Tipping is often a difficult subject since it is so dependant on varied levels of service. In Italy, even more so, since not everyone tips, and not everyone expects tips. Additionally, you will hear many opinions about tipping, so here is a general guide from my personal experience over the years:

Porters/Bell-Hops, Others carrying your bags

Base this on how helpful they were, and how complex their job was. In a hotel where they simply wheel your bags to your room, €1 to €2 per bag is quite generous. If they are having to lug your bags upstairs, or uphill, €4 to €5 per bag is more appropriate.

Drivers / Taxis

If you have an hourly or daily driver, even though tips are sometimes said to be included in the bill, it is usually very little. 10% of the bill would usually be appropriate. If the driver really went way out of their way to help you, a larger tip would certainly be appreciated. With Taxis, €1 or €2 is usually quite generous if the driver was pleasant.

Restaurants

Tipping in restaurants in not expected in Italy as it is in much of the world. All Italian restaurants have a cover charge (called Pane e coperto). Still little, if any of this goes to the waiters. If you want to be generous, 5% to 10% of your bill will always be very well received.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/Hide comment form