Cafés · Italy
Do you tip at cafés in Italy?
Short answer
10–20 cents
Drop a coin in the dish at the bar, or nothing at all.
OptionalCash preferred
An espresso at the counter costs around a euro and nobody expects a tip. Leaving 10–20 cents in the little dish by the register is a common local habit, particularly if you are a regular.
Common questions
- How much should you tip in cafés in Italy?
- 10–20 cents. Drop a coin in the dish at the bar, or nothing at all.
- Can you tip by card in Italy?
- Card machines rarely prompt for a tip, and adding one to a card payment is unusual. Leave cash if you want to tip.
More on tipping in Italy
Tipping in cafés elsewhere
Reviewed by Greg Kockott on 3 September 2026.
Figures checked against the sources below on 4 September 2026.
Sources
- Rough Guides, “Italy travel tips for first-timers” (consulted 2026-09-04)
- Lonely Planet, “The Ultimate Guide to Tipping in Europe” (consulted 2026-09-04)