Throughout my Italian travels I have compiled a list of:
‘THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO ITALY’.
From the ‘Do’s and Don'ts’, to what is considered normal ‘Italian Etiquette’, from travel tips to restaurant service, and some things in between.
Right off the bat, Italy is not a “Taken 1 or 2” movie situation. You don't need Liam Neeson to save the day. Throwing your shoe at someone is something you can do if need be or pretend you are a mother yelling at your child but in this case to a random stranger trying to mug you.
The most you have to watch out for is pickpocketers that try to take your wallets, handbags or luggage.
Generally speaking, Italy is a really safe country. Honestly, have fun and enjoy the experience. There is a good chance this will not happen to you but it doesn't mean that it can't.
But first, here is a little bit about my travel experience to give you some of my background.
I have traveled to Italy many times in my life. From childhood and currently right into my 40’s, all in all just a little over 18 times. From a weekend trip to a one-week stay, from three weeks to three months. The way I traveled in my 20’s is much different now that I’m in my 40’s, and I have experienced A LOT.
I have been to many cities long before Google Maps and the internet and I have accumulated a lifetime of stories. I have stayed from ghost towns in the middle of the mountains with no running water, to small traditional towns, from small cities to major cities all over Italy. I have slept out on balconies, in buses, in train stations and airports, in random questionable 2 Star hotels to 5 Star luxury hotels and villas. I have ended up in the wrong direction many times, got on the wrong train, had to jump out of one once, been on night trains to fast trains, got on the wrong buses, driven through highways to crazy tiny roads. I have travelled with family when I was younger and I have traveled with friends during my 20's and 30's and for the past few years I have been traveling solo. I always meet people along the way and my journey of exploring this country will never end.
From all the times that I have been, I am fortunate that I have never lost my luggage, nor had it stolen, never been pickpocketed nor have I been scammed. Simply put, because I know Italians and their behaviour, I know what to watch out for. Also, I travel with confidence and I look like a b!tch when I do!
This list will include the following headings:
Sim Card
Google Maps
Credit Cards/ Money and Identifications
Jewellery
Taxi
Trains
How to Carry your money
Washrooms
Pickpocketers
Speaking Loud
Restaurants
Service
Cappuccinos
Aperitivo
Tips
Hang Bags and Luggages
Renting a Car
And a few smaller things in between!
BEFORE YOU GO TO ITALY CONSIDER THIS:
BUY A SIM CARD
I never use my local phone provider. It is super expensive compared to what Italian telecommunication companies offer for travelers.
If your phone is unlocked, get a new sim card in Italy. You can now get an e-sim card.
Italy has a few telecommunication providers, such as; TIM, Wind or Vodafone. I personally use TIM.
Even after paying for the new sim card with a plan, it ends up being much cheaper than whatever local service provider you have, trust me. They have plans just for tourists.
Italy also has some great hotspots, especially in major city centers and in high touristy areas.
DOWNLOAD GOOGLE MAPS OFFLINE
If you end up renting a car don't pay extra for the navigation.
Just use your phone and have a good data plan.
This is not only useful if you are renting a car but if you are also walking around or taking trains.
Google Maps is just easier to use.
MAKE COPIES OF YOUR CREDIT CARD, PASSPORTS/IDENTIFICATION
Always have a printout version of your documents, preferably 2 hard copies - keep them in separate bags.
Take a photo of your documents so they are also available on your phone.
Make an additional copy of all your documents and leave them at home with someone you can contact if need be.
Make sure you are making copies of both the front and back of all your documents: Credit Cards, Passports, Driver's License etc.
JEWELLERY
Try not to always wear your best pieces of jewellery especially when arriving at the airport or train stations.
Aside from the pickpocketing that happens around major attractions, most of them are done in the airport or train stations. Those are likely the places where you are carrying everything with you. The more jewellery you have on you the more attention you draw to yourself.
WHEN IN DOUBT IF YOU HAVE TO ASK FOR DIRECTIONS
Always ask an officer, there is always one around. Or ask a salesperson, clerk, barista, anyone that works behind a counter basically.
TAXI
If you are getting into a taxi from the airport to the city center or from the train station to the airport there should be a fixed price, you have to ask for it. Agree on the price before getting in the taxi.
From the Airports: The Airports will have signage to indicate where the TAXI, Shuttles,Train station or Rental Car location exits are. Exit where you see TAXI. Only go there.
There is usually an organized line where an officer will tell you to stand in if you are waiting for a taxi.
From the Train Station:
Make sure the taxi drivers are standing next to their vehicles.
If you see a taxi driver not standing next to their vehicle and heading to their car that is parked somewhere else across the road. NOPE. No matter how cheap they offer the price, always NO. HARD PASS!
If you are traveling from the train station to the airport, taxi drivers will likely not tell you there is a fixed price unless you ask for it. ASK FOR A FIXED PRICE.
If you do not set and agree on a price, taxi drivers will run the meter and let me tell you something, they will find those roads with congested traffic.
Also, if you are carrying luggage, they may charge you per luggage and also per person. Yes, that's a real thing there. That is normal.
USING THE TRAIN IN ITALY
To purchase train tickets in Italy you can go directly to the train station or online on the Trenitalia website.
They also have an APP.
Download the APP.
It is faster and easier to purchase tickets through the app rather than waiting in line.
Before you get on the train your ticket must be validated.
Officers are always getting on the train to check tickets. Yes, you will get fined.
What happens if you do not comply? You will be escorted out at the next stop.
You do not want to be standing in line at the train station. This is the easiest point to get pickpocketed. If there is one thing that is normal in Italy is that Italians don't know about ‘personal space’. So as much as it is very normal to have someone stand directly behind you very closely that doesn't mean they are all pickpocketers, that’s just typical Italian behavior. In their mentality, their matters are more urgent than yours and they are in more of a rush than you are!
The rules and regulations for most major train stations in Italy have changed. This is to control pickpocketers.
For example, now in Rome Termini Centrale station, anyone can enter the station up until the point where you can purchase your tickets. They have stand-alone booths and they have counter booths. This is why I say download the app, you purchase all your tickets even on the spot on your phone and do not have to wait in line.
Once you purchase your ticket you will see security and gates that block you from getting onto the platform. The security gates they have now are only a few years new. This blocks people who do not have a ticket from passing through. They will only make you pass if your train is within half an hour of arrival.
But even then, don't be fooled. Rome is one of the busiest terminals in Italy. Trains go from major cities to small towns and guess which tickets you need to purchase to pass through those gates??… The cheapest ones!! Taking you over to the next town that will cost someone only 5 Euro. And just like that pickpocketers will jump on any train and from there get on and off at train stations remaining in the platform area.
HOW TO CARRY YOUR MONEY
Credit Cards: If you are carrying any credit cards download Google Wallet or Apple Pay- Use your phone as much as you can so that you don't have to hold too many items in your hand. If you are bringing more than one credit card, separate them into two separate bags.
Carrying Cash
It is very normal for many tourists to bring cash but sometimes when it's time to travel from one place to another we don't know where to keep it all.
Separate your money. Don't carry all your money with you. If you have to, keep one half in one bag, the other half in another bag and only carry less than 100 Euros in your pocket.
On the days when I have to travel, from the airport to the train station to the hotel to wherever, I know on that day I will likely stop to get a cafe, a sandwich and a beverage. So I will only carry about 50 Euros in my pocket and that money will be in small bills. The last thing I want to do is take out a 50 or 100 Euro bill. I do not want to reach for my wallet in a bag. I need that money already accessible.
PUBLIC WASHROOMS
CARRY TOILET PAPER, TISSUES OR WIPES WITH YOU ON TRAVEL DAYS
Yes. you read that correctly. Italians are not stupid. They are not dirty. They are very clean. Hence why I say bring ‘your own’ tissues. Many train stations in Italy charge you to use the bathroom. They charge you anywhere between 1 Euro to 2 Euros, this is more of a cleaning charge. They either have someone working the front door or they will have machines that you have to drop your coins in before you enter the washroom premises. This applied to many train stations.
For the little stations, there may not be any supply. See I told you Italy is clean. Not dirty. They just don't allow you to use them when they do not want to hahahahaha.
BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETERS
I’m sure you have heard the saying “ BEWARE OF PICKPOCKETERS”
Who to watch out for? This is a good one. Anyone and everything.
Anything that looks normal is something you should be paying attention to the most.
Mothers and children. Yes! That's right you read that correctly. Do not get distracted with other women and/or children. Pickpocketers don't always work alone and they are very good at distracting people, the distraction is all part of the plan. Never feel guilty when you see a mother asking for help or a child asking for help. Sorry to say, but keep it moving! Especially, if you have a fanny pack and backpack. The goal is for you to let go of your luggage.
Keep an eye out for young girls in their late teenage years or early twenties.
Pickpocketers see tourists every day all day long. They know what you look like, how you act and what's in your bag. Judging by what you're wearing, they know how much money you have on you.
Be aware of priests and nuns. Yes, that's right. If you didn't think this was one of them that tells me you're not learning anything here. They are least likely to be suspected. Just because they wear gowns doesn't mean they are what they are. I'm not talking about when you see them in churches. I'm talking about when you see them in train stations and airports.
People that look like Tourists
If this isn't the most obvious, then I hope it is now. Yes, people that look like YOU can also be pickpocketers. They are just mirroring you so you won't notice. It doesn't matter what age and what gender.
Italians that speak in Dialect
Everyone in Italy speaks Italian. But locals have their own regional or town dialect. It’s Italian but slang. Every region has their own dialect. Sometimes Northern Italians don't even understand Southern Italians. But in all tourist areas and all major cities Italian is spoken.
This may not be obvious to many people. But if you are in a major city center such as Rome, Florence, or Milano and there are ‘Italians’ nearby that don't sound like they are speaking very Italian, that means they are speaking in their hometown dialect Italian language. Which only they will understand. If you hear this just keep moving. In these major cities, proper Italian is spoken.
SPEAKING LOUD IN PUBLIC
Speaking English loudly draws a lot of attention towards you.
Especially in the evening. The louder you are in public the easier it is to distract you because you are not focusing and making it obvious that you are tourists. This goes for all couples, from young to older couples, straight couples to gay couples. Anyone is an easy target if you are blatantly speaking loud.
CAPPUCCINOS!
CAPPUCCINOS ARE FOR THE MORNING. PREFERABLY BEFORE NOON
Don't order one in the afternoon or the evening, it just doesn't make any sense. You should be having Aperitivos instead if that’s the case!
APERITIVO TIME There are 2 times in the day where you can have an Aperitivo.
In the morning before Noon.
And in the evening between 5-7 pm before dinner.
ICE CREAM / GELATO
There are no rules here about when you can eat Ice Cream. As soon as the bar is open in the morning you have the right to have it. Please proceed.
One day I watched two older ladies come in and have ice cream for breakfast.
I thought it was the cutest thing ever!
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PURSE HANGING ON THE SIDE OF A CHAIR
This is as clear as it gets. Just don't do it, especially in a restaurant.
GOOD LOOKING LADIES
This goes out to my ladies. Walk with confidence always. If you are attractive, there is always someone watching. I know that sounds creepy. But the only way you can get away with that is to walk with confidence or have that RBF - Resting Bitch Face!
The opposite goes for men. If you look weak, you will be watched as well.
In Italy, more groups of girls, women and ladies travel together without tour groups than men, this is a personal opinion based on what I have seen over the years. Just be careful and have some sort of walking system every time. As in, walking behind each other as opposed to next to each other all the time.
WALKING IN GROUPS
If you are on a girl's trip or a boy's trip and there are more than 2 people walking, walk staggered.
I'm not saying to do this all the time. This is only when you are traveling to and from places and you are carrying all of your bags with you.
When you walk behind each other you will be able to see what is happening in front of you.
There is always a leader in the group. That leader should walk in the back.
This is what I call the staggered effect. Because many people walk close to each other, especially in high-traffic areas such as the airport or train station it can become confusing who's walking alone and who's walking with people. The best time to stay focused is when you are in these high-traffic areas. The advice that I am giving is not because it happens rarely, it is because it happens often and absolutely nothing gets done about it because there is just too much of it going on. Once you get pickpocketed, it is almost useless to call and deal with local Italian authorities.
Right away cancel your cards and make sure you have your IDs.
TRAVEL LIGHT
The biggest giveaway from indicating that you are a tourist as opposed to a local is how much baggage you bring with you.
Pay attention to Italians who travel while you are traveling.
If you are on a flight going to Italy there will likely be an Italian heading home. The same goes for trains, there is always an Italian heading in the same direction as you.
But Italians travel a lot lighter than we do.
The majority of tourists that are coming from Canada and the US don't travel light. We seem to think we can't live without certain items or that we need to bring more rather than less. Just an FYI, you're going to one of the fashion capitals of the world, rest assured you will be going shopping. I used to travel with 2 pieces of luggage when I was younger, then I used to travel with a full carry-on and backpack. Now I seem to travel even lighter. The only reason why I have to fill my carry-on is because I get red-flagged at the airport for traveling light, having an open ticket or a ticket with a return that is several weeks away. I always end up buying items there.
Most Italians travel with 1 carry-on, or small luggage between 2 people and one purse or fanny pack.
How are they able to do this? It is very simple, to be honest.
Most Italians live in apartments and don't have a garage or basement for extra storage. They have wardrobes for closets, but not enough space to have a household of luggages. Do you know how much room luggages takes up in your space? Also, Italians wear the same clothes pretty often.
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS PERSONAL SPACE IN ITALY
It is very normal in Italy for someone to be standing close to you in your space. It's also very annoying. I still can't get over it. But if there is any country that can toughen you up a little bit and learn some life skills, Italy is one of them.
Italians will speak their minds and they will not hesitate. Regardless, if you are at the bar or ordering deli at the counter, if you're a ‘nice’ person, you are going to get walked all over.
NO ‘TIPPING’ IS NORMAL
There is no tipping in Italy. But there is something called a ‘COPERTO’- Cover Charge.
You will see this on the billboard before entering restaurants and on the menu.
The amount could be anywhere from 2 Euro to 5 Euro per person or per table. This is their version of tipping. This is why you do not tip.
And on that note - if you are stopping for only a Cafe. This can be charged in 2 ways.
Over-the-counter at the bar is the least expensive. The most being 2 Euro.
However, if you walk in and would like to be seated while having your Cafe you will be charged a service fee. This is their coperto fee. This cafe will now be about 4-5 Euros.
21. SERVICE IN ITALY
Regardless of where you are in Italy, in a grocery store, at a bar, in a store and especially in a restaurant - if you want service you need to ask for it.
That's the bottom line.
You will be served if you call for service or seek attention. But if you’re standing there expecting someone to come up to you and service you, you’ll be sitting there for a while. That's not how it works there.
The beauty of dining at Italian restaurants is that sitting and eating is the thing that you do there and there is no time limit for this. So you can be seated at a table for hours until you are ready to ‘ask for the bill’, no one is rushing you. So sit, talk and enjoy!
Also, getting your meals could take longer than what you are used to. Service is not as fast as what you may be used to.
22. MAKING RESERVATIONS AT RESTAURANTS
Up until 10 years ago, maybe even less, you didn't have to make reservations to eat at restaurants.
But times have changed and now you do.
You need to call ahead of time and make reservations. Depending on how popular the restaurant is you may need to make the reservations a week to a month in advance. If you can't find the number to the restaurant, go there directly ahead of time. If you have a number, call them. If you don't know how to call, ask the concierge from your hotel, or the host from your AirBnB.
Italian Restaurants wont turn over their tables in 90 minutes. So people can be there all night. Also, restaurants in Italy are not big, space is very limited.
23. RENTING A CAR
Renting a car can be an interesting process in Italy - In Europe in general.
If you made a reservation online make sure you ask all those questions of what is included in person while you pick up your keys.
Before getting into your car ALWAYS TAKE PICTURES before you use the car and on the day that you return that car. - Make sure the date is on it as well.
There you have it! That's all I have right now. Do what you want with this information. I will add more if I feel there is more information that could help you on your travels to Italy.
Safe travels
and Ciao for now!
#italy #travel #safterytraveltips #europe #pickpocket #italianthings #traveltips #travelhacks #bestplacestotravelinitaly
Comentários