tipping in Venice
Tipping can often put international travellers in a tight spot, particularly those visiting Venice. This is because leaving too much of a tip is often regarded as being conceited and giving too little of a tip is mostly measured to be impolite. Therefore, most often than not travellers find themselves in a dilemma, unable to figure out the appropriate amount of money to leave as a tip.
So, what can be done in such circumstances? To solve this problem, travellers must familiarise themselves with the local tipping customs of Venice. As a general rule, tipping in Venice should be “from the heart” as a gesture of appreciation, rather than a calculated figure. For more information, let’s take a look at this useful tipping guide for your journey to Venice.
should you tip tour guides in Venice
In VeniceTip 10% to your tour guide
Tips on tour guides usually depend on the type of tour you are taking. For instance, if you are taking a small walking tour, it would be nice to leave a tip of around €5 or €5. On the other hand, if you are taking a tour around the entire city of Venice, particularly by boat or asking your tour guide to show you or visit extra places, you may want to tip them 10% of the bill..
tipping customs for restaurants in Venice
At a restaurant Tip 5-10% in Italy
Tipping in Venice can be a tricky predicament for international travellers. Most restaurants add a 12% service charge on bills for using the dishes, table linen, and for sitting called ‘Coperto’. However, this charge does not go to the waiters/waitresses, but rather to the owner of the restaurant. This is because waiters and waitresses are salaried in Venice and don’t get paid by the hour.
should you tip your hairdresser
in Italy Tip 10 - 15% at a hairdresser
Your hair dresser might expect you to give some extra cash for their services. Not to mention, if you get a haircut and are pleased with the results, you should tip your hair dresser at least 10% of the bill. However, if you aren’t satisfied with the service, you can always choose not to leave a tip.
should you tip your taxi driver
In Venice Round up your taxi fare
In Venice, you can find two types of Taxis: Land and Water Taxis. For land taxi’s, it never hurts to round up the bill when paying, as it proves to be more convenient for both the driver and you. However, for water taxis, it isn’t exactly necessary to tip, unless of course the driver has provided some special service or has helped you lug your bags on and off the boat, etc. Locals will usually tell you not to tip and the boaters are just helpful. But, it would obviously harm to give a tip of €5.
tipping practices for hotels in Venice
in Italy Tip €10 - €20 at hotels
Tipping is actually quite common in hotels in Venice. There is a person to help you out around every corner: The maid, the bellboy, the concierge, and room service. Therefore, every person does expect a certain amount of tip, depending on the service asked for and the extra efforts invested. Usually, the concierge, or hotel portiere, will expect a €10 - €20 tip depending on the services arranged for you.
For a standard double occupancy room, leave the maid about €1 - €2 per day for the cleaning services provided. Additionally, don’t forget tipping the valet and room service €1, unless of course you’re staying in a 5-star hotel, where these tip amounts usually double up.
Gratuities in bars in Venice
In Venice don't tip at a bar.
When you talk about going to a pub or bar in Venice, gratuity is entirely optional. Neither do waiters/waitresses find it offensive nor do bartenders. In fact everyone appreciates a nice tip and would always be willing to serve your table next time, keeping in mind all your needs and requirements. Therefore, if you are seating at a table, you can tip the waiter as much as you would in a restaurant.
Similarly, if you are standing at a counter of a bar, you can give a modest tip to the barista or bartender. If not a tip, you can always offer to buy him/her a drink, which is considered to be a much appreciated and better act. In some circumstances, the bartender may actually buy a drink for themselves or they will choose to take it as a tip of around one or two Euros.