Page 33 - Northern Italy: The Alps, Dolomites & Lombardy

you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number
a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do
this online.

You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a
card while you are abroad. Don’t assume you can use the 1-800 number printed on the back of
your card—most 1 800 numbers don’t work outside of the U.S.!

Tipping Guidelines

Of course, whether you tip, and how much, is always at your own discretion. Listed below are
our recommendations for the tips that are not included in your tour price:

O.A.T. Trip Leader: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your O.A.T. Trip
Leader at the end of your trip, especially if he or she has provided you with individual
service. As a guideline, many travelers give $8-$12 USD (or equivalent in local currency) per
person per day.

• Hotel Housekeeping: Many travelers will leave the equivalent of $1-$2 per day, per room
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• Included in Your Trip Price: Gratuities are included for local guides and motorcoach
drivers on your main trip, extensions, and all optional tours.

Time at Leisure

When you are exploring on your own, it’s useful to know when to tip and how much, because
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common services a traveler might use:

• Taxis: In Italy, tipping is not customary, but many locals will round up the fare and
let the driver keep the change. But a 10% tip for helping you with heavy luggage is
appreciated

• Restaurants, cafes, and bars: Throughout Europe, the tip for the waiter or bartender is
usually included in the prices or added on as a service fee. Look for a statement on the
menu like servizio incluso—which means “service is included”, or for a service charge on
the bill. If you would like to leave a tip on top of the service fee (or in the rare case when
the service is not included) then 10% would be considered generous. Note that in Italy,
you may see the word “coperto” on your bill. This is not a tip, but more of a cover charge
for the use of the table, table cloth, napkins, etc.

• Public Restrooms: Most public restrooms in Europe have attendants that take care of
cleaning and supplies. It is customary to leave a small tip for them—usually about .50
euro cents (half a euro)—so hold on to those coins! Some restrooms are pay-toilets; you
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restrooms for patrons only.

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