If you’re planning your first travel to Italy, there are some important things you should know before you go. Italy is a beautiful country with a rich history, amazing food, and wonderful people. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip to Italy.
Currency in Italy
The official and only currency you can use in Italy is the Euro. You can pay with your card, and it will automatically make the exchange to Euro, but it’s important to check your bank’s rates before your trip.
I recommend you also bring some cash on your trip to Italy, because smaller shops don’t always accept card payments. You can buy Euros at home before your trip, or you can withdraw cash from the ATMs at banks in Italy. If you’re choosing the second option, make sure the ATM you’re using belongs to a bank, to avoid hidden fees.
The Electrical Outlets in Italy
For our friends traveling to Italy from the USA, it’s important to know that the electrical outlets are different from those in the US. You will need an adapter to use your electronics. Most wall sockets in Italy are the EU standard plug types C, F, but you may also find type L.
It’s also important to note that the voltage in Italy is higher: 230V compared to the standard 120V in the USA. So, before plugging anything in, make sure your electronics can handle the higher voltage. If they don’t, you’ll need a converter.
Travel by train in Italy
If you want to visit several cities in Italy, the best way to do it is by train. Italy has high-speed trains that travel between the bigger cities in just a couple of hours, as well as regional trains that reach even the smaller towns for a few euros.
Here’s a guide explaining trains in Italy:
Booking attractions for your italy travel
Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, so if you want to visit the top attractions, you have to book admission tickets in advance. Tickets to the most important landmarks in Italy, like the Colosseum or the Vatican Museums sell out weeks in advance.
Eating in Italy
Italian food is amazing, and it’s a huge part of the Italian experience.
Breakfast in Italy usually means a cappuccino and a sweet pastry, and many locals just have it on the go. I found a place selling pizza by the slice and had breakfast there every day, because I can’t do sweets for breakfast.
Lunch and dinner are served at set hours, in Italy.
Lunch is between 12 or 12.30 and 3 PM, while dinner usually begins around 7 PM. Most restaurants, especially the good ones, close between these hours. So, don’t ever think “I’ll skip lunch and eat at 5 PM” because there’s nowhere to eat at 5 PM.
Plan your day accordingly and if you want to eat at one of the good restaurants, make reservations in advance, or prepare to wait in line for a table. Remember, the portions in Italy aren’t very large, not even the pizzas, so don’t order one for two people expecting to share it.
Italy has 20 regions, each with specific dishes, so don’t be surprised if you won’t find lasagna in Rome. Try the local specialties, because they’re best at their home.
The tap water in Italy
The water in Italy is safe to drink, and in some cities, you’ll even find public fountains where you can refill your bottle for free.
Visit the churches in Italy
Italy has many beautiful churches that are worth visiting, even if you’re not religious. Many of them house priceless works of art that you can admire for free. Remember that in order to enter a church in Italy, your clothes must cover your knees and shoulders.
Tipping in Italy
For our friends visiting from the United States, please know that the tipping culture in Italy is different. Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, and at most restaurants, a service fee is already included in your bill. However, if you are very happy with the service and want to show your appreciation, you can leave a tip, but not more than 10%. And it will have to be in cash, as they can’t add the tip to the bill.
Italian Coffee
Coffee is a big part of the Italian culture, and there are some things you should know before you order. A coffee means an espresso, and if you want a longer coffee, that is typically known as an Americano. Cappuccino is only served before noon, so if you want a coffee with milk after lunch, ask for café macchiato instead. And don’t order a latte, unless you want a glass of warm milk.
In Italian cafe-bars, a coffee is cheaper (one espresso is 1 or 2 euros) if you drink it standing at the bar. You can also order it at the table, but you will be charged for the service.
Bring comfortable shoes
Italy is a highly walkable country, so make sure to pack comfortable shoes. You will take a lot of steps, mostly on cobbled streets.
We hope these tips will help you make the most of your trip to Italy. Have a great time!
