Money and tipping in Sicily
Understanding how money and tipping work in Sicily helps you travel with confidence and respect for local customs. Sicily uses the euro, and while tipping is appreciated, it’s far more relaxed and subtle than in the U.S. or other countries — good service is expected without obligation.
- Visit Sicily
- 3 min read
Money and Tipping in Sicily — A Traveler’s Practical Guide
💶 Currency and Payments
Sicily, like the rest of Italy, uses the euro (€).
- Coins: €0.01, €0.02, €0.05, €0.10, €0.20, €0.50, €1, €2.
- Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500.
Most prices are rounded, and small coins are often avoided in everyday exchanges.
🏦 1. Using Cash in Sicily
- Cash is still widely used, especially in markets, small cafés, and rural areas.
- ATMs (bancomat) are available in all cities and towns.
- Avoid currency exchange offices at airports — they charge higher fees.
Tip: Withdraw cash from ATMs in moderate amounts; smaller towns may have limited machines.
💳 2. Credit and Debit Cards
- Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept Visa and Mastercard.
- Contactless payments are increasingly common, especially in tourist zones.
- However, small family-run places or street vendors may accept only cash.
Always ask first: “Posso pagare con la carta?” (Can I pay by card?)
💰 3. Tipping Etiquette in Sicily
Tipping (mancia) is not obligatory, but always appreciated when service is friendly or exceptional.
🍽️ Restaurants and Cafés
- A service charge (coperto) of €1–€3 per person is often added automatically — this covers bread and table service.
- If there’s no coperto, a 5–10% tip or rounding up the bill is customary for good service.
- In cafés, it’s common to leave small coins (e.g., 50 cents or €1) on the counter.
Example: Bill €47 → Pay €50 with a smile and “grazie.”
🚕 Taxis
- Rounding up to the nearest euro is appreciated (e.g., €18 fare → €20 total).
- No need for a large tip unless the driver helps with luggage or provides extra assistance.
🧳 Hotels
- Porter: €1–€2 per bag.
- Housekeeping: €1–€2 per night if you stay multiple nights.
- Concierge: small tip for special help (like securing tickets or restaurant bookings).
💇 Other Services
- Hairdressers, spa staff, or tour guides: 5–10% is polite but optional.
🧾 4. Understanding “Coperto” and “Servizio”
You’ll often see these on restaurant bills:
- Coperto: a table charge (not a tip) — mandatory in most of Italy.
- Servizio incluso: service included — no need to tip further.
- Servizio non incluso: service not included — a small tip is appreciated.
🏧 5. ATMs, Banks, and Currency Exchange
- ATMs are safe and easy to use; most have English-language options.
- Maximum withdrawal per transaction: usually €250–€300.
- Avoid Euronet-branded ATMs — they often charge high conversion fees.
- Banks open Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–1:30 PM, and sometimes again 3:00–4:30 PM.
💡 6. Saving Money While Traveling in Sicily
- Eat at trattorie or osterie for better value and authentic meals.
- Use refillable water bottles — tap water is safe and free.
- Buy food at local markets or bakeries instead of tourist restaurants.
- Consider city transport passes or multi-day attraction tickets.
🧭 Summary
In Sicily, money matters are simple and relaxed. Cash remains king for small purchases, while cards are widely accepted in cities. Tipping is never mandatory — just a gesture of appreciation. Whether rounding up a bill or leaving a euro at a café, the key is sincerity. Sicilians value friendliness far more than formality — so a warm grazie mille often means more than a few extra coins.