Is tipping expected in Italy? 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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While there are no standard rules like in America, if you've received exceptional service, a 5-10% tip max is appreciated. Otherwise, a few euro left on the table when you leave is also fine for good service.
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.
Just like in cafes and coffee shops, tipping in bars is not expected in Italy, but leaving change for your server is not uncommon. Many locals tend to simply round off the bill, and leave the remainder for wait staff if they are satisfied with the service provided.
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.
Transportation TippingCab driver: 15 percent to 20 percent tip of the fare. (Find out ahead of time if your cabbie accepts a credit card. If he or she doesn't, make sure you have enough cash for both fare and tip.)
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.
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!
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!
Transportation TippingCab driver: 15 percent to 20 percent tip of the fare. (Find out ahead of time if your cabbie accepts a credit card. If he or she doesn't, make sure you have enough cash for both fare and tip.)
Generally speaking, with fares up to $15, a $3 dollar tip is sufficient. For rides with a fare that falls between $15 and $33 dollars, a $5 tip is appropriate. For rides that cost more than $33, a tip of 20 percent to 30 percent is considered appropriate.
Taxi DriversYou can leave a tip on your card when paying with one. Cash tips are appreciated though. If you take an Uber or Lyft, check their policy on tips.
The bigger cities in Italy (Rome, Naples, Milan, and Turin) use a taxi app called FreeNow. It works similarly to any other rideshare app. You can enter your pick up and drop off location and can track the driver the whole way. Additionally, you can pay on the app or with cash at the end of your journey.
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.