Practical Guide

Tipping in Russia

How much, where and when? Everything you need to know about tipping culture in Russia.

10-15%

Standard in restaurants

50-100 ₽

Hotel porter

Optional

For app taxis

10%

Hairdresser & Spa

Tipping Overview

How much is expected where?

The most important areas for tourists at a glance.

🍽️
Restaurants & Cafés
10-15% for good service

In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is customary when the service was good. In upscale restaurants, up to 20% may be expected.

Standard service10%
Good service10-15%
Upscale restaurantsup to 20%
Service includedNo tip needed
🚕
Taxis & Transport
Optional to rounding up

For app-based taxis (Yandex, Uber), tipping via the app is possible, but not expected. For regular taxis, you can round up.

App taxis (Yandex/Uber)Optional
Regular taxisRound up
Long distance/service50-100 ₽
Luggage help20-50 ₽
🏨
Hotels & Accommodation
Depending on service

In hotels, services are honored individually. Concierge compensation depends on the scope of assistance.

Porter (per piece)50-100 ₽
Room service50-100 ₽
Concierge (simple)100-200 ₽
Concierge (complex)300-500 ₽
💇
Hairdressers & Spa
10% for good performance

For hairdresser visits and spa treatments, 10% tip is customary for good performance. For premium services, more is also welcome.

Hairdresser/Haircut10%
Spa treatments10%
Cosmetics10%
Manicure/Pedicure50-100 ₽
Special Situations

Other Areas

🎭

Theater & Shows

In the cloakroom area, 50-100 ₽ is customary. Program sellers do not expect tips.

🍕

Delivery Services

For food deliveries, 50-100 ₽ or 5-10% is appropriate, especially in bad weather.

🛍️

Shopping

No tip is expected in retail. Exception: Porter service in upscale stores.

Good to know

Important Tips on Tipping Culture

💵 Cash is king

Tips in Russia are given almost exclusively in cash. Keep small bills and coins ready to give appropriate amounts.

🙏 Discretion

Give tips directly into the hand or leave them discreetly on the table. In Russia, the topic is less formal than in other countries.

When no tip is needed

If "Service charge" or "Obsluzhivanie" (Обслуживание) is listed on the bill, no additional tip is required.

⚠️ Poor service

For poor service, it is perfectly acceptable to give no tip. This is a clear sign of dissatisfaction.

Do's & Don'ts

The most important rules for handling tips

✅ Do

  • Give tips directly into the hand
  • Round up for small amounts
  • Check for service charge on the bill
  • Keep small bills ready
  • Give 10-15% for good service

❌ Don't

  • Give tips by credit card (often doesn't work)
  • Consider coins as "impolite"
  • Force tips for poor service
  • Give too much tip (appears arrogant)
  • Tip at fast-food chains
Quick Overview

Tipping at a Glance

Tipping guidelines by area
Area Recommended Note
🍽️ Restaurant 10-15% Only if not included
☕ Café 5-10% Or round up
🚕 Taxi (App) Optional Possible via app
🏨 Porter 50-100 ₽ Per piece of luggage
💇 Hairdresser 10% For good service
🍕 Delivery 50-100 ₽ More in bad weather

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