Tipping In Italy: A Guide to Italian Tipping Customs

One aspect of the travel experience that often surprises travelers is the local attitude toward tipping. In some countries, it's an everyday practice, while in others, it's a cultural faux pas. Then there are those countries where tipping falls somewhere in between, leaving you wondering what's expected.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the tipping etiquette of Italy to help you navigate your visit smoothly. Additionally, we'll offer valuable tips on how to get EUR in cash in Italy, so you can focus on soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors without the stress of financial hiccups.

Is Tipping Expected in Italy?

Tipping in Italy is not as common as in other countries, especially in restaurants where service charges may already be included in the bill. It's not expected, but leaving a small tip for exceptional service is an appreciated gesture.

Tipping in Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes

When dining out in Italy, service charges are often included in the bill as "servizio incluso." Another common custom is "coperto" or cover charge, which restaurants charge for providing you with bread and olive oil at your table. However, if exceptional service is provided or if you're dining in a more upscale establishment, you can round the bill up to the nearest 10 euro or add a tip of 5-10%.

When visiting bars and cafes, rounding up the bill is a nice gesture. Feel free to do so if the service was attentive and friendly.

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Do You Tip Hotel Staff in Italy?

For hotel staff in Italy, tipping is not expected. However, if you experience excellent service, it is a nice gesture to give a staff member or porter a small tip.

Tipping Taxis and Tour Guides in Italy

For taxi drivers in Italy, tipping is also not common. If you experience exceptional service, rounding up or leaving a few euro is polite.

Tour guides in Italy may expect a small tip for their services, especially if the tour was informative and enjoyable. A tip of 5-10 euros per person is typical (especially on free walking tours).

Practical Tips for Tipping in Italy

By following these tips, you'll optimize your cash transactions in Italy, minimize fees, and enjoy a smoother travel experience:

1. Withdraw Cash With a Travel Debit Card: Choose a travel debit card without international transaction fees that allows you to hold local currency and withdraw cash like a local. These cards typically offer fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for accessing cash while traveling in Italy.
2. Stay Within Fee-Free Allowances: Many travel debit cards provide fee-free ATM withdrawal allowances per month. To avoid additional fees, try to stay within this allowance when withdrawing cash.
3. Opt for Local Currency Transactions: When making purchases or withdrawing cash in Italy, you'll be prompted to pay in EUR or your home currency. Always choose to pay in the local currency (EUR) rather than your home currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees. DCC will result in terrible exchange rates and additional charges, so opting for local currency transactions ensures you get the best exchange rate.
4. Avoid Credit Card Cash Advances: Steer clear of using credit cards for cash withdrawals, as they incur cash advance fees and higher interest rates (APR). Cash advance APR is also higher than purchase APR.

Recommended Travel Cards for Fee-Free Cash Withdrawals Abroad

Compare the best travel debit cards without international transaction fees for your trip to Italy:

Wise Multi-Currency Account

With the Wise Account, convert currency at the mid-market exchange rate. Spend, hold, and convert between dozens of currencies with your debit card and never be asked to do a dynamic currency conversion. The only fees that they charge you for using ATMs abroad will come at 1.75% per withdrawal — and only after you've exceeded your $100 monthly withdrawal limit.

The Wise Account is available in the US, Canada, EU/EEA, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several other countries and territories.

N26

Available for EU and EEA residents to open, an N26 account will never charge foreign transaction fees. All Euro ATM withdrawals are fee-free, giving you free rein to travel the Eurozone. Outside of the Eurozone, ATM withdrawals cost 1.7% per withdrawal.

Starling Bank

The Starling Bank card is an excellent option in the UK for foreign travel. In addition to no foreign transaction fees, Starling Bank does not charge foreign ATM withdrawal fees. You might only be charged a third-party fee, just as you would in the UK.