Travel Tips for
Your Italian Adventure
Everything you need to know before exploring Umbria and Sicily with confidence
Best Time to Visit
April-June & Sept-Oct offer perfect weather and fewer crowds
Budget Smart
Mix of cash and cards recommended. ATMs offer best rates
Dress Code
Comfortable shoes essential. Modest attire for churches
Language
Basic Italian phrases appreciated. English widely spoken in tourist areas
Before You Go
Documentation
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
- Make copies of important documents (passport, insurance, bookings)
- Download offline maps of your destinations
- Share your itinerary with family or friends
Money Matters
- Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks
- Bring a mix of cash and cards - smaller towns prefer cash
- ATMs offer better exchange rates than currency exchanges
- Keep emergency cash separate from your main wallet
Stay Connected
- Check if your phone plan includes international roaming
- Consider getting an Italian SIM card for longer stays
- Download key apps: Google Translate, Maps.me, TheFork (for restaurants)
- Save important phone numbers offline
Cultural Etiquette
Local Customs
- Greet people with 'Buongiorno' (morning) or 'Buonasera' (evening)
- Italians typically kiss both cheeks when greeting friends
- Dress modestly when visiting churches - cover shoulders and knees
- Wait to be seated at restaurants; don't seat yourself
Dining Like a Local
- Cappuccino is a breakfast drink - locals don't order it after 11am
- Never ask for parmesan on seafood pasta (it's considered a faux pas)
- Tipping isn't obligatory; round up or leave โฌ1-2 per person
- Dinner typically starts around 8pm or later
- Standing at the bar is cheaper than table service at cafes
Useful Phrases
- 'Per favore' (please) and 'Grazie' (thank you) go a long way
- 'Permesso' - excuse me (when passing through)
- 'Il conto, per favore' - the check, please
- 'Parla inglese?' - do you speak English?
- 'Dov'รจ il bagno?' - where's the bathroom?
Getting Around
Transportation
- Trains are efficient for city-to-city travel; book in advance for best prices
- Validate train tickets at yellow machines before boarding
- In cities, use public transport or walk - parking is difficult
- Rent a car only if exploring countryside; ZTL zones in cities fine unlicensed cars
- Buses in rural areas can be infrequent - check schedules in advance
Visiting Attractions
- Book popular sites (Uffizi, Vatican) well in advance
- Visit major attractions early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
- Many museums are closed Mondays
- Churches often close midday for several hours
- Carry cash for smaller sites that don't accept cards
Health & Safety
Health Precautions
- Pharmacies ('Farmacia') are well-stocked and pharmacists are helpful
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Italy
- Bring any prescription medications in original containers
- Sun protection is essential, especially in summer
- Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended
Safety Tips
- Italy is generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in tourist areas
- Keep valuables in hotel safe; carry only what you need
- Beware of common scams: friendship bracelets, overcharging taxis
- Use official taxi stands or apps like FreeNow
- Emergency number: 112 for police, ambulance, fire
Packing Essentials
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes - you'll walk A LOT
- Layers: weather can change quickly, especially in shoulder seasons
- Power adapter (Italy uses Type F/L plugs, 230V)
- Refillable water bottle - public fountains everywhere
- Small day pack for tours and day trips
- Scarf or shawl for church visits
Photography Tips
- Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) offers the best light
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Many museums prohibit flash photography
- Don't use selfie sticks in crowded tourist areas
- Backup your photos regularly
Emergency Contacts
Save these important numbers before you travel
Emergency Services
112
Police, Ambulance, Fire Brigade
Carabinieri (Police)
113
State Police non-emergency line
Medical Emergency
118
Ambulance service
Tourist Police
+39 06 4686
Multilingual tourist assistance
Pro Tip: Download these numbers before you travel and share your itinerary with someone back home. Consider getting travel insurance that includes emergency medical coverage and 24/7 assistance.
Essential Italian Phrases
Learn these key phrases to connect with locals
Buongiorno
Good morning/day
Use until 2-3pm
Buonasera
Good evening
Use after 2-3pm
Per favore
Please
Essential politeness
Grazie mille
Thank you very much
More emphatic than grazie
Prego
You're welcome
Also means 'please' in some contexts
Mi scusi
Excuse me (formal)
Use with strangers
Quanto costa?
How much does it cost?
Shopping essential
Dov'รจ il bagno?
Where's the bathroom?
Very useful!
Il conto, per favore
The check, please
At restaurants
Parla inglese?
Do you speak English?
Polite to ask first
Non capisco
I don't understand
Honesty is helpful
Delizioso!
Delicious!
Compliment the chef
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