Welcome to Poland! As you explore the beautiful cities, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality, it’s important to understand the local customs regarding tipping. Here’s a helpful guide to navigate the tipping culture in Poland.
In Poland, service staff generally welcome tips as a gesture of appreciation for good service. While it’s not mandatory, leaving a tip is a nice way to show gratitude for excellent service.
Cash is king: the most common form of tipping in Poland is still cash. While many establishments are becoming more modern with cashless options, having cash on hand can be useful for leaving tips in restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Emerging solutions: innovative solutions like Tip Card are gaining popularity in many restaurants and venues. These systems allow for cashless tipping through QR codes and NFC technology, making it easier for customers to leave tips without needing cash.
Service charges: some restaurants in Poland may include a service charge in the total bill. This charge can vary, often around 10%, and should be clearly indicated on the menu. In this scenario additional tip for service, could be refuse by them.
No Pressure: it’s important to note that NOT leaving a tip is perfectly acceptable and won’t be viewed negatively! Tips in Poland are considered a bonus for exceptional service, not a requirement for payment. Additionally, no one will be offended if you leave your tip in your home currency; however, it’s more convenient to tip in local currency: polish zloty (PLN).
Unlike for instance in the United States, where there is ongoing discussion about taxing tips, in Poland, tips have always been taxed at a rate of 19%. This is paid by the taxpayer in their annual tax settlement, so you can rest assured that your generous tips are accounted for in a straightforward manner.
Tipping in Poland is seen as a way to express additional gratitude for pleasant service rather than a necessary part of the payment process. If you receive exceptional service, leaving a tip is a lovely way to acknowledge your appreciation.
In restaurants and other venues, you shouldn’t encounter problems communicating in English. English versions of menus are often available as well. Feel free to ask the waiter about different dishes or additional information — you will likely be met with friendliness and a willingness to help.
As you enjoy your time in Poland, remember that tipping is a personal choice and reflects your satisfaction with the service. Whether you choose to leave cash, use modern solutions like Tip Card, or simply enjoy the hospitality without tipping, you’ll find that the service staff in Poland are friendly and understanding.
Enjoy your visit and happy tipping!
