What mistakes do American tourists make that anger Italian Residents?

Question

Im going to Italy in a week, and want to "fit in"

Answer 1

Be polite, like everyone should be when going abroad, but don't worry: i bet the average american tourist is better than the italian one abroad. And who cares if you wear white socks and have cappuccino after pasta! Just don't say bad things about Italy in a loud voice, even if it is in English.

Answer 2

I  do  not  expect  that  American  tourists  often  anger  Italian  residents , as  long  as  they  are  not  arrogant , loud  mouthed  or  rude .   Americans  often  dress  inappropriately  in  Italian  cities .   Italians  are  smart  dressers  as  a  rule ; it  is  accepted  that  in  summer  it  is  hot  and  jacket  and  tie  style  dress  would  be  too  hot .

In  a  city  men  should  wear  a  nice  short  or  long  sleeved  shirt  and  nice  cotton  trousers , discreet  sandals  are  acceptable .   For  women  a  comfortable  cotton  dress , T  shirt  and  jeans  or  longer  shorts ; it  is  a  good  idea  to  wear  clothes  that  cover  your  shoulders , as  you  are  likely  to  go  into  churches  and  cathedrals  where  it  is  required .   I  have  seen  Americans  in  florence  men   wearing  sportsvests , bermuda  shorts  and  flipflops ; women  wearing  sportsvests  and  very  short  shorts  and  on  one  occasion  even  a  bikini .  This  kind  of  dress  is  fine  on  the  beach  or  in  the  country ; but  shows  a  disrespect  when  worn  in  the  city .

We  frequently  read  in  our  local  newspapers  of  American  and  other  nationalities  on  holiday  being  robbed  in  the  street .   Italian  cities  are  not  Disneyland  solely  for  the  enjoyment  of  people  on  holiday .   When  you  are  shopping , window  gazing , exploring  italian  cities , you  are  seen  by  petty  criminals  as  easy  pickings  for  plenty  of  money  and  credit  cards ; some  rush  by  on  motorcycles  and  grab  ladies  handbags .   Don't   carry  large  wads  of  banknotes ; it  is  better  to  use  your  credit  card  and  draw  a  little  money  when  you  need  it , from  inside  a  bank , rather  than  a  street  ATM .   Put  your  cards  and  money  in  secure  pockets  and  not  all  together .   If  you  are  with  a  companion  window  shopping , one  keep  watch  while  other  looks , be  ware  of  street  entertainments .   If  you  go  out  to  a  restaurant   in  the  evening ; it  is  unwise  to  go  wandering  around  the  city  afterwards  in  the  early  hours  of  the  morning .   A  few  year  ago , an  American  couple  on  holiday  in  Florence ; were  robbed  at  knife  point  outside  the  Uffizzi  gallery  at  about  2am .   The  same  couple  were  subsequently  robbed  again  the  next  morning .   Italian  residends  are  upset  when  naive " Americans " lay  themselves  open  to  this  kind  of  crime .   Italy  is  a  most  beautiful  holiday  destination ; but  not  a  completely  safe  one ; you  have  to  be  aware , keep  your  eyes  open .

Take  care  and  you  will  have  a  lovely  time !!!

Answer 3

Unless you're not white, you'll fit in darling. ...until you open your mouth. For a week, just push English as much as you can. No kidding. Sooner or later somebody who understands english will come along. Italians feel inferior because although they are in EU they can't go anywhere since most of them dont speak english. So if you speak English, they feel embarassed and inferior, thus kinder because THEY dont understand you.

This doesnt mean you go around with an arrogant air of course. Nobody likes that anywhere. And I imagine, LOUD abnoxious Americans are generally disliked anywhere in Europe. Keep it cool...

Yes ,I speak English/pretend not to understand Italian all the time....Italians treat me well for that...Strange but true

Answer 4

Shaving my armpits in a public (campground) bathroom didn't seem to go over too well.  I had quite an audience, all with hairy pits!

Answer 5

Not just Italians but Europeans in general, When we see People wearing matching shirts.. I mean a whole group of Adults, so that no one gets lost.. That's annoying... and Other then that, Just be yourself.. Try to at least know words.. Use Ciao ( as good day and good bye) things like that.....

Enjoy you´re trip...

Answer 6

Nothing, really.  Its one of the reasons that I love living here it Italy.  Don't speak the language, use gestures and pointing.  When I have a language barrier most Italians patiently try to understand what I am asking for, they are a very nice people.

Answer 7

Just be polite and friendly and learn as much Italian as you can.

Answer 8

ask for a coffee in a bar and screem: "I ask for a coffee wath is this!" looking at the espresso in the small cup....

....personal experience....

Suggestion: ask for an "american coffee"

Answer 9

That's very nice of you! Thank you!

What makes us feel very uncomfortable in the subway are turists who stand right in front of the sliding doors of the wagons.

In this way they block other people who want to get off/ enter in the wagon. I think they should enter the wagon and not just stand there. Sometimes they also stand (when they are puzzled) just in front of the place where people have to stamp their tickets or show their monthly cards.. It would be much better for everyone if they stood aside.

Ciao e grazie!

Answer 10

Don't get drunk and try to use a bathroom in a restaurant.  Don't get loud.  Wear leather shoes.  Avoid blue jeans and bummy looking t-shirts.  Wear your leather purse strapped over your chest, not shoulder.  Cappuchino is in the morning, expresso is after dinner.  Order wine, not bud-lite.

Answer 11

I don’t think Italians really hate anybody except each other. Here is a list of dos and don’ts that I have put together to try my best to answer you question.... and after years of experience as an American traveling throughout the whole “boot” and islands.

Here is a list of what Italians may dislike about Americans and or what may perplex them about Americans OR why they may make fun of Americans:

1. Getting drunk and even worse is a woman getting drunk in public.

2. Presumptuous Americans - don't presume that every one speaks English and that everyone accepts the Dollar. Learn how to say, "scusi, non parlo italiano" (excuse me, I don't speak Italian).... and trust me, everyone who knows two words of English will come out of the wood work to help you. Italians will be sympathetic towards you if you just try to speak just a little Italian.

3. DON'T TOUCH THE FRUIT & VEGETABLES IN THE MARKETS! And in the super markets wear the plastic gloves to pick up and inspect the goods.

4. Americans helped save Europe from n**i Fascism.... but it doesn't mean that you own the territory. Many Italians are upset that the USAF Base is being expanded in Vicenza.... Don't argue that it brings jobs to the Italian communities (and it does). George W has put a damper on relations and so it's best not talk politics. You'll just get in over your head.

5. "In America we do it like this" or "In America we do it better and it's bigger".... make comparisons in your mind. Keep you mouth shut and take notes. Bigger is not always better.

6. Eating habits:

A. Cappuccino after spaghetti with clam sauce dinner is sick.... and you will get the Italian sitting next to sick.

B. Coke for breakfast!!! It should be cappuccino for breakfast and (maybe) the coke for lunch!

C. Eating bread - don't bring the chunk of bread to your mouth - break off what you can put in your mouth with your hands and put that (small) piece in your mouth. Is this clear?

D. Learn how to use a knife and fork please. Watch and study some old films. Put the napkin on your lap and wipe your mouth before and after you drink.

E. DO NOT CUT YOUR SPAGHETTI!!! You are in Italy and so watch your neighbor at the next table and study how to twirl your pasta on the fork. Ask the waiter to teach you! h**l, you try to use chop sticks when you go Chinese don't you?

F. My advice is not to pay as soon as you are served at the bar. Nor should you put your money on the bar as you do at the tavern back home. Italians do not do that... and it makes Americans stand out like a sore thumb. You pay before leaving and not before consuming.

7. Buongiorno, buonasera, grazie, per favore...... and you’ll make friends.

8. Be careful – Italians understand a good deal of English language cuss words. I hope you understand what I mean here. I trust that a word to the wise is sufficient.

9. Italians don’t really cut in line (though some of the old ladies do)… they just float to where the line may be shortest. Don’t get upset – you’ll just be another ugly American. It is useless to get upset…. You are on vacation so slow down, take your time and laugh it off. Then you try it next time.

10. Men - Show respect to your wife in public and (married) women sitting with your husbands… don’t flirt with the waiter!

11. Take off the back packs when you get on public transportaion or least turn it around and wear it in front of you (it is probably safer for YOU this way.

Answer 12

Be careful not to speak loudly in English, even if everyone else is yelling in Italian.

Always assume that everyone around you speaks English.  If you wouldn't talk about a topic in a public place in America, don't talk about it in public in Italy, either.  The same goes for not using words in public that you wouldn't use in public in America.

Don't wear white socks.  All over Europe, white socks mark you as an American.  They are considered exercise clothes in Europe, and so they look very sloppy.  Nobody will get mad at you over this, but it will definitely ruin your chances at fitting in.

Also, never walk up to someone and speak to them in English unless you've just heard them speaking English moments earlier.  If you want to speak to someone in English, start conversations by looking apologetic and asking "Do you speak English?" in Italian.