If someone is needing wheelchair assistance when arriving in FCO, is it proper to tip them? If so, is it ok to use US dollars, as the party in question will not has Euros on them upon first arriving. Thank you.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6976 posts
Tipping not required or expected for any service in Italy but please do not tip in US dollars. The assistant will have no use for them
Would you tip someone in NYC with euros?
Posted by
Los Angeles
4734 posts
However, people working in the tourist trade are used to funny money and can change it.
My rule in life is, if someone helps you you at least thank them and reward as possible
Posted by
OP
15 posts
Well now I don't know what to do. I have answers on both sides, and both are valid points. Hopefully I will get a 3rd opinion.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15810 posts
Here is the 3rd opinion. Assistance for the disabled at Italian (European) airports is mandatory and must be free by law (EU regulation 1107/2006). I am not even sure those airport workers can even accept tips (in Italy they are not employees of the airlines but are employed by the company managing the airport).
Italians wouldn’t leave a tip in those circumstances, and you are free to leave them whatever you want, even in Rupees, however be ready for the possibility that those workers may respectfully decline your offer, since their employer (ADR=Aeroporti di Roma Inc.) may have stipulated that they cannot accept tips. When my wife needed assistance years ago (she had a broken leg and needed a wheelchair) she left no tips at the Italian and the German airports where we went through, and nobody expected them or complained.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
6976 posts
Our expert on all things Italian has spoken
Posted by
OP
15 posts
Roberto sounds like the real deal, for sure. Thanks to everyone.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4734 posts
So now we know
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
741 posts
Just returned from Italy where my dad used wheelchair assistance. At the airport in Rome. One assistant from curb to security and then a second from security to gate. Dad upset he didn't have euros for both. First guy very gracious and reassured dad not to worry. Second guy graciously and discretely accepted the tip..
In Amsterdam the assistant refused the tip saying they were not allowed. Just our experience.
Posted by
seattle
2085 posts
Over the years I have used wheelchair assist in Italian and other EU countries without tipping. It has been intersecting to see how the assistance programs have expanded over the years. The assistance is over neede to find the elevators in airports.