tipping in Israel
There is nothing more awkward than arriving in a foreign country without being familiar with any of the customs, particularly when it comes to currency and tipping etiquette. Don’t let this be you! If you are traveling to Israel, make sure you are well versed in their currency, how much certain services cost, and when to leave a gratuity.
Tipping is a common practice in Israel. How much you should tip is up to you. Because many workers rely on gratuities for their income but it's better to be more generous if you can afford it.
tipping etiquette for hotels in Israel
At a hotel Tip 5-10 NIS Depending on the service
Plan on tipping your bellman around 5 NIS per bag carried. Leave your maid around 5-10 NIS per day. It is always wise to be more generous with your maid at the start of your hotel stay in Israel – this will mean that you should come back to an even cleaner room each and every day. If you order room service, tip the servers 5% of the total bill, although check to make sure that the hotel did not automatically add a gratuity to your bill (which is the usual practice around the whole world). If they did, there is no need to leave an additional tip unless you really want to and they insisted on providing you with exceptional service.
tipping in spas in Israel
At a Spa Don't Tip for good service
Tipping is not common for spa services in Israel. But If you are very happy with your spa services, feel free leave your therapist a small gratuity. They will be very grateful and what better way to show your appreciation? But don't feel under any obligation.
should you tip your tour guide?
In Israel Tip 15% to your tour guide
Tipping tour guides is common in Israel, but the amount depends on whether they are self-employed or employed by a company. If you are taking a tour by a self-employed tour guide, you are not expected pay extra because a gratuity is included in the cost of the tour. If you are taking a group tour from a tour guide who works for a larger company, plan on tipping him or her around 15%. You should also give the driver around 120-150 shekels per day if there is one.
tips at restaurants in Israel
At a restaurant Tip 10-15% for good service
Leave between 10-15% as a tip at a restaurant in Israel. 10% is a minimum while 12% is pretty typical. If you are very pleased with your food service, you could leave 15% or even a bit more. The amount is totally up to you. If you are paying with a credit card, you will see a section on your bill for tips, but often servers prefer receive gratuities in cash. Many waiters and waitresses say that they don't receive tips from credit card payments.
should you tip your taxi driver?
In Israel Don't Tip your taxi Driver
It is not common to tip taxi drivers in Israel. A nice gesture would be to round up to the nearest shekel and let the driver keep the change. If your driver is exceptionally helpful, of course you could give him or her a little extra.
should you tip your hairdresser
In Israel Don't Tip your hairdresser
It is also not very common to tip hairdressers in Israel. But If you are happy with your hair, then you can show your appreciation by tipping. Instead of adding it to your credit card, give your hairdresser the money in shekels instead.