We're taking a taxi, scheduled by the B&B, from the airport to the city. The cost is 70 Euros, for 6 people and some suitcases. I know I need to pay in cash. Should I also pay a tip? If so, how much?
I asked the B&B owner, and she said, "It's up to you."
TIA,
It truly is up to you. Italians do not tip. In this situation, if the driver is especially helpful and the ride pleasant, we might slip him €5.00-10.00. It will be unexpected but much appreciated. If you do not choose to tip, you will not be thought less of.
I used Rome Cabs to get to our Trastavere apartment. There were 4 of us plus bags. The driver was very friendly and helpful with luggage. I tipped him 5 euros on a 55 euro fare.
10 € would be a lot of money, if you really want you can round up the 48 € fixed fare giving him a 50 € note.
Do not tip a driver that blatantly expects you to tip because you are an English speaking tourist, that's not fair! They always give the exact change to Italians without Italians having to ask for it.
I hate those double standards, on the long run they create tourist traps.
I usually tip 1€ a bag and the driver is always appreciative and I will usually say "Thank you so much for helping us with our bags" so he knows he was appreciated and what the tip was for. I do not tip for a simple taxi ride from point A to B.
€70 from the airport to within the Aurelian walls, even for 6 people, sounds high to me. Are extra passengers €11.00 each now? The normal flat fee to within the Aurelian Walls is €48.
The B&B owner set it up for me. I've stayed there 3 times, and we really like each other. I'm guessing that a bigger vehicle is needed for 6 people and bags.
Thanks for the suggestion of either 5 or none. I'll be getting Euros in the airport to pay.
Nigel I suspect the reason for 70 Euro is that it is for a large group and a pre-arranged pick-up. The driver will probably meet them outside of Customs. We frequently did this for ourselves and guests. For a sedan and up to 3 people it was 55 Euro but for an SUV or Van and 4 or more people, it was 75 Euro. Private car + 6 people + pre-arranged = more Euro. I'd say 70 to get 6 people into town is fair as they'd need two standard cabs which would cost 96 Euro.
Be careful of being ripped off - they got me when they hit the meter and all of a sudden the fare doubled (jet lag stupidity on my part). If you think you are being scammed go in to the hotel's main desk and tell the hotel personnel. They know what it should cost and hate when their guests get ripped off.
