10 Dos & Donts of Italian Travel Etiquette
- #1 DO be conscious of how you dress.
- #2 DONT try to say “ciao” when first meeting someone.
- #3 DO remember to look after your belongings.
- #4 DONT forget to look both ways when crossing the street.
- #5 DO remember to cover your knees & shoulders.
- #6 DONT forget to learn the basics.
In this post
What should I avoid in Italy?
10 things you should never do in Italy
- Don’t overtip.
- Don’t order a cappuccino after 11am.
- Don’t put cheese on a pasta that contains fish or seafood.
- Don’t cut your spaghetti with a knife and fork, ever.
- Don’t order the Fettuccine Alfredo.
- Don’t wear shorts, tank top or flip-flops when visiting a church.
What is considered rude in Italy?
And please, do not burp or fart in public, it is considered extremely rude. Also, loud swearing and drinking alcohol from a bottle while walking the street, is frowned upon. Most Italians like some alcohol, but usually avoid to get drunk. Public scenes of drunkenness are much less tolerated than in other countries.
Does and donts in Italy?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Italians leave tips that are smaller than in the US, unless they have found the service exceptionally good. Don’t picnic on monuments, historic steps and fountains, or inside museums and above all, don’t forget to take your trash with you if you do.
Is it OK to wear shorts in Italy?
You can wear shorts in Italy and look perfectly normal.
Is it rude to tip in Italy?
What is the rule for tipping in Italy? There is no strict rule about tipping in Italy. Leaving a tip is a courteous gesture that shows the person who provided a service to you, that you appreciated their help. As such, leaving a tip is entirely up to you and, in many cases, it will not be expected, albeit appreciated.
Do you tip in Italy restaurants?
At Restaurants
If you want to tip more than that, you still don’t need to leave more than 10 percent of the total check. Tips of 15 percent to 20 percent, while standard in U.S. restaurants, are just unheard of in Italy. And remember, for really lousy or indifferent service, you should leave niente (nothing).
What are some strange laws in Italy?
11 Unusual Laws in Italy Even Italians Don’t Know About
- Crimes against fashion.
- Hands off, men!
- No making sandcastles at the beach.
- Goldfish bowls are banned.
- No noisy footwear.
- No kissing in cars.
- Even dead people need health care.
- Don’t save a spot at the beach with a towel.
How do you act in Italy?
Top tips how to act like a local in Italy
- Greet everyone with two kisses.
- Do not order a cappuccino after 11 am.
- Enjoy “riposino” at noon.
- Do not add ketchup to pasta or pizza.
- Start your day with a sweet breakfast.
- Dress-up.
- Don’t stand in queues.
- Drink only water, wine, or beer.
When should you not go to Italy?
Without a doubt, August is the least ideal time to travel to Italy. The weather in Italy at this time is oppressively hot, and in some places, very humid. This is the two-week annual summer holiday season when schools are on vacation and most locals depart the cities for the coastline.
What do I need to know before going to Italy?
30 Travel Tips To Know Before Visiting Italy
- 1.) You’ll get lost.
- 2.) Italy is more than just the mainland.
- 3.) Gelato is too delicious to ignore.
- 4.) Drink for Free.
- 5.) Dinner isn’t rushed.
- 6.) Card Payment are okay.
- 7.) Italy’s got some impressive beaches!
- 8.) Trains are great!
Can I drink tap water in Italy?
The short answer is yes. Drinking water from the tap in Italy is considered safe. Tap water in the major cities and towns around Italy is safe for consumption, and there are thousands of old-style water fountains dotted around cities, like Rome, where you can fill up water bottles.
Is it OK to wear jeans in Italy?
Are jeans appropriate to wear in Italy? While Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, you still can wear jeans in Italy. However, avoid acid wash and extremely distressed denim and opt for medium-dark blues and blacks. Black skinny jeans always look chic in Europe!
Can you wear crop tops in Italy?
Avoid Beach Clothes
Especially when you are visiting big cities like Florence or Rome, or locations not right on the shore, shorts, crop tops, short skirts and flip flops are definitely not the proper outfit for the day.
Why does Italy not have toilet seats?
We asked Italian friends about the frequent absence of toilet seats, and they helped to fill in the blanks. Apparently, the toilet seats are there originally but, then, they break. The seats break because people stand on them. People stand on them because they are not kept clean enough to sit on.
How do you order tap water in Italy?
If you just order water when eating out in Italy, you will get bottled water (“acqua in bottiglia”), so if you would like tap water, you need to specify this. The Italian for “tap water” is “acqua del rubinetto”.
How do you eat pizza in Italy?
In Italy, unless sold on the street or “al taglio” (sold in rectangular or square slices by weight), it’s always round and served on a plate. 2. You cut the pizza yourself and then eat it with a knife and fork, the most common way, or fold each slice and eat it with your hands.
How do you ask for the bill in Italy?
“Il conto per favore.” That’s how you ask for the bill in Italian.
Do they speak English in Italy?
English is not very widely spoken overall in Italy, although there is a reasonable prevalence of English speakers in larger cities like Rome, Florence and Milan.
Where is it rude to tip?
Japan. Of all the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Japan is most notoriously the one where you should make a point not to tip. Why? Well, the gesture could be considered rude.
What is banned in Italy?
It’s illegal to remove sand, shells or pebbles from coastal areas in Italy. Doing so may result in heavy fines. It’s also forbidden to collect various species of flowers, plants and herbs from mountain and wooded areas. For more information, check with the regional authorities of the area you’re visiting.