tipping in Turkey

In Turkey it is customary to tip everyone in hotels (the porter, the concierge, the bellboy, the housekeeper). If you tip, you will probably receive better service. Give porters 4-5 Turkish Lira per bag, same amount for room service. If the concierge is very helpful, it is appreciated to give more or less 15 Turkish Lira.

You can leave the tip for the housekeeper on the bed at the end of your stay, or in the middle and the end (if you are staying 2 weeks for instance). Tip between 5 – 10 TL, more for exceptional service.

You can leave 20–50 Turkish Lira at the reception when you are leaving, if the service was noteworthy.

In Turkey tipping is customary between 5% and 10%, depending on service. Don’t tip if you receive bad service. Tips must be in cash, preferably in Turkish Lira, and be given directly to the waiter.

If you dine in luxury you should tip between 10% and 15%. In big cities, such as Istanbul, a service charge of between 10% and 15% may already be added to your bill.

At bars you should tip your bartender directly.

Turkish Baths

You can find Hamam’s all over Turkey. A Turkish bath is similar to a steam bath. After the steam room, you splash yourself with cold water, after which you receive a full body scrub-wash, and a massage. This practice will vary, according to the Hamam.

You will most likely be required to undress fully, and will be given a peştamal (cotton wrap).