We are frequently asked how much clients should tip in Italy and they are surprised and sometimes a little sceptical to discover that tipping is not compulsory here and it is certainly not a percentage of the bill!
Tipping is a little something extra, to thank someone who has given you great service. Make sure it is always in cash, so you are sure it is going to the person you want it to, but remember that tipping is not considered part of the salary in Europe, and a few euros can go a long way.
RESTAURANTS
In restaurants you’ll see that cover charges have already been added at the bill (this may be disguised as servizio, coperto or pane – the bread that appeared on the table even though you didn’t ask for it!), so you are under no obligation to tip. Of course, this is going to the restaurant-owner and you may want to leave something for the waiter if service was exceptional, but think €1-2 per person as a small ‘thank-you’, not a percentage of the total. If you do want to tip, make sure to do it in cash so you are sure it goes to the server.
BARS
In a bar or a taxi, you could round up to the nearest euro or leave the change. Be aware that most bars, especially in tourist areas, have 2 price lists, one if you drink your coffee standing at the bar and the other if you sit down at a table. A coffee that is €1 at the bar, will probably cost €2.50 at the table. If you can see a monument from the table, expect the increase to be much higher. So you are already paying through the nose for your coffee, do you really want to tip on top of that?
HOTELS
Tipping hotel porters is the norm, but it would be strange to give them more than €5. For cleaners, €5-10 if you are staying 3 nights or more, but just for a night it isn’t necessary.
PRIVATE GUIDES AND DRIVERS
You might want to leave a tip after a wonderful tour or give something to a private driver as an expression of your appreciation for great service. It wouldn’t be unusual to offer them €20-30, depending on the size of your group, but again it is at your discretion.
Think of tipping as your privilege as a consumer. If you have received exceptional service, you may want to exercise your right to reward the person who gave that service, on the other hand, if the service is below-standard, it is your right to withhold it.
