Szervizdíj

Szervizdíj, often translated as service charge, is a fee sometimes added to the bill in restaurants and hospitality establishments, particularly in some European countries. This charge is intended to cover the costs associated with providing service, such as staff wages and gratuities. It is distinct from a tip, which is a voluntary payment given directly to service staff by the customer.

The practice of including a szervizdíj varies significantly by region and establishment. In some places, it is a customary and legally mandated addition to the bill, while in others, it may be optional or even prohibited. Customers should carefully review their bills to understand if a szervizdíj has been applied.

If a szervizdíj is included, it typically represents a percentage of the total bill. The purpose is to ensure that service staff receive a consistent level of compensation, regardless of the customer's individual tipping habits. In some jurisdictions, the szervizdíj is distributed among all staff members, including kitchen and support personnel, not just those directly interacting with customers.

Customers may have questions about whether the szervizdíj is mandatory or if they can opt out of it. In most cases where it is legally included, it is a mandatory charge. However, if a customer is dissatisfied with the service, their recourse would typically be to address the issue with management rather than unilaterally removing the szervizdíj. The specific regulations and common practices regarding szervizdíj can differ, making it advisable for travelers to be aware of local customs.