When in Italy
Always keep your ID on you
Italian law states you must carry your identification at all times. In general, across Europe you should always carry your passport.
Pro Tip: Carry a color copy of it and keep the original in your hotel safe.
Italian Hotels Ask For Your Passport – Is It Safe?
Upon check in you will be asked to show your passport to the hotel desk. This is because Italian laws require that all guests are registered with the police. It is totally normal. Concierge will just need to make a copy and return your passport within an hour or so.
Ignoring 24-hour Time – What Time Is It?
Italians use the 24-hour clock, known in the US as “military time”, rather than AM and PM. Hardly anyone would ever say “I will see you at 18 o’clock”, however one might say “I will be on the 17.45 train from Venice” quoting from the train timetable. Remember this or risk standing on the train platform at 7pm when your train left at 17:00. Therefore, before you leave home we recommend switching the clocks on your computer and phone to 24-hour or military time, to make sure you do not miss anything. Ignore this advice at your own peril.
Just remember: If the hour is greater than 12, subtract 12 and add PM. That way, 20:30 becomes 8.30PM (time for dinner in Italy).
Wake Up Early
The early bird. The earlier you start, the more you will get out of your day. This is especially true for Venice and Rome, which can be magical places in the morning light. It may seem obvious but this is probably one of our best Italy travel tips!
Do Not Plan on Using Credit Cards Everywhere
While most of the world now accepts credit cards, it is not uncommon for places in Italy to only accept cash. Having euros on hand for tips, taxi, coffee, gelato and daily activities will make your transactions go smoother and it will save you money on foreign transaction fees.
How to Find Authentic Restaurants – Look for Locals!
When looking for a great authentic place to eat in Italy, go several blocks away from the main tourist areas before considering anything. If you see a restaurant packed with locals and the Italian is the only language being spoken by the staff and diners alike, then you are good! Avoid restaurants that are open continuous hours and run away if the menu has pictures. Run far, far away from restaurants trying to lure you in.
Restaurant Etiquette Tip:
Do not get upset if the waiter does not bring you the bill when you finish eating. It is considered rude to bring the bill until the clients have asked for it.
Claim Your Vat Refund
If you plan shopping in Italy, you may be eligible for a VAT refund. VAT or IVA in Italian is a value-added tax on goods.
Non-EU residents may be granted a VAT refund. This refund does not cover the services supplied by hotels, restaurants, taxis or agencies. All you need to do is ask the retailer for the proper documentation. You will likely be asked to present your passport when you make the purchase. Especially if you are planning to make some large purchases, save your receipt and be sure to ask the cashier for a VAT tax-refund form. They will stamp your completed form, and you will bring it to the tax refund desk at the airport before you leave Italy. In Italy You are eligible to receive VAT cash refund on all purchases provided that the overall value of the goods purchased exceeds 154, 94 Euro (VAT included) at a single retailer.
Tipping In Italy
While tips are appreciated no matter where you travel, tipping in Italy is not automatic as in the United States. However, if you receive exceptional service, which meets or exceeds your standards, tipping would be appropriate but not the 20% like in the US. The customary tip is usually the small change if you are paying cash however, it is not mandatory.
