Tipping in Italy is generally not as common or expected as it is in some other countries, such as the United States. However, it is always appreciated when given for exceptional service. Understanding the tipping etiquette in Italy can help you navigate your travel experience smoothly.
In Italian restaurants, a service charge, known as "coperto," is often added to the bill, especially in tourist areas. This charge typically covers bread and table settings, and it varies from place to place. Because of this, tipping is not obligatory, but it is common to leave a small amount if the service was good. Rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros (about 5-10% of the total bill) is a nice gesture.
When you order a coffee or drink at a bar or café, tipping is not necessary, especially if you stand at the counter. However, if you sit at a table and receive table service, it’s polite to leave some small change (like 50 cents to 1 euro) as a token of appreciation.
Tipping taxi drivers is not obligatory, but rounding up the fare to the nearest euro is common practice. If the driver helps with luggage or provides an excellent service, leaving an extra euro or two is appreciated.
In hotels, tipping is generally not expected, but it’s courteous to tip the bellhop 1-2 euros per bag if they assist with your luggage. Similarly, leaving 1-2 euros per day for the housekeeping staff is a nice gesture, especially for longer stays.
For tour guides, it’s customary to tip around 5-10 euros for a half-day tour or 10-20 euros for a full-day tour, depending on the group size and service quality. For private drivers, tipping 5-10 euros is appropriate, depending on the length of the journey and the level of service.
If you visit a salon or spa, leaving a small tip of about 5-10% of the total bill is appreciated but not mandatory.
Overall, tipping in Italy is more about showing appreciation for good service rather than fulfilling an obligation. A little generosity goes a long way, but don’t feel pressured to tip excessively.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated