Italy custom/manners tips?

Question

I'm traveling to Italy in March and I need some basic tips on how to blend in. I'm sure some things that we do here in America are very different then in Italy. Are there some customs, manners/traditions etc. that I should take note of while I'm there? Basically places to avoid, things NOT to do there that might otherwise be ok somewhere else, things to do when it comes to showing respect, small customs like good and bad hand-gestures, how to say you're not interested, how to stay safe, WHAT CLOTHES TO WEAR or what NOT to wear, (what's in style now), ALL THE LITTLE THINGS THAT LOCALS WOULD TAKE EITHER FOR GRANTED OR THEY SEE AS SECOND-NATURE. How to not be seen as a tourist to blend in better? It's those things I'd like to know about. Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Tip the baggage guys, but the italians never tip waiters, if they do, they simply leave the change that they would receive back (less than on euro). If you plan to attend a restaurant frequently, tip them 10% and they will treat you like a queen everytime you come. They Italians are VERY loyal to "friends" (amici -- ah-ME-chee)

Try to cover your shoulders all the time. The Italians wear pants and long sleeves most days (I know it sounds crazy, but they do!) Bring a nice jacket, like a herring bone jacket, and wear it anytime you can. You will look in style. Don't wear tennis shoes if you don't want to look like a tourist. Bring about 90 euros and just buy some sweet Italian shoes when you get there. Shoes are a dead give-a-way on Americans. Wear a belt. Tie a scarf around your neck with ANY outfit in any temperature. You will look hot and they will notice. You can take one scarf and wear it every day. It may start to stink though, so better to have two.

As far as safety goes, just don't make eye contact with any men that you don't want to flirt with you (endlessly).

A "peace sign" with your fingernails facing towards someone is VERY offensive. Just try to not chuck the deuce at ALL.

Answer 2

Hi,

Tips are always welcome. Here there are no rules about percentages as in the States. You should judge by yourself. If the service is bad I do not leave tips, otherwise I do.

An important thing to keep in mind is  dresses when visiting churches. Shorts and sleeveless blouses are not allowed.

You can carry a scarf with you to put on your shoulder.

A nice way to turn people off  just say "NO GRAZIE"

Answer 3

NUMBER 1.. DO NOT.. wear flip flops in the city. Dress well at all times....just because you are in vacation doesnt mean you need to look like c**p. Dont be LOUD in public places. Try new foods, new things. Use fork and knife when eating!Don't criticize our lack of customer service. Enjoy our culture to the fullest.. regardless of what people say. Try to learn siome Italian or at least some words.. Dont assume everyone speack English... they dont have to .......Don't hang out at the train station.. those places are GROSS and dangerous.

have a great time ...enjoy, enjoy enjoy...

see you there!

Answer 4

I am italian (don't live there anymore) and I know what Italian people think of american tourists: "loud and no manners" so

when you go in places that you have to pay extra to sit and drink you coffee at the table, don't order it at the counter and then go and sit down. They really get upset.  

About covering your shoulders ..?????? I don't know where that comes from !!!! We are not in Middle east. Wear whatever you want. I always wore singlets in summer. Italians like to dress up but you will not find the streets to be fashion parades, believe me.

Always ask for the price before hand and check the change, expecially in touristic places. In small towns people are more friendly and wont rip you off.  Just avoid big cameras hanging from your neck, flip flops, big flowery shirts as that is very touristic and you wont blend in much.

Learn few words such as : parla inglese? do you speak english or can  you help me - mi puo aiutare?

Remember that lots of young people speak english and can't wait to show it off, so if you need help just ask

Hope this helps