I'm going to Italy at the end of March...any tips?

Question

I'm going to be in Italy March 30-April7th and I was just looking for some tips. I've read things such as you don't get ice with your drinks so you have to ask for it and it is very impolite to touch things in the stores while you are browsing and pointing to someone is like using the middle finger here in the US so I'm just look for things like that to help make my vacation nicer. Also, I'm a little worried about the gypsys I've read about. Any advice on them? Thanks!

Answer 1

I would have to echo what the first guy said.  And it is true that most places do not put ice in the drinks but they are kept in a frig so it is cold.  Just be prepared to pay about 3 euro for a soda and there is no free refills.  But I never heard anything about the pointing and I lived there for three years.  Don't sweat the small stuff, you will have a great time

Answer 2

Yah - I'm going to Rome in May, and here are a couple of things I read here and there.  You point with the whole hand, fingers together and I think palm down (they didn't explain why).  The first floor of a hotel is the floor above the ground floor.  There are some national laws or social pressures to not use heat and air conditioning, but in March they will use heat.  A lot of hotels seem to run out of hot water in the mornings.  A lot of places don't want to use your credit card, they want cash - probably because evading taxes is a national sport.  If you are counting on your fingers, #1 is your thumb.  If you hold up your index finger, you could get 2.  Let me know how it went (or wait till May and go with me).

Some additional thoughts:  Don't stay near the Termini Railroad Station if you can afford it (single women may be targets.  I won't even stay there myself.  I plan to stay in central Rome.)  And, my daughter said, don't take the bus, take the Metro subway.  People hop on the bus and don't pay and women are more likely to be targets on busses for unwanted advances or pickpockets.

Answer 3

I wouldnt worry about gypsies and the like in a place like Italy, its a very safe country. Make sure you visit Florence, its the most amazing city if you like architecture, which i am assuming you do as you are going to Italy! Not heard anthing re the ice thing, the hygiene standards are pretty good, its not a 3rd world country. As with all travelling, use your common sense, if it looks bad, smells bad its likely it will be bad!! Good luck and safe journies!

Answer 4

Hmm...well, in Europe, you have to watch for pickpockets, so just be cautious.

Also, when sitting down for a dinner in a restaurant, do not expect fast service.  In Europe and Italy in particular, the philosophy is that you go out to eat for not just the food but to relax and socialize.  Therefore, they would feel rude by bringing the bill early, acting as if they are trying to run you out to free up another table.  So be prepared for that and don't dock the tip because of slower service.

Make sure you follow traffic signs...it can be very tricky, especially with all of the bikes (with and without engines).

And finally...beware of the gypsies!