From the ruins of Rome, to the cobblestoned streets of Siena, to the masterpieces of Renaissance art in Florence, there’s so much to see and explore when you travel to Italy.
In order to truly make the most of your trip, though, it’s best to be prepared. Knowing what to expect in Italy can help you avoid some of the little stresses that go along with travel and spend more time on what you came for: life-changing experiences.
Here are some tips for making sure you’re ready for your trip to Italy:
What do I need to know about Italy?
President: Sergio Mattarella
Prime Minister: Giuseppe Conte
Religion: Catholic (74%), No religion (22%), Other (3%)
Date format: DD/MM/YYYY
Time zone: Central European Time (EST+6)
What do I need to know about Italian culture?
Language: The official language of Italy is — you guessed it — Italian. If you’re learning Italian, then this is a golden opportunity to practice.
It’s okay, though, if you have no knowledge of the language — people will mostly speak English in more touristy areas, and tour guides will help you navigate. Here are some Italian phrases that might be helpful for you to learn before you go.
Etiquette: When in Italy, be sure to shake hands with someone when you first meet them, similar to back home. Friends may give a kiss on each cheek. Be sure to bring conservative clothing in case you enter a church.
Holidays: If your trip happens to fall during a holiday, this can be an excellent way to interact with locals during your free time, though it may affect business hours for shops and sites. Check out a calendar of Italian holidays to see if any of them overlap with your trip dates.
What about health and safety?
Safety: As of this post, the U.S. State Department has listed Italy as Level 2, the second-lowest level of caution. Travelers are encouraged to “Exercise increased caution.” That means keeping an eye on your luggage and wallet, staying with your group if you’re with a tour, and generally being aware of your surroundings.
Italians drive on the right, so you don’t have to worry about looking the wrong way before crossing the street.
Health: You do not need to have any vaccines to travel to Italy, and the tap water is safe to drink.
Weather: Italy has a mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cool and wet.
Check out the weather before you go, and prepare with clothes for warm or cold weather and rain, depending on when you’ll travel.
Food: Italy is famous for its cuisine, which is heavy on pasta, cheese and vegetables. Vegetarians should have little problem finding something to eat in Italy, but gluten-free options may be hard to come by.
How do I use my phone in Italy?
International calling and WiFi: The number to call for emergency services is 112. To call the U.S. from Italy, dial 001 and then the number, starting with the area code. Most hotels will offer WiFi.
For information on how international calling works for your cellular provider, contact them directly.
Adaptors: Italy uses a different plug than the U.S., so you will need an adaptor. Be sure to purchase one so you are able to charge your phone abroad.
What do I need to get in, out, and around Italy?
Passport and visa: Your passport must be valid for six months following your date of departure from Italy. Visas are not required if you are staying in the country for less than 90 days.
Customs: Don’t try to bring any raw beans, or fruits or vegetables back into the U.S.
Money: Italy uses the Euro (€), the official currency of the European Union. Other types of paper currency won’t be accepted, though credit cards from the U.S. are fine. Check with your bank to see if you’ll be charged a fee for using your card abroad, and definitely notify them of your tour dates.
Check out the exchange rate for USD to Euros before you go, and if you decide to change money, make sure the rate is favorable. Usually, the airport currency exchange will not offer you the best rate, and you’re best off using a debit card at an ATM during your trip, but be aware of any international fees.
Also, be sure to check out our tips and guidelines for spending money abroad.
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