tipping in Rome?

[lovelyladi]

I always thought you did not tip in Rome..that there was a service or cover charge on meals. Now i read in a tour book that this is no longer so and 5-10% is an appropriate restaurant tip. And what about cabs etc?

 

Feedback please...we leave for Rome on Thursday

[ab0si]

If service is include (it usually is), I round up (if the meal tab is 33 euros, I leave 35). Similarly with taxis, but a bit more generous perhaps.

[photographia]

Sometimes it isn't included. In restaurants you'll see it on the bill at the bottom, "servizio." I've found that when it isn't, the waiter will politely point that out to you, ahem.

[cruisemom42]

In my experience, the service charge is still included in more restaurants than not. However, it ALWAYS pays to look at your bill carefully. (Sadly, some restaurants in locations where tourists flock will engage in a few questionable billing practices.) If service is included, you may choose to leave an additional token amount but are not obligated to do so. If not, I generally tip about 10-15% depending on quality of service, etc.

 

Note: "Pane e copierto" is not a service charge. It is a so-called "bread and cover charge" that is relatively common.

 

With cabs, I generally round up and add a euro for a short fare (e.g., within historic district). I will increase it for longer fares, particularly if baggage is involved.