Tipping Rules in Iran could be different and confusing experience for first time travelers, since it’s not generally practiced like other countries. Understanding certain etiquettes required to tip for services in restaurants, hotels and taxis, could be a sign of gratitude toward locals. Tipping would facilitate your trip. Learning the do’s and don’ts of tipping could save you from possible embarrassment. It would also be helpful to avoid getting ripped off.
Tipping is not customary in Iran. Most cafés and restaurants or other sectors include the tip in the receipt as the 10 percent service charge. However it is not considered rude to tip in case you receive a pleasant service. These days there are tipping jars and boxes at most café counters.
While taxi drivers would appreciate if tourists would round up the fare. Although if you are not leaving any tip nobody would be offended. In general considering the challenging economy of the country, tipping 5 to 10 percent of the charges, approximately from the range of 500,000 to 2,000,000 Iranian Rials, could be a good contribution to service staff in Iran.
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Expressing Gratitude for Taxi Driver
Upon arrival at the airport, the costs of taxis are fixed and regulated so offering extra cash is unnecessary. Therefore tipping could be an extreme act of generosity. So, if you tip by the end of your ride, the driver might even offer to show you more parts of the city.
Iran Tourist Card
If you hire a taxi for a day or a long distance trip, offering tips up to $5 (about 2,000,000 Iranian Rials) is expected. Meanwhile tipping taxi drivers for inner city rides is not obligatory. Having cash in form of Iranian currency could be handy for this purpose. Tourists can exchange money to national Iranian currency (Iranian Rial) at Currency exchange branches or Offices or several existing banks and money exchanging agencies available in the airport.
Tipping the Waiter
Tipping is still less common across Iran and the etiquette is reserved for exceptional cases. Tipping customs vary by region. In high end restaurants or cafés from 5 to 10 percent of the bill or about $2 to $5 is considered a good gratuity. The amount could be paid after finishing the meal. Tipping food delivery persons is uncommon but $1 could be paid in cash or ask them to include it in the bill by rounding the price on their POS device.
Show Appreciation to Hotel Staff
When you are staying in an upscale hotel, it’s common to tip the porter or housekeeping staff. Tipping cash in Iran’s national currency or a $2 bill would easily be acceptable. In Iran’s Hospitality industry, service fee is charged to your room.
So unless you’re particularly impressed by someone tip, by leaving $1 or 50,000 Iranian Rials on the room counter. Tipping the porter and doorman with $2 to $4 (about 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 Iranian Rials) is definitely helpful. When it comes to getting direction of a good local restaurant or an attraction, these guys would gladly give you a hand.
How to Pay in a Tarof Based Culture
Due to traditional roots, Iranians resist the trend of tipping, and tourists require to play the Tarof game. Respectfully insist on tipping to avoid awkwardness. While in the capital this etiquette of politeness is disappearing, other provinces still follow this cultural routine.
By showing gratitude in this manner would make the other party happy to accept tips even if it’s a single dollar. This cultural custom will occur in different situations such as restaurants, taxis or even shops. So if the driver refuses to immediately accept tip you should extend your offer for three times. You can use phrases like “Ghabel Nadare” (it’s not worthy enough of you) , “Khaste Nabashid” (don’t be tired) or “Befarmaeed” (here you go please). Understanding the cultural practices like Tarof can improve your experience.
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Final Note
Tip only if you receive exceptional service from the taxi driver, waiter, bell boy or a tour guide. However paying a contribution would guarantee a better service in case you return to the premises. In addition to finding good connections for future journeys and useful directions.
It is advised to tip in national currency since paying in dollars or euro bills might attract attention of hustlers. Although it would be very rare to confront with cases who would exploit you, since customarily locals would not freely voice their need for a tip unless you offer. So in conclusion you will not be frowned upon if you don’t tip, due to fact that service fee has already been included to your bill. Although by tipping you can make sure that your waiter/driver is getting his share.
FAQs
Is It Common To Pay Tip in Iran?
In general, tipping is not a necessity in Iran. However, your tip will be welcomed, if you receive a standard or exceptional level of service.
Who to tip?
Expressing gratuity to taxi drivers, waiters and staff in Hospitality sector is expected. It is common to tip your taxi driver for a long distance rides for example from airport. Elsewhere in a posh restaurant give extra cash to the waiter or bless the café ‘s tipping box with your donation. If you don’t have cash ask to include the tip by rounding the bill. The staff will eventually get their share from the restaurant/hotel manager.
How Much Is the Normal Tip?
Customarily, paying 5 to 10 percent of the bill is considered a normal amount of gratuity. It is recommended that tourists use Iran’s national currency (Iranian Rial) to tip. The range is approximately from $1 to $5 about 500,000 to 2,000,000 Iranian Rials.
How to pay tip?
Tipping should be done with respect since Iranians are culturally proud people even if they are underpaid. Keep on insisting to pay tip if they refuse , say “Ghabel Nadare” (it’s not worthy enough of you).
