Money & tipping in Rome
Cards, cover charges and tourist tax.
Cards are common, but carry some cash
Cards and contactless payments are accepted in most restaurants, shops and taxis. Keep some small euro coins and notes for coffee bars, markets and small trattorias. ATMs inside banks are safer than street machines, and always pay in euros if asked for the currency at a card terminal.
Coperto: the cover charge
Many restaurants add a coperto (cover charge) of around €1–3 per person for bread and table service. It is legal and should be on the menu. A separate "servizio" (service charge) may also appear on the bill. Tipping is not expected, but rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is welcome.
Rome's tourist tax
Rome charges a tourist tax (contributo di soggiorno) on overnight stays, paid per person per night at your hotel. The rate depends on the type of accommodation and is usually a few euros, charged for a limited number of nights. It is usually not included in the booking price, so ask your hotel.
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