In 2012, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his bride dined at two restaurants in central Rome. They didn’t leave a tip at either one. The next morning, the billionaire couple’s snub was splashed all over the front pages of Italian newspapers. A public outcry ensued; however, many people may have thought to themselves, “What’s all the fuss? Everyone knows you don’t tip in Italy!”

Or do you?

Confusion surrounding leaving a tip (la mancia) in Italy is nothing new. Consequently, the best thing you can do is prepare yourself ahead of time by reading up on Italian customs and social etiquette. Knowing Italy’s expectations regarding tipping can help you avoid embarrassing situations and even prevent creating another international incident.

To Tip or Not to Tip?

Due largely to mass tourism (particularly from the U.S., where tipping is the norm), attitudes in Italy about gratuities are changing. Nonetheless, what was true in this country 20 years ago remains valid today: You don’t need to tip in Italy. The primary reason is that Italian workers are paid a monthly salary for their work — in contrast to food service personnel in the U.S. who are paid a reduced hourly wage in lieu of tips. It’s not as if Italians never tip; they just do it less obligatorily and in much smaller amounts.

Before reaching into your pocketbook at dinner or pulling out your wallet in a taxi, consider the guidelines on when, how, and how much to tip (or not to tip) in Italy:

Tipping Guidelines: Where and How Much

At Restaurants

If you’re having a proper sit-down meal in a restaurant, the rule of thumb for rewarding good service is to leave the waitstaff about €1 per diner. Often, a party will simply round up the check by a few euros; for instance, leaving €55 for a €52 check. If you want to tip more than that, you still do not need to exceed 10 percent of the total check. Tips of 15 percent to 20 percent, while standard in U.S. restaurants, are virtually unheard of in Italy. Furthermore, for really poor or indifferent service, you should leave niente (nothing).

In Bars

If you’re having an espresso at the counter of a coffee bar, it’s perfectly acceptable to leave behind the extra change (usually a €0.10 or €0.20 coin will suffice). For table service, you may encounter a “service fee” for sitting down, predominantly found in tourist areas. Consequently, tipping is not necessary in such cases.

In Taxis

The recommended practice here is to leave somewhere between nothing and a euro or two. If your driver is particularly friendly or offers to carry your bags up the stairs, then a few euros is a standard tip. Do keep in mind that there may be a surcharge added to your fare for each piece of luggage, which is perfectly legal. For a regular cab ride within the city limits, you can simply round up to the nearest €0.50 or €1, if you wish.

At Hotels

At full-service hotels, staff should be tipped as follows:

• Porter: €1 per bag.
• Housekeeper: €1 a day.
• Valet and concierge: €1 to €2.

After Tours

While not required, it has become quite common to tip your guide. If you enjoyed the tour, giving your guide a few euros from each person in the group is appreciated.

When Tipping Is Not Required

• Grabbing a quick sandwich at a cafe.
• Mom-and-pop businesses where it’s clear the individuals serving you are the owners.
• When a check has servizio incluso (service included), indicating the tip is already added. However, if you experienced exceptionally good service, you can opt to leave a couple of extra euros.

Tipping Dos & Don’ts

• Tip with cash, even when paying the bill with a credit card.
• If you want to tip a particular server, ensure the money gets into their hands; otherwise, they may never see it.
• Avoid showing off by overdoing it with tipping.
• Remember that, other than in the most touristy piazzas, your waiter won’t bring your check until you ask for it. You’re not being ignored; it’s just customary to wait for the customer to request the check.

Ultimately, for every tourist or Italian you encounter who insists there’s no need to tip in Italy, you’ll find another who claims it’s now the norm to leave a little something. Therefore, tipping in Italy is a matter of personal comfort. If leaving a tip makes you feel better, and doing so doesn’t strain your vacation budget, then by all means, leave a few euros to show your appreciation. Interestingly, we have yet to see a waiter or service person refuse a tip in Italy!