Habits regarding tipping in Hungary may shock you
A recent study investigated tipping in Hungary. The researchers measured the percentage of tips that we tend to add to the total amount of the bill. In addition, they also tried to figure out how the coronavirus pandemic has affected our habits.
The history of tipping
Hamu és Gyémánt writes that the culture of tipping dates back centuries. It is thought to have originated in Tudor England, where servants who did a good job were rewarded with a little extra money. The practice quickly spread throughout the country, and in time, customers in cafés and inns also started giving tips.
Love it or hate it, tipping has become ingrained in the social norms of many nations across the globe, spanning from restaurants and hotels to hair salons. Nevertheless, the practice of tipping fluctuates significantly across different cultures.
Tipping in Hungary
A recent study done by the Budapest Business University was set to explore the practice of tipping in Hungary. The vast majority of respondents tip, and a significant proportion of them tip even if the establishment charges a service fee.
One in six men and women tend to tip between 6% and 10% of the total bill.
There is quite a wide variation when income levels are taken into account. Contrary to expectations, it is not the highest earners who tip the most and the lowest earners who tip the least.
Why do Hungarians tip?
The researchers also tried to discover the motive behind tipping among Hungarians. According to their findings, the majority obey social expectations, as local customs are the most important motivating factor. For instance, in countries where tipping is part of the culture, Hungarians also like to tip.
A significant proportion of respondents tip when they arrive in a restaurant with a group. Surprisingly, good service or delicious food, on the other hand, are less important when it comes to tipping in Hungary.
When do Hungarians tip more?
The participants were asked what other factors influence tipping or the willingness to tip a higher percentage. Men most frequently mentioned “pretty waitress”, “I’m on a date” and “extra attention”. Meanwhile, the most important factors for women are “kindness and attentiveness of the waitress” and being a “returning customer”.
On the other hand, the study also suggests that the price hikes, starting in 2022, may have a serious effect on tipping in Hungary. However, further research is needed to map out the links and draw a conclusion on the matter.
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Tipping has become a contentious issue in places. Today I took a friend out for lunch, more like an aquaintance really. We would meet at senior Xmas teas that our village used to do for our area but have not resumed since Covid lockdowns. I never eat out or order in or do take-out. I eat to live, rather than live to eat. Like to spend my funds on real estate that I can improve, sell for profit to earn my living.
The salads came on not dinner plates, but bread and butter plates. There was tiny bits of chicken, but not off a roasted bird, but those skinless tasteless breasts made popular by companies who know that soaking those in water 2 hrs increases weight & decomposes the meat making it seem tender. There was no lemon slice and the dressing forgot the garlic. There were slivers of cheese but not grated in an obvious amount. The included garlic bread was not a thick slice oozing with garlic butter. It was this thin flat thing that had markes of being pressed in a thing like for waffles. It was smaller than a regular slice of packaged bread. We each had a coffee, then a small ma’kos that had walnut meat ground very fine & no lemon zest to kick it up a notch. Very slim slice. Waitresses ignored us once the salads were brouth, no water offered. My guest had to go interupt a waitress doing paperwork at the cash for some time, never looking our way though we were the last mid day customers. She said “oh, you had wanted dessert?” At the end I had to go knock on the kitchen door to get her to come to the desk for me to pay. They usually now bring the machine to the table I understand. They then shame you by asking that you click 15 or 20 % tip. My bill was $42.00 and I gave her $8.00. The meal had not earned that amount, nor had her service. But these are the kinds of things one does rarely for relationships. My friend is mother to someone I am in an environmental group with so I cultivate her a bit. I went home and ate 5 chicken wings and 2 cookies. Had a decent coffee with real cream. THEN I was full.
Since I almost exclusively eat home made from scratch meals, I very rarely spend more than $130.00 a MONTH on groceries. So to put today’s small lunch for 2 at an ordinary, no table cloth or vase or candle, village eatery….the cost was outragious to my way of thinking. And being ignored almost the entire time….that was not the kind of server I was in my teens and early 20s!
So maybe tipping is an issue because it is forced on people since they ask for it infront of your guests! At least in my province.