Is Tipping Common in Italy? Sometimes—Here’s When and How Much to Leave

When you ask locals, “Do you tip in Italy?”, they’ll tell you that while a small tip may be given occasionally, it’s generally not required. In Italy, gratuity (or una mancia, pronounced oo-nah MAN-chah) is viewed as a reward for exceptional service, and tip jars are rare. (One notable exception: Always tip your tour guide, whether for paid or free tours.) Unlike in the U.S., providing extra for restaurant staff or hotel personnel is not a customary obligation or a means to avoid being seen as stingy.

Nevertheless, there are situations where leaving a tip is certainly appropriate, expected, and appreciated. Whether enjoying an aperitivo and snacks in Venice, using a hotel porter or concierge in Rome, or taking a taxi from the airport in Milan, this guide will help you understand when to tip in Italy and how much is appropriate.

A Quick Guide to Tipping in Italy

Tipping in Restaurants and Cafés Depends on the Quality of Service

In Italy, when it comes to tipping in restaurants, locals usually only leave a tip for truly exceptional service or when dining at upscale establishments. Even then, the tip is typically just 10 to 15 percent, or often simply the change from the bill.

Unlike in the United States, Italian waitstaff receive a living wage, and tips are not a significant part of their earnings. Feel free to follow their custom, but if you feel the service was outstanding, you can certainly leave a bit more.

For more casual dining experiences, like enjoying a gelato at a café with table service, it’s customary to leave the change from your bill, up to a few euros. However, if you choose to drink your espresso while standing at the counter like many locals, no tip is necessary.

Ensure your bill does not include a servizio incluso (tip included)

Before deciding to tip, check your bill carefully. Many restaurants, especially those frequented by tourists, may include the term servizio incluso, indicating that a service charge is already included in the total. You can then pay the amount shown on the check without leaving anything extra. (The term coperto indicates a separate cover charge for items such as bread and olives that are automatically served at the table.) To simplify matters, ask your server about any potential service fees to clear up any confusion.

Keep Cash Handy for Tips

If you wish to leave a tip but plan to pay with a credit card, make sure to carry some cash. Italian credit card receipts don’t include a space for tips, so it’s best to have some euros on hand for leaving una mancia.

At Bars, It’s Usually Best Not to Tip—Unless You Had Table Service

In Italy, you aren’t required to tip bartenders—it’s simply not customary. When Italians do tip for their Negroni or vino, they typically just round their total up to the nearest euro, making it more economical to drink in Italian bars compared to those in the United States.

However, if you have received table service or ordered food at the bar, it’s advisable to leave two or three euros as a tip.

A Small Tip is Generally Appreciated at Hotels

While tipping is not necessary for most services at Italian hotels, there are a few instances where leaving a euro or two is seen as courteous.

Housekeeping: one euro per night

In Italy, it’s customary to tip housekeeping staff one euro per night. Leaving a tip daily ensures that the gratuity goes to the person who made your bed and provided fresh towels that day. If you prefer to wait until your departure, you can leave the total amount equivalent to a euro per day either in your room or in an envelope at the front desk, requesting that it be distributed among the cleaning staff.

If you can afford to tip housekeeping a bit more, please do: These dedicated workers are often among the lowest-paid staff members.

Concierge: five to ten euros, depending on the service provided

The hotel concierge, who can help with restaurant bookings and provide valuable travel insights, is a great ally. If you utilize their services, it’s customary to tip the concierge five to ten euros, depending on the complexity of your request. Leave a smaller amount if the service was straightforward or commonly available information; consider giving more for challenging tasks like securing tickets to a sold-out opera or a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Room service waitstaff: tipping is not obligatory, but leaving a few coins is appreciated

While tipping for room service isn’t mandatory, it’s a nice gesture that won’t go unappreciated by the person who brought that delightful espresso to your room. Leave a few coins on the tray to brighten their giorno.

Porters and bellhops: one euro per bag

If a porter or bellhop helps you with your luggage, it’s customary to tip one euro for each bag. If they’re carrying multiple suitcases, a maximum tip of five euros is appropriate.

Doorman: one euro

When the hotel doorman flags down a cab for you, slip him a euro and say grazie with your best Mastroianni impression.

Tipping taxi drivers is unnecessary

In Italy, cab drivers don’t anticipate tips, so if you offer one, they might be taken aback. Tipping is also not required when using car services like Uber or Free Now (formerly myTaxi). However, if a driver goes above and beyond to assist you, a small tip is appreciated.

But you should definitely tip your tour guide

There’s one clear exception to the general no-tipping norm in Italy: your tour guide. Tipping is encouraged for guides—whether it’s a free or paid tour—as this constitutes a significant portion of their income. The amount you tip will vary based on the group size and tour length.

For larger group tours, a tip of five euros for a half day or ten euros for a full day, per person, is advisable. For small or individual guided tours, consider tipping around 10 percent of the total tour cost.

No need to tip for spas, massages, barbers, or hair salons

In Italy, tipping for personal services such as spa treatments, haircuts, or salon services isn’t customary. However, if you receive exceptional service, it’s appropriate to leave a cash tip of around 10 percent of the total cost.

This article was first published in March 2019 and was last updated on April 25, 2023, to include new information. Contributions to this report were made by Jessie Beck and Erika Owen.