Read the bill first
Before deciding on a tip, look at the bill (il conto) for these lines:
- Coperto or pane e coperto: a cover charge per person. It is a normal part of the price, not a tip.
- Servizio or servizio incluso: a service charge. If it is there, you have already tipped.
- Nothing extra: service is part of the menu prices. A small tip is optional.
In Rome and the wider Lazio region, a regional law restricts charging coperto as a separate item, so restaurants there often list a charge for bread (pane) instead. Elsewhere coperto is common.
Restaurants
If no service charge was added, Italians typically round up or leave a euro or two each. For excellent service in a nice restaurant, 5% to 10% is generous. Leave it in cash, because most card terminals in Italy have no tip button.
Bars and cafés
When you have a coffee standing at the counter, leaving a 10 or 20 cent coin on the saucer with your receipt is a friendly habit, not an obligation. Table service costs more than standing at the bar; that is the surcharge, not a tip.
Taxis, hotels and tours
- Taxis: round up to the next euro, or add €1–2 if the driver helped with bags.
- Hotel porters: €1–2 per bag.
- Housekeeping: €1–3 per night, left at the end of your stay.
- Group tour guides: €5–10 per person for a half day; private guides and drivers around 10%.
Keep some coins
Because tips are left in cash, keep a few €1 and €2 coins handy. For a sense of how much cash to carry overall, use our cash estimator.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude not to tip in Italy?
No. Tipping is not expected in Italy and service staff are paid a salary. Leaving a small tip for good service is appreciated, but not leaving one is normal.
What is coperto on an Italian bill?
Coperto is a per-person cover charge for bread and table service, usually €1 to €4. It goes to the restaurant, not to the waiter, and it is not a tip. It must be shown on the menu.
What is servizio on an Italian bill?
Servizio is a service charge, usually 10% to 15%, that some restaurants add, especially in tourist areas and for groups. If servizio is on the bill, you do not need to tip.
Can I add a tip to a card payment in Italy?
Usually not. Most Italian card terminals do not have a tip option, so leave the tip in cash on the table or hand it to the server.
How much should I tip a tour guide in Italy?
For a group tour, about €5 to €10 per person for a half-day tour is common. For a private guide or driver, around 10% of the fee is a generous tip.
Sources and fact-checking
Checked on 2 November 2026 by Ionut Popea following our editorial policy. Fees, codes and rules change; confirm anything important with the bank or authority before acting.