Tipping in Italy

Just a euro or two for a cab. You don't have to tip in a restaurant but if you want to leave a few euros. This subject will get you lots of different answers. Just tip what you feel comfortable with but understand that they are paid a living wage and tipping is not done like it is here in the U.S. Most people tip less than 10% and that is considered high.

donna

Our ex-pat guide in Rome told us that one euro per diner at the table was a good thing to do. However, it is, indeed, not mandatory (unless you're in Venice at a canal-side table and they tell you otherwise - I'm being sarcastic here). Many times all waiters work all the tables in a restaurant. If they see a glass that needs filling or an empty bread basket, any of them will pick it up. Any tips left on the table typically go into one tip jar that gets shared at the end of the shift.

Taxi drivers here in Florence always seemed surprised at a tip - even just rounding up the change. We have pretty much stopped tipping at restaurants, and I was life time 20% with many family members in the restaurant trade.

I wouldn't calling it exactly a "living" wage - most people in the industry take home about 1,000 euros a month - but - it is considered a full time job and they do not rely on tips for the bulk of their income here. It is usually very appreciated in restaurants though.

One night at a local place I go to a lot, there was a rather larger party of Italians and the head of the group paid at the register - as he turned to leave, he paused and said something like - oh, for the guys - and left 20 euro in their tip jar (on an over 200 euro check). The Italian wait staff was stunned - and one of them said after the customer left: "Now that is a modern Italian!"

Thank you all. I appreciate the replys to my question. It's always hard to know the right thing to do when tipping in other countries. I want to tip for great service but don't want to offend if tipping is not customary. I appreciate your input and experience.

Jackie

My husband and I were going to take a water taxi in Venice and the Italian front desk clerk of our hotel had called for the taxi pick-up. While we were waiting I asked the hotel clerk about tipping the driver. I'll never forget the look of contempt (toward the taxi drivers) that came over his face or the way his lip curled up a little bit while he said something to the effect of "You tip nothing. Not a single euro. Those guys make so much money every year and should never be tipped."

We followed his advice and the water taxi driver didn't seem the least bit surprised or upset by it.

The only time we didn't leave a tip was when the service charge was included. The charge was usually 12%. When we did tip it was about 10%.

Hmmm...Donna was right, I am getting a lot of different input...which I might add is greatly appreciated. I think I'll hedge and tip smaller or pay it by ear in most cases. Thanks again for all the response. Jackie

I don't tip at restaurants as it is not expected and won't get you any better service anyway, and taxis I just round up to the nearest Euro. However, if luggage is in tow, I tip 1 Euro for each large bag.

I also do not tip at restaurants.

Wow, it kind of goes against the grain not to tip or to tip just a little but it seems I'll be saving some money based on the input I'm receiving. Thanks again to all for taking the time to respond to my question.

It was the second week in Tuscany, that our host came by to check if all was ok. We talked about tipping in Italy,. He said the simple answer is that Italians do not tip. His advice was that if the service/hospitality is really good, then a tip is an option. In restaurants, there is always a cover charge included ...

Note that this thread was last active in August of 2010, 3 1/2 years ago.