At least once a day, I am asked the question, “What’s the deal with tipping in Italy?” Tipping here requires some adjustment if you are are accustomed to leaving gratuity based on a percentage of the bill. In most cases, Italians leave what I can a “symbolic amount” for tips, often a euro or 2 per person on a restaurant bill, or pocket change at a bar or caffe. Here are some general tipping guidelines:
In a taxi, Italians round up to the nearest .50 cent increment or euro.
For each coffee taken standing up at the bar, they leave 10 cents.
I still have never seen a single Italian tip a bartender for a glass of wine or pint of beer, so I guess don’t tip bartenders.
If you sit down at a caffe for lunch, coffee, or a snack, the price already includes a service charge, so no need to leave extra.
In proper dining settings, tipping becomes a little bit trickier. In all restaurants, and pizzerias you will see the couvert charge (called coperto) on your bill. This is usually around 2 euros per person. Sometimes it is listed as pane (bread). You are not really getting charged for bread; it is the service charge. More and more frequently, restaurants in Rome, Florence, Venice, and especially the Amalfi Coast will add an unscrupulous 10% service charge to the bill on top of the coperto. This makes no sense to me. It is a ridiculous tax applied to foreigners (Italians don’t get it on their bill!). If you see it on the check-its listed as servizio-dont leave an extra eurocent.
Categories: Culture, Restaurants
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When it comes to Italian waiters – they love Americans… especially first time American tourists! I still, after three years, feel guilty not leaving a tip (it’s the American in me), but I’m getting better.
Down here in the South (small towns) many people won’t even accept a tip…. running out the door to give it back to you when they find it – which makes it easy!
September 13th, 2009 at 1:15 amTipping is such an interesting subject – here in Milan, I never tip, except for my hair stylist (and I think I made a mistake by starting that, to be honest). I go to the same bar every morning for coffee and never see anyone leave the change, though when I lived in Rome I did see it happen sometimes. Even taxis in Milan are really scrupulous about giving you back exact change – I’ve even had them round DOWN in my favor once or twice.
I think a town that’s had more tourism (like Rome) slowly begins to change and things become “norm” because of so many tourists tipping, leaving extra, etc. Last time we were in Rome, in a taxi full of all Italians the driver wanted a tip and they told him off!
September 13th, 2009 at 8:20 amI always say, it’s OK to tip; it’s OK not to tip. How’s that for a rule.
For meals, Italians know the drinks, know the food, know what they want and how they want it. Even if they’re demanding, they are fairly clear and low maintenance. I think travelers who need a little (or a lot) more hand-holding during ordering and a meal can tip up to 10% or so without feeling like they’re breaking any rules…and it’s almost expected in larger cities and tourist centers. If there’s a servizio though…nada.
For taxis, no luggage, no tip; if they’re hauling luggage, I am grateful…and tip!
September 14th, 2009 at 1:03 pmWhen traveling in Italy, I always feel “cheap” just leaving a couple of Euros at a restaurant, but I guess it’s just something I have to get used to.
What about at more upscale restaurants, such as Agata e Romeo in Rome? I’m always on the fence at a place like this. On one hand, the bill is obviously a lot more than you would see at a trattoria, so I feel that if tipping is not expected anyway, a few Euros is OK. But on the other hand, the quality of the food and the level of the service is usually so good that I feel tipping a substantial amount is qualified. I am always torn at places like this! Any suggestions?
September 14th, 2009 at 8:13 pmAs an Italian, I can say that the general rule is “no tip”.
But we are also a country full of exception.
For coffee, the tip helps you to have a quick and nicer service.
In restaurants, the tip is up to you and based on your opionion of the received service. I usually leave 1-2 euros.
No tip at all at taxi driver…apart special case, I’m still waiting this special case.
Finally, tip attitude is more friendly in southern Italy. I learn to leave tips here in Rome.
September 20th, 2009 at 4:45 pm