Italy is not a tipping culture. Service workers earn living wages. Tips are appreciated but not expected, and never calculated as a percentage.
Plan your trip →Restaurants: coperto (€1–3 cover charge) is on the bill and is NOT a tip. Servizio (10–15% service charge) is sometimes included — check the bill. If servizio is included: no tip needed. If not: leaving €1–5 (or rounding up the bill) is a nice gesture, not an obligation. Leaving 20% would confuse the waiter. Bars/cafés: leave change in the tip dish (10–50 cents). No tip expected for coffee at the bar. Taxis: round up to the nearest euro (€12.30 → €13). Hotel porters: €1–2 per bag. Housekeeping: €1–2/day if you wish (not standard). Tour guides: €5–10 for a good half-day tour is generous. Hair salon: €2–5.
Italian service workers are paid properly (by law). Tips supplement, not substitute. Overtipping is seen as either American or slightly insulting (implying they need charity). Be generous with genuine appreciation, modest with cash.