“There is no tipping in Italy!” » “Italians never leave tips, only Americans do!” » “The waiter will be offended if you tip!”
Sigh. I am beyond dismayed when I hear travel guides, Italy newbies, and even so-called experts proclaim that there is no tipping in Italy. Firstly, because it's not entirely accurate, and secondly, because the message is usually delivered with a certain smugness – like you're getting away with something by not tipping and you're an idiot if you tip.
I have lived in Italy for 15 years and I have seen the practice of tipping change a lot since then. And honestly, it's still a work in progress. But, like a gondola ride in Venice, this is an Italian hill I will die on. Yes, you should tip here – just differently than how you might tip in the United States. I'm here to unravel some of the mysteries of tipping in Italy and explain to you when you should tip, how much you should tip when you do. , and when tipping is not necessary,
The service sector in Italy
Italian workers in virtually all legitimate work sectors, whether in hotels, restaurants or other industries, receive a fixed monthly salary, with a minimum monthly allowance set by the state – although employers can choose to offer more than the minimum amount required. Restaurant servers earn monthly salaries they can live on and pensions they can eventually retire with. And unlike the United States, they don't rely on tips to make a living. For many, waiting tables is a career – not just something they can do until they find something better. That's why you'll notice so many Italian waiters, especially men well beyond college age, proudly pulling out the chair for you at the same restaurant tables they've been presiding over for decades. This traditional employment model meant that tipping was never a vital part of a server's income, but tipping in Italy is increasingly the norm, and it is certainly appreciated.
How to tip in restaurants
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If you've ever dined at a sit-down restaurant in Italy, you may have noticed a cover charge added to your bill. It will be listed as service, copertoOr shutter and coverthe latter meaning “bread and covering”. This is a small fee, usually between €1 and €3 per person, which almost all restaurants charge. For example, if your group of four is charged a €2 cover charge per person, €8 will be added to the final bill. These cover costs should replaces a tip, but in reality the chances of this reflected on your server are quite low.
So yes, you can and should tip to show your appreciation for good service, but it doesn't have to be the 20% we're used to in the United States. Here are some guidelines:
Servers
- If you are seated and ordering at a table, reward good service with a small tip of around €1 per guest. Sometimes it's easier to just round up a check, such as leaving a total of $40 on a $37 tab.
- If there are a lot of people in your group, you've been there for hours, and you've racked up a big tab, leaving $10-20, depending on the total bill, will delight your server. Plus, there's a good chance they'll remember you and treat you well if you come back, too.
- You don't need to give more than 10% of the total bill, and 5-8% is more the norm.
- If the service is rude, rushed, or indifferent, don't feel obligated to leave a tip.
- Always tip in cash, even if you charge for the meal.
- When in doubt, make sure your server receives the tip by handing them the money, rather than leaving it on the table.
- Remember that in Italy your server will only bring the check when you ask for it. You're not being ignored, you're just not being rushed.
Baristas and bartenders
Except in the most touristy bars, your espresso or cappuccino will probably cost between €1 and €2. If you want to leave some change for the waiter at the coffee bar or put something in the tip jar, even just 10, 20, or 50 cents, that's fine, but it's not expected.
Bartenders or servers who bring rounds of drinks to your table won't expect a tip, but they'll certainly appreciate a euro or two.
Taxi drivers
Taxi drivers don't expect a tip, but it's nice to leave a euro or two if they've been particularly friendly or helped you with your luggage.
Hotel staff
For hospitality employees, tipping guidelines are similar to those in the United States, except in smaller amounts. So you can leave €1 or €2 per night for cleaning, unless you've made a real disaster, there are a lot of things to clean in your room, or you're staying in a five-star hotel, so consider leaving more. I always try to remember to tip each day of my stay, as housekeeping staff can change from day to day.
The bellboys will appreciate €1 per bag, but they may not even wait long enough for you to take out your wallet – so if you feel obligated to tip, have your money ready or ask them to wait. Concierges and doormen won't refuse your tip, but they won't expect it either.
Tour guides
Your tour guide will likely stay for a short time after your tour ends and it is customary to tip them. For a half-day excursion, €5 per person is enough, or €10 for a full day. It also depends on the number of people in your group and the level of commitment and skill of the guide. For a guide who clearly recites a scenario that has long since ceased to interest him, don't feel obligated to leave more than a euro or two.
Conclusion
I'm sure some would argue that tipping in Italy is not only unnecessary, but even wrong, in the sense that it ignores established cultural norms. But decades of growing influxes of tourists, particularly Americans, has has changed the culture, at least when it comes to tipping, and Italians are now more likely to tip than just 10 years ago.
Ultimately, tipping is an act of kindness and appreciation, even though Italian servers may see € signs in their eyes when a table full of Americans arrives. The few euros you leave for your waiter, housekeeper or taxi driver probably won't make or break your vacation budget. It's a nice perk for the person who served you, and a relatively simple and inexpensive way for you to become a better visitor – and Italy certainly needs more of that.
