Tipping in Italy: a guide.

Doubts about tipping in Italy are common among my guests. There’s a lot of uninformed information on the net, that’s being peddled as expert, and all too often these “experts” are just parotting what they’ve heard elsewhere. I’ve not found a single video or comment about tipping in Italy from the service providers point of view, and with this article, I intend to do just that. No I’m not a waiter, but I’ve been taking guests to restaurants for seventeen years, and I think I know a thing or two. For example; I’ve heard so many “experts” state waiters get a good salary and holiday pay. What the never state is how much that is, and if they actually get what they should be getting.

If you want a quick answer here it is: Tipping in Italy isn’t automatic, and there’s no “moral obligation” as there may be in the US. No one will be offended if you don’t, so if you prefer not to tip, that’s OK.

However, it’s very much appreciated if you do: read on to find out why and how much.

A few internet mistakes

The Internet is an infinite source of information, and the more a certain piece of information is repeated, the more we consider it an absolute truth. However it’s almost impossible to know if we’re reading facts, or the opinion of the writer. An article can be written with errors (even in good faith), then other writers will read and repeat that concept.

This being the internet means the concept will then multiply exponentially. Consequently I’d like to debunk some of the internet myths on the subject.

You could well ask if these are facts or just another (my) opinion? Well, I’ve been taking my guests to lunch in restaurants for the last seventeen years. That means approx. one hundred visits a year, and around 17oo in seventeen years. It goes without saying that I’ve worked with and made friends with many service staff over the years. So…forgive me the lack of modesty, but yes, I think I know a thing or two.

Here are the most common internet mistakes regarding tipping in Italy.

1. Waiters are well paid & receive holiday and sick pay.
2. Italians never tip.
3. Italians are offended by tips.
4. Tipping a private driver in Italy isn’t necessary. They’re expensive anyway.

Waiters are well paid

I’ve read articles that waiters (and many other workers in the tourist industry) are well paid with many benefits. This one really bothers me even though I’m not a waiter or hotel worker. It’s the perfect example of how we should be careful about everything we read on the net. Anyone writing this, obviously has no knowledge of how work is regulated (and not regulated in Italy).

Career waiters Vs temporary staff

There are a small number of career waiters, some of which are academically trained, who do in fact get a decent salary. They also get benefits such as sick pay, holiday leave, and pension contributions. This is the personnel you usually find in upscale establishments.

However, a large number of service staff and especially if they are young, have much a much lesser deal. Some are on a temporary contract which lasts 12 months or in tourist areas about eight months, after which they’re generally laid off. During said period they mature one and a half days paid holiday, and the hourly net rate is around €8,50. Then there are those (many) who don’t have a contract. It’s illegal, but there are thousands of them. The hourly rate is still around €8.50 but there are no other benefits. Given the cost of living in the US and Italy are similar, do you really think either of these last two categories will be offended if you leave a tip?

How much should I tip?

In the case of continued service involving waiters, I’d say 10% or a little more if you feel you had particularly good service. For hotel staff and other service providers, tip as you would back home. If you don’t want to leave a tip, no problem, but don’t leave a coin which indeed would be offensive. It’s better to leave nothing. As I said earlier, “no one will get offended if you don’t tip, but it’s very much appreciated if you do.”

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. Again, if you feel you had particularly good service you can leave something extra, or nothing at all.

Never tip if the service is poor or rude. It happens all too often and if it does, it’s not because they don’t like you. It’s because some Italians are just plain rude.

Coperto & Servizio charges in restaurants

Restaurants add an extra to the bill called “COPERTO” which is a seating & bread charge. It is not a tip. It’s a common practice throughout Italy, and it’s applied to all customers not just tourists. The sum goes to the ownership, not the staff. So, If you decide to leave a tip, make sure it goes to the waiter. Leave it on the table in cash!

To a lesser extent you could find the word “SERVIZIO.” This is in fact a mandatory gratuity, so obviously no tip here.

Generally we don’t tip common everyday services like a quick coffee or short taxi ride. However you may find a container for coins in cafe’s where you can leave small change (the 1,2,& 5 cents are of no use anyway). You can round up the sum up and leave a euro or two for other quick services if you feel inclined.

Italians never tip

Yes they do, it’s not true that Italians never tip. We tip less often, it isn’t automatic, but we do tip. It all depends on the type of service. Generally we don’t tip common everyday services like a quick coffee etc. But for continued service involving hours or days (hotel staff, waiters, drivers), we generally do. The amount depends on how we assess the service and to some extent our own income. A blue collar worker may never leave a tip, while someone on a higher income may. Of course it’s a personal matter. Also keep in mind that salaries are lower in Italy than in the States, hence we have less money to give away. When I read that Italians never tip, and silly Americans tip too much, I know it’s written by someone who’s not aware of this difference.

Italians are offended by tips

No we’re not!

Tipping a private driver in Italy

Some say that tipping guides and private drivers isn’t necessary because their services are expensive. Ha! This is where I come in. Yes they are expensive because it’s seasonal work. The season for private Tuscany wine tours lasts about eight months. However the Italian state doesn’t give us a discount on tax, or our health and social security contributions. There’s a minimum to pay regardless of our income, and regardless of whether we make a profit or not. Our vehicles have to be paid for all year round, as do all other services like accountants, website etc. Not to mention we have the most expensive gas prices in Europe. A gallon in Italy costs three times what it costs in the States.

Having stated the above, I will always give the best service possible regardless of whether I receive a tip or not.  I respect my client’s decision, and I’m just happy they’ve chosen my services. I have many repeat customers who didn’t tip and they continue to come back,  so I presume this confirms my last statement.

For more info on Etiquette in Italy visit my FAQ page here.