L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 28 L'Italo-Americano T i p p i n g i s a s t r a i g h t f o r w a r d process in many countries, but in Italy, it's less so. For Italians visiting the US, where tipping is customary and expected, the experience can be uncomfortable and unfamiliar because Italy, and much of Europe, tipping has historically been modest or even nonexistent. However, with the influence of interna- tional tourism and changing cultural norms, practices are rapidly evolving. It is fair to say that tipping has never been a large part o f I t a l i a n c u l t u r e : s e r v i c e industry workers generally receive fair wages, and a tip is seen as a gesture of appre- ciation rather than an obliga- tion. In most cases, tipping r e m a i n s o p t i o n a l , with the amount left entirely up to the customer. However, with more tourists visiting Italy each year and Italian hospi- tality increasingly blending with international practices, leaving a tip is now becom- ing more familiar in major Italian cities, particularly in popular tourist areas. A note about coperto and service charges In Italian restaurants, the presence of a coperto, or c o v e r c h a r g e , i s c o m m o n . This charge, typically around €1 to €3 per person, covers the setup at the table, includ- ing the tablecloth, napkins, bread, and other basic ser- vices. Some restaurants also include a servizio (service charge) in the bill, particu- l a r l y i n h i g h - e n d d i n i n g s p o t s , w h i c h g e n e r a l l y means that additional tip- ping is not expected. How- ever, if there is no service charge and the service was exceptional, adding a small tip can be a way to express appreciation. Should I tip? Each service situation has its own customs regarding tipping. While some cases, like dining or taxi rides, may call for a small gesture of thanks, others, such as basic café service, typically do not. I n r e s t a u r a n t s , a s w e mentioned, tipping expecta- tions vary depending on the establishment and on the presence or not of a service f e e . F o r c a s u a l d i n i n g o r trattorias, it is sufficient to round up the bill or leave a small amount, such as €2- € 5 , f o r e x c e l l e n t s e r v i c e . Fine dining establishments, however, may expect a bit more, with diners leaving 5- 10% of the bill for excep- tional service if no service charge is already included. At bars and cafés, where Italians often enjoy a quick espresso or snack, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving a few coins on the counter is typical. This dif- fers from the more generous tipping practices in some countries and reflects the local custom of simplicity. F o r i n s t a n c e , i f a c o f f e e costs €1.20, leaving €1.50 is common courtesy but not a requirement. If service is p r o v i d e d a t t h e t a b l e , a small tip may be appreciat- ed but is still optional. When it comes to trans- portation, taxi drivers do not generally expect tips. S t i l l , r o u n d i n g u p t o t h e n e a r e s t e u r o o r a d d i n g a euro or two for a longer or p a r t i c u l a r l y c o m f o r t a b l e ride is customary. Tipping beyond this is rare and may feel excessive to local dri- vers accustomed to receiv- ing only the agreed-upon fare. I n h o t e l s , t i p p i n g c a n vary depending on the ser- vices provided. For porters assisting with luggage, €1- €2 per bag is customary in higher-end establishments, while smaller hotels may not expect it at all. For house- keeping, leaving €1-€2 per day is a considerate gesture i f s t a y i n g f o r m u l t i p l e nights. In addition, if the concierge goes above and beyond to arrange special services, leaving a €5 tip is polite but not necessary. G u i d e d t o u r s a r e another area where tipping is appreciated. For group tours, a small tip of €2-€5 p e r p e r s o n i s c u s t o m a r y , while private tours generally c a l l f o r a l a r g e r a m o u n t , a r o u n d 1 0 % o f t h e t o u r ' s total cost, especially if the guide's effort and expertise made the experience more enjoyable. T i p p i n g e t i q u e t t e : what to do and what to avoid In Italian tipping culture, the way you leave a tip matters. Giving a tip directly to the person who served you, especially in restau- r a n t s , e n s u r e s t h a t t h e intended recipient benefits f r o m y o u r g e s t u r e . F o r instance, handing a tip to t h e w a i t e r w h o a t t e n d e d your table is more appropri- ate than leaving it on the table, where it may be divid- ed among all staff on duty. It's also wise to avoid exces- sive tipping, as a large tip may come across as ostenta- tious. Lastly, paying a tip in cash is customary, even if the main bill is paid by card. This practice ensures that the tip goes directly to the individual providing the ser- vice. A l w a y s r e m e m b e r t h a t tipping is most appreciated when service exceeds expec- t a t i o n s o r w h e n s p e c i a l requests are fulfilled. For e x a m p l e , a s m a l l t i p i s a courteous way to acknowl- edge exceptional service in a restaurant or extra efforts from hotel staff. Although not required, these gestures are a way to show gratitude and recognize personalized or attentive service. Let's sum it up S o , l e t ' s s u m u p w h a t we've gathered so far with a quick bullet point: Restaurants: Tip 5-10% of the bill for excellent service. Rounding up the bill is common in casual dining settings. Bars and Cafés: Rounding up to the near- e s t e u r o o r l e a v i n g a f e w coins is standard. Taxi Drivers: Typically expect rounding up to the nearest euro. An additional €1-€2 may b e g i v e n f o r p a r t i c u l a r l y smooth service. Hotels: Porters: €1-€2 per bag. Housekeepers: €1-€2 per day. Guided Tours: Group tours: €2-€5 per person is typical. P r i v a t e t o u r s : A r o u n d 10% of the total tour cost. So, we can say that tip- ping in the Belpaese is less about meeting expectations a n d m o r e a b o u t s h o w i n g genuine gratitude. A warm grazie mille can be as mean- ingful as a modest tip, and the emphasis remains on r e c o g n i z i n g g o o d s e r v i c e rather than following a fixed tipping formula. CHIARA D'ALESSIO Tipping in Italy: a guide for travelers and locals Tipping in Italy has become more common thanks to foreign tourists and visitors (Photo: Ileanaolaru/Dreamstime) LIFESTYLE PEOPLE FOOD ARTS ADVICE

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