Poland Travel Tips

Tipping is common in Poland but not strictly required. While it is appreciated in restaurants, taxis, and certain services, it is generally seen as a gesture of gratitude rather than an obligation.

In restaurants and cafés, tipping is customary but not mandatory. If service is good, rounding up the bill or leaving 10% to 15% is standard. Some restaurants, especially in tourist areas or upscale venues, may include a service charge in the bill, in which case an additional tip is not necessary. It is important to note that if you say "dziękuję" (thank you) when handing cash to the waiter, they may assume you do not expect change.

Hotel staff, including bellhops and housekeeping, do not expect tips, but in high-end hotels, tipping 10-20 PLN for luggage assistance or room service is appreciated. Housekeeping staff may receive a small tip, especially for longer stays, but it is not expected.

Tipping taxi drivers is not obligatory. Most passengers round up the fare to the nearest whole amount, but there is no fixed percentage. For longer rides or exceptional service, leaving an extra 5-10% is a nice gesture.

Tour guides and private drivers catering to tourists appreciate tips. A general guideline is 50-100 PLN per day for guides and 20-50 PLN for drivers, depending on the quality of service.

In beauty salons, spas, and massage parlors, tipping is not mandatory but welcomed. If you are satisfied with the service, rounding up or leaving 10% is appropriate.

If you are unsure whether tipping is appropriate, a simple “dziękuję” (thank you) is always appreciated.

While tipping is part of Polish etiquette in some situations, it is not as rigidly expected as in some other countries. It remains a personal choice based on the level of service received.