Is it rude to tip in Italy?
If you ask locals “do you tip in Italy?”, they'll explain that while they sometimes leave a small tip, it's generally not necessary. In Italy, a tip (or una mancia, pronounced oo-nah MAN-chah)—whether given to restaurant servers or hotel employees—is considered a bonus for exceptional service.
Tips of 15 percent to 20 percent, while standard in U.S. restaurants, are just unheard of in Italy. And remember, for really lousy or indifferent service, you should leave niente (nothing).
There is no strict rule about tipping in Italy. Leaving a tip is a courteous gesture that shows the person who provided a service to you, that you appreciated their help. As such, leaving a tip is entirely up to you and, in many cases, it will not be expected, albeit appreciated.
First off, tipping in Italy is neither mandatory nor expected, but if you do decide to do so, the gesture is a very clear indicator that you appreciated the service provided.
At table-service restaurants, the tipping etiquette and procedure vary slightly from country to country. But in general, European servers are well paid, and tips are considered a small "bonus" — to reward great service or for simplicity in rounding the total bill to a convenient number.
Tips are not expected in restaurants in Italy. Let us repeat that to let it sink in: tips are not expected in restaurants. However, a service charge is sometimes added, in a way that can often cause confusion for visitors.
It is not common to tip taxi drivers in Italy, but if you wish to tip your extra nice driver he/she really won't mind. For a great service it is easy to round up the taxi fee to the nearest 10 or 5, and offer a small tip for your taxi service.
And please, do not burp or fart in public, it is considered extremely rude. Also, loud swearing and drinking alcohol from a bottle while walking the street, is frowned upon. Most Italians like some alcohol, but usually avoid to get drunk. Public scenes of drunkenness are much less tolerated than in other countries.
We asked Italian friends about the frequent absence of toilet seats, and they helped to fill in the blanks. Apparently, the toilet seats are there originally but, then, they break. The seats break because people stand on them. People stand on them because they are not kept clean enough to sit on.
Feel free to reward exceptional service with a tip of a few Euros if the servizio isn't already included (more on that below). At higher-end restaurants, a tip for great service can be closer to 10% of the bill. Remember, you should never feel obligated to leave a tip (out of habit or guilt).
Can you drink the tap water in Italy?
The short answer is yes. Drinking water from the tap in Italy is considered safe. Tap water in the major cities and towns around Italy is safe for consumption, and there are thousands of old-style water fountains dotted around cities, like Rome, where you can fill up water bottles.
Tipping a private driver in Italy depends on the quality of the service and the amount of time involved. If it's a short drive to the hotel, than tip like you would a taxi. If it's a full day's tour where you driver is also a guide, then 10% is good. Never tip if the service is poor or rude.
Japan. Of all the world's most popular tourist destinations, Japan is most notoriously the one where you should make a point not to tip. Why? Well, the gesture could be considered rude.
- China. Typically, nobody tips in China. ...
- French Polynesia. Tipping in French Polynesia is not mandatory or expected. ...
- Japan. ...
- Korea. ...
- Hong Kong. ...
- Switzerland. ...
- Australia. ...
- Belgium.
- Japan:
- China.
- South Korea. Tips are not expected in these countries:
- Malaysia.
- Vietnam.
- New Zealand:
- Australia:
- Thailand.
Tipping at hotels in Italy is not required but it will be appreciated. You can tip the porter, usually no more than 5 Euros. You can leave the concierge 1 or 2 Euros if he provides good service. You can leave the housekeeper between 0.75 and 1.50 Euros per day.
In general, tipping taxi drivers in Rome is not necessary however, it is becoming more and more common to round up your bill, especially if it makes change easier. This is entirely discretional, not expected and usually only done if the driver was especially helpful or pleasant.
“Il conto per favore.” That's how you ask for the bill in Italian.
While tips are (almost) always appreciated, leaving 18-25% after the fact would be far too much. In Italy, the tax is built into the relevant prices that you see advertised. If something costs 25 euro, then you will pay exactly 25 euro for it.
WHO TO TIP | HOW MUCH TO TIP | HOW TO LEAVE TIP |
---|---|---|
housekeeper | €1/day | Leave € on nightstand daily or at end of stay |
bartender (aperitivo) | Round up to nearest € | Tell bartender to keep change |
massage therapist | 10%* | Leave € with cashier |
hairdresser | 10%* | Leave € with cashier |
Do you tip in hotels in Italy?
Tipping at hotels in Italy is not required but it will be appreciated. You can tip the porter, usually no more than 5 Euros. You can leave the concierge 1 or 2 Euros if he provides good service. You can leave the housekeeper between 0.75 and 1.50 Euros per day.