In the U.S. tipping is customary and expected for everything from lackluster to outstanding service. It is an etiquette which is ingrained in all trades, from wait staff at restaurants to our baristas, valets, cab drivers, porters, and many more trades. In Europe tipping is not as habitual, and in Italy and is not always expected. This can leave some travelers confused. In San Marino, tipping is a kind gesture and appropriate in some situations (identical to Italy). In San Marino tipping is optional if there is a service charge included in your bill (which it often is). If no service charge is included or if service was superb, a tip of about 5-10% is appreciated.

This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these `tips` will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.

Currency: Can I pay in U.S. dollars, or should I use Euros?

The currency of San Marino is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Euros upon arrival. In our culture we can put everything on credit and debit cards, however, in Europe you will find it useful to always keep a little cash on hand.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars: When should I tip? How much is customary?

Tipping at restaurants and bars is not required if the bill is inclusive of service fees. If there is no service fee or if you were particularly delighted with the service, about 5-10% tip will be appreciated.

Hotel Staff: Who should I tip?

The practice of tipping is more common in San Marino hotels. In most hotels a service charge is included in the bill for staff, however, Porters, Concierge staff, Chambermaids, Valets, and Restroom Attendants all appreciate the generosity of guests.

Beginning with the Valet, if you have a rental car, an appropriate tip is no more than 1 Euro. If a Porter helps to carry your bag(s) to your room the customary tip is 1 or 2 Euros per bag, usually no more than 5 Euros total. Hotel Concierge staff can be very helpful for first time travelers; they are a wealth of information from directions to restaurant suggestions and reservations. Tip them 1 or 2 Euros accordingly for their helpful service. For Chambermaids in moderate hotels a 1 Euro tip, daily, is adequate; while in deluxe hotels 2-3 Euros daily is more suitable. Follow the same rules for tipping Room Service staff as you would a server in a restaurant, round up the bill by a few Euros and let them keep the change; alternately, if you charge your room service order to your hotel bill, give the Room Service carrier no more than 2 or 3 Euros. In very upscale hotels (and some nicer restaurants) there are Restroom Attendants, and it is polite to leave them 0.50 Euro. In most hotels, service charges are already included in your bill but for bell staff.

Taxi Drivers: Should I tip?

Tipping cab drivers is uncommon, but feel free to round up the fare to the nearest whole euro.

Tour Guides: Is a tip required?

Tipping tour guides is not customary, but very much appreciated. Common practice is in the range of 5 Euros for half a day, or about 10 Euros for a full day, per person. Although most tour operators include a `tip` in quoted prices bear in mind that the guides are often paid a low wage, so if one if particularly enthusiastic or informative do not hesitate to slip them a little extra if you wish!

Final Thoughts:

Remember that it is perfectly okay to abstain, especially if you are not happy with the service provided. Unlike in the U.S., waiters are paid a living wage, and the expectations for tipping are lower in Italy than in America. This is also true for hotel staff, though if you encounter a problem with the service within the hotel, they highly recommend speaking with the manager.

When paying for services in cash (which we generally recommend for services other than your hotel) remember to take your receipt. This is important for two reasons; If you leave a tip on a credit card, the person providing the service may not always get it, and if there is a discrepancy it is important to have your receipt to settle it with the manager of the establishment and to prove that you paid for the service.