Planning a Trip to Hungary? Here’s Exactly How Much You Should Tip
If you’re a US traveler heading to Hungary, one of the first cultural differences you’ll notice is how tipping works. It’s not quite like the US, where tipping is often 20% or more — but it’s still very much expected in many situations.
Tipping right helps you avoid awkward moments, respect local customs, and build positive interactions with locals.
In this complete guide, we’ll break down exactly how much to tip in Hungary, with real-world examples and easy rules to remember. Let’s jump right in.
Quick Tipping Cheat Sheet for Hungary 🇭🇺
| Service | Typical Tip | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10-15% (in HUF) | Check if service charge (“szervizdíj”) is included |
| Taxis | Round up to nearest 100-500 HUF or 10% | Depends on ride cost |
| Hotels (Housekeeping) | HUF 200-500 per night | Tip daily if possible |
| Porters | HUF 300-500 per bag | Upon delivery of luggage |
| Concierge Services | HUF 500-2000 | Depends on difficulty of request |
| Tour Guides (Paid Tours) | HUF 1000-2000 per person | Half-day or full-day |
| Free Walking Tours | HUF 2000-4000 per person | Based on satisfaction |
Why Does Tipping Matter in Hungary?
Hungary has a strong service culture, but service workers are often paid lower base salaries compared to the U.S.
Tips really help boost their take-home earnings.
For example, a restaurant server might make only HUF 250,000 (~$675) per month before tips. In the US, tips can be 30-50% of total income, while in Hungary, they might be 10-20%. So every tip truly makes a difference.
Tipping isn’t just polite — it’s a simple way to say “thank you” and support hard-working locals during your trip.
Tipping in Restaurants 🍽️
Eating out in Budapest or a charming town like Eger? Here’s what you need to know:
- General Rule: Tip 10% for decent service, 15% for great service.
- Lower End (10%): Quick service, casual café, simple meal.
- Higher End (15%): Fine dining, attentive service, or special requests.
Important:
- Check your bill for a “szervizdíj” (service charge), usually around 12.5%. If it’s there, you don’t have to tip extra, but rounding up is a kind gesture.
- Sometimes, the service charge isn’t given directly to staff. It’s better to hand cash tips straight to your server if you really want them to receive it.
How to Tip with Card Payments:
If paying by card, tell your server “Szeretnék borravalót adni” (pronounced: SEH-ret-neck BOHR-rah-vah-loht AH-dee-nee), which means “I would like to add a tip.”
Tipping in Taxis 🚖
Taxis in Hungary are affordable, but tipping is still appreciated.
- General Rule: Round up to the nearest 100 HUF for short rides (under 3000 HUF).
- Longer Rides: Round up to the nearest 500 HUF or tip 10% if the fare is higher.
- Airport Transfers: A 10% tip is good practice.
Pro Tip:
Only tip if you had a smooth, fair ride — no sneaky route tricks!
Tipping in Hotels 🏨
Whether you’re in a boutique hotel or a five-star palace, tipping is common. Here’s how to handle it:
- Housekeeping:
- Tip HUF 200-500 per night.
- Best to leave it daily, not just at the end of your stay.
- Porters/Luggage Attendants:
- Tip HUF 300-500 per bag when they deliver your luggage.
- Concierge Services:
- For basic help like directions: small tip or none needed.
- For hard-to-get restaurant reservations or tickets: tip HUF 500-2000 based on difficulty.
Tipping Tour Guides 🎒
Hungary has amazing tours, from city walks to wine country day trips. Tipping your guide shows appreciation for their effort and knowledge.
- Free Walking Tours:
- These tours are “free,” but guides rely completely on tips.
- A tip of HUF 2000-4000 per person is very respectful.
- Paid Half-Day Tours:
- Tip HUF 1000-2000 per person depending on your satisfaction.
- Full-Day Tours:
- Tip closer to HUF 2000-4000 per person, especially for private or small-group experiences.
Common Tipping Mistakes to Avoid ❌
- Over-tipping like in the US:
Hungary isn’t a 20-25% tipping country. Stick to 10-15% to match local norms. - Tipping in USD instead of HUF:
Always tip in Hungarian Forint (HUF). Most workers can’t easily exchange small USD bills. - Forgetting to Check for Service Charge:
Always scan your restaurant bill for “szervizdíj” before adding a tip. - Forgetting to Tip Housekeeping Daily:
Staff may rotate; tipping each day ensures your gratitude reaches them.
Final Quick Summary for Tipping in Hungary
- Restaurants: 10-15% if no service charge; check bill carefully.
- Taxis: Round up to 100 HUF (short ride) or 500 HUF (longer rides).
- Hotels: HUF 200-500 per night for housekeeping, HUF 300-500 per bag for porters.
- Tour Guides: HUF 1000-4000 depending on tour type and quality.
- Always Tip in HUF, not in US dollars!
Tipping in Hungary is simple once you know the basics. Stick to these easy guidelines, and you’ll show your appreciation in a respectful, culturally appropriate way.