Is it OK to tip in foreign currency?

If you can, it's always best to leave your tip in the local currency, not on a credit card or in U.S. dollars. There are several countries in Central and South America where the tip is included in the price of the bill, or culturally it is uncommon, so there's no need to tip.



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The US dollar is not the medium of exchange. Most likely, the individual would have to locate a reliable cash exchange source, which might not always be easily available. If you want to provide a tip, be kind and respectful. When at your European designation, withdraw cash using your ATM card and offer tips in euros.

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A good rule of thumb for tipping in Europe is to give at least one euro (or the equivalent in local currency) per service.

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If you ask locals “Do you tip in Italy?”, they'll explain that while they sometimes leave a small tip, it's generally not necessary. In Italy, gratuity (or una mancia, pronounced oo-nah MAN-chah) is considered a bonus for exceptional service. And it's not often that you'll find a tip jar at a register.

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At bars in Europe, tips are not customary, but leaving change or a few euros is always appreciated, if not expected. For takeaway food or drinks, counter dining, or stand-up service, tips are also not customary.

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For a smaller group, the tip should be more, and for a private guide, 10 to 20 euros for the group is fine in most cases, unless extra service is provided. At bars in Europe, tips are not customary, but leaving change or a few euros is always appreciated, if not expected.

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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.

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This is so entirely dependent on your own travel preferences that it's tough to estimate but we recommend putting aside roughly €700 to €1700 for spending money for one week in Europe.

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Restaurant tips are more modest in Europe than in America. At restaurants, check the menu to see if service is included; if it isn't, a tip of 5–10 percent is normal. In most places, 10 percent is a big tip. If your bucks talk at home, muzzle them on your travels.

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Follow the one-euro rule A good rule of thumb for tipping in Europe is to give at least one euro (or the equivalent in local currency) per service. For example, pay one euro per bag carried up to your room by a bellhop or porter, one euro per day for housekeeping, and one euro per day for breakfast staff.

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When it comes to tipping at restaurants, Italians will tell you they only tip on truly exceptional service or when dining in the finest restaurants. Even then, they usually only tip an extra 10 to 15 percent, or often just the change left over from the bill.

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Despite what you may have read online, the short answer is YES, tipping is expected and the polite thing to do in many cases in Rome, although it is not as widespread as in the United States. This is my quick, no-nonsense guide to tipping in Rome. Should you tip for coffee in Rome?

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In America, tipping is optional in name only. Legally it's voluntary but if you slink out of a restaurant without leaving a gratuity of between 15 and 25 per cent, you're likely to be chased by a waiter demanding to know why.

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In Italy, cash is still preferred in most restaurants, cafes and other establishments, although credit and debit cards are becoming more widely used throughout Italy and are an increasingly convenient way to pay for things. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, although American Express is not.

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Should I bring a lot of euros with me from home? No. The first thing to know is that when visiting Rome, bringing a lot of money with you is a very bad idea. By buying euros in advance, you will get ripped off on the exchange rate in your home country.

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Single traveler: A solo traveler can expect to spend around 50-150 euros per day, or 150-450 euros for a 3-day trip to Italy. This would include budget accommodations, meals at inexpensive restaurants or street food, and free or low-cost sightseeing options.

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In Italy, a good rule of thumb is to consider the duration of your tour. If you spent half a day or less on a tour, you might consider tipping your guide between five and 10 euro. If your experience was close to a day in length, a tip of 10 euro or so would be gratefully received.

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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.

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Just as in Japan, it is not customary to tip in China. Tipping in China is generally uncommon and can even be considered rude or embarrassing in some circumstances so when taking a taxi, enjoying a refreshing drink or tucking into a delicious meal there's no requirement to leave any gratuities.

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Tipping a private driver in Italy isn't necessary. They're expensive anyway.

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