In Bucharest, as in many other European cities, tipping habits can vary depending on the situation and where you are. Although tipping is not obligatory, it is more or less expected and you'll find that it can have incredible power in the latest situations.

Here are some tips on how/how much to tip in Bucharest:

How to tip in Bucharest. Restaurants and cafes

•     Standard Service: Generally tip 10-15% of the bill if the service was satisfactory.
•     Exceptional Service: If you had a particularly pleasant experience, you can tip more, up to 20%.
•     Bill: In some restaurants, the bill may already include a service charge. Check before tipping extra.

How to tip in Bucharest. Bars and clubs

•     Bars: It's common to tip 3-5 lei for every drink ordered, especially if you're sitting at a bar. If you have a larger bill, 10-15% of the total is also appreciated.
•     Clubs: In clubs, especially at reserved tables, the tip may be higher, depending on the level of service and total cost.

How to tip in Bucharest. Taxis and Uber/Bolt

Taxis

    Fixed Amount: Tipping 5-10 lei is considered adequate for normal rides.
    Rounding the Amount: Many travelers round up the final amount to include a tip. For example, if the ride costs 27 lei, you can round up to 30 lei.

Uber/Bolt

    Tipping 5-10 lei is considered appropriate for normal rides. You can leave tips right in the app after the ride is completed

How to tip in Bucharest. Hotels

•     Front Desk Staff: Tipping at the front desk is not required, but is appreciated for special services such as reservations or extra assistance.
•     Baggage handler: If someone helps you with your luggage, a tip of 5-10 lei is appropriate.
•     Cleaning: Leave 5-10 lei per day for cleaning staff, especially if you are staying for a longer period.

How to tip in Bucharest. Delivery services

•     Groceries and Other Deliveries: A tip of 5-10 lei is appreciated, depending on the value of the order and the promptness of the service.

How to tip in Bucharest. Barbers and beauty salons

•     Barber/Hairdresser: A tip of 10-15% of the value of the service is considered appropriate.
•     Manicurist/Pedicurist: A tip of 10-15% is also appropriate
• How to tip in Bucharest. Public institutions

In general, tipping is not a recommended practice in public institutions in Bucharest. In fact, in many situations it may be considered inappropriate or even illegal. However, even in situations where what you ask for is normal, common sense and your due, you are likely to encounter inappropriate attitudes, unfriendly staff, where you will realize that only by offering attention can you change things in your favor.

Our advice is not to encourage tipping. All civil servants, in all areas, are paid by the state to provide these services and should not be soliciting or accepting tips.

Other tips

Cash vs. Card: Tips are usually left in cash, even if paid by card. Make sure you have small bills on you.
Attitude: Be polite and always say thank you for the service received. Verbal appreciation combined with tipping is always welcome.

Observing these tipping habits will help you have a pleasant experience and show your appreciation for the service you received in Bucharest.

Also recommended: 8 do’s and don’ts for staying safe in Bucharest: what to do and what to avoid