Are you visiting Armenia and wondering how tipping works? This guide will help you understand tipping in Armenia, including service charges at restaurants, and when to tip in other places like coffee stands, hotels, taxis, supermarkets, and parking attendants.
Service Charges in Restaurants and Cafes
What Are Service Charges?
In many restaurants and cafes in Armenia, you might see a service charge of 10-20% added to your bill. It’s important to know that this service charge usually goes to the restaurant owner, not the waiters. This can be surprising for visitors who expect the waiters to receive that money as a tip. Because of this, it’s common to leave an additional tip directly for your server if you feel the service was good.
How Much Should You Tip?
Even if there is a service charge, it’s still nice to leave a tip in Armenia. It’s common to add around 10% of your bill or at least 1000 AMD (Armenian dram) if your bill is over 10,000 AMD. If your bill is less than 10,000 AMD, you can just round up the total. But if the service wasn’t great, you don’t have to leave a tip. Locals often skip tipping unless the service was excellent.
Tipping with Cash or Card
Tipping with Cash
If you are paying with cash and don’t have small bills or coins, you can ask the waiter for change before leaving a tip. Many people leave the tip on the table after paying the bill. This is an easy way to make sure the tip goes directly to your server.
Tipping with a Card
If you are paying with a card and want to add a tip, you can ask the waiter to include it when they charge your card. This is helpful if you don’t have cash but still want to leave a tip. You can also leave some cash separately as a tip if you prefer.
Tipping in Other Places
Coffee Stands and Small Food Stalls
When you get a coffee or snack from a stand, you might see a tip jar on the counter. Tipping here is not required, but it’s a nice thing to do if you enjoyed the service or the drink. A few coins or some small change is enough to show your appreciation.
Hotels
- Helping with Luggage: If someone helps carry your bags to your room, it’s common to give them about 1000 AMD as a tip.
- Cleaning Staff: Leaving a small tip for the cleaning staff when you check out is a nice gesture, though it’s not expected. Around 1000 AMD can be a good amount.
Taxis
- Regular Taxis: If you have a good experience with a taxi driver, rounding up the fare is a nice way to leave a tip. For example, if your ride costs 2300 AMD, you can round it up to 2500 AMD.
- Taxi Apps: If you use a taxi app and pay by card, tipping is not necessary, but you can add a small tip if you’d like.
Supermarkets and Grocery Helpers
Sometimes in Armenian supermarkets, staff will help you carry your groceries to your car. These helpers are not paid for this, so a small tip can be a nice way to say thanks. It’s not required, but it’s a kind gesture.
Parking Attendants
If you park your car somewhere like a supermarket, you might find attendants who help you park or get out of tight spaces. It’s common to give them about 200 AMD as a tip, but if you don’t have small change, just let them know, and they will usually understand.
Conclusion: Tipping in Armenia
Tipping in Armenia is a way to show appreciation for good service. While service charges at restaurants often don’t go to waiters, leaving an extra 10% or at least 1000 AMD is a common practice if you’re happy with the service. Tipping in other places like coffee stands, hotels, and taxis is less expected, but it’s a nice way to show thanks. By following these simple guidelines, you can make sure you’re respecting local customs and showing appreciation when you receive good service.
