Italy travel notes:

In Italy, you pay only what is printed on the receipt and nothing more (service is included in the prices). The receipt should correspond to what is written on the menu. Often there is a "coperto" charge (usually +1 or +2 euro per person, normally includes bread) that must be indicated on the menu. If a staff makes a request to add something by hand on the check for a "tax" or for "service," etc., it is to evade tax. Refuse to pay anything more than the price. If s/he insists, then calmly say you will call the "guardia di finanza" (free emergency phone number 117, works 24/7 like police). If you already paid the "extra," s/he should return the money. If you can, report any such incident to 117 even if it ended well for you. Each call is taken seriously and helps both Italy and future tourists. As a general rule you can also call as soon as any shop refuses to give you a receipt.