How much is enough? A survey reveals Czechs' tipping habits

The rise in restaurant prices has not only affected customers' wallets, but also their tipping habits. According to a survey by Objednáme, a digital ordering system for restaurants, Czechs are more likely to round up their bill to the nearest whole number, rather than tipping a clear percentage. However, there is a growing trend towards the foreign standard of tipping 10 to 15 percent.

The average tip amount from card payments, according to the Objednáme survey, was CZK 23 , which is only about 5 percent of the total order price. However, Objednáme CEO Adam Růžička notes that the lack of a tipping option on payment terminals often leads customers to simply round up their bill.

Despite the growing popularity of card payments, approximately 30 percent of customers still choose to leave a separate cash tip. This trend is particularly noticeable among the older generation, who have more confidence in cash transactions.

Meanwhile, in restaurants, the average tip amount has slightly decreased due to the higher prices of food and drinks. Buňak explains that customers tend to adjust their spending to fit their budget, resulting in tips often remaining at the lower limit of 5 to 10 percent.

Sergej Buňak, manager of a sushi restaurant brand in Prague and Pilsen, told Czech media outlet iDnes: "The younger generation and foreign visitors are more likely to tip a higher percentage, indicating the adoption of international customs."

Czechs also give larger tips when they pay by card in restaurants, according to data from Dotykačka, a company that provides cash register systems to businesses in the country. 

Dotykačka director Petr Menclík told the Czech News Agency last year that tips of up to 10 percent of the bill are not uncommon when customers pay by card. In contrast, tipping is typically around 5 percent when customers pay in cash.

A separate study from payment app Qerko in 2023 revealed that Czechs, on average, tip less than tourists from the U.S or Germany. Czechs tipped an average of 7 percent, whereas Germans tipped 8 percent.