Tipping in Russia
Tipping is appreciated in Russia, but not obligatory.
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Tipping quick reference
| Service | Recommended | Range | Payment | Service charge? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restaurant ~10% expected in urban restaurants, left in cash after paying; not expected in canteens or fast food | 10% | 5–15% | Card or cash | No |
| Taxi Metered drivers count on 5–10%; pre-negotiated fares are not tipped | 5% | 0–10% | Card or cash | No |
| Hotel housekeeping Not expected; a small note per night is a kind gesture | ₽100 per night | ₽0–₽200 | Cash only | No |
| Hotel porter Not expected; a small tip per bag is appreciated | ₽100 per bag | ₽0–₽200 | Cash only | No |
| Hairdresser Not expected; around 5% or rounding up for good service | 5% | 0–10% | Cash only | No |
| Tour guide Guides appreciate a per-person tip after a good tour | ₽300 per person | ₽100–₽500 | Cash only | No |
| Spa & massage Not expected; around 5% for good service is appreciated | 5% | 0–10% | Cash only | No |
Tipping Culture in Russia
Tipping in Russia only really took hold after the Soviet era, when the practice was actively discouraged — a history it shares with several other former Soviet countries covered on this site. Today it’s a genuine, growing custom rather than a strict expectation: around 10% at urban restaurants in Moscow and Saint Petersburg for good service, left in cash after paying, with canteens and fast food generally exempt. Taxi drivers running a metered fare appreciate 5–10%, though pre-negotiated fares typically aren’t tipped on top.
The single most important practical fact for any foreign visitor, and one that directly shapes how you’ll actually pay for anything, tips included: Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro cards issued outside Russia have not worked in the country since 2022, due to international sanctions — not for restaurant bills, not for ATM withdrawals, nothing. Chinese UnionPay cards are sometimes presented as a workaround, but current reports describe their reliability as erratic at best for cards issued outside Russia. Opening a domestic Mir card requires a Russian bank account, which is impractical for a short visit. In practice, this means cash — rubles, exchanged after you arrive — is by far the most reliable way to pay for anything in Russia today, including tips.
Given this, it’s worth exchanging a reasonable amount of cash early in your trip rather than assuming a card, of any kind, will reliably cover you.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Foreign-issued Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro cards do not work in Russia. This has been the case since 2022 due to international sanctions — plan on cash for tips and most purchases.
- Exchange rubles early in your trip. Don’t rely on a card, including UnionPay, working reliably everywhere you go.
- 10% at restaurants, left in cash, is the urban norm. Canteens and fast food are generally exempt from any tipping expectation.
- Metered taxi fares get 5–10%; negotiated fares don’t. Agree on the type of fare upfront so you know which situation applies.
Tipping FAQ for Russia
Can I use my Visa or Mastercard to pay or tip in Russia? No — cards issued outside Russia have not worked there since 2022 due to international sanctions. Cash is the reliable option for tips and most purchases.
Is tipping expected in Russian restaurants? It’s customary rather than obligatory — around 10% for good service in urban restaurants is standard, left in cash, with canteens and fast food generally exempt.
Should I tip a Russian taxi driver? Only if the fare was metered — 5–10% is appreciated there. Pre-negotiated fares typically aren’t tipped on top.
How much cash should I bring for a trip to Russia? Enough to cover your entire stay comfortably, exchanged into rubles early on, since foreign cards cannot be relied upon for tips or general spending.