Tipping in Poland: Rules, Customs and Practices
- Damian Brzeski
- 2 days ago
- 14 min read
Is tipping an obligation or a courtesy? Or something more – an unspoken cultural code that reveals more than you think?
Although tips are not required in Poland, they are becoming the norm more and more often – not only in restaurants, but also in hotels, hair salons and when delivering food. How to leave, to whom and how much, so as not to commit a faux-pas?
This guide clears up all your tipping doubts – and surprises you where you least expect it.
Is there a tipping culture in Poland?
Imagine you're sitting in a restaurant in the center of Warsaw, finishing a delicious meal, and the time comes to pay the bill. The question pops into your head: "Is it appropriate to leave a tip? And if so, how much?"
Exactly – tipping culture in Poland is a topic that still stirs up a lot of emotions. Although the tradition of leaving tips is not as deeply rooted as in the US, tipping is becoming more and more common here year by year.
In large cities, tourist towns and elegant establishments , customers are increasingly leaving a tip , treating it as a form of thanks for good service.
It is worth noting, however, that in Poland there is no obligation to leave a tip . It is rather a gesture of appreciation – spontaneous and dependent on our satisfaction with the service. Therefore, waiters , hairdressers, guides or drivers can receive additional remuneration, but... they do not have to. It all depends on us.
More and more people in Poland see tips as a natural element of contact with service providers – especially in gastronomy, hotel industry and transport. It is safe to say that the tradition of tips is gaining new life in our country.
Interestingly, according to some studies, younger generations are more likely to leave a tip, especially when the service was quick, courteous and professional.
And how does it look in other industries? We'll talk about that later. For now, it's worth remembering one thing: in Poland, a tip as a form of thanks is not a requirement, but a nice gesture that can really make someone's day!
Tips as a form of appreciation, not an obligation
There’s nothing worse than feeling like you have to do something – even if it’s just a small amount on the table after dinner. And that’s where the topic of tips in Poland comes in, which – fortunately – are still a form of appreciation , not an obligation written into the bill from the start.
In our country , tipping is a personal gesture – an expression of gratitude, not another tax. If the waitstaff was nice, helpful and did more than the minimum, then you want to say “thank you” not only in words, but also in a symbolic amount. And that is when tipping as a form of thanks makes the most sense.
Some, however, are trying to reverse this. Sometimes, restaurateurs – with their eyes fixed on the West – introduce a mandatory service fee . And this is where the problem begins. In Poland, the tradition of leaving tips is based on voluntariness, not on imposed patterns.
Personally? I find it quite distasteful. A tip should be a reward , not an obligation or an automatic fee. It's not an additional tax - it's an appreciation that someone really tried.
Fortunately, most establishments still stick to common sense. No one will look at you in a bad light if you don’t leave a tip – especially if the service was mediocre. And that’s good. Because a tip should come from a place of desire , not pressure.
Etiquette and tipping etiquette
Have you ever wondered how to tip without making it seem awkward? Or maybe even – awkwardly… funny?
In Poland , tipping and etiquette are a somewhat fluid topic, but there are some unwritten rules. If you pay cash and say “thank you” when handing over the money, the waiter may assume that the change is a tip for the waitstaff . Want change? Say “please.”
How to tip? Most often, you simply leave cash on the table—often in a book or small box that the waiter brings the bill in. Sometimes you'll even find a parting candy or a piece of gum there—a nice gesture.
When you pay by card, you can ask for a tip to be added to the transaction, although not all terminals offer this option.
And who do we tip ? Not just waiters. Also bartenders, taxi drivers, hairdressers, masseurs, guides and other people who provide services with commitment. A tip as a form of appreciation knows no rigid boundaries – what counts is the intention and appreciation.
In short: it's not about the amount, it's not about the obligation. It's about the fact that you were happy and you want to show it. And that's why a tip is still valuable - because it comes from the heart, not from calculation.
How much do you tip in Poland?
This is one of the most common questions asked by both tourists and Poles themselves: how much do you tip in Poland? The answer is – it depends. But don't worry, we'll explain everything in a moment.
How much is a tip in Poland and what does it depend on?
The most common practice in restaurants is to leave 10 to 15% of the bill . If the service was really great - you can add more, even up to 20%. But note - a tip as a form of thanks , not an obligation.
If the food arrived cold, the waiter was rude, and the bill contained errors… well, then no one should really feel obligated.
In cafes and bars, it is enough to round up the bill to the nearest whole amount. Example? The bill is PLN 27 – you pay PLN 30. Nice, simple and classy.
It is also worth remembering that the standard tip amount in Poland may vary depending on the city, type of establishment and even the season – during the tourist season, expectations tend to be higher.
Service quality and tip amount
Here, it really all depends on how you rate the waiter's service . Politeness, professionalism, attentiveness - these features can determine that the tip received by the waiter will be higher than usual.
If a waiter or waitress took care of your comfort, recommended something nice from the menu or simply talked to you like a human being – you naturally want to repay them with something more than just a smile.
On the other hand, tips and quality of service go hand in hand. If you feel like the service was crap, you didn't feel welcome, or everything took forever, you have every right not to leave a penny. Such a signal can also be valuable.
Number of people in the group and tip
When you come for dinner as a couple, it's easy. But what if you're a group of 10? Many restaurants charge a service fee for larger reservations (e.g., 6 or more people) – usually 10–15% of the bill. These are "predetermined" tips for the waitstaff .
And here it is worth stopping for a moment. Because while I understand the sense of such a solution for large, demanding groups, some establishments try to "take inspiration" from the West and introduce it for everyone. And this - to put it bluntly - can be distasteful.
In Polish reality, the tradition of leaving tips is based precisely on the fact that it is a voluntary gesture , not an obligation.
It's hard to disagree. So before you leave something - think about how the service was, how much of a tip you want to give, and whether you're doing it with pleasure. Because that's what it's all about - a gesture, not coercion.
Forms of tipping
It's not just the amount of the tip that matters - it's also how and where we leave it. And there are several ways, although some of them can be surprisingly... symbolic.
Cash is the preferred form of tip
In Poland, cash is still the queen. It is the simplest and most commonly used method. Especially in restaurants – waiters usually bring the bill in an elegant book or wooden box.
Sometimes you'll find something sweet inside to say goodbye - candy, chewing gum. It's a subtle encouragement that you can leave a few zlotys there as a cash tip .
Why cash? Because it goes directly to the person who served you. You don't have to divide it, book it or wait for a transfer. A simple rule applies here: you give - you get gratitude here and now.
Card Payment and Tips – Challenges and Solutions
This is where it varies. Although tipping by card is becoming increasingly popular, not all terminals allow you to add a tip to your bill.
That's why it's worth asking the staff in advance if this option is possible. In some establishments, the waiter may suggest a separate transaction or give you the option to enter the tip amount on a terminal.
But be careful – if you pay by card and don't have cash, but want to leave a tip, it's worth being specific: "Please add a 10 PLN tip" – that's clear, no one has any doubts.
Ways to tip: at the table, verbally, via POS system
The most classic option is, of course, cash left on the table – in a booklet, on a plate or directly next to the bill.
Discreetly, without unnecessary ceremony.
The second option – verbally . Especially in bars or for quick service, you can simply say “no change needed” or “please leave 5 PLN for the lady”. Simple, no stress.
POS systems that allow you to add a tip when paying by card are also becoming more common. The screen asks: "Do you want to add a tip?" - you choose whether and how much. This is a convenient solution, although not always intuitive, especially for older customers.
Tips, remuneration and work organization
Have you ever wondered how big a role tips play in the lives of people working in gastronomy in Poland ? It's not just a nice bonus - for many it's one of the pillars of the household budget. But before we get to the current reality, it's worth going back a dozen or so years.
Just 15–20 years ago, it was common practice to hire waiters for a symbolic salary – they often heard directly: “Your salary will be tips”. From today’s perspective, this was a very unfair and even pathological rule. And although today this approach has somewhat faded, unfortunately it can still function in some places.
Fortunately, much has changed – the profession of a waiter is increasingly seen as a professional role that requires competence, knowledge and great mental resilience. Not just “carrying a tray”, but real hospitality management. Those who remember the turn of the century do not laugh in the circus – such were the “rightfully bygone times”.
The Importance of Tips in Waiters' Income
Today, although base salaries in the restaurant industry have improved somewhat, tips for waitstaff still make up a significant portion of their income.
It's not just "something extra" - it's often tips that save the budget during the silly season or provide financial support during busier periods.
In large cities or tourist towns, waiters can collect several thousand zlotys in tips a month.
In practice, this means that some of them earn more "from the customer's pocket" than from their basic salary. Therefore, a tip as a form of thanks is not only a gesture, but also a concrete support.
Tip sharing in restaurants – individually or as a team
The system is a bit different in every restaurant. In some places, tips are assigned directly to the person serving the table – and they are the one who has them. In others, everything goes into a common pool and is then divided among the team – waiters, bartenders, kitchen, and even maitre d's.
The individual system motivates – the waiter’s behaviors that affect the tip amount are very visible here. The better the service, the bigger the gesture from the customer. In turn, the team model promotes cooperation – everyone participates, even if they were not on the front line of contact with the guest. Ultimately, it is a matter of the philosophy of the place.
Fun fact: some restaurants allow guests to indicate on the bill who they want to tip. Just one sentence: “For Michael – great service!” and you know who deserves it.
Waiter behavior that affects tip amount
There is no hiding the fact that service culture is fundamental. Customers will leave a tip where they feel taken care of, welcomed and treated individually. It is not only efficiency that counts, but also a smile, kindness, knowledge of the menu and a discreet presence.
Sometimes a little thing is enough – remembering a name, asking if everything is OK, an honest conversation. In such moments, a tip is more than a formality – it is a gesture of appreciation for the person and the relationship that has been built.
Conclusion? Tips in the restaurant industry are more than just a bonus. They are a motivational tool, a form of communication, and a very real element of compensation. And although times have changed, one thing has remained the same: a good waiter knows that a tip starts not with the bill, but with the first smile.
Tips and the Law and Taxes
A tip is a nice gesture – but is it always so innocent? When money is involved, the topic of law and… of course taxes cannot be left out. How does it look in Poland?
Are tips taxable in Poland?
From the point of view of regulations, tips in Poland are subject to taxation – just like any other income. But theory is one thing, practice is another. Those that you receive “in hand” – i.e. a cash tip – are usually not reported anywhere. This is a classic grey zone that operates in many service industries.
On the other hand, we have tips added to the bill – here the situation is different. If the customer pays by card and clearly states that part of the amount is a tip, the system records everything as income for the establishment.
And then the owner decides what to do next – he can pay the waiter (as a bonus, premium, etc.) or put it into a common pool that goes to the entire team. In both cases, the tip formally becomes part of the salary and is subject to taxation.
Differences between cash and bill tips
In short: a cash tip is often an unrecorded form and goes directly to the person who served us. No one investigates, no one counts – the customer gives, the waiter takes, everyone is happy.
A tip added (i.e. via a terminal or on an invoice) is a completely different story. Such a tip appears in the system, is subject to fiscalization and is most often treated as part of the company's income.
As a result, it may be subject to income tax and social security contributions if it is paid to the employee as an official salary supplement.
This is where the issue of taxation of tips comes in – in theory, there is an obligation, in practice it all depends on the policy of the establishment and the good will of the owner.
There are no clear regulations that clearly require that every tip be accounted for. Instead, there are many loopholes, misunderstandings, and – let's be honest – a lot of tacit agreement for certain things to continue as they are.
Finally, it is worth remembering: even if the law says one thing, reality still has its own rules. And that is why the topic of tips is not only etiquette, but also a very serious matter.
Tips in HoReCa and non-gastronomic sectors
Although we most often associate tips with restaurants, in practice the topic is much broader. Tips in Poland appear in various places - from hotel corridors, through hair salons, to... the door of a pizza delivery man.
Tips in the hotel, restaurant and catering industry
In hotels, tips for cleaning staff are usually around 10 PLN per night – it is best to leave it in a visible place, e.g. on the bed or bedside table. For the concierge who arranged something extra, you can add 20 PLN – preferably in an envelope or when leaving.
In catering companies or at events, it also happens that the staff receives small bonuses – especially if they were exceptionally helpful and discreet. After all, tips in gastronomy do not end with the restaurant.
Tips for hairdressers, couriers and other service providers
Hairdressers – If you are happy, it is definitely worth leaving something extra. 5–10 PLN for a haircut, more for more demanding services – it all depends on the situation and the relationship. Rounding the amount or a symbolic 10% rule is often used here, but no one expects large sums.
Tips for couriers or taxi drivers – If the delivery came quickly, in the rain, or the courier helped with carrying it in – a symbolic 5–10 PLN can bring a smile. Often, customers simply round up the amount of the payment – discreetly, without unnecessary words.
Other service providers – mechanic, beautician, masseur? The rule here is similar: if the service exceeded your expectations – it’s worth leaving something extra. It’s not an obligation, but a nice gesture that builds a relationship.
Customary thanks instead of a tip - In some professions, especially those perceived as "typically male", it is still practiced to give a symbolic gift. It can be beer (preferably craft or a four-pack of classic), a bottle of good vodka or sweets in the case of women's professions - such as a box of chocolates, Merci, Raffaello.
Public and state services – It is worth being careful. In schools, offices, clinics, or state institutions, small gifts (e.g. coffee or sweets for a teacher) are still welcome, but giving money or expensive gifts can be risky. In offices and at doctors', such gestures can be treated as an attempt to give a bribe – and fortunately, this custom has almost completely become a thing of the past in Poland.
How do I tip the maid?
It is best to leave a tip in plain sight – on the bed, nightstand, or with a note saying “for the maid”. In Poland, this is not a rule, but in better hotels, more and more guests do this – especially foreign tourists.
How do I leave a tip at a hotel?
Apart from the maid and concierge, you can also appreciate the hotel restaurant service or the porters – 5-10 PLN given with a smile really does the trick. It's not about the amount, but the signal: "I appreciate what you do."
Should you tip the pizza delivery guy?
It's definitely worth it - especially if you order often, the delivery was on time, and the food was still warm. The most common rule is to round the amount - for example, you pay 45 PLN for a pizza and you give 50. For you, it's a small thing, but for the delivery person it makes a significant difference - especially when the weather is bad or you had to climb to the fourth floor without a lift.
Tips in Poland compared to other countries
There's no hiding the fact that tipping culture varies across geographic locations. What is a welcome gesture in Poland may be an obligation... or even an insult in another country. That's why it's worth taking a look at how it looks around the world.
Cultural Differences in Tipping
In Poland, tips are voluntary – it is a form of gratitude for good service, not an obligation. You can leave 10-15% of the bill, round up the total or give a symbolic amount. It all depends on your assessment of the service.
In the US, tips are almost sacred. Waiters often live off tips because base salaries are low. The standard is 15-20%, and for less you can even expect a dirty look. Sometimes the tip is automatically added to the bill.
In France, the situation is different – service charge is often included in the price, so tips are discretionary. But if you are happy, you can leave some change – say €1-2 for a coffee or €5-10 for a good dinner. Tips in France are more of a nice bonus, not an obligation.
In Japan, tipping can be frowned upon. Staff usually do not expect any extra payment – they consider good service to be their duty, not something to pay extra for. Tipping in Japan is even considered tactless – even in expensive hotels.
In Italy, there are different approaches. Many restaurants charge a so-called "coperto" - a fee for the plate and bread, so tipping in Italy is optional. You can leave 1-2 euros or round up the bill if everything was fine.
Examples: USA, Japan, France - what is the tipping custom abroad?
Each country has its own laws – and its own expectations.
In the US, a tip is part of the bill. Not leaving one can be seen as an affront.
In Japan, tipping can embarrass staff – there is no custom there to leave tips .
In France and Italy , there is some flexibility. Tips are accepted but not required. The rule is: "If it was great, leave it, if not, no one will be offended."
コメント