Tipping in Poland has grown significantly over the past decade. In major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk, 10% at sit-down restaurants is now standard practice. Older Polish customs — where tipping was rare — are less common in tourist areas. Service workers earn a modest base wage, and tips are a meaningful supplement. Round up for taxis; tip in cash for hotel staff.
Tipping in Poland at a Glance
Restaurants10% for good service — standard in tourist cities
Cafés / BarsRound up or leave small change — not obligatory
Taxis / Bolt / Uber
Round up to nearest zloty — 5–10% appreciated
Hotel PortersPLN 5–10 per bag
Hotel HousekeepingPLN 5–10 per stay — leave on departure
Tour GuidesPLN 20–50 for a half-day tour; PLN 50–100 for full day
Food Delivery (Glovo etc.)PLN 5–10 appreciated, especially in bad weather
Restaurants in Kraków & Warsaw
Poland uses the Polish Zloty (PLN), and prices in restaurants are notably lower than Western Europe — making a 10% tip both meaningful to the staff and easy on the visitor's wallet. At sit-down restaurants with table service, 10% is a standard and appreciated tip. An important tip for card payments: tell the server you want to add a tip before they process the payment — Polish card terminals often do not have a tip prompt screen. Alternatively, leave the tip in cash alongside the card.
•Say "dziękuję" (JEN-koo-yeh — thank you) without waiting for change to indicate keep the change
•10% is the current standard for sit-down restaurant service in tourist cities
•Leave tips in PLN cash when possible — card tips are not always available
•At milk bars (bary mleczne) — traditional Polish self-service canteens — do not tip
•Delivery drivers in Polish cities rely heavily on tips — PLN 5–10 is very welcome
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Poland is a cash-friendly country more than most EU members. Carrying some PLN notes is useful — many local restaurants, taxis, and smaller venues prefer cash, and it's the most direct way to ensure your tip reaches the right person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you tip in Poland?
Yes — 10% is now standard at sit-down restaurants in Polish cities. Rounding up for taxis is also common.
How do I leave a tip by card in Poland?
Tell the server you want to add a tip before they process the card, or leave cash separately. Polish terminals often lack a tip prompt.
How do I say "keep the change" in Polish?
Simply say "dziękuję" (thank you) without reaching for your change — this is understood as "keep it". Or say "reszty nie trzeba" (no change needed).
Know exactly what to tip before you reach for your wallet
Get the full tipping breakdown for Poland — restaurants, taxis, hotels, spas, and tour guides — in under 10 seconds.
