We're set up for a private tour in Naples & are wondering about tipping protocol. When we made the reservation , they said we were all set & that we would pay the guide in cash at the end of the tour. While I'm not used to carrying around much cash with me (there will be more than 1 of us on the tour), would it work to keep cash in a money belt if I need to access it after the tour or better to keep it in my PacSafe purse & just be extra vigilant? (tour's not super expensive, but still...) Also, what is the tipping protocol on such tours? I don't want to undertip or overtip. Since we'll have driver meeting us at train station, would he also be tipped, in addition to the guide? Help!
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8957 posts
More information would be good, like how long is the tour, how many people, and the cost? One point is that the tip really should depend on how well you liked the tour. If you enjoyed it, felt you got your moneys worth, learned a lot, and were entertained, then tip what you like, perhaps 10 % or more. A tour costing 75-100 euro would deserve at least a 10 euro tip, if everyone was happy with the tour. If the guide was not understandable, rude, boring, or not very knowledgable, then I wouldn't tip anything at all.
Posted by
OP
Minnetonka
39 posts
Total for tour is 512 euros (2 people). Will definitely base any tip on how well we liked guide & his tour. I'm not sure what to do w/tipping the driver (will be meeting us at train station, driving to tour & holding luggage for day, then returning us directly to hotel). Thoughts?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23340 posts
I would tip the driver, perhaps half of what I would do for the tour guide.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Anne, the other issues is if this is a private tour guide who is an independent ,, then I would tip nothing.. if they work for an agency then yes, a tip would be nice, but for 512 euros it wouldn't be much( that IS VERY expensive to me,, thats like 4 nights hotel accomadation!!) And yes, do carry that amount of money carryfully, that is a lot of money( although perhaps not to you! lol)
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
8957 posts
Not sure what the difference is between an independent guide and one that works for an agency would be. Both have to be professional, well studied individuals. Why would someone not tip the independent guide? That said, 512 euro is quite a bit, so this most be a full day tour. If all the driver is doing is picking you up, and holding your luggage, not sure why they should get half the amount as a guide who has been studying for years to learn all the material needed to offer a quality tour. That certainly doesn't sound right. Maybe 5-10 euro, as the drivers job isn't that difficult, and doesn't involve hours of work either, like the tour guide. If you are happy with the tour, then 40-50 euro would be a good tip. You might want to offer to buy lunch or the drinks for your guide too.
Posted by
Malaga, Malaga, Spain
410 posts
I will put forward a dissenting view. To me that is a very expensive tour, but in some respects the cost is irrelevant. Tipping is not a part of the culture in Europe as it is in the US. In Spain, where we live, the locals are quite derogatory about foreigners who tip and think they are rather silly to do so. Of course they will take your money, but it is not expected. But of course you must do what you feel comfortable with - we are Australian, who are (justifiably) famous for not tipping.
Posted by
Columbia, SC
389 posts
I still regret not tipping the guide my friend and I had in St. Petersburg a few years ago. Neither of us had any cash left at the end of the tour, and only later did I realize that she probably depended on tips in order to earn a "living wage" overall.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4408 posts
"(tour's not super expensive, but still...)" $700 is definitely going into my moneybelt! Towards the end of the day/tour, just find a more private place (restroom, etc.) and take it out of your moneybelt (and put it into your purse if necessary). Actually, I've been in the back of many a taxi and simply reached into my moneybelt for money...I'm just stealthy that way ;-)