Tipping A common question we hear a lot from our out-of-town visitors: How much am I supposed to leave? As with everything else in the Czech Republic, the answer is perhaps more complicated than need be. Under Communism, of course, tipping was unheard of (bribing is another matter altogether.) Even today, many Czechs – particularly those belonging to the older generation – don’t practice this decadent Western habit. Things are changing, though…to the extent that it is considered offensive not to at least round up the bill to the nearest 10 CZK. As a rule, don’t leave more than 30 CZK – that goes for taxis, restaurants, and bars alike – the exception being more expensive places or generally if the bill amounts to over 1 000 CZK – then it’s polite to leave 10-15%. Instead of leaving money behind on the table, Czechs include the tip when they’re settling up. If you expect some change back, then as you’re handing over your money, tell them the total amount you wish to pay – not how much change you want back, as this will most likely confuse your waiter/bartender/taxi driver. So, for example, if the bill comes to 150 CZK and you want to leave a generous 30 CZK tip, give them your 200 (or 500/1000/etc.) CZK note and tell your waiter “180 crowns, please.” They will understand and hand back the appropriate change. If you are paying them the exact amount you wish to leave, tip included, and don’t expect change back, a polite hand gesture, followed by a “To je dobrý” (That’s good) will do. When eating in restaurants, be sure to check the menu and the bill – at some places a 10% service charge is tacked on automatically. If that’s the case, then don’t under any circumstance feel obligated to leave anything extra. As a foreigner, be aware that you are viewed differently than the Czechs. If you decide not to tip and don’t have a good reason for it, you are being offensive. Keep in mind that service in bars and restaurants in the Czech Republic is generally very weak when compared to countries in Western Europe and North America. Don’t take it personally if the restaurant or bar staff provides the bare minimum of service when you’re in their establishment – they most likely treat everyone that way. Conditions are improving here, but there is nothing like a great service tradition like you’d find in a French café or even a typical American diner. There is, however, a difference between minimal service and poor service. Don’t leave a crown if the servers are blatantly rude to you, ignore you, or try to rip you off. Use your best judgment, keeping in mind that things are not the same here as they are at home. Occasionally, a waiter may inform you that you are supposed to tip them when they bring you the bill – something that they would never try with a Czech customer. Although it’s undoubtedly a rude gesture, chances are they are doing this out of ignorance, rather than spite. Having probably never been to your homeland, they are under the mistaken impression that the waiter is supposed to ask for the tip. Rather than reacting in an offended manner, the best way to handle this situation is to politely the inform the server that it is the customer’s decision as to whether or not you would like to tip – not the other way around…But be sure to accompany this tip with a real (monetary) tip! Believe me, it will be a lot more effective than stiffing them. Another situation in which you should by no means tip is if you are ripped off. This has been known to happen in the more touristy restaurants – better to avoid those places like the plague – but is a lot more common occurrence with the city’s notoriously corrupt taxi drivers. It’s much better to call a reputable taxi service than to take one on the streets – see our taxi page for more info.
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