Italy

Travel tips for Italy: safety advisories, currency and cash vs. card, tap water, plugs, local phrases, food, and advice from travelers.

Cash and cards

Cards work almost everywhere. Thanks to laws mandating card acceptance for all businesses and taxis, travelers report easily going cashless for nearly all dining, transit, and shopping, though keeping a few euro coins is handy for public restrooms or stubborn drivers.

Try the food

Pizza Margherita: A classic Neapolitan pizza topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, and extra virgin olive oil.
Carbonara: A rich Roman pasta dish made with eggs, hard cheese (Pecorino Romano), cured pork (guanciale), and black pepper.
Gelato: A dense, intensely flavored Italian ice cream made with a higher proportion of milk to cream and churned at a slower speed.
Ossobuco: Cross-cut veal shanks braised with vegetables, white wine, and broth, traditionally garnished with gremolata.

Say it in Italian

Hello: Buongiorno
Thank you: Grazie
Please: Per favore
Excuse me: Mi scusi
How much is this?: Quanto costa?
The bill please: Il conto, per favore
Yes / No: Sì / No
Goodbye: Arrivederci

Essentials

Plugs: Type C / Type F / Type L
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Driving: Right side
Tap water: Safe to drink
Emergency: 112 (general), 113 (police), 115 (fire), 118 (medical)
SIM tip: Pick up a prepaid tourist SIM card from major providers like TIM or Vodafone at the airport, or install an eSIM like Airalo before you travel for immediate connectivity.

Etiquette

Tipping is not obligatory as a service charge (coperto) is usually included in the bill, but rounding up or leaving a few extra euros for exceptional service is appreciated.