In Italy, waiters and other workers in the hospitality industry do not depend on customers’ tips. Tipping is not required, but always appreciated. This is what Italians do.
Tipping in Restaurants in Italy
In most restaurants and pizzerias you will find somewhere on the menu an entry called “coperto” (cover charge) or “service.” This is a small, fixed per-person fee that is meant to cover the cost of for the use of the table, tableware, and sometimes bread. This is automatically added to your bill and is not optional.
Besides paying for the cover charge in your bill, you may want to leave a tip to your server. This will not appear on your bill and is usually given in cash, directly to the waiter, or simply left on the table.
How much should you tip? As a rule of thumb, 5-10% of the bill is considered a good tip. That said, use your judgement, too. If you feel the service you received was exceptionally good and should be rewarded, go with that.
Tipping in Cafés and Bars in Italy
When you have your drink at the counter, a tip is not expected. But if you sit at a table, you will be charged extra for service. This is not a thing you can opt out. In some places they have two sets of prices on the menu—one with service, and the other without. Of course, you may want to leave a few coins (or more) on the counter or on your table, if you feel like.
Sidenote: Many cafés and bars do have tables, but no table service. If you sit and wait, no one will come to take your order. So, what should you do? Just look at the other customers and do as they do.
Tipping Hotel Staff in Italy
It is common to tip hotel staff In Italy when you have some interaction or they provide services to customers. For example, if a porter or a bellhop assists with your luggage to and from a taxi and your hotel room, it is customary to tip a few euros. For housekeeping, consider leaving a few euros for each night of your stay. If you’ve been impressed with the level of service and received extras, it’s worth tipping a little more.
Tipping in Other Occasions
Taxi drivers: they appreciate or even expect a small tip on top of their fare, and you may agree to that when they are especially helpful.
Official tour guides: usually their compensation is already included in your ticket, but you may want to express your appreciation by adding a few euros as a tip.
In general, it is a good habit to carry discreetly a small supply of cash to use for tips in everyday situations when traveling thought Italy. If you are happy with any service provided to you and, in your judgment, it is very good, you will know how to reward it.
