If you’re headed to Italy and wondering how to handle tipping, you’re not alone! While tipping in Italy isn’t mandatory or expected in the way it is in some countries (such as the U.S. or Canada), small tips are certainly appreciated. In some settings, they’ve even become a courteous norm, especially when the service has been excellent.
So how much should you tip in Italy? Whether you’re grabbing a cappuccino at a café or enjoying a private wine tasting in Tuscany, we’re here to take the guesswork out of gratuities. This guide will walk you through:
- Everyday scenarios you’re likely to encounter on your own (restaurants, taxis, hotels, etc.)
- Private services booked through Discover Italia, such as private drivers, guides, and instructors
🍝 Tipping at Restaurants
Waitstaff in Italy are generally paid fair wages and don’t rely on tips for income, but rounding up or leaving a few euros is a thoughtful gesture for great service.
- Casual Meals: A couple of euros or rounding up the bill is perfect.
- Upscale Dining: 10% of the bill is standard if no servizio (service charge) has been added.
📌 Pro tip: Look for coperto (a cover charge for table service, bread, linens, etc.) and servizio (an actual service charge). If servizio is already on the bill, no additional tip is needed.
☕ Tipping in Bars (Coffee Shops)
- Standing at the counter: Simply round up your bill or leave small change.
- Seated service: Not required if a servizio charge is included—but leaving €1–2 is a nice gesture for attentive service.
📌 Pro tip: Most tipping is done in cash. Credit card machines usually can’t process gratuity, so keep a few €1–2 coins on hand.
🚖 Tipping Taxi Drivers
Tipping taxi drivers isn’t expected, but rounding up the fare is a common courtesy—especially if they help with luggage or navigate heavy traffic.
📌 Pro tip: Not only is rounding up an appropriate way to leave a small tip, but it saves the driver the trouble of making change (which isn’t always possible).
🏨 Tipping Hotel Staff in Italy
While tipping isn’t required, hotel staff work hard to make your stay comfortable, and a small tip is a kind way to show appreciation.
- Housekeeping: €1–2 per day or €20 per week per room
- Porters: €1–2 per bag
- Concierge: €5–10 for arranging activities, transfers, or hard-to-get reservations
📌 Pro tip: Don’t forget bar and restaurant staff! Some of the hardest working folks in the hospitality industry, a little monetary appreciation goes a long way.
🏛️ Tipping Your Private Guide or Instructor
If you’re booking private tours through Discover Italia, it’s likely that you’ll be accompanied by a private guide (for tours) or instructor (for cooking or art classes) at some point. While tipping is not required, it’s quietly becoming expected in the industry, especially for travelers from tipping cultures.
- Half-Day Tour (3–4 hours): €5 per person
- Full-Day Tour: €10 per person or more, depending on your experience
📌 Pro tip: If your transfer or tour includes a stop to eat, you might consider asking your guide or driver to join you. While this is certainly never expected, we often hear that our clients enjoy the company of their local experts so much that it feels natural.
🚗 Tipping Your Private Driver
Driving in Italy takes serious skill, especially on winding coastal roads and in busy cities. Your driver does much more than just get you from point A to B—so tipping is always appreciated.
- Short Transfers: €10
- Half-Day / Medium Range: €20–30
- Full-Day / Long-Distance: €40–50+
📌 Pro tip: A good driver offers more than just transport—they provide safety, local knowledge, and often become part of the travel experience.
📝 CHEAT SHEET: QUICK TIPPING GUIDE FOR ITALY
Want to keep a cheat sheet on hand while traveling? Here’s your easy-to-screenshot reference:
|
Service |
Suggested Tip |
|
Tour Guide |
€5–10 per person, depending on tour |
|
Private Driver |
€10 (short ride) / €20–30 (half-day) / €40–50+ (full-day) |
|
Cooking Class / Instructor |
€5–10 per person |
|
Restaurant (Casual) |
€1–2 or round up |
|
Restaurant (Upscale) |
10% (if no servizio charge) |
|
Bars/Cafés |
Round up or small change |
|
Taxi Driver |
Round up |
|
Housekeeping |
€1–2 per day / €20 per week |
|
Porters |
€1–2 per bag |
|
Concierge |
€5–10 for special assistance |
💬 FAQ
Should I tip in cash or by card?
Cash is queen! Gratuities usually cannot be added to credit card transactions, and cash tips ensure that it reaches the staff it’s intended for.
What currency should I tip in?
Euros! Services enjoyed in Italy should use the local currency of euros, which ensures your providers don’t need to do the extra work of exchanging currency.
What coins or bills should I use?
Stick to €1 and €2 coins or small bills. Avoid tipping with coins smaller than €1 (just like you wouldn’t tip with nickels or dimes in the U.S.).
Do I need to tip business owners?
No—tipping business owners isn’t expected. But if their staff provides excellent service, it’s a kind gesture to leave a tip for them.
Tipping in Italy is never mandatory—but it is a kind way to recognize great service, especially in settings like private tours and transfers. With this guide in hand, you’ll tip with confidence and travel like a seasoned pro.
Need. help planning your next Italian escape? We specialize in authentic experiences and seamless delivery, from immersive experiences to full itineraries across the country. We’ll handle the details—including tipping advice—so you can just relax and enjoy la dolce vita. Contact us to get started!
