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

More about traveling to Russia

Discover more practical tutorials for your Russia trip.

Useful Links