A Guide to Tipping in Italy
One of the best things about a vacation to Italy is dining out and sampling delicious regional dishes. However, when the bill comes, holidaymakers can often be unsure about the tipping etiquette. Especially, if you come from a country where tipping is the norm. If you want to be polite and understand the cultural norms around tipping in Italy, here is a guide to clue you in. In general, tipping is not standard practice and is merely considered a bonus.
From the cab driver to the waiter, here is how you should tip on your next trip to Italy.
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RESTAURANT STAFF
Before tipping a restaurant server, check the bill to make sure a tip wasn’t already included. This happens sometimes, but not often. If the bill doesn’t include a service fee, a 10%-15% tip is usually appreciated. If the bill does include a service charge, feel free to leave something extra if the service was exceptional.
BARTENDER
Rounding up when paying for your drink is enough of a tip for the bartenders in Italy.
SERVER IN A CAFÉ
If you just pop into a café for a coffee, you aren’t expected to tip. However, rounding up and leaving the change for the staff is appreciated.
STYLIST
If you happen to visit a stylist while in Italy, don’t worry about leaving a tip; it’s not expected. But, if you are feeling generous, round up to the nearest 10 Euro.
TAXIS
Again, a tip is not expected by taxi drivers in Italy. If you really enjoyed the ride, you can round up your fare. If the trip was particularly long, you can round up to the nearest ten Euro.
DOORMAN
Staying in a hotel with a doorman? He won’t be expecting a tip. However, if he helps you with your bag, feel free to hand over one Euro as a thank you.
CONCIERGE
A considerate tip to leave for a concierge is one or two Euros. If they provide basic service, a tip is not necessary. However, is they go out of their way to offer directions, make multiple bookings, and give you great customer service, you may want to leave a tip.
SHUTTLE TO THE AIRPORT
If you use this service, you can tip one Euro to the driver if they help you with your bags. It’s not expected though, so don’t feel obligated.
SPA TECHNICIAN
Visiting a spa in Italy is a great way to spend an afternoon. While tips are not required or expected, a ten Euro gratuity is appreciated. Only tip if you found the service to be exceptional.
HOTEL HOUSEKEEPERS
If you would like to tip your housekeeper, anywhere between .75 and 1.25 Euros per day is plenty.
TOUR GUIDES
While not expected, a tip is greatly appreciated by tour guides. People will usually tip five Euro for a half day tour and ten Euros for a full day tour.
Overall, tipping in Italy is not necessary or expected. But, if you would like to show your appreciation for the locals, small tips are certainly welcomed and won’t cause anyone to be insulted. Now that you have your tipping guide for Italy you can focus on planning the rest of your trip.
