Italy is not a tipping culture. Service workers earn a living wage. There is no expectation of 15-20% gratuity. Leaving an American-style 20% tip in Italy doesn't make you generous — it makes you confusing. Waiters will sometimes chase you down the street to return "extra money" you left. Here's what actually happens: you round up the bill (€37 → €40), leave €1-2 for excellent service, and that's it. The coperto (€1.50-3 cover charge on every restaurant bill) already covers table service. But tipping is just one piece of the etiquette puzzle — Italy has social codes for greetings, church visits, shopping, and public behavior that, when followed, transform how Italians treat you.
Plan my trip →Restaurants: Round up the bill or leave €1-2 max. If servizio (service charge) is already on the bill, tip ZERO — it's included. Coperto is NOT a tip — it's a legal cover charge for bread and table setting.
Bars/cafés: Zero tip for coffee at the bar. If you leave €0.10-0.20 on the saucer, it's appreciated but not expected. Table service at a café: the price differential IS the tip (€1.50 standing vs €4 sitting).
Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro. A €13.60 fare → give €14. That's it.
Hotels: €1-2 for porters carrying bags. Nothing for housekeeping unless you're staying 5+ nights (then €5-10 at checkout).
Tour guides: €5-10/person for a half-day tour, €10-20 for a full day. This is the ONE situation where tipping is actually expected and appreciated.
Greet when entering. "Buongiorno" (morning) or "buonasera" (afternoon/evening) when entering ANY shop, restaurant, elevator, or small space. Not doing this is rude in Italy. It's the #1 social rule.
Dress for churches. Covered shoulders and knees. Every major church enforces this. Packing list →
Don't touch produce. At markets and fruit shops, DON'T pick up fruit yourself. Point and the vendor selects. Touching produce without buying is a violation that will get you scolded in rapid Italian.
Two kisses. When greeting friends or acquaintances: right cheek first, then left. Don't actually kiss — air kiss near the cheek. Don't do this with strangers — handshake for first meetings.
Cappuccino after 11am = tourist marker. Not illegal. Not rude. Just... noticed. Coffee guide →