It’s always controversial: should you leave tips in Italy? The general answer is no, you don’t need to tip in Italy. Of course most workers will not refuse a tip (a few will), but since I’ve read so many wrong guides about how to tip in Italy, let’s make it clear once and for all.
We’ll try to answer the most common questions about tipping in Italy and how to tip in Italy if you really want to, so you can feel more comfortable while travelling here!
As we already said, tips are not mandatory. Give tips only if you feel that the service was fantastic (and still, it’s not mandatory). They’re appreciated, but please consider that every worker in restaurants, hotels, bars, etc… has a regular fixed salary which is completely unrelated to tips and don’t rely on tips.
Tips are ok for waiters, bartenders, hotel workers, taxi drivers, tourist guides, but it’s considered rude in other industries. You don’t tip a plumber, a postman, a nurse or a chef in a restaurant, for example.
Ok, even if it’s not customary (Italians never tip) you can leave a little tip to your waiter, always in cash, even if you paid for the meal with a credit card. Give the tip directly to the waiter. As a general rule of thumb a 3 to 5€ tip is ok.
No, you can’t. In the United States I’ve seen credit cards terminals having a way to tip for your check, there’s nothing in Italy like that. If you want to tip, always use cash. A few coins will be enough.
Coperto in Italy is the service tax: it may vary from 1.00€ to 5.00€ it should be clearly detailed on the menu. Some restaurants don’t apply it. If it’s more than 10€ and the restaurant is not a luxury one… Go away 🙂
Also on taxis tips are not mandatory, you can round your ride to the nearest 5 euros (e.g. 17.75€ to 20€) if you find it easier for you, or just pay with a credit card, if the taxi allows it.
It’s not common to tip in a bar, but in some bars there’s a tipping jar. If you leave some coins in it the money will be shared between all the bar workers at the end of the day/week. If you want to tip the barista, leave a coin on the counter, next to your receipt. He will gladly take it.
Again, it’s not expected. When leaving your room, if you find the room was well cleaned and the service ok, leave a thank you note with a 5€ banknote next to your bed. The room cleaners will appreciated, but let me state it clearly once again: tipping in Italy is not mandatory.
That’s really sketchy, but it can happen to foreign tourists in touristic areas. As we said throughout the guide on how to tip in Italy, tips are not mandatory. Feel free to not tip and leave as soon as possible after you’ve paid for what you purchased/eat.
The only exception that comes to my mind are bellhops in hotels. If a bellhop transport your luggage, it is customary to tip a maximum of 5€ if you have many bags, but not more than that.
I hope it’s clear now. How to tip in Italy? You don’t if you don’t feel like it. As simple as that. I know it can hard if you’re coming from countries where tipping is common (or almost mandatory like the United States), but don’t worry, you won’t look rude or else. It’s just the way it is!
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