Gratuity

This question always elicits differing opinions. My personal opinion is that I don't tip waitstaff other than usually rounding up the bill so I give them 1-2€ and I also don't tip hotel staff unless they have gone above and beyond what is normally expected; taxi and car service drivers I usually give 1-2€ maybe a little more if they have to handle more than one bag (definitely not the 10-15% they expect here in the US); excursions or tours depends - if the tour guides are employees of a company I will leave a tip if I was extremely satisfied, if it's a private hire for the tour or excursion I feel that the tip is included in whatever I am paying for the service and don't normally tip over that, for all-day tours I will usually offer lunch or drinks to the guide/escort as an added tip.

Perhaps most European Tourists do not tip because in countries like Italy they are paid living wage and do not need the tips to survive.

Same as the above poster. Rounding up or adding a few euros.

Tipping is never necessary in Italy, for anyone. If you choose to round up a bill you can but there is no need to "tip" such as we do here in the States. A euro or two for a meal is fine.

Donna

The way to make sure you get a legitimate taxi at a train station is to get one from the taxi queue in front of the station, not from someone who approaches you inside, asking if you want a taxi. Then make sure they turn on the meter when you get in the car.

When many years ago I asked why in America everybody leaves tips to all these various workers (waiters, taxis, barbers, bar tenders, etc.) I was told that is done to all people who provide a service.

I found that puzzling because bank employees, lawyers, dentists, physicians, mail carriers etc. also provide a service. Do you people tip your dentist when you get a root canal or your do you tip the mail carrier when s/he delivers the mail?

Roberto, I get your point. The one exception is the mail carrier. A lot of people in the US do give their mail carrier a gift at Christmastime.

Michael.
I've used my dentist so much lately and he was so good that I feel obliged to bring him a live chicken when I go back for my exam.

I've asked waiters over there about this, and as I keep hearing, they get paid above minimum wage, get free health care and education, and 4-5 weeks paid vacation a year. I guess they don't have to be coerced into providing good service in hopes of a treat.

Roberto, about taking a chicken to your dentist, would that be a pullet? (^_^)