First off, tipping in Italy is neither mandatory nor expected, but if you do decide to do so, the gesture is a very clear indicator that you appreciated the service provided.
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What is the rule for tipping in Italy? There is no strict rule about tipping in Italy. Leaving a tip is a courteous gesture that shows the person who provided a service to you, that you appreciated their help. As such, leaving a tip is entirely up to you and, in many cases, it will not be expected, albeit appreciated.
Tip in the local currencyWhenever you tip during your trip to Italy it is important to use the local currency, that is - Euros. Otherwise you'll leave your service providers with cash they can't use without paying high fees on currency exchange.
So, do you tip in Rome? To sum it up in one sentence: it is not expected to leave a tip in Rome but it is much appreciated. Servers and hospitality staff are paid adequately, without the need for tips. Tips do not make up the staff's wages like in the US, they are bonuses on top of this.
Tipping isn't expected in Rome the same way it is in the US. It's always nice to give a tip for exceptional service, but you will not be seen as rude if you do not tip. Is tipping normal in Rome? Tipping is somewhat normal in Rome.
It's always wise to carry a small amount of cash for smaller cafes and restaurants, some public transport options, and taxis who may not accept credit card payments. We once visited the same restaurant 5 years in a row, only to discover each time that their card machine was out of order!
TAXIS. Again, a tip is not expected by taxi drivers in Italy. If you really enjoyed the ride, you can round up your fare. If the trip was particularly long, you can round up to the nearest ten Euro.
The short answer is yes. Drinking water from the tap in Italy is considered safe. Tap water in the major cities and towns around Italy is safe for consumption, and there are thousands of old-style water fountains dotted around cities, like Rome, where you can fill up water bottles.
Taxis typically require cash payment, unless you are ordering it through a taxi application on your phone. Many establishments in Italy will not want to use a credit card machine for a purchase less than five euros. It is a good idea to always have cash on you just in case!
This is a big reason why we recommend long pants, capris, or shorts and skirts below the knee, as well as blouses and shirts rather than tank tops. There's also an expectation that people visiting churches in Italy should be quiet.
Tipping taxis and other drivers in ItalyIf your fare is €18.70, you can ask for €1 back in change. For private drivers who quote a fixed fare—an airport fare or a pre-paid fare, for example—there is no need to add a tip.
Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.
It's always wise to carry a small amount of cash for smaller cafes and restaurants, some public transport options, and taxis who may not accept credit card payments. We once visited the same restaurant 5 years in a row, only to discover each time that their card machine was out of order!
In Italy, don't shock your waiter by asking for tap waterAs Fodors explains, usually, you'll be offered a bottle of still (naturaleor liscia) or sparkling (frizzante or gassata). You might occasionally be offered filtered — but you'll still be expected to pay for it.