How Does Tipping Work in Italy?
Last verified: 2025-01 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Tipping is not obligatory in Italy. Round up or leave €1–2 for good service. The 'coperto' cover charge is separate from a tip.
2What You Need to Know
Italy does not have a strong tipping culture — Italian service staff receive a proper salary. However, a small tip for good service is appreciated. At restaurants, leaving €1–2 per person or rounding up the bill is the local custom. Note that the coperto (cover charge, €1–3 per person) and servizio (service charge, sometimes 10–15%) may already appear on your bill — check before adding more. At bars, leaving the small change from a coffee (€0.10–0.20) in the dish on the counter is the typical Italian gesture. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Check your bill for 'coperto' (cover charge) and 'servizio' (service charge) before adding a tip
- 2At a standing bar (drinking at the counter), leave your coffee change in the dish
- 3A €1–2 tip at a restaurant for good service is very generous by Italian standards
- 4Don't tip at fast food or self-service places — it would be unusual
- 5Tour guides appreciate €2–5 per person for a good tour
How does this compare?
Tipping rules in nearby and similar countries:
Tip 5–10% at restaurants by rounding up the bill. Always pay directly to the server, not by leaving cash on the table.
Tip 10–15% at sit-down restaurants if service was good. Check for a service charge already on the bill. No tipping expected at pubs when ordering at the bar.
Tipping is not obligatory in France. A service charge is included in all restaurant bills by law. Round up or leave 5–10% for genuinely good service.
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Police: 113 or 112. Ambulance: 118. Fire: 115. Carabinieri (military police): 112.
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