Tipping in Budapest: A Quick Guide for British Visitors

At Churchill Shooting, we meet loads of UK tourists who often ask the same question: “Do I need to tip in Budapest?”

And we get it — tipping can be awkward abroad. So here’s our quick, no-nonsense guide to tipping etiquette in Hungary.

Spoiler:

It’s not as complicated as you think — but there are a few things you need to watch out for.

Do I Need to Tip in Budapest?

Short answer: yes, but not always.

Unlike the UK, where tipping is a bit hit-or-miss, in Budapest it’s common to leave 10–15% in restaurants and cafés if the service was good.

That said, tipping is not absolutely mandatory. Locals see it as a polite gesture rather than an obligation.

Watch Out for the Service Charge

Here’s the big one most tourists miss: many Budapest restaurants already add a 12.5% service charge to your bill. It’s usually written in tiny print at the bottom. If that’s the case, you don’t need to tip again (unless you had truly stellar service and want to).

So before you pull out your wallet, check the bill. Otherwise, you might double tip without realising it.

When and Where to Tip

• Restaurants & Cafés → 10–15% is standard, but only if there’s no service charge added.
• Bars & Pubs → Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is fine. No need to calculate percentages over a pint.
• Taxis → Round up the fare to the nearest 500 HUF. Drivers don’t expect much more.
• Hotels → A few hundred forints for the porter or housekeeping is a nice touch, but not required.
• Shooting ranges & activities → Totally optional! At Churchill, our instructors don’t expect tips (but they always appreciate a pint afterwards).

Top Tip from Churchill Shooting

Our advice? Don’t stress about it.

Hungarians are pretty relaxed about tipping.

If you leave around 10% in a restaurant without a service charge, you’ll be seen as polite and generous. If you forget once or twice, no one’s going to chase you down the street.

And just like in the UK, service matters. If you had an amazing waiter who went above and beyond — leave a little extra.

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