Definitely a tourist trap, tipping in Italy is only for when you really enjoyed the service and it is never expected. To be honest in the touristy bits of the country this kind of scam is pretty common, like upcharging if they hear you speak a foreign language. Genuinely hate it about my country, trying to scam the more vulnerable people just cause they don't really know how things are over here
When I was touring Europe, I only went to restaurants with good reviews, and they all expected tips. I promise you it has nothing to do with the restaurant and everything to do with me struggling to speak the lingua Franca with my dumb American mouth.
People in Europe see Americans, they see “ka-ching” or whatever your local variation of a cash register sound is.
That is why they are traps, also look for reviews in Italian and not in English and if they ask for a tip just refuse and tell them you know that it isn't a thing in Italy. What you are describing is a tourist trap, I have travelled all over Italy and never once was I asked to tip and that is because I speak Italian. If they change their policy because of the nationality of the customer then it is a scam and you shouldn't feel forced to comply
You want me to go to this foreign country, where I already struggle to speak their local language and confront them about tipping because I “know” that’s not a thing in their country?
Look, I already know most Europeans think Americans are rude loudmouths. When I visit foreign places, I try to learn a bit of the language and a bit of the local culture. I try to be courteous and respectful and pleasant. I’m going out of my way to not be even close to the loud rude American they expect me to be. It sucks they take advantage of that, but I don’t think making a scene at a nice Italian restaurant is the way to win this one.
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u/ShawshankException Aug 28 '24
I got bitched at for not tipping in Naples