Tipping in Italy: Handy Guide to the Do’s and Dont’s

Should you be tipping in Italy during your holidays? There are many different situations to explore. And, you know, visiting a new country throws up many, many questions. Some are invigorating and remind us why we set our sights on a particular destination in the first place: Where should I stay? What should I see? Who might I meet?

And some are more practical and emphasize how adrift we can feel when arriving in a new place: How do I ask for directions? How do I use public transport? Do you tip in Italy? How much should I tip? Will it be too little, or too much?

If you’ve ever found yourself deliberating over tipping or service charges in a foreign country, you probably promised to school yourself on the subject before your next adventure. We’re here to help. Let’s talk about the tipping culture in Italy, and the different situations you may face during your holiday.

Tipping in Italy depends on a few different factors that will help you know exactly how to act.

Is tipping in Italy expected or mandatory?

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.

As many of us like to tip—or are, at the very least, accustomed to doing so—it’s worth remembering that different etiquette applies depending on the service provided.

If you keep the following tips—yes, we said it—in mind, you will be covered on your next Italian adventure, and local workers will appreciate your knowledge and understanding.

Tips in Italy are not expected, nor mandatory, but maybe even because of that, they have a greater meaning.

Do restaurants in Italy have cover or service charge?

If you’re enjoying breakfast, lunch or dinner in Italy, and decide to leave a tip, the figure will depend on the terms of your receipt. 

Many restaurants in Italy provide their patrons with bread and olive oil. As a result, patrons will pay what is known as a coperto, or a cover charge. This is a bit different than tipping in Italy, because the coperto goes to the restaurant itself, and not your individual server.

Some bread and olive oil may mean you have to pay for a coperto, or a cover fee.

How do we go about tipping in restaurants in Italy?

If the service you received was good and ultimately enhanced your experience, you would be advised to round your bill up to the nearest ten. In these instances, locals tend to leave this as a cash tip, specifically for their server.

If your receipt stipulates a service charge—servizio incluso—you should not feel obliged to add anything further. Check the menu before you order. If you don’t understand, simply ask if there’s a service charge, so you know what to expect at a restaurant. Restaurants and servers, as well as the menus, should be clear about any and all additional charges you’ll get, beyond of what you order.

Before you calculate the tip at a restaurant in Italy, sit back and enjoy your meal.

Do Italians tip for coffee?

Many locals enjoy quickly drinking coffee at a cafe counter, and are likely to simply round off the price of their beverage after a quick caffeine fix.

So, for example, if your coffee is 1.80 or 1.90 euros, and you paid two Euros, leaving 10 or 20 cent on top of your receipt would be much appreciated. It really is as simple as that, so there’s no need to overthink when you’re having a quick coffee at a cafe counter, or for take away.

Avoid tipping using the “small” coins (€0.01 or €0.02) as it may look It looks like you’re cleaning your wallet instead of genuinely showing appreciation for great service.

Do you tip in Italy when you go to a bar?

Just like in cafes and coffee shops, tipping in bars is not expected in Italy, but leaving change for your server is not uncommon. Many locals tend to simply round off the bill, and leave the remainder for wait staff, if they are satisfied with the service provided.

Remember, tipping in Italy in this instance can depend on how often a local frequents a particular bar and how familiar they are with the wait staff. As a visitor to the country, there is certainly no onus on you to tip per drink, or leave a substantial extra after squaring your tab. If you’re specially satisfied with the service, or you got something on the house, you may feel like tipping extra, and the waiters will appreciate it.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t miss our article on how to drink like an Italian! 

Tipping in Italy is voluntary, and it will make you think about what you enjoyed about the experience you just had.

How about tipping tour guides, taxi drivers and hotel porters?

How much do you tip a tour guide in Italy?

Tipping tour guides can be tricky! Should you? Shouldn’t you? What’s the etiquette? Where do you stand?

In Italy, a good rule of thumb is to consider the duration of your tour. If you spent half a day or less on a tour, you might consider tipping your guide between five and 10 euro. If your experience was close to a day in length, a tip of 10 euro or so would be gratefully received.

But remember, your decision should depend purely on how impressed you were by your guide and the service provided, and you should never feel that you have to tip.

Tipping for a great tour is very much appreciated, but not mandatory.

Do you tip taxi drivers in Italy?

When it comes to tipping taxi drivers in Italy, it’s pretty simple. Most locals simply round up, so if your fare comes to 18 euro, and you leave your taxi driver with 20 euro, that gesture would be very appreciated.

Make sure that you understand how taking a taxi works in Italy, though, as you may find some other relevant differences.

Tipping culture in Italy may be rounding up your fare as a gesture of appreciation.

Should you tip your hotel porter?

What about if you want to tip your hotel porter? No problem. A similar rule of thumb remains: you’re not forced to do it, but it’ll be greatly appreciated.

If you’ve experienced excellent service in your hotel, tipping is welcomed and appreciated. 

If you want to tip your hotel porter or any other hotel staff, you can, but you’re not forced to do so. Photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio

What if I’m in a situation where I don’t know what to do?

If all else fails, and you find yourself in a situation where you’re still unsure as to whether or not to tip, why not let a local lead you with their personal rule of thumb?

The following tipping in Italy rule of thumb came courtesy of one of our Walks of Italy insiders in Rome:

“If the meal is €40 and we pay with a €50 bill, and the waiter gives us a €10 note as change, we won’t leave a €10 tip. So, no tip to the waiter! On the other hand, if the waiter gives back change with two €5 notes, we would consider giving a €5 tip!”

A word to the wise!

Do you tip in Italy? If it’d make you feel more comfortable and happy, you can do so.

Update Notice: This article was updated on January 7, 2025.

Happy with restaurant etiquette, but unsure where to eat? Take our evening food tour in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood to discover some of our favorite restaurants, wine bars, and more in the city.