Tipping in Poland: How Much & When (2026)

Poland's tipping culture is growing — 10% is now common in Polish restaurants. Here's what visitors should know.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions