Tipping in Italy
To tip or not to tip? Decoding the impossible task of tipping in Italy.
Why is this topic so debated? Why are people so confused? Let's see if we can solve this cloud of confusion once and for all.
Generally speaking, leaving a tip in Italy is not expected, as it would be in the U.S.
God forbid you forget to leave a 15%-20% tip (more like 20% nowadays...must be inflation...) for the waiter who checked on you 33 times during the 40-minute lunch with your coworker, and you'll be chased out into the parking lot with a similar ruffled attitude as if your spouse was questioning you as to why you left him hanging at the altar. Anyway, in Italy leaving a gratuity is simply a sign of gratitude, an implied "thank you for your service, we really enjoyed it". Do they expect it? No. Do they appreciate it? Yes. Is it common courtesy? Si, si, and si!
Still, a lot of guidebooks are confusing (and often inaccurate) in explaining when to tip and how much. Hopefully the information below will provide some clarity on this subject.
Restaurants: Yes, is it true that a waiter in Italy isn’t the underpaid part-time employee you might expect a waiter to be making a tip the difference between paying their rent or living under a bridge, as it often seems in the U.S. BUT truly, how much more is their monthly salary compared to what an American waiter makes on tips? Answer: not much. The average monthly salary of an Italian waiter is about 900 euros (about $1,350 US). Is that more than minimum wage in the US? Yes, but not a whole lot more.
Therefore, it is recommended that you leave about 10% of the total bill in cash on the table. This is indicative, you could just leave 1-2 euros per person and they'll be happy. You won't be able to pay your tip on your credit card slip (if you pay with plastic) because there is no space for it. The only way is to leave it on the table or give it to your server. In the unfortunate instance you see “Servizio” (service charge) on your bill, you must know that this is not a tip, as much as it looks like one. I personally don’t like when restaurants do this because it’s very deceiving and makes people think the tip is included. The "service charge" helps the owner pay for the salaries, but the amount actually does not go to the waiter.
Restaurants also charge a “Coperto” which is usually 1-2 Euros per person, added to the bill. This last charge is to cover the expenses of bread, condiments, silverware, etc. but once again, not a tip for the server.
Bars & Cafe’s: Not necessary to tip if you’re not sitting and being served. Most of the time, Italians will enjoy their drink or coffee standing at the counter, because often times the facility will charge more for table service. So, if you choose to sit, some change or 1-2 Euros will be sufficient as a tip.
Bell-boy (if applicable): Usually 1 Euro per suitcase that he’s carrying or lifting to your room.
Hotel Concierge: Not necessary, unless you really like the person and they went out of their way to help you.
Hotel Cleaning Lady: It is recommended that before you check out, you leave 1 Euro for each day of your stay on a side table in your room.
Taxi driver: A tip is not necessary, however, if you want to give some small change (1 or 2 Euros) it will be appreciated. They will charge you extra for each piece of luggage anyway.
Tour guide: 1-2 Euros per person will be appreciated by the local guide if you enjoyed their service.
Private driver: If you're on a tour or hire a private driver for a few days, it is courteous to give them between 5-10 Euros per day of service. Some people don't realize what a high-stress job this is.
Valet Parking: Since when is there valet parking in Italy???
For everyone: Never tip people in anything other than money. Couldn't finish the 8th bottle of wine last night? Were you too stuffed to eat all the pizza? Throw them out.
Finally: Don't just tip "to tip". I mean, if you're asking for directions and someone is kind enough to help you out, you shouldn't hand them 2 euros just because you feel "generous". This may actually insult their dignity by putting a monetary figure on a gesture of kindness that should really be considered priceless.
Note: See the suggested amounts listed above as "per person".
Are you trying to plan a trip to Italy on your own and are feeling a little overwhelmed? We can help!
Whether you're just starting out and gathering ideas, or you have your itinerary already set and want someone to review it to make sure everything goes smoothly, Nada Vergili can provide some expert assistance. By setting up a phone or in-person (in the Charlotte, NC area) consultation you will have all your questions answered, a finalized itinerary, a ton of resources, insider info, and most importantly, peace of mind.
Email us: info@nadasitaly.com
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