Tipping Culture in Italy: A Small Gesture of Appreciation

In Italy, tipping ("mancia") is not expected but appreciated. Most restaurants include a "coperto" (cover charge) of €1–€3 per person, which covers bread and table service. Unlike in the U.S., waiters receive a proper salary, so tipping is not obligatory.However, if you receive exceptional service, rounding up the bill or leaving €1–€5 in cash is a nice gesture. In cafés, Italians usually leave small change—around €0.50–€1—especially when ordering at the table.For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or adding 5–10% is polite but not required. In hotels, tipping is more common: porters typically receive €1–€2 per bag, and housekeepers €1–€3 per night. Hairdressers and spa staff usually get €2–€5.While tipping is not as structured as in other countries, a small token of appreciation for good service is always welcomed in Italy.