Tipping
In restaurants a service charge
of about 15% usually appears as a separate item on your check. A few
restaurants state on the menu that cover and service charge are
included. Either way, it's customary to leave an additional 5%-10%
tip for the waiter, depending on the service. Tip checkroom
attendants 500 lire per person, rest-room attendants 200 lire; in
both cases tip more in expensive hotels and restaurants. Tip 100 lire
for whatever you drink standing up at a coffee bar, 500 lire or more
for table service in a smart café, and less in neighborhood
cafés. At a hotel bar tip 1,000 lire and up for a round or two
of cocktails.
Taxi drivers are usually happy with 5%-10% of the meter amount.
Railway and airport porters charge a fixed rate per bag. Tip an
additional 500 lire per person, but more if the porter is very
helpful. Theater ushers expect 500 lire per person, but more for very
expensive seats.
In museums and other places of interest where admission is free, a
contribution is expected; give anything from 500 to 1,000 lire for
one or two persons, more if the guardian has been especially
helpful.
In hotels, give the portiere (concierge) about 15% of his bill for
services, or 5,000-10,000 lire if he has been generally helpful.