Guidelines for Tipping in Italy?

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romeoitaly

The Italians themselves rarely tip but the many tourists visiting Italy have started the trend, so for some services it is expected.

In restaurants check that the service charge isn't already included in the bill, if it is then it's really not common to tip unless the service was remarkable. Being a waitor/waitress in Italy is a proper salaried job and different to some countries where some staff survive almost on the tips.
This Rome Restaurant guide http://www.romanlife-romeitaly.com/rome-restaurants.html will give you a better idea about dining norms and etiquette.

In more upmarket hotels (as per international norms) you are expected to tip the bellboy and room service.

In cafÃ¨s and bars (note: the bars in Italy are more like ice cream shops in English speaking countries) Italian will sometimes leave a few spare coins as a tip.

Some taxi drivers take it for granted that English speaking foreigners are going to tip, it's up to you whether you want to surprise them, otherwise if the driver is friendly enough you can round up the bill to the next Euro or two (depending on the distance).
Remember that in Italy all taxis must have the official markings - a sign on top and the numbers on the side. Do not use taxis without these markings, they are pirates and your chances of paying excessive fees are high.
Also note that in many major cities there are standard taxi rates from the airports to the city centers, in Rome it's 40 Euros from Fiumicino and 30 Euros from Ciampino. You can confirm this at the information points at your point of arrival.

Refer to this page http://www.romanlife-romeitaly.com/facts-about-rome-italy.html for other important facts about Rome and Italy.

Jane

Don't worry about the tipping, in Italy it isn't necessary. I mean, it's at your own discretion; usually waiters adore tourists because they are the only ones who tip, but really, it isn't very common. It's completely different from America...

Megan

Yeah, tipping isn't a common practice in Italy. If my family is eating at a restaurant and we thought the service was great we'll leave a few euros, somewhere between 1 and 4 I guess, no matter how high the bill was. I'm not sure about taxi's and whatnot, but the same probably goes for them too. I've seen tips be rejected before also.

culudruzza a

Hi I am Italian and American e don't worry....
Thy already include in your bill in the form of service and cover charges that can increase the cost of your meal by 20% or more.
I recommend that you only tip when you receive good service :-)
Remember a water-taxi (GONDOLA)in Venice is already so expensive that a 10% tip would be more than a taxi ride would cost in other parts of Italy.
If the fare is 43 you can give 45 and saying " tenga il resto "
(" keep the change " )

Say Ciao from me to Venice (is my city)

Phil S

Do NOT tip. They already give you a service charge.

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