Another tipping question

If you wish to tip, leave it in cash.

Leave the tip in cash on the table.

Gail, everything I have heard is that Europeans, by far, recognize Americans as the best tippers, perhaps in the entire world. This is because of our culture where it is expected, and the cultural value that Americans have that we never, ever want to be wrong, about anything.

So in any tipping situation, as an American, chances are that if you go by your gut then you won't be wrong.

As a personal choice, I tend to not leave tips at all if a place is charging a cover. The cover is their tip. If the owner chooses not to share the cover charge with the staff, that's no my concern. The only exception to this is if there is live entertainment. I know that the entertainment probably gets much of that cover.

Another thing to remember is that the European servers are paid a much better salary than our U.S. folks who rely a lot on the generosity of the patrons. Tips are always appreciated especially when someone has put forth an effort to help you enjoy your meal.

One of the B&B we stayed in is owned by a woman who spoke English perfectly and has lived in several countries including the USA. A guest asked specifically about tipping in Italy. She told us:

Most tour books are wrong. The "service charge" is required BY LAW to be included in your bill, whether it is itemized or included in the listed price. If a staff member says "Service is not included." they are flat out lying. Probably because they know how confused/gullible tourists are. There is also a "Cover" charge that can vary and can be shown as "bread", "table", or "coperti", ranging from 1.00 to 3.00 per person. If you like the svc you may leave some small amount.

The guest that asked the question came back the next day after dining at a place the host recommended. He asked the waiter if the Service was included. The waiter said "No, service is not included." The host's response was "I will have a talk with that man, I know him! He's done that before!" She was quite irritated.

I am a waiter here in Florida and when in Europe I always tip a little extra even if the tip is included. They really appreciate it!!!+

I'm with Mark...If I get great service, I will reward it, even if the gratuity is included.

I've become so used to leaving a gratuity as thanks at home that even when I'm abroad I somehow feel almost guilty walking out without leaving a little something on the table.
My ex and I never agreed on this. I'd leave a grat and he'd scoop it up behind me!

I am a waiter here in Florida and when in Europe I always tip a little extra even if the tip is included. They really appreciate it!

Of course, they do! When people give me money, I appreciate it. That doesn't mean you should do it. Rewarding extra for what you already paid for only encourages mediocrity and a feeling of deserving a bonus which is not earned. On the other hand, an extra tip for extra service is a good idea.
Some extra services:

Refilling drinks without being asked (does not apply in Europe as there is no such thing as a free refill)

Bringing something extra for which there is no charge (say a sample of something you asked about)

Helpful suggestion, Me: "Gee, I'd like X but don't like the Y that goes with it". Him: "How about I bring X and Z instead?"

Cleaning up a spill I caused with minimal fuss and embarrassment. Replacing item I spilled without cost.

Extra friendly and concerned. Noticing when an item was uneaten and asking if there was something wrong.

I'm not real big on tipping; the 15-20% "standard" in the USA is ridiculous unless service is spectacular. I usually tip some in hotel rooms and restaurants/cafes. To be sure the tip goes where you want it to go, hand it to the person rather than leaving it in the room or on the table.