luvtheships Posted May 20, 2017 #51 Share Posted May 20, 2017 Yes - but the definition of "service" in this particular case (il coperto) is the charge for the place setting and (in some places) bread on the table. BTW, it is illegal to charge il coperto in Lazio (incl. Rome). Sent from my iPhone using Forums So if I see 10% on my bill and my fav restaurant near the pantheon or navona I should tell them to remove it ? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted May 20, 2017 #52 Share Posted May 20, 2017 So if I see 10% on my bill and my fav restaurant near the pantheon or navona I should tell them to remove it ? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Interesting point. I have often tipped twice out of ignorance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruisemom42 Posted May 20, 2017 #53 Share Posted May 20, 2017 The reason it is missing in Rome is because it is illegal to charge il coperto in Lazio. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Servizio and coperto are two separate things. Either or both may be charged in various ways in Italy. As you correctly say, the pan e coperto (literally "bread and cover") charge is not legal in Lazio. http://ciuitaly.com/blog/files/coperto-italian-restaurant-cover-charge.php Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvtheships Posted May 20, 2017 #54 Share Posted May 20, 2017 So if pan e coperto is on my Rome restaurant bill...which it definitely was in 2012...I should tell them to remove it? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatbush Flyer Posted May 20, 2017 #55 Share Posted May 20, 2017 So if pan e coperto is on my Rome restaurant bill...which it definitely was in 2012...I should tell them to remove it? Sent from my iPhone using Forums Sure - you can do that - if it is, in fact, il coperto and not a mandatory gratuity (something increasingly done here in SF- to mixed reactions). Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted May 20, 2017 #56 Share Posted May 20, 2017 Sure - you can do that - if it is, in fact, il coperto and not a mandatory gratuity (something increasingly done here in SF- to mixed reactions). Sent from my iPhone using Forums That ties in with my original observations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvtheships Posted May 20, 2017 #57 Share Posted May 20, 2017 Sure - you can do that - if it is, in fact, il coperto and not a mandatory gratuity (something increasingly done here in SF- to mixed reactions). Sent from my iPhone using Forums Mandatory gratuity is for large parties correct We are not a large party Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvtheships Posted May 20, 2017 #58 Share Posted May 20, 2017 That ties in with my original observations. I'm not going to be tipping much on the upcoming trip I've overtipped in the past this I know but did it for superior service from guides I've left an additional tip in restaurants too I'm not fretting that though I'm thinking the only ones I'll tip 5/10e might be the private transfer drivers. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatbush Flyer Posted May 20, 2017 #59 Share Posted May 20, 2017 Mandatory gratuity is for large parties correct We are not a large party Sent from my iPhone using Forums Many restaurants worldwide do that for "large" groups. However, there are a growing number of restaurants in certain cities (like SF), where a set gratuity (ranging from 15-18%) is added to the tab regardless of the size of the party. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvtheships Posted May 21, 2017 #60 Share Posted May 21, 2017 Many restaurants worldwide do that for "large" groups. However, there are a growing number of restaurants in certain cities (like SF), where a set gratuity (ranging from 15-18%) is added to the tab regardless of the size of the party. Sent from my iPhone using Forums I'm asking about Rome though but thanks for the info about SF Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatbush Flyer Posted May 21, 2017 #61 Share Posted May 21, 2017 I'm asking about Rome though but thanks for the info about SF Sent from my iPhone using Forums "Certain cities" includes Rome. Not many restaurants yet- but the number is on the rise. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slidergirl Posted May 21, 2017 #62 Share Posted May 21, 2017 Servizio and coperto are two separate things. Either or both may be charged in various ways in Italy. As you correctly say, the pan e coperto (literally "bread and cover") charge is not legal in Lazio. http://ciuitaly.com/blog/files/coperto-italian-restaurant-cover-charge.php As usual, you have correctly stated... I'll happily pay the servizio. I have not seen pan e coperto the last 2 times I was in Rome. But, I don't take the english menu. No, I don't speak Italian, but I can figure out a menu and I can always look at Google Translate if I need a little help. I also research my restaurants ahead of time so I know what I want. Many of the good places have websites to browse, or I look to Katie Parla or Elizabeth Mincilli (either their websites or their apps) for guidance. I haven't had a bad surprise yet with anything I've ordered ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euro cruiser Posted May 21, 2017 #63 Share Posted May 21, 2017 I was just in Rome a couple of weeks ago for a few days and spoke to several waiters and tour guides in Italian (which I am fluent in) about tipping. Every single person said that they regard the American way of tipping a way of thanking them for good service and that is why they go beyond in service for an American. This isn't one person. This was at least 10 different people including taxi cab drivers. It's a nice anecdotal story and I'm sure it made you feel better about doing what you were going to do anyway, but what on earth would you expect them to say, in Italian or not? Someone who is a customer, asking me a question about whether or not I want a tip ... gosh, it's hard to come up with an appropriate response. And given that the tip comes after the service, how does that compute with going beyond for an American? Does that mean that all Americans get better service because a few have tipped in the past? Doubtful ... and they would quickly be out of local/Italian customers once that behavior became obvious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted May 23, 2017 #64 Share Posted May 23, 2017 It's a nice anecdotal story and I'm sure it made you feel better about doing what you were going to do anyway, but what on earth would you expect them to say, in Italian or not? Someone who is a customer, asking me a question about whether or not I want a tip ... gosh, it's hard to come up with an appropriate response. And given that the tip comes after the service, how does that compute with going beyond for an American? Does that mean that all Americans get better service because a few have tipped in the past? Doubtful ... and they would quickly be out of local/Italian customers once that behavior became obvious. I think it is just being a nice person if you want to tip for great service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slidergirl Posted May 23, 2017 #65 Share Posted May 23, 2017 I think it is just being a nice person if you want to tip for great service. Or, if you are in a country where tipping is not the norm and you are an American (everyone here says that locals can spot an American tourist from a kilometer away), you are being pandered to in order to get a little extra from you because you are so nice... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted May 23, 2017 #66 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Or, if you are in a country where tipping is not the norm and you are an American (everyone here says that locals can spot an American tourist from a kilometer away), you are being pandered to in order to get a little extra from you because you are so nice... I am from England and yes part of customer service is making people feel special whether it is genuine or not but i always tip and give more if the service has been excellent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonTowner Posted May 23, 2017 #67 Share Posted May 23, 2017 I am from England and yes part of customer service is making people feel special whether it is genuine or not but i always tip and give more if the service has been excellent. So, would you tip the helpful sales assistant in M and S and the efficient cashier in the bank because they gave you excellent service? They are all doing the job they are paid to do and of course a smile and pleasantries are appreciated, but they get paid to do their work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted May 23, 2017 #68 Share Posted May 23, 2017 So, would you tip the helpful sales assistant in M and S and the efficient cashier in the bank because they gave you excellent service? They are all doing the job they are paid to do and of course a smile and pleasantries are appreciated, but they get paid to do their work. Thats a bit silly,we all know we are talking about waiters and waitresses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusin6 Posted May 23, 2017 #69 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Ok this is my 7th trip to Italy and basically up to this point I've given the fco/Rome/port drivers 10% At restaurants regardless of service and cover perhaps the same which is now a mistake I see Tour guides 5/10e for a day tour/excursion Hotel housekeeping actually 0 but not sure why That's for 6 of us in total So yes or no Do I leave anything? Do I leave minimal? Do I round up? Fwiw when in Barcelona in 2012 visiting family and the outdoor cafe bill for the sangria came and I tried to leave 10% and my niece was adamant and wouldn't let me do that She said just round up!!!!! To the nearest euro!!!! Not 15e to 20e but 14.50 e to 15 e. Done!!!! Guess I'll do that this trip to Italy too Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted May 23, 2017 #70 Share Posted May 23, 2017 So, would you tip the helpful sales assistant in M and S and the efficient cashier in the bank because they gave you excellent service? They are all doing the job they are paid to do and of course a smile and pleasantries are appreciated, but they get paid to do their work. On reflection these are valid points.Hairdressers and taxi drivers too spring to mind where tips are given. If i go to Starbucks or McDonald's and get the food and drink myself i would never leave a tip its only in restaurants where waiters bring the food and drink to us that i will leave a tip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonTowner Posted May 23, 2017 #71 Share Posted May 23, 2017 Thats a bit silly,we all know we are talking about waiters and waitresses. I know ( obviously) we are talking about waiting staff, but in most European countries it is considered a serious profession and they are paid the appropriate salary. Surely, you have seen older staff waiting at tBles in Spain, Italy, France etc its because those people have been in their profession all their lives. Not like in the UK where the jobs are filled by a student trying to supplement their studies or a foreigner wanting to improve their English. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted May 24, 2017 #72 Share Posted May 24, 2017 I know ( obviously) we are talking about waiting staff, but in most European countries it is considered a serious profession and they are paid the appropriate salary. Surely, you have seen older staff waiting at tBles in Spain, Italy, France etc its because those people have been in their profession all their lives. Not like in the UK where the jobs are filled by a student trying to supplement their studies or a foreigner wanting to improve their English. Yes i have been traveling to Spain etc for 50 years since i was 11 and waiters and waitresses do tend to be more mature but these countries have relied on tourism all this time so they do tend to stick to these professionals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crewza Posted June 8, 2017 #73 Share Posted June 8, 2017 Whether for port or airport transfers I pay by credit card. Unlike in NYC, there is no tip line on the receipt to be signed. Methinks they don't expect it. Same for restaurants; no tip line. When in Rome..... As for taxis, since most don't accept credit cards, round up to the nearest euro unless you have exact change. As for bellmen, porters, hotel maids, concierges that's up to you.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lifeasme123 Posted June 8, 2017 #74 Share Posted June 8, 2017 You might be surprised to know that when you don't get the menu in English (or eat in a restaurant that doesn't have them), this service charge is often missing... ;p cruisemom42 - this is true? ore you just being facetious? :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lifeasme123 Posted June 8, 2017 #75 Share Posted June 8, 2017 It depends on your accent. A European accent and nobody will expect anything. An American accent and they will be holding their breath in anticipation of a disproportionately large amount. I love this! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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