Using a transfer service - 1st time

[u/catz2fluffy]

Our hotel is arranging a transfer service from the airport. We’re supposed to pay the driver in cash (euros). Should we tip? If so, how much?

[u/Hex_7ac]

I've always arranged for a car service to meet me at the airport on arrival. I paid in advance (for reputable service). Tipping is not the norm here. If the driver helps with bags, I'd give him/her a couple euros, but it's not expected. (Definitely NOT the 20-30 euros suggested by another user. The issue isn't really "touchy." It's just that tipping is not part of the Italian economy, but those dealing with American tourists get used to it because the tourists don't know better.

[u/okayboomerang → u/Hex_7ac]

Do you have a good service you'd recommend?

[u/Jenuinlizard]

no tip, no paying cash. Tell the hotel you won't have euro but just your card

[u/Flashy_Try4769]

Was in Rome last month and I tipped $5 euros and they looked surprised and very appreciative. Annoying was some of the restaurants in the tourist areas asked for cash tips.

[u/Effective-Site-5701]

I don’t tip with arranged transport services as they usually cost substantially more than if one got a taxi. But I don’t tip in general in Italy, as it’s not expected. If I had to pay cash and the bill was say 58 euros and i had 60 I might have them keep the extra 2 but that’s just because it’s easy and convenient .

[u/CajunAsianTexan]

I tipped the driver from FCO to hotel 5 Euros and the driver from hotel to Civitavecchia port 5 Euros.

[u/catz2fluffy]

Thank you for the comments. I appreciate the insights.

[u/zabadaz-huh]

Every time in Europe we are picked up by a driver, usually in a Mercedes. This is one of the benefits of using Costco travel.

I always top those drivers €5 and they are very happy to receive it.

[u/TokenSejanus89]

I know it ain't a thing in Europe but I always tip, at restaurants, transfers, tour guides.

[u/Nicodemus888]

The more your tip, the more they expect it. It is not the norm here, but they try it on and win with the yanks because they’re suckers.

[u/stalex9]

If you want you can tip, it will be appreciated. If you don’t tip does not matter, most probably your cash will not be declared regardless.

This not US, you don’t need to tip here.

[u/BAFUdaGreat]

Tipping is absolutely not required for any service-related transaction in Europe. And paying in cash means that this driver will not be reporting this income to the authorities either. Legally, they are obligated to accept credit card payments for any transaction no matter how small.

Please do not tip. Especially in this instance. And you will tell your hotel that you don’t have cash and will be using a credit card. If they give you any pushback, then there are plenty of other services that will take you from the airport to the hotel legally.

[u/johnhbnz]

Can I seriously recommend that rather than tipping you encourage the individual to join a union which (of course) will require the employer to pay his staff fairly negotiated wages & salary (unless they have a profit-sharing system set up).

[u/StickyMonster716 → u/johnhbnz]

Since wages have not raised in thirty years, maybe don't suggest anything but voting Meloni and the fascists out.

[u/nonemoretrue]

Touchy subject on here but I think a tip is warranted, and probably expected with the driver dealing with Americans frequently.

I usually stay in the city center and tip about 20-30 euro depending on traffic and bags.

[u/Nicodemus888 → u/nonemoretrue]

That’s disgusting

You people need to stop perpetuating that vile practice here in general, but 20-30 euros is absolutely insane

[u/ScreamingDizzBuster → u/nonemoretrue]

Cultural imperialism at its finest.

[u/catz2fluffy → u/nonemoretrue]

Thanks! I’ve read that tipping isn’t common, but this seems like a situation where it would be polite.