Tipping is not compulsory in Italy. Official destination guidance describes about 10% as customary when the customer is satisfied, but the bill should be read before adding anything.
Three lines, three meanings
The menu should reveal the charge
Read the menu before ordering, especially in heavily visited squares. Rules are not identical everywhere: for example, Lazio prohibits an added coperto and requires any service component to be clearly shown. Elsewhere, a disclosed cover charge may appear per person. In either case, it is not automatically a gratuity for the server.
Ten percent is appreciation, not a floor
For good table service with no service line, rounding up or leaving roughly 5-10% is a warm gesture. Counter coffee, takeaway and an ordinary drink do not require an imported compulsory percentage.
Keep the scontrino or conto
The receipt lets you match ordered dishes, cover charges and card total. Settle any question about the bill before adding a tip, then leave cash or ask whether the terminal can add the amount.
Match the gesture to the moment
| Situation | A comfortable move |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Round up or add 5-10% for good service |
| Cafe counter | Small change only when you wish |
| Taxi | Round the fare modestly |
| Hotel | A few euros for luggage or helpful housekeeping |
| Guide | Voluntary amount based on time and quality |