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Tipping and Etiquette in Italy
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The first important point to know about tipping in Italy is that Italians don't generally leave tips. As a result, Americans, who are used to tipping, can often leave outrageously large tips. The balance for travelers can be to tip to show your appreciation but not so much that you upset the local tipping ecosystem. Here are some guidelines you can follow:
Tipping Taxi Drivers
The Italian custom isn't to tip a taxi driver unless they've provided some extraordinary service. Italians don't consider handling your luggage an extraordinary service since the cost of your ride will already include an extra charge for large bags. However, many locals will leave the driver with the change, meaning if the ride cost 14.45 euro, they'll give the driver 15 euro and not wait for change.
If you do want to leave your driver a tip, taking this approach of not waiting for your change is a good way to go.
Tipping at Hotels
Hotels, by definition, are catering to visitors. Thus, hotel tipping etiquette is rather standard as what you would find in most full service hotels. It's customary to leave a few euros for the chambermaid. If the concierge has been particularly helpful, it would certainly be proper to provide a tip in the 20 euro range. If you do have a lot of luggage or heavy luggage, tipping the hotel porters a euro per large bag is customary.
Tipping at Restaurants
The first rule of thumb for restaurant tipping is logical: The more formal the service, the more likely a tip is expected. The second critical rule: Read your bill carefully. Many restaurants will already include additional charges, beside the food, on your bill.
For example, restaurants in the major cities will often include a "servizio" of 10-15 percent on your bill. If you see this, you're already paying for service and no more is needed. If not and you've had great service, you can leave a tip of 10-15 percent.
You might also see a line item on your bill that says "pane e coperto" or just "coperto." Technically, this few euro charge is to cover the cost of the bread and tableware, although in some places it may go to the server. If you're already paying a "coperto," but still want to leave a tip you can take the taxi tip approach. Round your bill up to a euro denomination that you can leave without waiting for the change.
If a restaurant is including this type of charge, it must clearly mark it on your bill.
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