7 things to know before going to Italy

Italy is one of those places everyone dreams of visiting at least once in their life, isn’t it? Some people come for the food, others for the history, others for the landscapes… And let’s not forget the art.

But while Italy itself sounds (and looks!) like a dream, there’s a side of it that only reveals itself only when you’re actually here: the little rules, the quirks, the rhythms of everyday life. If you don’t know them you’ll have to learn them the hard way (that is, finding yourself hungry and with no means of paying, or maybe losing you chance to visit a must-see because it’s closed), but if you take a few moments to research them beforehand I can assure you that your experience will be smoother than ever!

You’re expected to carry ID at all times

The biggest “surprise” for tourists and new residents alike is this: Italian law requires you to carry a valid ID at all times. And for non-EU travelers, that means your passport. The real thing, not a photocopy or a picture on your phone while the real documents are safe and sound in your hotel room. That’s because police and local authorities have the right to stop you and ask for it, and while it doesn’t really happen often (unless you really look shady or they just happen to be in a streak of stopping people), being caught without an ID can very quickly turn into an inconvenient and costly situation. And we don’t want it right?

Even if you become a longer-term resident, this requirement doesn’t go away. Even worse, when you finally get your residence permit, you also have to carry it along. Together with a valid document. Basically it doubles the quantity of important documents you have to keep with you at all times making sure you don’t lose them! The safest approach? Keep them in a secure but accessible place (something like a small pouch to keep under your jacket), and to also have a digital or physical copy stored somewhere just in case of loss of theft.

Tipping isn’t a rule, but it’s still appreciated

Unlike in the US, tipping isn’t part of the Italian payment culture. Here, waiters earn salaries and while they are lower than those from other jobs, they don’t need to rely primarily on tips. What you’ll see in most restaurants and cafés, however, is a small service charge called “coperto” that covers the complimentary bread basket and anything related to the “use of the table.” 

Now, with this I’m not saying you’re absolutely forbidden to leave a tip. Leaving a few extra euros after a meal or rounding up your bill is considered polite and is very much appreciated, especially if the service was warm and attentive. The only thing you have to really understand is the nuance: in Italy a tip is not expected, so nobody will chase you down the street if you walk out without tipping. Still, leaving a small gesture is kind and a nice touch, especially in your go-to-places.

August and December are practically national shutdowns

If there’s something that catches tourists and new residents completely off guard, it’s Italian holidays. I mean, we all know that in August the country practically shuts down because of Ferragosto. It’s everywhere on the internet. And when I say that the country shuts down, I mean it. You’ll find shops closed, offices locked up, and even most restaurants shut their doors for weeks. After all, Italians all head to the coast or the mountain.

What you probably didn’t know, though, is that the same pattern repeats in late December, right around Christmas and New Year. That’s the perfect time for families to gather and celebrate so that means that schools close and many businesses slow down (or stop altogether). For a short-term visitor, this can be inconvenient, especially if you’re expecting lively cities. But for someone moving to Italy long-term, that simply means learning how to plan ahead. It can be frustrating at first, but don’t worry: once you get used to it, you might even start looking forward to these down times!

Italy works for drivers, but public transport wins in cities

I know it, the simple idea of driving through Italy with a rented car sounds romantic. And there are many parts of Italy where driving really is the best way to explore. Like the countryside and smaller towns, for example, because they aren’t always well connected by trains or buses. There, having a car gives you more freedom to move around. But things change when your trip moves to the bigger cities where driving can very quickly turn into a nightmare (and where tourists can end up spending all their budget in fines without even realizing it!)

The good news? Italy has one of the most efficient public transportation systems in Europe, with fast and affordable trains that link all major cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice and many more. And within cities, buses and metros cover most needs. Even taxis are, most of the time, a better option when compared to the hassle of driving in historical centers! Basically, this is the rule of thumb: if you’re exploring rural areas, get yourself a car. Otherwise, you might be better off relying on public transportation.

Cash is still king in some situations

Nowadays, you might assume you can get by with only a credit card everywhere you go. And that is generally true. Italian shops and restaurants, indeed, are now required by law to accept credit cards unless they are unable to for reasons such as connection troubles or technical limits. However, Italy still has a strong cash culture, especially in smaller cities and in the countryside. And that means that you will likely be frowned upon when you try to pay for a coffee or a smaller meal with a credit card, and very often you’ll be told that the credit card terminal doesn’t work on that very same day. Is it true? Who knows.

That’s why it’s really wise to always have some euros on you at all times. That is, if you want to avoid arguing with everyone that doesn’t accept your credit card. It will make you more flexible and prevent you having to run to an ATM machine to draw money while a friend waits for you in the shop itself. Luckily enough, ATMs are really easy to find in Italy!

Italian food isn’t what you think

If you grew up eating Italian-American food, get ready for a shock as soon as you set foot in a restaurant here in Italy. Hopefully the good kind, though we very often see videos of people criticizing Italian food because it’s not what they expected.

Just let me give you a heads up: pizza in Naples is nothing like the heavily topped versions you find abroad, and pasta dishes (and actually all dishes) are much simpler than you might expect. And yes, portions are much smaller than you might be used to. But basically, if you don’t expect to get chicken on your pasta and you don’t order a cappuccino to drink with your pizza you’re basically good to go! 

Sundays and Mondays follow their own rules

Another cultural aspect you will have to adjust to is the way Italians treat Sundays and, surprisingly, Mondays too. As you can imagine, Sundays are days traditionally used to rest and have big meals with one’s family and friends. That’s why many businesses, shops, and some restaurants (though it’s less common for cafés and restaurants) close for the day. So, if your plan is to go on a shopping spree, you might end up a bit frustrated by the closed doors. And what about Mondays? They are the “recovery day” for many restaurants and museums, especially those that are open during the weekend. 

For tourists or anyone coming for a shorter period of time, this means you’ll have to do a bit of planning. Pay attention to museums and restaurants schedules and plan your days around their closures and you’ll be okay. For people coming long-term, instead, it will be frustrating at first but it will soon become part of your weekly rhythm. And once you get used to this slower pace, you might even find it much more refreshing!