by card, state your total including tip before the server processes payment, as not all terminals support adding tips afterward.

What is szervizdíj and do I still tip if it’s on my bill? Szervizdíj is a mandatory service charge (typically 10–15%) that restaurants add to bills. If it’s included, you are not expected to leave an additional tip. This charge must be displayed on menus and is legally designated for employee wages. Only tip extra (500–1,000 HUF cash) for truly exceptional service.

Do locals actually tip 10–15%? Not always. With service charges now common, many Hungarians only tip extra for exceptional service when szervizdíj is included. Without a service charge, 10% is the guideline, though many locals give 5–10% or simply round up rather than the full 15%. Tipping culture is shifting toward less discretionary tipping due to mandatory service charges.

Final Tips from Locals

Here’s what Budapester actually do: they always check the bill for szervizdíj first. When it’s there, they pay exactly what’s printed and move on with zero guilt. When there’s no service charge, they tip around 10% for good service—closer to 5–10% for routine experiences—and round to convenient numbers rather than calculating exact percentages.

Locals definitely tip tour guides (especially “free” tours where tips are the only income), taxi drivers who help with luggage, hotel porters, and spa therapists. They definitely don’t tip at retail shops, for counter-service coffee, on public transport, or when service was genuinely poor.

The biggest shift since service charges became widespread? Hungarians have grown skeptical of payment terminal tip prompts when szervizdíj is already on the bill. They view this as imported “Americanization” pressure and routinely select zero additional tip without any embarrassment. The culture is moving away from automatic discretionary tipping and toward recognizing that service charges already cover staff wages.

If you follow these rules, you won’t get it wrong. Check for szervizdíj first, tip 10–15% cash when it’s not included, use Forints not Euros, and remember that Hungarian service workers aren’t depending on your generosity to survive—they’re already fairly compensated, making your tips a genuine expression of appreciation rather than economic necessity.

Ready to explore more of Budapest like a local? Visit Budabestlife.com for insider guides on everything from navigating the city’s legendary thermal baths to finding the best ruin bars beyond the tourist trail. Bookmark this guide for your trip, share it with fellow travelers, and drop any questions in the comments—our Budapest community loves helping visitors get the local experience right.

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