Digital tipping is spreading in Czechia: How much should you leave?

Anyone who has been in Czechia for more than a couple of years will remember what’s fast becoming a lost “old-school” tipping culture. After enjoying a meal or coffee, if you felt the service was good, you’d simply state the total amount you wanted to pay, including the tip.

Through the eyes of a foreigner, it could seem awkward. In other countries, such as the UK, a standard service charge added to the bill has long removed the need to personally state a tip amount. In recent years, though, the widespread adoption of digital payment terminals by Czech businesses has profoundly changed tipping culture.

Where are you expected to tip, what’s the etiquette and what are your rights as a consumer under this new digital system? We spoke with trade authorities, businesses and consumers to find out more.

Tipping is a small courtesy that can cause a big headache. Not knowing when you’re expected to tip can make situations awkward and leave you feeling like an outsider.

In Czechia, the expectation to tip is generally limited to situations in which you believe a service beyond the basic provision of goods has been offered. This typically applies to food and drink establishments where table service is involved.