Planning a holiday to a foreign nation generates several questions in one’s mind. Some spur on excitement and prompt us to look up hotel bookings and the private tours for families while others are of a more general and practical nature like those concerning transportation or language.
One such question is whether or not it is
required to tip those who serve us in Italy. Tipping is not mandatory or
compulsory in Italy for workers there receive wages and prices are charged with a
clearly mentioned 22% VAT.
Nevertheless, if a service makes you happy or
leaves you satisfied, you can always tip the person serving you. Tips are
moderate in nature in Italy, as per customs.
Leave Extra Change on your beverage
Coffee is a favourite in Italy. Often, it can be
noticed, locals tend to drink and enjoy an espresso after breakfast. After
finishing their beverage, they round off the cost of the coffee and let the
change be on the bar counter.
The difference between the Coperto and Servizio Incluso
Many restaurants serve bread and oil to patrons
who are regulars at these eateries. In return, the patrons pay up a cover
charge, also called the coperto, which the restaurant directly
keeps for itself. This is not to be confused with paying a tip. A coperto amount
might vary between 1 and 3 euro per head and it is always mentioned on the
menu.
A tip, on the other hand is something voluntary
and not mentioned on the menu. Locals tend to leave change or round off the
price of their fare to the nearest 10. At several eateries, a receipt or a menu
specifies an amount as a service charge, also known as servizio incluso.
It is at these places that there is no need to tip.
Tipping on tours and hotel stay
While touring Rome, the norm is to leave behind
a small tip, atleast a few Euros with your guide, depending on how long you
have spent touring with him or her. For taxi drivers, it is advisable to round
off the fare. For porters, one Euro per bag or box is an unwritten rule
followed at many places. However, tipping is not compulsory at all.
Save the change
There are times when
it is better to avoid tipping. You can choose to avoid it when you are grabbing
a sandwich at a café or when you find the owner is serving you herself or when service
charge is included in the bill. For the best Vatican City tours , a little
research like this is always recommended.
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