Tipping customs vary widely around the world, and Israel has its own unique practices that travelers should know to avoid awkward moments and ensure they show proper appreciation for services. Tipping in Israel is customary but not legally mandatory. It is seen as a polite and respectful gesture, especially for good service, and expected in restaurants, cafes, tours, and hotels. However, unlike in some countries where tips are aggressively insisted upon, tipping in Israel is generally more flexible and friendly, making it important for visitors to be aware of local norms. This guide will help travelers from all over the world understand how much to tip in Israel across different services and give practical tips to prepare for the trip.

Restaurants and Cafés

In Israel, tipping in restaurants is generally expected and appreciated, as waiters usually earn low base wages and rely partly on tips. The standard tip is between 10% and 15% of the bill, depending on the quality of service — 10–12% for good service and up to 15% for excellent service. Tips are usually not included automatically in the bill, so travelers should add them separately.

It's common to leave tips in cash on the table, but some restaurants allow you to add the tip when paying by card if you ask beforehand. Be mindful some bills include VAT (typically 17%) which is not a tip. For larger groups, tipping may be pooled and divided among servers, sometimes with a higher total amount depending on group size. Bars usually receive a few shekels per drink or 10–15% on the total tab.

Taxis

Tipping taxi drivers in Israeli cities is not usually expected; locals typically just pay the meter exact. For short city rides, rounding up the fare by a few shekels is common and appreciated but not obligatory. Airport taxi rides or longer trips where the driver provides extra service, like help with luggage or waiting, merit a tip of about 10–20 shekels (roughly $10 for airport rides and up to $30–50 per full day hire with a private driver). It's polite to tip drivers on private or longer excursions but not mandatory for daily short trips.

Tour Guides and Bus Drivers

Tour guides in Israel, especially private guides who tailor the experience, usually expect a tip in addition to the tour price. Tips range from 50 to 100 shekels per day per small group or family to show appreciation for good service. Tour bus drivers typically receive around 15–25 shekels per person per day. For free walking tours, a tip of 40–60 shekels per person is common since guides often rely solely on tips. When on multi-person bus tours, tipping depends on group size and can vary, ranging from the equivalent of $10 to $20 per day per person.

Hotels

Hotel staff such as bellhops and porters generally expect 10–20 shekels per bag carried. Housekeeping staff appreciate tips of 10–20 shekels per night, ideally left in cash on the nightstand. If using room service, tipping 5% of the bill is customary if not already included. Concierge and spa services follow the general tipping guideline of 10–15% for good service. Many hotels do not automatically include service charges, so leaving a tip in cash is encouraged

Other Services

Delivery drivers for food or packages often appreciate about 10 shekels per delivery.
Hairdressers and spa therapists typically receive 10–15% of the bill as a tip, more for outstanding service.
Airport porters and baggage handlers usually expect about 4 US dollars or the equivalent in shekels per bag.

General Tips and Etiquette

Tips are generally given in local currency (Israeli New Shekels), preferably in cash.
Avoid tipping with coins, as it may be considered disrespectful or cheap in Israel.
If paying by credit card, ask if the tip can be added before payment, as many places do not allow adding tips afterward.
While tipping is expected for good service in many situations, it is not mandatory by law. Feel free to adjust tips based on service quality and your budget.
Be mindful that some tourist-heavy restaurants and places may automatically add a service charge. Check the bill carefully before tipping extra.
Tipping in Israel is a gesture of gratitude and respect for service workers who often have modest wages.
It's better to tip than not to tip if the service was good, but avoid over-tipping to prevent misunderstanding.

Preparing for Your Trip

To avoid tipping hassles while traveling in Israel, prepare by carrying a reasonable amount of small bills and shekels in cash, especially for tips in restaurants, taxis, and hotels. Anticipate around 10–15% tipping in restaurants, rounding fares up in taxis, and modest but respectful tips for guides and hotel staff. This approach will ensure smooth interactions, help manage your travel budget, and make your visit more enjoyable and culturally respectful.

In summary, tipping in Israel is a welcomed custom that emphasizes appreciation for good service across hospitality, transport, and tourist activities. Knowing how much to tip and when will help travelers avoid social faux pas, show respect, and contribute positively to their overall travel experience in this rich and vibrant country.

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Israel Tipping Guide 2025