Europe · Destination guide
Italy
Capital: Rome
🛂Visa requirements
💳Money & payments
Cards: Cards widely accepted in cities. Smaller towns and trattorias often prefer cash — always carry some euros.
ATMs: Poste Italiane and UniCredit ATMs are reliable. Avoid standalone ATMs in tourist areas with high fees.
Tipping
Not expected. A coperto (cover charge) of €1–3 per person is common in restaurants and is legal. Rounding up slightly or leaving small change is appreciated.
💬Language
Italian
Good in Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. Limited in rural areas and small towns.
Useful phrases
- ·Grazie — Thank you
- ·Prego — You're welcome
- ·Il conto, per favore — The bill, please
- ·Dov'è il bagno? — Where is the toilet?
Language preparation
15 min/day for 8 weeks ≈ 672 useful words and phrases
Learn some Italian before you go
Good in Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. Limited in rural areas and small towns. — even basic phrases open doors and locals appreciate the effort.
Start with these
- 1.Grazie — Thank you
- 2.Il conto, per favore — The bill, please
- 3.Parla inglese? — Do you speak English?
- 4.Dov'è il bagno? — Where is the toilet?
Not a native English speaker?
English is the international travel language — building confidence before your trip makes every interaction easier.
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🔌Electricity & plugs
Italy uses the unusual Type L plug in older buildings. Most new sockets are hybrid C/F/L. Bring a universal adapter.
🤝Local customs & etiquette
- 1.Do not enter churches in shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing. Many carry plastic covers to lend to inappropriately dressed visitors.
- 2.Coffee culture is specific: a cappuccino after 11am marks you as a tourist. Espresso at the bar is cheaper than sitting down.
- 3.Validate your train ticket before boarding — forgetting to stamp (obliterare) it results in a fine even if you have a valid ticket.
- 4.Coperto (cover charge) is not a scam — it is a legal per-person charge for bread and table service.
- 5.Sunday lunch is a serious family occasion — many restaurants and shops close or have limited hours.
📶SIM cards & connectivity
Local SIM: TIM, Vodafone Italy, and WindTre are the main operators. SIMs available at airport, phone shops, and tabacchi (tobacconists).
WiFi: Good in hotels and major cafés. Some tourist areas have free public WiFi.
🛡️Safety
Generally safe. Pickpockets operate around the Colosseum, Vatican, and Trevi Fountain. Wear bags across your body and be aware on the Rome Metro.
💉Health
No vaccinations required. Tap water safe (look for 'acqua potabile' signs). EU visitors: EHIC/GHIC valid.
🚨Emergency numbers
police
113
carabinieri
112
ambulance
118
fire
115
🚗Driving
🚆 Getting to the circuit in Italy
Train, shuttle, and race day transport guide
Explore Italy