Top 10 Tips For Americans Traveling In Italy
We’ve all heard the expression “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” However, sometimes this is more easily said than done! After studying, living, and working in Italy for over a year, I can personally attest to the many differences between the American way of life and “la vita bella“. To help you better navigate these differences (and Italy itself!) I’ve put together a list filled with some of the most useful tips I’ve learned from my experiences in Italy. Enjoy, and buon viaggio!
1. Learn Some Basic Italian
Italians are very proud of their culture, art, and language (and for good reason!). To show your appreciation of Italian, try learning some simple words and phrases before you go. Ciao (hello), grazie (thank you), per favore (please), and dov’e il bagno (Where is the bathroom) are great places to start. Though many Italians speak English, a little Italian goes a long way and will almost certainly help you if you are lost, trying to negotiate a bargain at a market, or looking to get better service.
2. Avoid Tourist Traps
Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. As a result, there are a lot of tourist traps that make a business of attracting foreigners and selling less than quality food or goods. Here are some simple ways to avoid stepping into a tourist trap in Italy.
- Restaurants-avoid stepping into restaurants with large pictures of food or menus in 20 languages. It is also helpful to avoid eating directly next to a large tourist site such as the Vatican or Colosseum. Usually, just a few streets away are restaurants with better food and lower prices.
- Gelato-though large piles of elaborately decorated gelato look good on display, they rarely taste as good as some of the less decorated options. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Shops-When shopping in Italy, particularly in markets, it can be easy to be overwhelmed by the many vendors beckoning you to check out their wares. Be calm and don’t let this intimidate you! I try to avoid buying the first think I see, and instead shop around searching for better prices. Don’t be afraid to bargain or quality-check-that’s what markets are for!
- Tourist sites-never buy tickets for a bus, train, or tourist site from someone selling them on the street! These are either fake or more expensive than the ones sold inside. Only purchase tickets through the sites themselves.
- Tourist Scams- there are many vendors operating illegal “shops” on the sidewalks and streets of Italy. Beware of people walking up to you and offering a “free” gift-this is a scam! If it’s not in a shop or stall, and is instead set up on a tarp, it’s probably being sold illegally and is best to avoid. Also, keep an eye on your luggage in busy train stations, as thieves have been known to grab them right off the platform.
3. Tipping in Italy
In the United States, our waiters and waitresses rely on tips as part of our income. This is not the same in Italy. Instead, when you sit down for a meal you will be charged a coperto, or cover charge, for the table that is usually between 1 and 3 Euros per person. In these cases, you do not need to tip, although if you feel the service was particularly good you can always feel free to leave some change or a little extra. If you paid a coperto and get the impression you are being asked to tip, you are probably being taken advantage of because you are an American.
4. Validate Your Tickets
In Italy, when your purchase a bus or train ticket, you must always remember to validate it. On busses and in train stations, there are little boxes where you insert your ticket for it to be stamped. Even if you bought a ticket, but forgot to validate it, you could be charged a very large fine! On busses, it is difficult to forget as the boxes are on board. If you happen to forget before a train ride, seek out a conductor immediately and ask them to personally validate your ticket for you. For a few more tips on bus travel and how to validate your ticket, click here.
5. Skip the Lines
If you are visiting Italy during high season, harness the power of the Internet and book as many tickets as possible in advance online! In Florence, I’ve seen lines hours long for the most popular museums and sights, lines that can be easily skipped by purchasing your tickets in advance. Waiting in line isn’t a highlight of anyone’s vacation, so don’t make it a part of yours. If you can, do this days, or weeks ahead, as many of Italy’s biggest sites, such as the Vatican, can (and often do) sell out early online!
6. What To Wear
While many Americans leave the house in flip-flops, sweats, or gym clothes, this simply isn’t done in Italy. To blend in better, and avoid standing out as an American, don’t be afraid to dress up a little!
Ladies: Be sure to bring a scarf to cover your shoulders and wear longer skirts or dresses when visiting religious sites, as you can be turned away if your shoulders and knees aren’t covered. I also suggest dressing more on the modest side to avoid standing out or receiving any unwanted male attention. For more tips, check out this post!
7. Ordering Coffee
Italians love their coffee, and let me tell you, it is delicious! (Seriously, I think I’m addicted). That being said, Italian coffee culture is very different from coffee culture in the United States. For starters, Italians only order coffee with milk (think: cappuccino, macchiato) in the morning! While you can order a cappuccino anytime you want and still be served, you might have one or two baristas look at you a little strangely when you order one past 11 AM. (Confession: I break this “rule” all the time.) After 11:00 AM, Italians tend to stick to espresso, particularly after eating, a tactic I highly recommend trying to avoid food coma from all the pasta you will be consuming!
8. Pickpockets
Unfortunately, pickpocketing can be a pretty big issue in Italy. Though I personally have never been pickpocketed, I know plenty of people who have. To avoid being pickpocketed, keep an eye on your bags and try carrying a money belt or bag with zippers and secure pockets. A backpack’s outer pockets are easy to steal from, so avoid keeping anything of value in them. For further theft protection, keep copies of your passport in a secure location, and avoid carrying large sums of cash.
9. Aqua Frizzante
When visiting Italy, many Americans are surprised when they grab a water, open it up, and swallow a mouthful of fizzy mineral water. If you dislike aqua frizzante, as it is called, be sure to specify that you’d like aqua naturale, and avoid this unintentional mix up!
10. Embrace The Culture
One of the best parts of visiting Italy is discovering the country’s rich culture for yourself! Be open to experiences and cultural differences, and try talking to Italians to get an insider’s look at the real Italy, the Italy you can’t see by simply climbing the Tower of Pisa or eating a gelato by the Ponte Vecchio. Get lost. Leave time to explore in your itinerary, hit some of Italy’s less popular or well-known cities. You won’t regret it!
This post was created in collaboration with Tuscany Now & More. For more helpful tips from Italy bloggers, be sure to check out Tips For Americans Visiting Italy!
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