Understanding how daily life works in Italy will help you settle in more quickly, avoid misunderstandings and feel more comfortable in your new surroundings. This guide focuses on practical aspects of everyday life and complements our relocation, immigration and destination resources.
Italy is more regional than many newcomers expect
One of the first things you will notice is that Italy is definitely not a single, uniform country. Food, traditions, communication styles and local habits differ greatly between regions and even between neighbouring cities. Someone relocating to Milan may experience a different pace of life and social environment from someone relocating to Rome or Turin. This regional diversity is one of Italy’s greatest strengths, but it also means that broad generalisations about “Italian culture” only go so far.
First impressions matter
In both business and social settings, greetings remain important. When meeting people for the first time:
- greet everyone present
- acknowledge people when arriving and leaving
- begin formally until invited to become more informal
Building relationships tends to be valued, and personal interaction often plays a larger role than many international newcomers expect.
Meals are about more than food
Here are a few basic social etiquette rules:
- Meals play a capital social role.
- Business lunches and dinners are frequently used to build relationships, not simply discuss work.
- Dinner is more of a social occasion to get to know people.
- Business may be discussed at a breakfast meeting, but it is not common.
- If you invite, you pay for the meal.
- Do not invite yourself at Italian new colleagues or neighbours’ homes.
- When invited always bring, or send, a small gift for the host or hostess. A good bottle of wine and/or flowers (an uneven number, no chrysanthemums which are a symbol of death and no red roses that are a symbol of love and passion) will be always appreciated.
- Cocktails are not common in Italy as well as drinking without eating. Heavy drinking is unusual and not appreciated.
- Italians do not use bread plates and butter. Bread should be placed next to your plate on the table.
Coffee culture really matters
Coffee is deeply embedded in daily life in Italy. You do not need to become an expert immediately, but understanding a few basics helps:
- Caffè Lungo: An espresso with a little more water
- Ristretto: An extra-strong espresso
- Caffè Doppio: A double espresso
- Caffè Macchiato caldo or freddo: An espresso with cold or hot milk
- Caffè Corretto: An espresso with alcohol
- Americano: A weaker espresso with more water
- Caffè Marocchino: An espresso with chocolate and milk foam
- Cappuccino: It is usually drunk at breakfast time and maybe mid-morning or afternoon but never after meals
The important point is not to follow every custom perfectly but to understand why people around you behave the way they do.
Tipping in Italy
Since the restaurant staff’s wages can be low, tipping (10-15%) is always appreciated. Yet leaving small tips in bars and cafes is more customary in Rome and Southern Italy than in the North. The bill may include a sitting or cover charge called “coperto”, which ranges from 1 to 3 euros per person or even more, depending on the restaurant. It is automatically added to the bill and it must be visible on the menu. This is the charge for the tablecloth, silverware, etc. Lazio region, where Rome is located, has banned it (though it still routinely appears on menus) while it may be added in other regions. Like the coperto, the “servizio” charge (listed as a percentage of the total bill) is something you have to check. The service charge must be listed on the menu, and is generally in tiny print above or below the coperto charge. Tipping is not mandatory but always appreciated. Italians generally do not tip as a percentage and may more easily round up the bill. There are a number of reasons for this cultural difference, primarily the fact that servers are paid a decent wage and do not live off tips. Secondly because “coperto” and “servizio” maybe charged already. Last but not least, many smaller trattorias in Italy are run by family. Leaving small tips in bars and cafes is more customary in Rome and Southern Italy. Remember to take your receipt with you, even if you are going to pay cash. It is the law and it is linked to owner’s tax purposes. You must be able to prove that you paid. Should a plain-clothes police officer stop you after you leave, you may have to pay a fine if you cannot show your receipt.
Telephone numbers and local communications
Italy’s international dialling code is +39.
Italian landlines use geographic area codes and retain the leading zero, while mobile numbers generally begin with 3. If you expect to stay in Italy long term, obtaining an Italian mobile number will make appointments, deliveries and everyday administration easier.
Taxis and getting around
Always use official, regulated taxis. Avoid unofficial drivers waiting near airports, railway stations or major transport hubs. Taxis are reliable but are not always the fastest transport option in larger cities. In many situations, public transport may be more practical. For city-specific transport considerations, see our guides to Milan, Rome and Turin.
Everyday safety
Italy is generally a comfortable place to live. As in any major country, basic precautions remain sensible in busy transport hubs, tourist areas and crowded public spaces. Pay attention to personal belongings and report lost or stolen documents promptly if an official record is required. If you follow simple common-sense rules you will have no problems. Here are a few tips:
- Be aware of bag snatchers and pickpockets on public transport, railways and metro stations and in very crowded areas in general.
- When using public transports, always watch your handbag, briefcase, purse or wallet and keep it close to your front. Men should not keep their wallets in rear trouser pockets.
- Do not leave your luggage unattended.
- Car theft is high, so possibly leave your car in a garage or indoor parking place overnight. When parking on the street, never leave windows open and/or valuable items in view.
- Always lock your car doors if you stop at coffee shop or gas station on highways or motorways.
- While driving, do not leave your valuables in front or rear seats, or keep car doors locked.
- Avoid hanging your arm out of the window if wearing an expensive watch as well as stopping and getting off the car if approached by people pretending a fake accident.
- At supermarkets/shopping malls do not leave your trolley unattended with your bag in.
- If living on lower floors or in a house avoid leaving windows open, especially at night or when out, and keep front door locked. Alarm and/or windows safety grates have a deterrent effect.
In case of theft or loss, always report the incident at the police station within 24 hours and ask for a police statement (denuncia).
Pets
Pets are allowed in restaurants, bars, shops, malls, unless a sign is displayed outside, and on public transports with different rules and conditions to be checked with the local service provider. Pets are not allowed in supermarkets, theatres and cinemas.
Dress code
Fashion is taken very seriously in Italy as you will notice when walking around major cities. Business dress code is formal and colors are sober, especially at meetings.
Smoking
It is prohibited in all indoor public places. Smoking is not allowed in offices, hotels, buses, railway and metro stations, discotheques, cinemas, shopping malls, bars, restaurants and airports, unless there are dedicated smoking areas.
Unmarried partnerships
These are not recognized from an institutional point of view; nevertheless, children born out of marriage are recognized by the State and have the same rights as children born of married couples.
Homosexuality
Gay couples are not formally recognized by the State , and are not allowed to get ‘married’. From a social perspective, homosexuality is accepted and tolerated, although public demonstrations of affection are best avoided, especially in small communities and in the South of Italy.
Public holidays and local closures
Public holidays affect opening hours, administrative appointments and local services.
National public holidays include:
- January 1st – New Year’s Day “Capodanno”
- January 6th – Epiphany “Epifania”
- Easter Sunday “Pasqua”
- Easter Monday “Pasquetta”
- April 25th Liberation Day “Festa della Liberazione”: it celebrates the end of the World War II in Italy
- May 1st – Labor Day “Festa del Lavoro”
- June 2nd – Italian Republic’s Anniversary “Festa della Repubblica”
- August 15th – Virgin Mary’s Assumption “Ferragosto”
- November 1st – All Saints’ Day “Festa di tutti i Santi”
- December 8th – Immaculate conception or “Immacolata Concezione”
- December 25th – Christmas Day or “Natale”
- December 26th – “Santo Stefano Day”
Additionally, each city has its dedicated Saint Day, where a Patron Saint “Santo Patrono” is celebrated. Here are a few:
- Bologna 4th October (San Petronio)
- Milan: 7th December (San Ambrogio)
- Modena: 31 gennaio (San Geminiano)
- Padova: 13 giugno (San Antonio)
- Rome: 29th June (San Pietro)
- Turin: 24th June (San Giovanni Battista)
- Venice: 25th April (San Marco)
If you are planning appointments, registrations or a move, it is always worth checking local holiday schedules first.
