It's always helpful to a little research on the customs and etiquette of a country before visiting. There's nothing worse than looking like a rude tourist.
After two weeks in Italy, I want to share the things I learned both in advance and during my time there.
HELPFUL ITALIAN WORDS TO KNOW
While you'll find most Italians in bigger cities can speak English it's still polite to know some words and phrases in Italian to help show some respect. We learned the basics using the Duolingo app on our phones and then used the Google Translate app for help while there.
Please don't think that if you speak louder, the Italians will understand what you are saying.
"Ciao" - hello & goodbye
"Grazie" - thank you
"Parla L'Inglese?" - Do you speak English?
"Non capisco" - I do not understand
"Mi scusi/ Mi dispiace" - Excuse me/Sorry
"Aiuto" - Help - Good to know in case of an emergency.
"Mi potete aiutare per favore" - Can you help me, please?
"Quanto" - How much?
"Controlli, per favore" - Check, please.
"Duo scoops" - two scoops (we used this daily) ;-)
"Vino rosso/bianco de la casa" - red/white house wine
"Zero, uno, due, tre, quattro, cinque, sei, sette, otto, nove, dieci" - Numbers 0-10
PACKING
We each were able to get everything we needed for 18 days into our carry on and our small backpacks. That included five pairs of shoes for me, a hat and my essentials. (Looking back now I would have only taken three pairs of shoes.) I couldn't have done it without packing cubes.
SIZE - Having a heavy suitcase or multiple bags could easily make or break your trip if you are traveling to multiple places. Be prepared to drag your suitcase on cobblestone streets and carry it up stairs as well as on and off trains. I'd suggest a carry on and folding a duffle bag inside or carrying a backpack. Anything more is pushing it. If you can't lift it easily, you need to rethink what you are bringing.
WEIGHT - Know your bag weight. If you are unsure or plan on purchasing things while on vacation bring a portable luggage scale. Discount airlines and international carriers are very strict with bag weights.
CONVERTERS - Don't forget to pack a power converter or two. I say two because ours broke one night in Siena and we had to play charades to find a new one.
DINING OUT //
RIPOSO - Mid day siesta, takes place between 1pm-4pm. Italians take this very seriously so don't be surprised when restaurants and stores close during this time.
SITTING VS. STANDING - If you grab a cappuccino, there is probably a bar with many people standing. If you decide to sit at table most places will charge you an additional fee, making the costs sometimes double. If you want to save money, stand at the bar like the Italians. You need to pay for your coffee first, then take your ticket to the counter.
AVOIDING TOURIST TRAPS - Restaurants with pictures on their menus are typically more likely to be more touristy. If you're looking for a local, more authentic Italian meal, avoid places that have menus in English and have hosts outside trying to lure you in. Ask the locals where they eat.
TIMING - Have an early lunch. Resturants usually close around 3pm and open again for dinner around 7pm-8pm and can last hours. Everything is slower in Italy so pack your patience and enjoy leaving the rush at home. Plan your meals accordingly and don't be in a hurry to wrap up dinner.
WATER - In Italy, you pay for bottled water when you sit down. They usually offer tap or sparkling water; there are times that the prices (2-4 euros) can be a dollar or two less than a 1/2 craft of house wine.
GETTING THE BILL - They expect you to ask for the bill when you are finished with your meal. Waiters consider it rude to bring the check before you ask.
TIPPING - "Coperto - bread, plates, knives" If you want to tip you can but it's not expected. You can round up to the nearest euro or leave a couple of extra euros.
VARIETY - Food in Italy is so much more than pasta and pizza. Branch out and try to do a little research to what food is is typical in that region. For example, in Florence try the steak - Bistecca Florentina.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF EATING ESTABLISHMENTS
When choosing a place to eat, you'll notice there are a few options. Knowing the difference will help you decide which will work best for you.
Trattorias are traditionally family owned, casual neighborhood restaurants that serve a changing seasonal menu comprised of local favorites. Expect to find more rustic, more home-cooked foods. They bring in a lot of their money by offering take out.
Ristorantes are full-service restaurants that provide a more upscale menu and can be quite expensive. In Italy, you won't be able to call for take out, but you can expect to sit at the table. You will be served bread, covered by the coperto. On the menu, you'll see antipasti, primi, secondi, contorni, and dolci (desserts) options.
Osterias are wine bars that are traditionally more simple than trattorias and usually do not have a menu. They may offer a two or three-course meal at a fixed price with wine and are usually less expensive than trattorias. The atmosphere is generally very cozy with just a couple of tables where locals can sit and have a quick bite to eat before getting back to work.
Enotecas or "wine bars" are places to have a glass of wine and enjoy light appetizers.
Paninoteca a place you can pick up high-quality sandwiches like paninis made of freshly baked bread made of artisanal grains, meat, and cheese.
OTHER HELPFUL DINING TIPS:
GELATO - Choose your gelato wisely. Sure, it's everywhere. We were told avoid anything bright or neon colored as those are natural ingredients. Also to avoid the mountains of gelato that are stacked a foot high. Look for places with lines and read reviews.
CAFE CULTURE - here in the states we drop into a cafe to use the restrooms, catch up on some work on our laptops and access the free wifi. Although, this seems quite normal this idea doesn't really exist in Italy.
OLIVE OIL - and sometimes vinegar is used instead of salad dressing.
PIZZA CUTTING - In Italy, they eat their pizza with a fork and a knife. Don't be surprised when they bring a whole pie to the table that isn't cut into slices. They don't typically eat with their hands or share their pizzas.
SPAGHETTI & MEATBALLS - A typical Italian meal in the U.S. but you won't find it on the menu unless you are at a touristy restaurant. You'll find pasta under the "primi" section of the menu and meat under the "secondi" section. If you want more of a meat sauce, order the spaghetti bolognese.
BREAKFAST - Don't expect a big breakfast in Italy, a typical breakfast is an espresso with a biscotti or croissant. Most hotels with have a larger American style breakfast. Breakfast is usually from 8-10am, where ordering a cappuccino is acceptable but ordering one after 10 am may get you funny looks.
MANNERS AT THE MARKET & PRODUCE STANDS
Don't ever touch the fruits and vegetables on the stands or in the markets in Italy. They take pride in making sure the produce is the perfect level of ripeness which means it needs to be handled delicately. They also don't want to spread unnecessary germs. You should notify the shop owner and ask "May I pick my own?" If they say yes, then handle very lightly and get what you need. If not, let them know what you would like and how much (ex. three onions, one pound tomatoes) and when you would like to eat it. Not all shop owners are the same but don't assume you can just walk up and smell the tomatoes then put them back down.
If you want to pick your own, you may find shopping at the grocery market a better option. You can touch the produce but not with your bare hands. They often will provide you with disposable gloves that you are expected to use.
TRAINS/TICKETS/TAXI'S
PURCHASING TICKETS - At larger stations there will be self-serve kiosks to get your train tickets. They should have an English option, too! If you are looking to purchase bus tickets, we found that they were usually at the cigarette shops.
VALIDATING TRAIN & BUS TICKETS - you must look for the little machines to validate your tickets to prove you are using the ticket right then. If you forget to do this, you may get a hefty fine from the inspector. Make sure to keep your ticket for the duration of your journey.
SCHEDULE/ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES - Trains in Italy (and Europe in general) are much more advanced than in the states. So many trains come and go, expect to board just minutes before the train is scheduled to leave and be prepared to depart on time. Know when and if you need to book tickets in advance. We bought all our tickets right before traveling and only once had to wait a couple of hours for a train (which was going to Switzerland). If you aren't sure where to go, just look for the info booths.
OPT FOR HIGH-SPEED TRAINS WHEN TRAVELING FURTHER - They will cost a bit more, but you will have more time to explore your destination. If you aren't traveling far, I'd suggest just taking the slower local trains because arrive a half hour earlier may not be worth the additional cost.
BUSES - Don't just assume the bus knows you are waiting for it. You may have to wave your hands as it's approaching. You'll also have to push the button at your stop for it to stop.
TAXI'S - You can't hail a taxi in Italy. You'll need to call a taxi company to request one, or you'll have to find a taxi stand where you can pick one up. Make sure you have cash to pay.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotels in Italy are required by law to register every guest with the police. Don't be surprised at check in if they ask for your passport to make a copy.
When you check out of the hotel at the end of your stay, you will be asked to pay a tourism tax. This tax is per person, per night and can only be paid in cash.
Elevators are usually used to transport luggage and can be very small. If you are a large family, it may be easier to take the stairs and send your luggage up separately.
GENERAL & SAFETY
ALWAYS CARRY SOME CASH - I'd suggest 40-50 euros. Not all places accept credit/debit cards, and you don't want to find yourself in a situation where you're unable to pay for something.
SPACE IS LIMITED EVERYWHERE YOU GO - Everything is compact - seats on trains are a little smaller, luggage racks are smaller, hotel and restaurant spaces are much more compact. Another reason to travel lightly.
PICKPOCKETERS & PURSE SNATCHERS ARE EVERYWHERE - We chatted with an American man in Rome that had it wallet stolen one night and the next night his phone was taken from his pocket. I read horror stories of men on scooters in Naples that would snatch women's bags as they were crossing the intersection. Use common sense and try not to look like a complete tourist. If you have to pull out a map, check your surroundings and be aware. Always have your money in a couple different of places. Make sure all bags are locked with a TSA approved lock while in transit. Don't travel fearfully - travel carefully.
Do you have any other helpful info worth knowing in advance? Comment below! :-)
