Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Customary Tipping Percentages

Search

Customary Tipping Percentages

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 31st, 2013, 01:09 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Customary Tipping Percentages

Hello! My daughter and I will be traveling in Italy the first couple of weeks in June. Can you please tell me what the average tipping percentage is for a private hired driver? Also, the percentage for housecleaners (maids) in our Hotel and Servers at restaurants?

Thank you!
starrbright01 is offline  
Old May 31st, 2013, 02:05 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Tipping does not follow the same rules as in the US. Depending on who you talk to it can be from nothing to a couple of spare euros - to a regular tip.

We give what we feel is appropriate - based on the service - but starting from about 10% versus the usual 20%. We always tip the hotel maids - since we are usually getting things from them - extra towels, clothes washed pick-up and delivery, etc.
nytraveler is offline  
Old May 31st, 2013, 02:50 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,238
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
google tipping rules for a given country and go from there.
Rastaguytoday is offline  
Old May 31st, 2013, 07:49 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 36,792
Likes: 0
Received 14 Likes on 11 Posts
From the American Church in Rome, Santa Susanna:

Il Conto, Per Favore. Getting the bill sometimes requires asking for it two or three times (Faccia il conto, per favore). Don't get upset -- remember you're on vacation. Breath deeply three times. Waiters can be very nice, but if they're busy, they can also be forgetful. If something's missing, ask for it. Most restaurants take credit cards, but check the door to make sure. A few only take cash. There's a small cover charge (for the bread, etc) and a tax. Tip LESS than you do in the states. About 5% to 10% unless you're in a real fancy place and the service is extraordinary, but even then, don't overdo it. However, please note that Fr. Greg tips 10 to 15% because he feels guilty and that the waiters have come to expect it from Americans! Also, please always Take Your Bill of Fare with you. Always.

http://www.santasusanna.org/visitorInfo/howDine.html
kybourbon is offline  
Old Jun 1st, 2013, 04:12 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,049
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
We usually tip 10% anywhere in Europe, including here in the UK. It's the accepted norm and unless you've had something or had service that was above and beyond (like getting the Heimlich maneouvre for that stuck olive), it's about right.
Rubicund is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jeterray
Europe
88
Nov 20th, 2014 09:33 AM
jimwoh99
Europe
13
Jun 16th, 2013 01:14 PM
VHolly
Europe
58
Oct 27th, 2011 04:24 PM
martinewezel
United States
5
Dec 28th, 2003 10:16 AM
Lindsay
Australia & the Pacific
5
Aug 27th, 2002 09:45 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -