I know tipping in general has been covered many times before, but this is a specific example I don't think I've seen mentioned.

Our hotel is providing (for a fee) a shuttle to get us from the airport to the hotel. Should we tip the driver?

Oops. I forgot to mention - this is in Italy.

Yes---

GWT

If he handles your luggage, yes.

Soooo 5 EUR? 10 EUR? (The hotel is charging us 50 EUR for the ride).

Also - my wife and I are just bringing a single carry on bag each, so it's likely he won't be really helping us with our luggage.

I'm no expert, but I think a tip is always appropriate, whatever seems right and convenient and in local currency, given directly to the driver.

I would give 2 or 3 Euros, not more (the driver gets a regular salary).

some wages are very low...so some survive on tips as bonus...so every bit helps.

I don't know if the driver should have a reasonable expectation of getting a tip; neither does travelLUV, which was the reason for posting the question.

So why am I responding to the thread? Because ignorance of the answer does not seem to be a reason for staying out of the discussion.

You might get a good answer here, but to distinguish it from the wrong ones will be a problem.

If you chatter happily, you feel safe at all times, you arrive on time, the cab is clean and sweet smelling, the music is delightful, the air con maintains a fine climate, he gives you a guided tour of the city in the language of your choice and he hands you your bagage then 2 euros. If not no.

Hi T,

Ditto bilbo.

There is no "right" or "wrong" answer.

If you do not tip at all, nothing will happen.

If you tip too much, the driver will be spoilt somewhat, but for yourself, nothing will happen.

Tipping in Europe is a matter of style and generosity. Decide for yourself.

When I said "2 or 3 Euros", I meant the average tip. When we are driving with our family and lots of baggage, we give more, of course.

Of course, generous tipping helps if you eventually need a special service. However, we know, when Russians used to give tips as high as 1000 Euros, they were kind of despised by service staff.