When
arranging a vacation to Slovakia, you probably research hotels, airlines,
activities, the operation of the local taxis, where to pick up a rental vehicle,
and the predicted weather.
You'll also
want to familiarize yourself with Slovakian traditions before departing on your
vacation. The Slovakian practice of tipping is one that is crucial to
comprehend.
How is tipping
in Slovakia? Do you provide tips to certain people but not to others? Is the
custom of leaving tips different in the nation's capital, Bratislava, than it
is elsewhere?
Tipping is
normal and expected in the US for all levels of service, from mediocre to
exceptional. Every trade, including baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and
many more professions, adheres to this code of conduct.
Due to the
fact that the customs differ, some tourists may be perplexed by the questions
"When?" and "How much?"
The majority
of the circumstances that you will likely experience as a visitor are covered
in this book. With any luck, utilizing these "tips" will make dealing
with locals at cafes, bars, hotels, tour guides, and cabs a seamless
experience.
Although it
is not required to tip in Slovakia and it is even common not to, it is always a
kind gesture to do so for a service sector employee.
Prior to the
euro, it was customary in Slovakia to only round up, but as the European
tipping trend spreads to the United States, it is more common to leave a tip of
at least 10% when you receive exceptional service. You can tip as much as you
like; there are no set guidelines in Slovakia.
Introduction to Slovakian
Tipping Etiquette
In Slovakia,
leaving a tip is customary in some circumstances but not in others. Use our
tipping guide to learn more about tipping in Slovakia because it differs from
how it is done at home.
Can I pay in dollars
instead of the Euro?
Slovakia's national
money is the Euro (EUR, €). At the bank currency exchange offices and
specialized stores known as Foreign Conversion Bureaus at the airport, you may
convert your money into the Euro once you arrive. Larger villages and major
cities both have an abundance of ATMs.
In Western
Europe and American nations, a VAT % is a service tax for the government that
you are required to pay. Your bill is going to reflect the charge, which might
be between 12 and 15%.
When should I leave a
gratuity in coffee shops, bars, and eateries? How much is typical?
The Slovakia
restaurant etiquette culture can be a bit perplexing. To start, you are not
compelled to do so; your bill will not include any kind of service fee.
However, it is customary to round up the total to include a few euros for the
waitstaff.
Tipping is
entirely up to you, however, local custom dictates that you should round up the
bill to the closest euro. However, giving a gratuity of 5–10% for good service
is becoming increasingly typical in larger towns like Bratislava.
In the
restaurant business in Slovakia, it's customary to refrain from saying
"Thank You" (Dakujem) after paying the check to the waitstaff. This
means that they should save the spare coins as a gratuity.
You should
be aware of Slovakian restaurant tipping customs if you plan to dine out there
at least once while you're there.
Despite the
fact that tips are not required in Slovakian restaurants, residents frequently
round up the amount and add a modest gratuity.
Outside of
the major cities, tipping is less widespread, yet it is prevalent in
metropolitan regions like Bratislava, the Slovakian capital. People tip more
frequently and on a percentage of the bill in Bratislava.
You don't
need to leave tips if your restaurant charges a service charge, so keep that in
mind.
In Slovakia,
tips are optional in restaurants. Locals typically round up the cost and leave
a gratuity outside of Bratislava. In Bratislava, leaving a tip of 5%–10% rather
than rounding the check is becoming increasingly popular.
Tell your
waiter how much change you want back after paying your bill in cash.
You are able
to forego a tip or simply round it up to the closest euro if your restaurant
charges a service charge.
Make careful
to ask whether there is a service fee included while you are at a restaurant in
Slovakia. This is due to the fact that tipping customs at restaurants in
Slovakia varies depending on whether or not there is a service charge.
Related: Best restaurants in Amsterdam you should try
Staff at hotels: Whom
should I tip?
Unless
you're staying in a vacation home or with friends and family, you'll most
likely be staying in a hotel while visiting Slovakia.
If staying
at a Slovakian hotel is part of your vacation itinerary, you probably want to
know whether or not you ought to leave a tip for the employees.
Should you
give the bellhop a gratuity for assisting you with your luggage? Should you
give the cleaner a gratuity for cleaning your room? How about the hotel's
concierge, who can make reservations for you at restaurants, excursions, and
events?
It is
customary to give the bellhop or porter at Slovakian hotels a little gratuity
of one to two euros for each bag if they assist you with your luggage.
It is not
required to tip the housekeeper or concierge, but if you like to, a few euros
each day for housekeeping and a few euros if the concierge assists you in
making reservations for an event or arranging a tour will do.
Although you
are not required to tip your housekeeper or concierge, it is always nice. Each
day, a 2 euro cash tip for the housekeeping can be put in the room (with a note
indicating it's for them!).
The person
who cleans your room may change each day, so don't wait until the conclusion of
your stay to give them a gratuity.
Feel free to
give the concierge a tip of between 1 and 2 euros if they assist you in making
reservations for a tour, a difficult-to-reserve restaurant, or an event.
Should I give the cabbies a
tip?
To avoid the
stress of driving in a foreign country, using a cab might be a practical method
to travel around town. It may also be rather affordable if done properly. But
do you have to give the cabbie a tip?
No, in
Slovakia you don't have to give the taxi driver a tip. The custom of tipping
taxi drivers is not common in the area, so act like a native and don't give them
one.
Before
getting in a taxi after hailing one on the street in Slovakia, be careful to
agree on a fare for your destination. If not, you could pay a lot more than you
anticipated.
Although
it's not customary to tip taxi drivers in Slovakia and it's not required,
leaving a few euros or rounding up your fare is a good gesture.
Always keep
in mind that it's best to settle on a final fare before the cab driver starts
driving while you're visiting another country.
Tipping Uber in Slovakia
Using a taxi
app on your phone is a fantastic alternative if you're in Slovakia and don't
want to run the risk of being taken advantage of by a taxi driver because
you're a foreigner. If you're from a nation where Uber exists, you probably
want to know if it exists in Slovakia and, if so, how much you should tip the
Uber driver.
The first thing is: Is Uber
available in Slovakia?
Yes, Uber is
available in Slovakia, but just in the vicinity of Bratislava. If you're not in
Bratislava, you'll need to find an Uber substitute. HOPIN and BOLT (Taxify) are
your other options if you're outside of Bratislava or don't want to utilize
Uber.
Do I have to give my
Slovakian Uber driver a tip?
No, you are
not required to give your Uber driver in Slovakia a tip. Feel free to forego
leaving tips when utilizing Uber in Slovakia as there is no culture of tipping
in the taxi industry.
Are tips expected from tour
guides?
Travelers
visiting Slovakia frequently reserve a tour for their time there or arrive in a
tour group. Do you have to give the tour guide a tip at the conclusion of the
trip if you had a good time and a skilled guide?
No, you are
not required to give your tour guide in Slovakia a gratuity, although it would
be nice.
Although it
is not required, gratuities for tour guides are always welcome in this
business. If you choose to tip your tour guide, 3-5 euros per person each day
ought to be plenty.
Slovakian custom of tipping
hairdressers and barbers
If you need
a haircut in Slovakia, you might be curious about how much you ought to give
the barber or hairstylist.
In Slovakia, are barbers
and hairdressers tipped?
In Slovakia,
tipping your hairdresser is not required. It is OK to not leave a gratuity at a
hair salon because it is not customary in Slovakia. Of course, they always
welcome tips.
How much should you give a
Slovakian barber or hairdresser?
Keep in mind
that in Slovakia, you are not expected to tip your barber or hairdresser.
Having said that, you can tip your hairdresser or barber between 5 and 10
percent of the price of the haircut.
Slovakian spas and massage
therapists accept tips
Do you
intend to visit a massage therapist or a spa in Slovakia? You'll want to know
in advance whether you should tip as you would at home or whether it is not
customary to tip.
Do Slovakian spas and
massage professionals accept tips?
No, you're
not expected to tip at spas in Slovakia. Additionally, although it's not
required, gratuities for massage therapists are always appreciated.
How much should you leave
for tips in Slovakian spas and massage parlors?
First, keep
in mind that tips are not required in Slovakia at spas or for massage
professionals.
Additional services, other
In Slovakia,
you are not required to tip the employees when you visit a salon or spa,
although it is always nice if you find the service to be satisfactory. The
recommended tip range is between 5 and 10%.
Read More: To Tip or Not to Tip? Navigating Tipping Culture in Germany
Conclusion
Don't worry
if you frequently lack the money but still want to appreciate the waiter's
work.
Use our
electronic tipping software for servers for cashless tipping to conveniently
keep track of tips. You will benefit from a digital tipping app's ease.
This
software that takes payments other than cash allows you to tip. The good news
is that you can use this tip software on both iPhones and Android smartphones,
regardless of the phone's OS.