Do you tip waiters in Venice?
Waiters and waitresses are salaried in Venice. When a service charge is included in the bill, there's no need to leave a tip. But, if you are more than satisfied with the service, you may want to leave 5%-10%. If a service charge is not added to your bill, leave a tip of 12% or so.
First off, tipping in Italy is neither mandatory nor expected, but if you do decide to do so, the gesture is a very clear indicator that you appreciated the service provided.
When it comes to tipping at restaurants, Italians will tell you they only tip on truly exceptional service or when dining in the finest restaurants. Even then, they usually only tip an extra 10 to 15 percent, or often just the change left over from the bill.
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.
Tipping your Venice taxi driver is optional, but always appreciated if you think they did a great job.
In relation to tipping your gondolier, if the service is good, a tip is obviously appreciated. Also, if you're taking a gondola ride in a group of more than four, a tip is usually expected. Think of it like a service charge in a restaurant. And just for reference, around the 10% mark is the norm.
(While not required or even expected, if your gondolier does the full 35 minutes and entertains you en route, a 5–10 percent tip is appreciated; if he's surly or rushes through the trip, skip it.)
What is the rule for tipping in Italy? There is no strict rule about tipping in Italy. Leaving a tip is a courteous gesture that shows the person who provided a service to you, that you appreciated their help. As such, leaving a tip is entirely up to you and, in many cases, it will not be expected, albeit appreciated.
Tip in the local currency
Whenever you tip during your trip to Italy it is important to use the local currency, that is - Euros. Otherwise you'll leave your service providers with cash they can't use without paying high fees on currency exchange.
- No cappuccino after 10:30 a.m. This is perhaps the most well-known, but warrants some explanation. ...
- Keep it simple. ...
- NO Parmigiano cheese with seafood. ...
- Only water or wine with your meal. ...
- Don't eat bread with your pasta. ...
- No chicken on pizza or pasta. ...
- No ice cubes in drinks.
Can a woman wear shorts in Italy?
Italians love a nice pair of short shorts, and not just for women . Guys, girls, grandmas; everybody wears shorts, and they're probably a lot smaller than you're used to. If you're traveling to Italy during the summer, get ready to wear shorts that show a little thigh.
Waiters and waitresses are salaried in Venice. When a service charge is included in the bill, there's no need to leave a tip. But, if you are more than satisfied with the service, you may want to leave 5%-10%. If a service charge is not added to your bill, leave a tip of 12% or so.
You hardly need any cash at all. You can use your credit or debit card wherever there is a PoS (point of sale) machine. Your card needs to be on the Mastercard or VISA international network to function. (Most businesses in Italy refuse Amex and Diners because they charge too much commission.)
Getting the bill at a restaurant
(Again, ask for “il conto dettagliato” or ““il conto lungo“). Sometimes, restaurants will just write a total number down, or even just say it.
In fact while walking along Venice you will often bump into -when most needed- many fountains. They are certainly a perfect accent to many beautiful campos (if you pay attention, you'll uncover others inunexpected places). But is the water from the fountains potable? Absolutely!
Uber is not available in Venice.
The bus comes around every 15 minutes. There are luggage racks in the seating area, so you'll need to bring your bags on board. You can also take the buses operated by ATVO. These leave every 30 minutes and have under bus luggage storage so you don't need to worry about hauling luggage on board the bus.
We're sorry to tell you, but no, you can't negotiate the price of a normal gondola ride in Venice. However, if you ask for a much longer tour, you might have the chance to discuss the price and duration of the tour with the gondolier. Keep in mind, however, that gondoliers have plenty of work.
Venetians like to dress up and you will feel more comfortable in smart casual dress. This is definitely a location to show off your designer labels if you wish. You will see plenty of designer handbags on show. Make sure you take comfy footwear for daytime as you will do a lot of walking.
Good to know: Unless you pre-book a gondola tour, you'll have to pay cash for your gondola ride. So make sure you have enough money on you. Private Venice gondola tours that you can pre-book online are usually more expensive than the official rates.
Can we drink tap water in Venice?
Don't worry – yes, of course. You can drink the water in Venice and save yourself the expense and waste of bottled water. Venice's tap water is pumped in from the Italian mainland so you don't have to worry about anything questionable in the water that is floating under the city.
At restaurants you should wait to be seated by the waiter; don't just sit at a table if you see one free. In cafes and bars you can sit at any empty table but you must order from a waiter and pay for table service (more expensive than if you order and eat standing up at the bar).
Inspired by the blue gondolas and the lagoon in Venice
Clambering in an out of a boat is not the place to wear your tottering heels, so for that gondola ride, choose jeans and flats and take your fashion cue from the navy striped t-shirts of the gondoliers.
Italians don't always leave a tip, and if they do, it's not a large amount. In other words, here in Italy, an automatic, generous tip isn't given like it is in the United States. But, if you've received exceptional service, feel free to leave a tip!
Breakfast in Italy: what to expect
Homemade breakfast in Italy is usually a straightforward affair. Traditional breakfast drinks in Italian households are coffee, tea and cocoa milk for the kids and the main breakfast foods are bread with butter and jam, biscuits and cereals.
The short answer is yes. Drinking water from the tap in Italy is considered safe. Tap water in the major cities and towns around Italy is safe for consumption, and there are thousands of old-style water fountains dotted around cities, like Rome, where you can fill up water bottles.
It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks. You should also exchange enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel before you leave home, or withdraw money upon arrival at an airport ATM.
First, understand that Italy is a very cash-oriented society, so make sure you never end up with zero cash in your wallet. To buy small things, like coffee, you'll need cash. You'll also need cash at all outdoor markets, for most taxis, and at many restaurants.
Italy is part of the euro zone. Don't be one of the rubes who try to pay Italians in U.S. dollars or pounds sterling--use the local currency, just as you'd expect foreign visitors to do at home.
Don't Wear Shorts.
Although summer in Italy can be rather hot, you'll rarely see Italian women wearing shorts. The best way to fit in would be to stay away from revealing too much skin, but still look stylish at the same time- try a flowy skirt instead.
What can you not bring into Italy?
- All forms of asbestos fibers.
- All products containing the biocide dimethylfumarate (DMF)
- Animal skins.
- Atlantic red tuna fish (Thunnus Thynnus) originating from Belize, Panama, and Honduras.
- Biological Substance Cat B, UN3373.
- Books: hardback/paperback non-comm.
The SPAGHETTI rule
Not everyone knows that, when Italians cook spaghetti, they never break them before putting them in the hot water! It is forbidden! Spaghetti must be cooked just the way they are: intact! Then, they must be eaten rolling them up with a fork.
Are jeans appropriate to wear in Italy? While Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, you still can wear jeans in Italy. However, avoid acid wash and extremely distressed denim and opt for medium-dark blues and blacks. Black skinny jeans always look chic in Europe!
Avoid wearing shirts with collar buttons or breast pockets at night. You can also never go wrong with a dress or skirt. If you're a man, wear a long-sleeve shirt at night or when attending nicer venues. Jeans are okay, but dress them up with a nice blazer and dress shirt.
To get the Italian women over 50 looks, stick to neutral-colored dresses with simple lines. They also like to embrace their curves while not showing too much skin. Think about what silhouettes make you look and feel great and create those with your dresses.
Not only is dinner served late (after 7 pm), but the restaurants in Italy close between lunch (1-3 pm) and dinner making early dinner impossible if you missed lunch for some touring commitment.
Opening hours of restaurants in Venice
In general, one can say that the gastronomy in Venice starts relatively early. Many restaurants open already at 10 a.m. or even earlier. In the evening, many restaurants close around 22 o'clock. Some have a siesta, others don't.
I like most people in Italy, drink botteled water too but for a quick swig or to clean teeth it's not a problem using what comes out of the tap.
According to the law DLGS N. 286 of July 25th, 1998, it is mandatory that you always carry an international identification document (your passport) whenever you are in Italy, BUT, it doesn't have to be the original document, it can be a copy.
Public toilets are difficult to find, but there are clean ones at various places around the town (see map below) such as the Station, Academia bridge, San Marco, and Arsenal. Some of these are staffed by an attendant, so you have to pay to use them (usually about 1 euro).
How many euros do I need for 3 days in Venice?
For meals, you can both eat decent food for 100 euros per day. If you budget 300 euros for your 3 nights, you should be fine even with a "splurge" meal.
According to Italian etiquette, you should leave a very tiny amount of food (or no food) on your plate. Leaving food on the plate is considered rude in Italy. Italy has, in fact, developed a culture that places a high value on food and eating.
Since the prices in Venice are relatively high, 100-Euro bills are usually accepted. With 200 euro notes or even 500 euro notes one has problems in many shops. Venice pickpockets etc. The problem with traveling with cash is the risk of theft.
The experience of eating in a restaurant in Rome (or Italy) works pretty much the same: You show up without a reservation (in which case, expect to have to wait a bit, or to be turned away entirely) or you book a table beforehand; you wait to get seated; you are shown (or read) a menu; you order items from it or from a ...
While that may seem innocent behavior to some, it's actually in violation of the city's ban on public picnics, which prohibits people from eating or drinking while sitting on the ground at specific sites, including St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge.
The Venice canals create a fascinating maze. But as inviting as they may seem, you must resist the urge to take a dip, as swimming in the canals is prohibited.
Vaporetto. The vaporetto is the water bus of Venice. This is the quickest and cheapest option to move around Venice, after the walking option. Quite used by locals and workers, remember that a single ticket lasts 75 minutes, and you can use it as many times as you want.
Food Prices in Venice, Italy. You'll have to actively seek out budget restaurants because the food is fairly expensive—so, if you're not careful, it's easy to spend way more than you probably want. Note: Anything around St. Marks Square (Piazza San Marco) is going to be crazy expensive.
Do Venice taxi drivers accept credit cards? Unfortunately, Venice taxi drivers don't often have the POS system needed to accept credit cards. We recommend keeping cash in the local currency with you when taking a Venice airport taxi.
There are street musicians and gondoliers who will sing arias as they push you along the canals. But there's also this - rolling suitcases bumping along those cobblestone streets. The Venetian government has banned them. To avoid a fine, you need a suitcase with quiet inflatable tires.
Is it walkable in Venice?
It is possible to visit the City of Venice entirely on foot, but there are obstacles to this that makes some use of water transport desirable. Venice is a collection of islands with the main City of Venice on two islands divided by the Grand Canal.
Venice is not a practical city to travel with luggage, especially the large ones. If you can avoid carrying a lot of weight with you, that will be the best option. Backpacks and carry-ons are easy to stroll around, so you should have no trouble getting to your hotel with them.
(While not required or even expected, if your gondolier does the full 35 minutes and entertains you en route, a 5–10 percent tip is appreciated; if he's surly or rushes through the trip, skip it.)
Early morning and after dark are generally good bets for a spontaneous gondola ride in Venice, while high-traffic periods are usually during the day and early evening.
In relation to tipping your gondolier, if the service is good, a tip is obviously appreciated. Also, if you're taking a gondola ride in a group of more than four, a tip is usually expected. Think of it like a service charge in a restaurant. And just for reference, around the 10% mark is the norm.
You'll want to dress a little more formally in Venice than you would for a day on the beach. Nice jeans, slacks, or a nice sundress will do. It will be hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so dress appropriately for doing a lot of walking and waiting around outside. Here are some of my favorite outfits for Venice.
Jeans are also fine as long as they don't have rips or obvious signs of wear and tear (though among the younger generations those are very much in fashion in Venice and Italy at the moment). And even though it may be a hot summer day, just leave the beachwear alone until you hit the beach!
Wondering if you need to pack rain boots for your visit to Venice? It's not necessary! Acqua alta is linked to the tide, so you can simply stay on dry land while you wait it out.
Tariffs. The official tariff of a 30-minute ride on a gondola is € 80 ( US$ 87.80). The price goes up to € 100 ( US$ 109.70) from 7 pm onwards. If you want the gondolier to sing or to play an instrument during the ride, you will have to pay extra.
The price for a gondola tour is 80 euros if you book it before sunset or 100 euro if you want it after and during sunset. The price isn't per person but per gondola, which means that if you're in Venice with your family, it won't be 80 or 100 euros per person but for the entire family.
Should I tip my waiter in Rome?
Home » Food and drink » Do I need to tip in Rome? Tips are not expected in restaurants in Italy. Let us repeat that to let it sink in: tips are not expected in restaurants. However, a service charge is sometimes added, in a way that can often cause confusion for visitors.
Card Payments
Italy's most popular payment methods for online purchases are debit, credit, and prepaid cards, collectively representing 40% of these transactions. Debit cards are more popular than credit cards, which make up only 20% of the nation's card transactions.
No. The first thing to know is that when visiting Rome, bringing a lot of money with you is a very bad idea. By buying euros in advance, you will get ripped off on the exchange rate in your home country. By buying a lot of euros in advance, you will get ripped off exponentially.
It can be from 1€ to 3€, but then again, it depends on the restaurant. If you intend to dine at a luxury Michelin restaurant of course the gratuity will be higher. Usually it is indicated with “coperto” or “servizio“.
A general rule of thumb is $3 to $5 per night for budget and midrange hotels, and up to $10 a night for luxury hotels and resorts (or more if the service is really high end).
In Italy, cash is still preferred in most restaurants, cafes and other establishments, although credit and debit cards are becoming more widely used throughout Italy and are an increasingly convenient way to pay for things. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, although American Express is not.
MasterCard and VISA are the most commonly accepted cards. You will get a better exchange rate by using your credit card, as opposed to exchanging US dollars in Italy. Keep in mind that if you pay cash, you're more likely to get a discount in an independently owned store, if you ask for it.
Wear the money belt underneath your trousers.
This is critical. Basically, the money belt is a layer between your underwear and your trousers. It's not meant to be easily accessed. It's meant to keep your valuables safe.
