Thinking about a trip to Italy? It’s a Bucket List trip for many. Bookmark this post today for all kinds of Italy Facts that will help you plan your trip!
Here are lots of Italy facts that will be helpful to know as you plan an epic Bucket List trip. The devil is in the details and knowing some of these Italy facts will definitely improve your travel planning efforts!
Based on my many years of experience traveling both the US and the world, I’ll provide you with lots of helpful Kari’s Travel Tips that I wish someone would have told me before we went.
The Table of Contents below will let you quickly find the topics you’re looking for, or you can just scroll through all the information to your heart’s content.
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Currency
The official currency in Italy is the Euro (€), which is also used across the European Union (EU). It comes in banknotes (5€, 10€, 20€, 50€ and 100€) and coins (1€, 2€ and a variety of smaller cents).
While credit/debit cards such as VISA and Mastercard are pretty widely accepted, there are still quite a few places where you need to have Euros in hand.
- Smaller businesses, stores and restaurants may only accept cash.
- Restrooms often require a small payment of 1 or 2 Euros to use
- If you decide to tip (see below), a few Euro coins can be left behind.
- At many of our lodgings, we pay for the accommodation thorough the booking platform with a credit card. But we sometimes have to pay a daily city tax in cash upon arrival.
Currency Conversion
We use the Xe app to do any currency conversions.
The Euro is currently exchanging roughly close to the US dollar. So in this case, we don’t spend a lot of brain power trying to calculate the conversion. We just assume that the 3€ snack is $3 USD.
Kari’s Travel Tip: The best exchange rates will be at your bank at home so we recommend bringing a few Euros with you. If you need more, find an ATM that is bank-owned for the lowest fees and best rates. The ATMs in stores, tourist spots and transportation stations will cost you a lot more.
Kari’s Travel Tip: If you have the option when using a credit/debit card, choose to have it charged in the local currency. This saves you from having the money converted twice. We also were able to use Apple Pay at some larger establishments.
Kari’s Travel Tip: And don’t forget to call your bank to let them know where you will be traveling and the dates. You don’t want them to deny the charge when you’re so far from home.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Spend all those Euro coins and small bills before you leave Europe! On the last day, we try to use up all remaining smaller currency on food and beverages.
In Italy, many stores are closed on Sundays, except in high traffic and tourist areas – there they might be open. But almost all stores, pharmacies, banks, restaurants and other businesses in Italy are closed for a couple of hours in the middle of the afternoon for a lunch break, known as a Siesta.
Tipping Culture in Italy
Tipping is less prevalent in Europe than it is in the US. But it still occurs in some instances.
Many restaurants will add on a 10-15% Service Charge to your bill. You don’t need to tip above that if it’s added.
But in places where there isn’t a service charge added to the bill, a small tip of 5-for good service is appreciated, but not expected.
One way to tip is to pay with Euros and tell the server to keep the change. Or leave a few Euros on the table. Always tip in the local currency.
Tipping your Guide at the end of a tour is another time when a tip is always greatly appreciated.
Language
Italian is the official language of Italy. The locals speak it fast and furious with a lot of inflection in their voices. It’s really fun to listen to, but I could never keep up with understanding or trying to speak it.
Most Europeans, especially those who work in the hospitality or tourist trade, speak a decent amount of English. If you are seated at restaurant table and speaking English to each other, they might even bring you a menu printed in English.
Are you excited to travel internationally, but worried about not knowing the language?
DOWNLOAD our handy Translation Guide HERE
Kari’s Travel Tip: I frequently say “Hello” when greeting people which is recognized as friendly, but also alerts them that I am English speaking. And when I need to find a bathroom, all I have to say is “A Toilette?” with a hopeful look on my face and they point the way.
Kari’s Travel Tip: It’s smart to learn a handful of basic phrases in Italian. Even if you don’t say them perfectly, the locals will appreciate the effort you made to try! Here are a few to get you started:
- Please = Per favore
- Thank You = Grazie
- Hello = Ciao
- Goodbye = Arrivederci
- That is delicious! = Che delizioso!
- Good morning = Buongiorno
- Good evening = Buonasera
- Where is a bathroom? = Dov’è un bagno?
- Where is a grocery store? = Dov’è un supermercato?
Google Translate
For all other needs, Google Translate is our go-to App. You can translate both ways by typing or by using the microphone to speak the words that you want to translate.
I frequently use it in a grocery store to ask “I am looking for ham” or “Where are the onions?” After I type or speak it in, then I show it to the store employee.
And I also love the camera option on Google Translate. I can take a picture of a menu, a food label in a grocery store or cooking instructions on a package and it translates the info for me.
Time Zone
All of Italy is in the Central European Time Zone. It is 6-9 hours ahead of the continental US (depending where in the US you are). They observe Daylight Savings time starting in the Spring, ending in the Fall.
I use the city of Rome in the World Clock on my iPhone to see the time in Italy.
Are these Italy Facts helping you plan your trip? Keep on reading then!
Date Format
Italy formats their dates in a DD-MM-YYYY format. This is different than the MM-DD-YY format that we Americans tend to use to say January 23, 1998 (01-23-98). In Italy, it would be displayed at 23-01-1998.
Kari’s Travel Tip: This date format becomes especially important when filling out any forms or applications – you want to get your birthdate, your passport issue date and your passport expiration date recorded properly. Pay close attention to how they display the information you are supposed to enter on the application!
Driving
Europeans drive on the right side of the road, the same as we do in America. When we are in Europe, Bill and I like to have a rental car because it fits our travel style. No problems at all, except some of the roads in Italy are very narrow, and they have more one-way streets than we are used to driving. We just have to pay close attention.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Most towns of any size have a ZTL zone which means a Limited Traffic Zone. They are designed to reduce traffic congestion and allow residents to get closer to their homes. If you accidentally enter and park in a ZTL, you could incur big fines (we unfortunately did that!). It’s important to pay attention to the signs and know when and where you can park.
If you don’t want to rent a car, there is a vast network of trains, buses, ride-shares, planes and ferries to get you around to different parts of the country easily.
Rome2Rio is a great app that many people use for figuring out transportation options in Europe.
It tells you how long the journey will take and the cost estimate.
International Phone Code
Italy’s country code is +39 (followed by the local number)
How to get the +? On your mobile device, when in dialing mode, press the zero key for a full second and it will put the plus sign in. Then you can add the country code of 39 and the local number.
Most people in Europe (and in many other parts of the world) use WhatsApp as their main method for calling, texting and file sharing.
They really don’t use Texting, iMessage and calling the way we do in the US.
Kari’s Travel Tip: I highly recommend downloading and getting familiar with WhatsApp before you leave so you can communicate with drivers, tour guides, accommodation hosts and any other people you meet.
We use WhatsApp to communicate with our kids and family while we are traveling. As long as I’m on Wi-Fi or using my Airalo e-sim for data, I don’t incur any international roaming costs from my cellular provider and I don’t need an international phone plan.
WhatsApp uses your US phone number, but you can only communicate with other people using WhatsApp. If you give someone else your number to communicate on WhatsApp, don’t forget the +1 in front of your area code.
Airalo eSim
I use an Airalo eSim in my Phone to get affordable access to data while traveling internationally. This literally saves me hundreds of dollars in international roaming fees from my cellular provider.
They offer an Italy specific eSim called Mamma Mia if you’re going to be there for awhile. Or you can get the Eurolink Regional eSim if you’re also visiting other countries during your trip – it covers 42 European countries!
It’s super easy to install, activate and use. You can decide which apps on your device will have access to the data on the eSim. I turn off a lot of apps that I won’t be using while I travel (like local weather and businesses back home).
And if you get low on data, you can always “top it off” with some more data.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Purchase and install the eSim before you leave home, but don’t activate it until you get off the plane, using the free Wi-Fi at the airport. Then you’ll have access to data when you leave the airport and begin navigating to your first destination.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Make sure your phone is registered with your carrier for International Roaming and that it’s “unlocked” to use the eSim.
Plug Adapter
Italy uses Plug Adapter Type C. This is the same as most of Europe. A multi-national adaptor kit will likely include a Type C plug.
I highly recommend the Ceptiks Universal Travel Adapter Kit. It has worked great for me, all around the world.
Kari’s Travel Tip: Most computers and phones are already set for dual voltage. If you want to bring a hair dryer or curling iron or some other electric item, make sure it’s compatible with dual voltage.
Are you getting excited about going to Italy? I hope these Italy Facts are helping you plan!
Can I drink the water?
Yes, the tap water in Italy is safe to drink, cook with, bathe in.
Visa Requirements
According to the US State Department, US Citizens do not need a Visa to travel to Italy.
You do need at least 6 months of validity left on your Passport beyond the day you will depart and two blank pages in your passport.
Schengen Zone Limits
BUT, you are limited to a maximum of 90 days in a rolling 180 day period within the Schengen Zone, an area of 29 European countries that includes Italy. Once you’ve been in the Schengen Zone for 90 days, you must leave and not return for at least 90 days.
There are a handful of European countries that are not part of Schengen (UK, Ireland, Albania, Serbia and a few others), leading long-term travelers to do the “Schengen Shuffle”.
If you are planning to be in Europe for several months, it’s very important to understand the Schengen rules. The State Department offers a lot of detailed information, but this site explains it in a much more understandable way.
In most cases, you no longer have to show your passport when you cross borders in Europe, except when flying. I was honestly disappointed because I had hoped to get more stamps in my passport for all the European countries we visited.
ETIAS
And in 2025, there will be another new wrinkle – We US Citizens will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom starting in January 2025. For the rest of Europe, including Italy, we will need a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) starting in the Spring of 2025.
Fortunately, these look to be a quick and inexpensive process to obtain. The Rick Steves website explains this new process.
Safety
I highly recommend visiting the US State Department website when traveling to another country. They provide valuable information about safety, crime and things to be aware of, ranking the countries from Level 1 (travel with normal precautions), Level 2 (travel with increased caution), Level 3 (reconsider travel) and Level 4 (Do not travel).
They also have the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) where you can register the dates and address of where you are staying. In the event of an emergency, they will alert you to dangers, protests, changes to embassy hours, etc. We have been alerted a few times to planned protests happening near us so we could avoid the area on that day.
Embassy Assistance for U.S. Citizens
U.S. Embassy Rome
Via Vittorio Veneto, 121
00187 Rome, Italy
Telephone +(39) 06-4674-1
Emergency +(39) 06-4674-1
Fax +(39) 06-4674-2244
Email uscitizensrome@state.gov
Website https://it.usembassy.gov/
I hope having all these valuable Italy Facts in one place is making your trip planning go smoother!
Vaccine Requirements
None required at this time. It’s always smart to check with your personal physician before any big travel.
Metric System Conversions
Italy (like most of the world) uses the metric system for things like measuring distance (meters and kilometers), temperature (Celsius), weight (grams and kilograms) and volume (liters and milliliters).
Kari’s Travel Tip: Here are some conversion guides that I keep in a Note on my iPhone for handy reference.
Temperature: Celsius to Fahrenheit
- 0 C = 32 F
- 10 C = 50 F
- 15 C = 59 F
- 20 C = 68 F
- 25 C = 77 F
- 27 C = 80 F
- 30 C = 86 F
- 40 C = 104 F
- 45 C = 113 F
- Formula for calculating: C x 1.8 + 32 = F
Weight: Kilograms to Pounds
This is especially useful for checked and carry-on luggage limits on different airlines. Internationally, the limits are often quite a bit smaller than on US Airlines so it’s important to check. And they do tend to weigh the carry-ons sometimes.
- 7 kg = 15.4 pounds
- 10 kg = 22 pounds
- 15 kg = 33 pounds
- 20 kg = 44 pounds
- 25 kg = 55 pounds
- 30 kg = 66 pounds
- 32 kg = 70 pounds
- 35 kg = 77 pounds
- Formula for calculating: kg x 2.2 = Pounds
Area: Square Meters to Square Feet
This is helpful when you are looking for accommodations to know how big the space is. A standard hotel room in the US is about 300-350 square feet. Rooms in Europe are often quite a bit smaller.
- 20 square meters = 215 square feet
- 25 square meters = 269 square feet
- 30 square meters = 323 square feet
- 40 square meters = 430 square feet
- 70 square meters = 753 square feet
Distance: Kilometers to Miles
At first, we were constantly trying to convert all the kilometers over to miles. But after a while, we just adapted to thinking in terms of kilometers.
- Precise calculation: km x 0.621371 = miles
- Rough calculation: km x .6 = miles or km x 2/3 = miles
Conclusion: Italy Facts
I hope these fun Italy Facts and Travel Tips have given you insight that will be valuable and helpful as you plan your Bucket List trip!
If there are any other Italy Facts that you think should be added to this list, feel free to contact me with suggestions!
More Information About Italy
Many more posts coming soon with everything you need to know about traveling to Italy. I just need to find time to sit down and write them! If you want to receive an email when new content is added to Achieve Your Bucket List, please fill out the form above!
- Coming Soon: A 7-day Itinerary for Italy
- Coming Soon: A 14-day Itinerary for Italy
- Coming Soon: How to Get Around Italy
- Coming Soon: Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast?
- Coming Soon: A Guide to Cinque Terre
- Coming Soon: Street Art of Italy
Tuscany
- Coming Soon: Things to do in Florence
- Coming Soon: Things to do in Tuscany
- Coming Soon: Day Trips in Tuscany
- Coming Soon: Where to stay in Tuscany
- Coming Soon: Cooking Classes in Florence/Tuscany
Rome
- Coming Soon: Best Way to Tour the Vatican
- Coming Soon: Things to do in Rome
- Coming Soon: Where to stay in Rome
- Coming Soon: 3-Day Itinerary in Rome
- Coming Soon: 7-Day Itinerary in Rome
Amalfi Coast
- Coming Soon: Amalfi Coast Itinerary 7 days
- Coming Soon: Is Procida Island Worth Visiting?
- Coming Soon: Amalfi Coast on a Budget
- Coming Soon: Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast
- Coming Soon: Cinque Terre or Amalfi Coast
Sicily
- Coming Soon: Things to Do in Sicily
- Coming Soon: How to Get to Sicily
- Coming Soon: Where to stay in Sicily
- Coming Soon: Things to Do in and Around Palermo
- Coming Soon: A 7-day Itinerary for Sicily