The Ultimate Italy Trip Planner: Craft Your Dream Journey

Italy Travel Etiquette

Respecting local customs will enrich your experience and earn you warmer interactions.

• Greetings: Always offer a “buongiorno” (good day) or “buonasera” (good evening) when entering a shop, cafe, or restaurant. “Ciao” is for friends.

• Dress Code: Italians dress neatly. Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches (carry a light scarf). Avoid beachwear in towns.

• Coffee Culture: Drink cappuccino or other milky coffees only before 11 AM. An espresso (“un caffè”) is the standard after a meal. Drink it quickly at the bar; sitting at a table costs significantly more.

• Dining: Meals are a social event. Rushing is frowned upon.

  • Tipping: Not obligatory. Service (servizio) is usually included. It’s customary to leave small change or round up the bill (€1-5) for good service in casual spots. In upscale restaurants, 5-10% is a generous gesture.

  • The Cover Charge: The “coperto” (€1-3 per person) is a standard sitting fee for bread and table service, not a tip.

• The Passeggiata: Join the early evening stroll in town centers. It’s a social ritual, not just a walk.

• Queueing (Or Lack Thereof): Lines can be fluid. Be politely assertive but don’t expect strict, silent queues. At a deli or bakery, you often need to take a numbered ticket (prendere un numero).

• Piano, Piano: “Slowly, slowly.” Patience is a virtue, especially when dealing with Italian bureaucracy or crowded spaces.

• Embrace the “Untold”: Allow time to wander without a map. Say yes to the invitation for a coffee. Prioritize a meal with a view over rushing to another museum.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Money & Payments

• What is the currency in Italy?

  • The Euro (€). Notes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500. Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, €1, €2.

• Can I use credit cards in Italy?

  • Yes, widely. Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere in cities and tourist areas. American Express is less common. Always carry some cash (€50-100) for small shops, markets, taxis, and rural establishments.

• Should I exchange money before I go?

  • No. You will get a poor rate. Instead:

    1. Use a Bank ATM (Bancomat) in Italy: This offers the best exchange rate. Decline “dynamic currency conversion” (being charged in your home currency).

    2. Use a No-Foreign-Transaction-Fee debit/credit card for purchases.

• How much should I tip in Italy?

  • Restaurants: (See Etiquette above) Rounding up or small change is standard.

  • Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro.

  • Tour Guides: €5-10 per person for a half-day tour is appreciated for excellent service.

  • Hotel Housekeeping: €1-2 per night, left on the pillow or with a note.

Logistics & Safety

• What are standard business hours in Italy?

  • Shops: Typically Mon-Sat, 9:30/10 AM – 1 PM, then 3:30/4 PM – 7:30 PM. Many close Monday morning and all day Sunday. Large cities and tourist centers have longer, continuous hours.

  • Banks: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM and maybe 30 mins in the afternoon.

  • Restaurants: Lunch ~12:30-3 PM, Dinner ~7:30-11 PM. Many close one day a week (chiuso per riposo).

• Is it safe to travel to Italy?

  • Yes, Italy is very safe for travelers. The primary risks are petty theft (pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas, bag snatching from scooters). Stay vigilant, use a crossbody bag, and don’t leave phones/wallets on cafe tables.

• Can I travel alone to Italy?

  • Absolutely. Italy is a fantastic destination for solo travelers. It’s safe, has excellent public transport, and is full of social experiences like group tours and cooking classes. Use standard solo travel precautions.

• Does Italy have earthquakes?

  • Yes, Italy is a seismically active country, particularly in central and southern regions (e.g., Abruzzo, Umbria, Sicily). Major destructive quakes are rare. Familiarize yourself with basic safety procedures: get under a sturdy table or in a doorway if indoors, move to an open area if outside.

• How do I reach authorities in an emergency?

  • General Emergency Number: 112 (Carabinieri). This single number connects you to police, medical, and fire services. Operators often speak English.

  • Ambulance: 118

  • Fire Department: 115

Practicalities

• Do I need travel insurance to travel to Italy?

  • It is highly, highly recommended. While not legally required for most tourists, medical care for non-EU citizens is not free. A comprehensive policy covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and theft is essential for peace of mind.

• Can I drive in Italy?

  • Yes, with a valid driver’s license. US/Canadian travelers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their home license. Rentals are usually manual transmission; specify automatic if needed. Driving is intense in cities (ZTL restricted zones are a major ticket risk) but glorious in the countryside.

• What about electrical outlets, cell phones, and time zone?

  • Outlets: Type F (also accepts Type C “Europlug”). Voltage is 230V. You will need a power adapter for non-European plugs. Check if your devices are dual-voltage (100-240V) or need a converter.

  • Cell Phones: Ensure you have an international plan with your carrier or buy an Italian SIM card (from TIM, Vodafone, Wind) upon arrival for cheaper local data/calls. EU citizens benefit from “roam-like-at-home” rules.

  • Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1). From late March to late October, Italy observes Daylight Saving Time (CEST, UTC+2).

• Are taxis reliable?

  • Yes, but ensure they are licensed (white car with a taxi sign). Always ensure the meter is running or agree on a fare for longer trips in advance. Use apps like FREE NOW or IT Taxi to book official cabs. Rideshares like Uber operate mainly as premium taxi services in major cities.

Final Advice: Italy operates on its own rhythm. Embrace the occasional closure, the leisurely meal, the animated conversation. Your patience and respect for the local way of life will be repaid with an experience that goes far beyond the guidebook.

Buon Viaggio!