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Private Transfer Driver Tip?

Posted by (California) on

Apologies if this has been covered previously but I just cannot find an answer, so here goes...
My wife and I will be traveling to Milan and Lake Como. We have booked a private transfer from Malpensa Airport to our AirBnB in Milan. Later that week we have booked a much longer private transfer from Milan to Bellagio.

Should we tip the drivers and if so, any recommendations on how much?

We will only have a carry-on bag each.
Our thinking is we should at least tip the driver for the Milan to Bellagio as this is a longer excursion.
Thank you

Posted by
16086 posts

We Italians don't tip drivers or taxi drivers.
They are all independent licensees owners of vehicles and license (called NCC license in this case, or Noleggio con Conducente, Hiring with driver). Those licenses are closed, and those who have them are willing to pay a lot of money to purchase one. In other words they are independent entrepreneurs, owners of their own business. They set the price for the service they give you. Tipping them is the equivalent of tipping your dentist or your lawyer. Of course, since they know that in American culture tipping is mandatory, they are not going to complain if you leave extra money. I presume my dentist also wouldn't mind if I left an extra $200 when I go for a check up.

Anyhow. More information in the thread below:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/tipping-private-driver-in-italy

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