Tipping In Azerbaijan: Is It Necessary?

Tipping culture varies from country to country, and in Azerbaijan, it is generally not common or expected. However, in certain situations, tipping is appreciated and sometimes expected. So, how much should you tip when visiting Azerbaijan?

Tipping in taxis

It is recommended that you negotiate the fare in advance, as taxi drivers do not generally accept foreign currency.

Tipping in hotels

Tipping culture in Azerbaijan might be different from what you are used to, and it is not very common, so it is useful to know when to tip. In hotels, tipping is not expected or customary. However, if you do decide to tip, 69% of people in Azerbaijan tip between 2.00 and 5.00 USD/EUR/GBP for hotel staff. This amount can be adjusted depending on the level of service you receive. For example, if you receive superb service, you can tip above 2.00 USD/EUR/GBP, and if the service is not good, you can tip below 5.00 USD/EUR/GBP. The bell boy usually receives about 2.00 USD/EUR/GBP per luggage.

Tipping is also common in restaurants, with 96% of people tipping waiters between 8% and 15% of the total bill. This amount can also be adjusted depending on the level of service, with the percentage going above 8% for superb service and below 15% for bad service. In nicer restaurants, a service charge will usually be added to your bill, so additional tipping is not necessary.

When taking a taxi, most drivers will expect you to round up the fare to the nearest whole amount. According to one source, tipping is not expected, but another source states that 89% of people tip taxi drivers between 8% and 20% of the fare, with a minimum of 3.00-5.00 USD.

Tipping is also expected for other service providers such as bartenders, doormen, maids, and spa and massage therapists.

Tipping in restaurants

If you are unsure about whether to tip, it is worth noting that tipping culture in Azerbaijan is not as prevalent as in other countries. Tipping is not expected in bars or hotels, and taxi drivers will usually expect you to round up the fare to the nearest whole amount.

Tipping in bars

Tipping in Azerbaijan is generally dependent on the service provided. If the service is not good, you may decide to give a lower tip or no tip at all. On the other hand, if the service is superb, you may want to tip more than the usual amount.

In nicer restaurants, a service charge may be included in your bill, so be sure to check before leaving a tip. It is also common to tip taxi drivers by rounding up the fare to the nearest whole amount.

When it comes to tipping in hotels, it is not expected or customary in Azerbaijan. However, you may give porters at the airport or hotel 5-10 manats, depending on the amount of your baggage.

Tipping tour guides/drivers

Tipping culture in Azerbaijan

Tipping is not a common practice in Azerbaijan, and it is not expected or obligatory in most situations. However, due to the growth of the tourism industry in the country, some establishments have started to adopt a more Westernized approach to tipping. While tipping is not mandatory, leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated. In some cases, a service charge may be included in your bill at restaurants or hotels, so it's always good to check before tipping.

If you are satisfied with the service provided by a tour guide or driver, it is appropriate to give a small tip as a sign of appreciation. There is no fixed amount for tipping tour guides or drivers, and it depends on factors such as the level of service and the time spent with the client.

For tour guides, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for exceptional service. A tip of around 5-10% of the total bill or the cost of the tour is considered generous.

As for drivers, tips can vary depending on whether they are private drivers or taxi drivers. For private drivers, a tip of USD 30-170 or AZN 50-300 is considered appropriate, depending on the time spent with the client. For taxi drivers, the average tipping percentage is between 8% and 20% of the fare, with a minimum of USD 3-5. It is also common to round up the fare to the nearest whole amount as a small gesture of appreciation.

Frequently asked questions