Tipping in Israel – Who, When, and How Much to Tip

Tipping in Israel isn’t just a courtesy; it’s part of everyday life. Here, we break down the essentials: who to tip, when it’s expected, and the right amounts, from Tel Aviv restaurants to Jerusalem taxis and Negev hikes.

Tipping in Israel – Quick Guide

* The following information is for tipping customs in Israel. The amounts listed can vary and are meant to be a general guideline.

The General Rule: Is Tipping Expected in Israel?

One of the most important distinctions for visitors to understand is the difference between what is expected and what is an obligation. In Israel, tipping is not legally mandatory. That said, in practice, tipping is a very strong social custom. Nowhere is this clearer than in restaurants, cafés, and bars, where a tip of at least 10% is considered part of the dining experience.

Compared with the United States, where tipping often feels like an obligation because service staff rely heavily on tips to make up for very low base wages, Israel is a little more flexible. Service workers here do rely on tips, but the expectation is not as aggressively enforced. By contrast, much of Europe operates differently again, with tips sometimes included in the bill as a “service charge” or kept at small, symbolic amounts.

In short: tipping in Israel isn’t a legal obligation, but socially, it comes very close in restaurants. In other situations, like taxis, hotels, and deliveries, it’s more of a polite gesture than a hard rule.

Tipping in Restaurants & Cafes: The 10-15% Rule

If there is one place in Israel where tipping is absolutely expected, it’s at restaurants, cafés, and bars. For good service, the standard is 10–12% of the bill. This is what most locals leave, and it will always be appreciated by your server. If you feel the service was excellent, leaving 15% is a generous gesture.

Tips are not usually included in the bill, so check carefully before paying. Most restaurants now allow you to add the tip by credit card, but cash tips are still preferred by many servers, as they go directly into their pocket at the end of the shift.

Tipping Taxi Drivers

When it comes to taxis in Israel, the custom is straightforward: tips are not expected for short, metered rides within a city. Locals usually just pay the fare on the meter. That said, it’s common courtesy to round up to the nearest shekel or two, especially if the driver was polite or the ride was smooth. For longer rides, such as from Ben Gurion Airport to your hotel, or if the driver goes out of their way to help with heavy luggage, leaving a small tip of 10–20 shekels is considered appropriate and will be appreciated. Many travelers in Israel now use Gett, one of the country’s most popular ride-hailing apps, which makes payments and rounding up tips easy through the app itself.

Is Service Ever Included in the Bill?

One of the most common points of confusion for tourists in Israel is the difference between a service charge and a tip. In many European countries, a service charge is automatically added to the bill, which can make visitors assume the same is true in Israel. In reality, this is very rare here. Restaurants and cafés in Israel almost never include a service charge, except in the case of very large groups or private events.

The 18% Value Added Tax (VAT), which appears on every bill, is a government tax. This is not a service charge or a tip.

Other Services Commonly Tipped in Israel

When travelling in Israel, tipping extends well beyond restaurants and cafés and touches many everyday services. In hotels, for example, it is customary to tip the bellhop around 10–20 shekels per bag, while housekeeping staff usually receive 10–20 shekels per night, left discreetly on the desk or pillow. The concierge, if arranging tickets or private tours, will expect 20–50 shekels, a gesture of thanks for their local expertise.

At Dan Hotels, international guests often ask staff about local tipping customs. This isn’t just a matter of curiosity, hotel staff are used to navigating the expectations of visitors from the US, Europe, and Asia, and can explain the most practical and respectful approach in real time. Asking them directly can save embarrassment and ensures you leave the right impression.

Tour guides and drivers rely heavily on gratuities: for private tours, families or small groups generally offer 100–150 shekels per day, often split with the driver. Free walking tours lasting about three hours usually receive between 40–60 shekels. At bars, a few shekels per drink or roughly 10% on a tab is appropriate. Hairdressers, salon staff, and spa therapists are usually tipped 10–15%, with assistants often handed a small note separately. Delivery drivers, whether bringing takeaway from Wolt or delivering to hotel rooms, are typically given 10 shekels at least.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tipping in Israel

Should I tip in US Dollars or Israeli Shekels?
Always tip in Israeli Shekels (ILS). Dollars may be accepted in rare cases, but shekels are the norm and more practical for staff.

What if the service was bad?
You are not obliged to tip for poor service. In restaurants, locals may leave only a token amount (5% or less) to signal dissatisfaction, or nothing at all if the experience was truly unacceptable.

Do I tip for takeaway coffee or food?
No. If you order at the counter, tipping isn’t expected. You may leave small change in the jar, but it’s optional. For sit-down service at a café, follow the 10–15% rule.

Is VAT the same as a tip?
No. The 18% VAT on your bill is a government tax. It does not go to the staff and should never be considered a tip.

Is tipping different on Shabbat or holidays?
The tip amount stays the same, but remember that taxi fares and some service costs are higher on Shabbat and Jewish holidays due to surcharges.

Do I need to tip tour bus drivers separately from the guide?
Yes. Guides and drivers are tipped separately. Drivers usually receive 50–80 shekels per day, while guides get more, depending on group size.