Is tipping in Italy required? The short answer is no. By and large, Italy does not have the same culture of requisite tipping that the United States does. But if you’re heading to the Italian peninsula, whether to the bustling metropolis of Milan, the historic streets of Rome, or the romantic canals of Venice, there are a few instances you should know about where tipping is certainly appreciated.
To get the expert advice on tipping in Italy, I spoke to two of Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Travel Specialists: Marcello Giancoli, co-founder and managing partner of Rome-based firm Benarrivati; and Elena Borrero, a travel advisor at SmartFlyer who specializes in trips to Italy. Tipping in Italy is more of a nice bonus than an expectation and a way to express gratitude for outstanding, memorable service, says Borrero. This is the case for much of Europe, though the tides are changing somewhat.
“Tipping was traditionally regarded as ‘un-Italian’ in Italy, where service employees are paid a regular salary and non-service charges (like coperto and servizio) are supposed to cover everything,” Giancoli says. However, increased tourism in Italy has impacted the country’s tipping culture, thanks to Americans unwittingly importing the behavior and etiquette overseas. “Even Italians now leave a few euros to express gratitude, especially at well-known locations,” he says. “Employees at establishments that regularly host foreign visitors frequently expect tips and might be shocked if you don’t leave one.”
That said, the universal truth applies in Italy too: Those who tip are more likely to be remembered by an establishment’s staff, and that expression of gratitude may influence the quality of service you get on a return visit. Furthermore, Giancoli adds, “tips have grown to be a modest but welcome addition to wages, which have remained mostly unchanged in Italy over the past 20 years.”
Here’s our guide on how to tip in Italy:
Do you tip at hotels in Italy?
When you stay at hotels in Italy, tipping is not required, but it is appropriate if you wish to express your gratitude to the staff for good service, says Borrero: “For housekeeping, I usually leave around €2–5 per day; for porters, €2–5 per bag.”
Do you tip at restaurants in Italy?
In Italy, restaurants usually add a service charge to the bill, so tipping isn’t expected. You’ll see it clearly listed at the bottom of the receipt. If it’s not included, leaving a 10% tip is common, Borrero says. “If the service charge is already added and you had an amazing meal, rounding up to the nearest €10 is a nice way to show appreciation.” Giancoli says that a tip of €5 to €10 per diner is appreciated in upscale or gourmet restaurants. “Or you can leave 5–10% of the bill in large groups if you really liked the food and the service.”
Do you tip at bars and cafés in Italy?
Tipping in bars and cafés in Italy is not customary but always appreciated. Giancoli breaks it down by scenario: “If you’re standing at the counter, leave small change. If you’re seated and offered table service, leave €2 or €3.”
