We recommend tipping an Istanbul taxi driver 5–10% of the fare. On a short ride, rounding the fare up to the next 10 lira can be the whole tip.
Do you tip taxi drivers in Istanbul?
Yes. We recommend 5–10% of the fare in Turkish lira. A short hop can be a round-up to the next 10 lira instead, when that round-up is your thank-you and you are not also adding 5–10% on top.
This page is Istanbul taxis. It does not set restaurant, hotel, or tour tips. The wider international section starts at International tipping.
How much to tip a taxi driver in Istanbul
For a longer ride, take 5–10% of the fare and pay that tip in lira. For a short ride, round the fare up to the next 10 lira and let that difference be the tip. Do not do both.
The fares below are examples for the math only. They are not Istanbul tariffs.
| Example fare | Tip at 5% | Tip at 10% | Short-ride round-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| ₺86 | ₺4.30 | ₺8.60 | pay ₺90 if you are only rounding |
| ₺140 | ₺7.00 | ₺14.00 | pay ₺140 if it is already whole, or use 5–10% |
| ₺250 | ₺12.50 | ₺25.00 | use 5–10%, not a round-up |
| ₺400 | ₺20.00 | ₺40.00 | use 5–10% |
A ₺250 fare is a longer ride on this table, so the tip is ₺12.50 to ₺25. A ₺86 fare can be paid as ₺90, which is a ₺4 tip, or as 5–10% if you would rather use the percentage. Pick one.
Cash
Lira notes and coins are the practical way to pay. If you pay by card, ask the driver whether a tip can be added before they charge you. If it cannot, pay the fare on the card and the tip in cash.
When to use 5% or 10%
Use 10% when the driver loads bags or waits at a stop you asked for. Use 5%, or the short-ride round-up, for a direct hop. We do not recommend a tip when the driver is rude or takes a route you did not agree to.
Other countries and services start at International tipping.