Last summer when I was in Italy, I tipped at a rate of about 15% at restaurants and also for taxis. Since then, I've been told that was too much. They always seemed very pleased by that amount. Any comments?

That is very generous. My understanding is that you round up a bit, but taxis much less than restaurants.

Often the tip is included in the bill at restaurants, so you may have really made them smile.

Taxis are a separate issue. In that case - yes, it is appropriate to tip.

In restaurants we generally left a very small tip - no more than 5% or so unless there was some extraordinary circumstance.

I recall the waiter at our first restaurant in Rome seeming quite pleased with the 2 euro coin that we left. This was about 7% of the bill and it felt so cheap to me at the time but different places have different "rules".

Any idea what an appropriate tip is for a taxi or limo? We have a driver taking us from Naples to Sorrento. I have no idea what to tip.

Hi dac,

European service personnel are paid much better than they are in the US.

The prices listed on the menu in Italy include a 15% service charge.

If you get very good service you should leave a euro or two.

Cabbies get a euro or 2.

Limo drivers get a euro or two.

Bellhops get a euro or two.

Concierges get a euro or two.

Hotel maids get a euro or two.

You don't have to tip the pilot.