If you’ve spent a lot of time in Italy or read about tipping etiquette, you’ve probably encountered the oft-repeated claim that when you go out to eat in Italy, service is usually included and therefore you don’t need to tip, except maybe for exceptional service.
Enjoy your articles but I disagree with this one. Italians don’t tip, except with spare change. If the coperto isn’t for tips, neither is money added to your credit card bill. There is no obligation to pay it to the staff. Your interview subjects are all on the receiving end of tips, not surprising that they like them. Italians on the paying end are getting the same average wage as the staff. I don’t think they are particularly happy with Americans leaving tips. If you want to help them, I suggest staying in hotels instead of airbnbs that are inflating apartment rents and forcing many to move from the center to the hinterlands.
No doubt Airbnb is a whole other problem. And I never said that Italian waiters expect tips the same way American waiters do, but I do think that American travelers, who generally earn much more than Italians do, should tip. It’s a way of recognizing one’s privilege and showing one’s appreciation for the people who work hard and aren’t adequately compensated for it.
I've been working as a guide in Rome for 17 years and I have to say Rick Steves is the bane of my existence as a guide. And when I get an obvious Rick Steves client, I have to spent my three hours correcting them on just about everything cultural in Rome, not just tipping.
Unfortunately Rick Steves is not the only one that repeats the claim that tipping isn’t necessary because waiters earn a living wage. Lots of other publications say it too. And it’s just not true.
Indeed. I see a LOT of expat Italy expert bloggers here do so. I feel like they don't live with or have meaningful relationships with Italians in the industry. One of the reasons I decided not to work in restaurant in Italy after my many many years of formal wine education including sommelier certification is because there is no ROI.
Thanks Laura. Varying degrees of perspective on this topic. It would also be helpful to have some insights on the 'giving end'. Thoughts from Italians that are going out to dine - how much do they tip, if at all, etc.
This is a great point! Would also be interested to know what Italians are tipping. I'm a big proponent of respecting the cultures of the places I visit, and as an American gouged by tips daily, Italy was such a pleasant reprieve from that. But I want to be fair, good read.
When I go out to eat with my husband and his Italian friends, they always leave a tip. The question of how much is one that still lacks a bit of clarity, for me at least. If there are Italians reading this, I would invite them to chime in.
Thanks for the tip on tipping. Totally agree with you. I run a bike tour experience and although I don’t expect a tip, when I do it confirms me the satisfaction of the client and it’s always appreciated.
This! What a great article and I love how you included the average wage…it really paints the picture. Especially for how much waiters work (work that is sometimes underpaid and under the table without contract benefits). I worked in a Roman pizzeria one summer and got a taste of how hard the servers work!
Late nights, demanding guests, split shifts... It's a really hard and (sometimes) thankless job. Waiters like Marco, who work in hotels that are open 365 days a year, often work on holidays like Christmas and Easter. The people who work in the hospitality industry are some of the kindest and most genuine people I know. It saddens me to know how little their work is valued.
Thank you for the article. My wife and I have visited Italy 13 times since 2010. We always stop off in Rome and then we head South to the area of my Grandparents ancestral home. During our early visits we found Italians reluctant to provide a direct answer on how much we should tip. So we took upon it ourselves to tip more than the so-called "culturally appropriate" amount. I appreciate your comments on your husband's point of view as it validates our tipping posture. We always leave cash as we want to make sure the money ends up in the correct hands. And we have never had a server reject cash as being "culturally insensitive". These servers work hard and as you point out their salaries have not kept up with inflation.
This is not a tipping problem. This is a systemic problem. I am pretty sure that when I travel, I am the only one who carries cash. At least that is how it feels. Anyone who is a decade younger than me pays with their phone. Those my age pay with a card. And there is no way that a tip on a machine makes it to the staff. If it did, why not just pay a living wage to start with. Hotel rates are climbing at many times inflation, meals the same. It is time for the restaurant owners and the hotel owners to pay a proper living wage. Anything else is just an ill-fitting band-aid.
According to my husband, if a guest tips on a machine, a portion of it ends up on his pay slip with a delay (sometimes 3 months) and it gets taxed, which is why waiters prefer tips in cash. And I agree that restaurant and hotel owners should pay a proper living wage, but that hasn't happened yet in the U.S. and I don't foresee it happening in Italy in the near future either. The difference is that in the U.S. tips enable waiters and other service workers to get by, whereas in Italy that's not really the case for the most part.
I understand. I also understand you are coming at this through a US lens. No offence intended. But, you are not dealing with the problem, which is that nobody carries cash if they are under the age of 40. My favourite buskers are gone from Rome because nobody carries cash. I get asked to pay by card all the time. Half the coffee shops in Europe these days don't even accept cash, because the accounting is automatic and a lot easier - of course not because they don't trust their staff. You need to deal with the root cause. Not the supposed three month delay on a paycheck.
I think we will agree to disagree on this one. But rest assured, I take your point. We just haven't figured out how to fix it, and Italy is no different than anywhere else in Europe, except maybe the Nordics. Technology has frustrated us yet again.
I just asked if I could add a tip on my credit card at a restaurant in Tuscany and the waitress was happy to oblige, so I assure you it can be done. Italy is changing, so I would invite you to reconsider your views on technology.
I take you invitation, and assure you that 90% of the time the poor waiter will never see that tip. There has to be another way but, I take your point. Lucky that I still use cash. I put the money not on the table, nor do I add it to the bill. I stick it directly into the hand of the person who deserves it. It is the only way.
If that’s true, it is indeed a huge problem that would need to be tackled at a higher level. I just don’t know. Here in Italy, no one seems to be talking about it.
All problems with tipping etiquette are easily answered: work three shifts, get all the money together and see how much you have left after adding the value of whatever the owner lets you eat at work and deducting three days rent.
You're wrong and just looking for an argument. Comment's meaning is very very clear and the complete opposite of your mendacious view. You are utterly incorrect and, as I said, just looking for an argument. No thanks at all for sharing!!
Idk normally there isn't even an opportunity to tip unless you leave a few € on the table before going to the counter to pay...when I don’t have cash I don't tip at all. I spend about half the year in southern Italy and rarely tip.
Thanks for the discussion. Just a comment. As we move to a more cashless society and exchanges, I find myself with no loose change or small bills for tips. So sometimes difficult to tip since it usually is not an option to add onto the charge card bill. It is becoming more common in Europe as recently had the options in Crete and Vienna. I may have even been able to add a tip to the bill in Bologna last fall but can't remember for sure. Just hoping they add it to more credit transactions in the future. I also agree as I am fairly observant (maybe too much so according to my wife) but it seems I rarely see any Italians leave a tip as we try to be at more local locations.
Thanks! Most places in Italy use POS readers for cards, which means that whatever they input into the machine is what your card will be charged. When you pay, you can ask them if you can leave a tip on your card. I always do that in taxis. I ask the driver if I can pay with a credit card and tell him the total amount I want to pay, including tip.
And I agree that tipping still isn’t as common in Italy as it is in the U.S., but I think that’s changing. It’s certainly more expected in high end restaurants, but I do think a lot of Italians will round up the bill, and they’re generally more likely than foreigners to pay in cash.
Enjoy your articles but I disagree with this one. Italians don’t tip, except with spare change. If the coperto isn’t for tips, neither is money added to your credit card bill. There is no obligation to pay it to the staff. Your interview subjects are all on the receiving end of tips, not surprising that they like them. Italians on the paying end are getting the same average wage as the staff. I don’t think they are particularly happy with Americans leaving tips. If you want to help them, I suggest staying in hotels instead of airbnbs that are inflating apartment rents and forcing many to move from the center to the hinterlands.
Yes, agreed!
No doubt Airbnb is a whole other problem. And I never said that Italian waiters expect tips the same way American waiters do, but I do think that American travelers, who generally earn much more than Italians do, should tip. It’s a way of recognizing one’s privilege and showing one’s appreciation for the people who work hard and aren’t adequately compensated for it.
I've been working as a guide in Rome for 17 years and I have to say Rick Steves is the bane of my existence as a guide. And when I get an obvious Rick Steves client, I have to spent my three hours correcting them on just about everything cultural in Rome, not just tipping.
Unfortunately Rick Steves is not the only one that repeats the claim that tipping isn’t necessary because waiters earn a living wage. Lots of other publications say it too. And it’s just not true.
Indeed. I see a LOT of expat Italy expert bloggers here do so. I feel like they don't live with or have meaningful relationships with Italians in the industry. One of the reasons I decided not to work in restaurant in Italy after my many many years of formal wine education including sommelier certification is because there is no ROI.
It’s becoming harder and harder for hotels and restaurants in Italy to find qualified staff who are willing to work and this is exactly why.
And honestly, post covid I have felt the difference. It is why I don’t go out as much anymore.
Thanks Laura. Varying degrees of perspective on this topic. It would also be helpful to have some insights on the 'giving end'. Thoughts from Italians that are going out to dine - how much do they tip, if at all, etc.
Please keep writing. I enjoy the reads.
This is a great point! Would also be interested to know what Italians are tipping. I'm a big proponent of respecting the cultures of the places I visit, and as an American gouged by tips daily, Italy was such a pleasant reprieve from that. But I want to be fair, good read.
When I go out to eat with my husband and his Italian friends, they always leave a tip. The question of how much is one that still lacks a bit of clarity, for me at least. If there are Italians reading this, I would invite them to chime in.
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My philosophy is that if you are fortunate enough to be able to visit Italy you certainly do not tip any less than you would in your own country.
I am from Ireland & tip 10 - 15% wherever I am unless service & food is appalling...which it never it!
Thanks for the tip on tipping. Totally agree with you. I run a bike tour experience and although I don’t expect a tip, when I do it confirms me the satisfaction of the client and it’s always appreciated.
Thank you for sharing your perspective. I appreciate it and I’m sure other readers will too.
This! What a great article and I love how you included the average wage…it really paints the picture. Especially for how much waiters work (work that is sometimes underpaid and under the table without contract benefits). I worked in a Roman pizzeria one summer and got a taste of how hard the servers work!
Late nights, demanding guests, split shifts... It's a really hard and (sometimes) thankless job. Waiters like Marco, who work in hotels that are open 365 days a year, often work on holidays like Christmas and Easter. The people who work in the hospitality industry are some of the kindest and most genuine people I know. It saddens me to know how little their work is valued.
Laura, thanks for sharing this information. This topic is one that is of ongoing interest to me and those I advise on their travel to Italy.
Thank you for the article. My wife and I have visited Italy 13 times since 2010. We always stop off in Rome and then we head South to the area of my Grandparents ancestral home. During our early visits we found Italians reluctant to provide a direct answer on how much we should tip. So we took upon it ourselves to tip more than the so-called "culturally appropriate" amount. I appreciate your comments on your husband's point of view as it validates our tipping posture. We always leave cash as we want to make sure the money ends up in the correct hands. And we have never had a server reject cash as being "culturally insensitive". These servers work hard and as you point out their salaries have not kept up with inflation.
Yes, sometimes it feels like Italians are ignoring the elephant in the room, but I’m sure they appreciate your generosity.
This is not a tipping problem. This is a systemic problem. I am pretty sure that when I travel, I am the only one who carries cash. At least that is how it feels. Anyone who is a decade younger than me pays with their phone. Those my age pay with a card. And there is no way that a tip on a machine makes it to the staff. If it did, why not just pay a living wage to start with. Hotel rates are climbing at many times inflation, meals the same. It is time for the restaurant owners and the hotel owners to pay a proper living wage. Anything else is just an ill-fitting band-aid.
According to my husband, if a guest tips on a machine, a portion of it ends up on his pay slip with a delay (sometimes 3 months) and it gets taxed, which is why waiters prefer tips in cash. And I agree that restaurant and hotel owners should pay a proper living wage, but that hasn't happened yet in the U.S. and I don't foresee it happening in Italy in the near future either. The difference is that in the U.S. tips enable waiters and other service workers to get by, whereas in Italy that's not really the case for the most part.
I understand. I also understand you are coming at this through a US lens. No offence intended. But, you are not dealing with the problem, which is that nobody carries cash if they are under the age of 40. My favourite buskers are gone from Rome because nobody carries cash. I get asked to pay by card all the time. Half the coffee shops in Europe these days don't even accept cash, because the accounting is automatic and a lot easier - of course not because they don't trust their staff. You need to deal with the root cause. Not the supposed three month delay on a paycheck.
I think we will agree to disagree on this one. But rest assured, I take your point. We just haven't figured out how to fix it, and Italy is no different than anywhere else in Europe, except maybe the Nordics. Technology has frustrated us yet again.
I just asked if I could add a tip on my credit card at a restaurant in Tuscany and the waitress was happy to oblige, so I assure you it can be done. Italy is changing, so I would invite you to reconsider your views on technology.
I take you invitation, and assure you that 90% of the time the poor waiter will never see that tip. There has to be another way but, I take your point. Lucky that I still use cash. I put the money not on the table, nor do I add it to the bill. I stick it directly into the hand of the person who deserves it. It is the only way.
If that’s true, it is indeed a huge problem that would need to be tackled at a higher level. I just don’t know. Here in Italy, no one seems to be talking about it.
Please keep this craziness (expectation to be tipped) in America. Italians don’t tip and servers only expect a tip when they realize you are American
All problems with tipping etiquette are easily answered: work three shifts, get all the money together and see how much you have left after adding the value of whatever the owner lets you eat at work and deducting three days rent.
Sorry, I don’t understand. Are you implying that because waiters eat at work they’re not entitled to a living wage? Or is there something I’m missing?
You're wrong and just looking for an argument. Comment's meaning is very very clear and the complete opposite of your mendacious view. You are utterly incorrect and, as I said, just looking for an argument. No thanks at all for sharing!!
I’m genuinely sorry if I misunderstood, but your comment’s meaning is not clear to me. Can you please explain what you meant?
No. It's self evident. Figure it out yourself. (Hint: start from premise your initial supposed misunderstanding is entirely wrong).
Idk normally there isn't even an opportunity to tip unless you leave a few € on the table before going to the counter to pay...when I don’t have cash I don't tip at all. I spend about half the year in southern Italy and rarely tip.
You can leave a tip on a credit card. You just have to tell them how much you want to leave before they enter the number into the POS reader.
Thanks for the discussion. Just a comment. As we move to a more cashless society and exchanges, I find myself with no loose change or small bills for tips. So sometimes difficult to tip since it usually is not an option to add onto the charge card bill. It is becoming more common in Europe as recently had the options in Crete and Vienna. I may have even been able to add a tip to the bill in Bologna last fall but can't remember for sure. Just hoping they add it to more credit transactions in the future. I also agree as I am fairly observant (maybe too much so according to my wife) but it seems I rarely see any Italians leave a tip as we try to be at more local locations.
Many great articles Laura recently!
Thanks! Most places in Italy use POS readers for cards, which means that whatever they input into the machine is what your card will be charged. When you pay, you can ask them if you can leave a tip on your card. I always do that in taxis. I ask the driver if I can pay with a credit card and tell him the total amount I want to pay, including tip.
And I agree that tipping still isn’t as common in Italy as it is in the U.S., but I think that’s changing. It’s certainly more expected in high end restaurants, but I do think a lot of Italians will round up the bill, and they’re generally more likely than foreigners to pay in cash.