Everything You Need to Know For Your First Trip To Italy
Planning your first trip to Italy and not sure where to start? Here’s a quick guide to give you all the essentials you’ll need for an amazing trip!
Where To Go?!
There are so many amazing regions in Italy to explore, but my number one recommendation is don’t try to fit too much in. The charm and magic in Italy comes from slow travel and really getting immersed in a specific region. Here are a few regions/options that I would recommend:
Tuscany, Florence & Cinque Terre (itinerary coming soon!)
Puglia & Matera (itinerary coming soon!)
Rome & the Amalfi Coast (itinerary coming soon!)
The Dolomites & Venice (itinerary coming soon!)
Siciliy (itinerary coming soon!)
When To Go
This truly depends on the region you are traveling to and what activities you enjoy doing. Italy has become incredibly popular and there seems to be no off-season (especially for Florence) anymore. I get into more specifics around when to travel on each of my itinerarys, so once you have an idea of what region you want to visit, I recommend clicking one of the itineraries above for more information. My most important tip is to research local holidays before you plan anything - a lot of things shut down for holidays and could impact your trip. Also, almost all Italians vacation in August, so I would not recommend going then!
Passport & Entry Requirements
Please always confirm requirements here as they can be updated at any time. These are the requirements for U.S. Passport holders.
You must have a valid passport, with at least 6 months until it expires.
Two blank pages in your passport are required You do not need a visa for tourism less then 90 days.
No special vaccines are required
Do not enter or exit with 10,000 Euros or more
Travel Insurance
I highly recommend booking travel insurance in case anything goes wrong.
I really like Safety Wing - they have super affordable plans and offer flexible coverage.
Language
In Italy, they speak Italian. However, almost everywhere you go you will be able to speak English.
I would recommend downloading Duo Lingo to learn a few basic words
Electricity
Italy operates on 230V (the US is 110-120).
The outlet is type F - I love this plug because it has so many ports. You won’t notice the same amount of outlets in Italy, so something like this is very helpful!
I highly recommend NOT to bring any hair appliances from the US - you will destroy them. If you want to bring a blow dryer, something like this will allow you to easy switch over voltage.
Apple products have a voltage converter built in, so all you will need is the plug above. If you have a mac, I recommend this world travel kit..
Money
I usually bring $200-$300 in my home currency, as a backup for emergencies.
I would NOT recommend using the currency exchange offices unless its an emergency. They completely rip you off and you get terrible rates.
I recommend getting some cash out at the ATM. Make sure to call your bank and find out what international fees they may charge and if you need to put in a travel notice. This is my favorite bank. I currently get 4.6% interest and international fees are only .2%
Use an international fee free credit card, like this one. I am obsessed with this credit card because of the rewards I get for traveling. Its never caused me issues abroad and everywhere I go they accept it.
Mastercard is not used as widely, so definitely opt for Visa or at least have a visa backup.
When your transactions process, they will ask if you want it processed in USD or EUR. Always choose Euro or else you will get double the fees and bad transaction rates!
Local Laws & Customs
The drinking age in Italy is 18, though you can drink at a younger age if you are with your parents.
Some cities, like Florence, do not have an open container law, so you can drink wine while wandering the streets. Just don’t be obnoxious and dont drink straight from the bottle.
Italians don’t smoke in enclosed places. However, there are designated rooms for smoking.
There is no specific dress code in Italy, however if you want to go into churches or religious sites, your knees and shoulders should be covered.
I have noticed in Italy that nice restaurants definitely care about the way you look (especially your shoes!) I tried to wear sneakers out to a nice bar and they wouldnt let me in! However, in major tourist cities they are definitely starting to become more relaxed about this.
Recreational use of cannabis is illegal but also decriminalized. Possession of cannabis for personal use results in a fine but not a felony. The maximum amount for personal consumption is 1.5 grams, so if kept below this then there will be no serious punishments— except risking a fine.
You will need to pay to pee - thats right, bathrooms in Italy cost money. Always keep some change on you!
Health Precautions
There aren’t any required vaccines for Italy, however recommendations are listed on the CDC’s website here.
I’ve never had an issue with food or water in Italy, but I do usually opt for bottled water when possible. Brushing your teeth with tap water in Italy is safe.
Pharmacies in Italy are awesome and everywhere. Bring some basics (Tylenol, Advil) but otherwise you can get what you need in Italy if there is an emergency.
Emergency Preparedness
911 is not the emergency number in italy - its 112!
Register with STEP so you can stay up to date in case there are emergencies in Italy - the US Embassy will update you about natural disasters, civil unrest or family emergencies.
Pickpockets are VERY real in Italy. Stay alert! They will often use women with young babies to distract you.
Transportation
Public transportation often goes on strike in Italy - be flexible and prepared in case the trains stop running - it happens alot! If you are driving in Italy, be very cautious of ZTL areas.
These are areas that tourists can not drive through, and if you do, you get huge fines! The signs don’t say do not enter, they are just a red circle and you are suppose to know that you can’t drive there!
Do not drink at all if you plan to drive. Driving intoxicated is a much worse outcome in Italy then America
Get your international Drivers Permit from AAA if you plan to drive.
Communication
Ask your cell phone provider what they offer for international plans. I usually prefer to use my cell phone provider for service so that I can get texts from my bank or other two-factor authentication request.
Italy does have very cheap cellphone plans (I think I paid ~$15 for the month to have unlimited talk, text and data) if you don’t mind having a different number. Having an Italian number can be helpful for ordering taxi’s or using apps that are just for Italy.
Cultural Awareness
When eating out, you will need to ask for the check. They don’t want to rush you or be rude, so they will wait until you ask them.
Italians eat very different then Americas. Breakfast is a coffee. Lunch is a long leisurely activity and dinner starts very late (between 7 and 10 pm)
Siesta is a real thing in Italy - everything shuts down around 12-3pm - to relax and spend time with their families. Be prepared for this on your travels.
Tipping is not required, but not considered rude. 1 or 2 Euros per person is plenty and a kind gesture to say thank you for the service, but its not expected.
On a restaurant bill in Italy, you will always see a “Coperto” which is a cover charge. Its usually about €2.00 a head, and covers the cost of the linens’ tableware and bread (though bread isnt always included). Locals and tourists pay this, so be prepared to factor it into your overall bill.
Don’t use the thumbs up signal or the devils horns in Italy - its considered offensive.
Shopping & Bargaining
It is totally acceptable to bargain in markets and small shops in Italy, but larger stores are fixed prices. Markets like the San Lorenzo Leather Market in Florence, start bargaining 50% off and settle around 25-30%.
If you go grocery shopping, please use the gloves they provide to touch any produce. You will need to weigh and scan your own produce before bringing it up to the counter.
