What is the Florentine etiquette in regard to tipping?
Tipping in the U.S. is mandatory because waiters and waitresses are paid below minimum wage. The first 8-10% of a U.S. tip simply brings the waiter up to living wage. This is not the case in Italy. Waiters make living wage by law. Thus, tips are intended to signal approval. I generally consider what I would tip in the U.S. and subtract 10%. So, if service was good, I give 5% instead of 15%. If it was exceptional, I give 10% instead of 20%. Don’t believe waiters who tell you that service isn’t included. Technically, they may be right: There is no tip specifically in the bill. But you need to think of the wider social picture.
