First Time Italy

Checklist

AEnsure your passport is valid for at least six months past your arrival date

ACheck airline baggage restrictions

AOrganise travel insurance

AMake bookings (for popular museums, entertainment and accommodation)

AInform your credit- or debit-card company of your travels

ACheck you can use your mobile (cell) phone

ACheck requirements for hiring a car

What to Pack

AGood walking shoes for those cobblestones

AHat, sunglasses, sunscreen

AElectrical adapter and phone charger

AA detailed driving map for Italy's rural back roads

AA smart outfit and shoes

APatience: for coping with inefficiency

APhrasebook: for ordering and charming

Top Tips for Your Trip

AVisit in spring and autumn – good weather and thinner crowds.

AAlways carry some cash. Some restaurants and hotels only accept cash, while unattended petrol (gas) stations don't always accept foreign credit cards.

AIf you're driving, head off the main roads: some of Italy's most stunning scenery is best on secondary or tertiary roads.

ADon't rely solely on a GPS, which can occasionally lead you too far off the beaten track; cross-check your route on a printed road map.

ASpeak at least a few Italian words. A little can go a long way.

AQueue-jumping is common in Italy: be polite but assertive.

AAvoid restaurants with touts and the mediocre menu turistico (tourist menu).

What to Wear

Appearances matter in Italy. Milan, Italy's fashion capital, is rigidly chic. Rome and Florence are marginally less formal, but with big fashion houses in town, sloppy attire just won't do. In the cities, suitable wear for men is generally trousers (including stylish jeans) and shirts or polo shirts, and for women skirts, trousers or dresses. Shorts, T-shirts and sandals are fine in summer and at the beach, but long sleeves are required for dining out. For evening wear, smart casual is the norm. A light sweater or waterproof jacket is useful in spring and autumn, and sturdy, comfortable shoes are good when visiting archaeological sites.

Sleeping

AHotels All prices and levels of quality, from cheap-and-charmless to sleek-and-exclusive boutique.

AFarm stays Perfect for families and for relaxation, agriturismi range from rustic farmhouses to luxe country estates.

AB&Bs Often great value, can range from rooms in family houses to self-catering studio apartments.

APensions Similar to hotels, though pensioni are generally of one- to three-star quality and family-run.

AHostels You'll find both official HI-affiliated and privately run ostelli, many also offering private rooms with bathroom.

Money

Credit and debit cards can be used almost everywhere with the exception of some rural towns and villages.

Visa and MasterCard are widely recognised. American Express is only accepted by some major chains and big hotels; few places take Diners Club.

ATMs are everywhere but be aware of transaction fees. Some ATMs in Italy reject foreign cards. Try a few before assuming your card is the problem.

Change money at banks, post offices or a cambio (exchange office). Post offices and banks tend to offer the best rates.

Bargaining

Gentle haggling is common in markets. Haggling in stores is generally unacceptable, though good-humoured bargaining at smaller artisan or craft shops in southern Italy is not unusual if making multiple purchases.

Tipping

Italians are not big tippers. Use the following as a rough guide:

ATaxis Optional, but most people round up to the nearest euro.

AHotels Tip porters about €5 at high-end hotels.

ARestaurants Service (servizio) is generally included in restaurants – if it's not, a euro or two is fine in pizzerias, 10% in restaurants.

ABars Optional, though many Italians leave small change on the bar when ordering coffee (usually €0.10 per coffee). If drinks are brought to your table, a small tip is generally appreciated.

Etiquette

Italy is a surprisingly formal society; the following tips will help avoid awkward moments.

AGreetings Greet people in shops, restaurants and bars with a 'buongiorno' (good morning) or 'buonasera' (good evening); kiss both cheeks and say 'come stai' (how are you) to friends.

AAsking for help Say 'mi scusi' (excuse me) to attract attention; use 'permesso' (permission) to pass someone in a crowded space.

ADress Cover shoulders, torso and thighs when visiting churches and dress smartly when eating out.

AAt the table Eat pasta with a fork, not a spoon; it's OK to eat pizza with your hands.

AGifts If invited to someone’s home, traditional gifts are a tray of dolci (sweets) from a pasticceria (pastry shop), a bottle of wine or flowers.

For more information, see the Survival Guide