By Joanna Nobile
Founder, Breathe Tuscany · 7 min read
Italian Tipping Culture
Tipping culture in Italy is quite different from many other countries, largely because service staff are paid a living wage by their employers. Tips aren’t required or expected, but a little something for excellent service is always appreciated, and it doesn’t need to be a large amount.
Let’s break when to tip or not to tip in italy down by service.
RESTAURANTS
Coperto
Means a cover charge to sit at the table, typically €1 to €4 and often included in the bill, especially in tourist areas. This is not a tip, so you can still leave one even if a coperto is charged if you wish to for a great service.
Servizio
A service charge, essentially a built-in tip, usually 15-20% of the bill. If servizio appears on your bill, there’s no need to leave anything extra. If service was exceptional and servizio isn’t included, leaving a few euros is a nice gesture.
For a more detailed breakdown of these charges, this guide to tipping in Italy is a helpful reference.
CAFES
Tipping is rare when standing at the bar. If you’re seated at a table, rounding up the bill or leaving small change for good service is common.
DRIVERS
Tipping taxi or private drivers drivers isn’t customary, though rounding up the fare or leaving a small amount for good service is appreciated.
PRIVATE CHEFS
A 10% tip on the total food bill, given in cash at the end of the evening, is a nice gesture, though not required.
SPA SERVICES
A 10% tip for exceptional service is appropriate, though not required.
HOTEL AND VILLA SERVICES
Housekeeping staff may appreciate a small daily tip, around €1 per person per day, left each day to help ensure consistent service, though this isn’t a strong expectation.
Tipping a hotel porter isn’t required but is welcomed, typically €1 per bag or €5 total.
TOUR GUIDES
For paid tours, tipping isn’t expected but is very much appreciated, commonly around €2 per person for a half-day tour, or €5 per person for a full-day tour.
RETREATS
Retreats are a slightly different setting when it comes to tipping, since so much is bundled together, meals, housekeeping, wellness sessions, and hosting often provided by the same small team throughout your stay.
As a general rule, tipping at a retreat is never expected, but it’s always appreciated if someone has gone out of their way to make your experience special.
The bottom line
At the end of the day, tipping in Italy comes down to your genuine appreciation, it is not an obligation. Keep a little cash on hand, to use for tips. Tip thoughtfully when it’s earned, and you really can’t go wrong.
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Sources
You Mostly Shouldn’t, and When You Should : Migaku
Guide to Tipping in Italy : Roaming Historian
Tipping 101: When to Tip in Italy and How Much Money to Leave : Afar