Tipping is discretionary. A small extra or round-up can reward good service. Read the bill for coperto or servizio; a cover charge and a staff gratuity are not interchangeable terms.
Small extraDining quick answer
Guidance applies to the services described below; customs can differ by provider.
FIND YOUR SITUATION
Italy tipping cheat sheet
Amounts, whether a tip is expected, and the exceptions that matter. Open a row for details.
RestaurantsAdvice & exceptionsSmall extra
Tipping is discretionary. A small extra or round-up can reward good service. Read the bill for coperto or servizio; a cover charge and a staff gratuity are not interchangeable terms.
Before paying: Check for an included service charge or gratuity. If adding a card tip, confirm the total before completing payment; with cash, make clear what is a tip and what change you need.
Bars & cafésAdvice & exceptionsNot required
Some bills include service; an additional tip is discretionary.
The guide treats a cleaning tip as discretionary. Its older small-euro figures are not a current national tariff.
ConciergeAdvice & exceptionsOptional thank-you
A small gratuity can reward special arrangements; no need to treat each question as a paid service.
Tour guidesAdvice & exceptionsOptional thank-you
Original Travel suggests €10 per day for a guide, but does not specify party size. Treat it as an example, not a per-person rule.
Spas & massageAdvice & exceptionsUp to 10%, optional
For exceptional service; no tip is expected for an ordinary treatment.
Salons & barbersAdvice & exceptionsNot customary
A voluntary round-up is welcome for good work.
FROM ARRIVAL TO CHECKOUT
Your journey
Arriving & getting around
Keep a prepaid airport transfer separate from a metered taxi or a full-day driver. For tour budgets, check the unit and whether guide and driver tips are separate.
If you choose to give a personal cash tip, use a currency the recipient can spend and make its purpose clear. Card payment for the bill does not guarantee a card-tip facility. Check the final total before approving it.
For a prepaid tour or resort stay, read the gratuity inclusions. A service fee, a staff tip pool and an individual guide tip may cover different people.
