*NEVER* do THIS when visiting Italy!
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- Опубліковано 6 лип 2024
- Discover the unwritten rules and faux pas to avoid when visiting Italy. From dress codes to tipping, and the infamous cappuccino curfew, we'll help you navigate Italian customs like a local. Save your vacation and avoid the pitfalls!
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I have to say…nothing against the guy, but you make Wolters World seem like a LAZY has-been. Boy has he got some serious competition with you! Keep it up, your attention to detail and meticulous WORK and Passion you obviously put into each video surpasses anything I have seen. Fantastic production quality.
I taught myself some rudimentary Italian before my visit to Italy. Many times, it got me free dessert and extra scoops of gelato. Most Italians were very grateful for my efforts, and they even helped me with phrases and words. However, while in Venice, the hotel concierge told me, “Just speak English. You’re in Venice. Don’t anyone lie to you. Everyone speaks English here.” Haha! Still, because I love the Italian language and respect the people whose country I’m visiting, I continued practicing Italian every chance I got.
That's great to hear
True. I'm Venetian and we all speak English. It's almost mandatory.
@@strikedn Thank you for your insight.
What do you think about visitors trying to speak Italian? Do Italians generally appreciate it, or do we sometimes speak with such a heavy accent that we shouldn’t even bother? (As an American of Mexican descent who speaks a bit of Spanish, I know when I speak Italian, I speak it with a Spanish accent. I can hear it in my pronunciation.) Most Italians seemed very appreciative, and as I said, many were very helpful in teaching me phrases and helping me understand.
Here’s a funny example. I wasn’t sure how to ask for food for “takeaway.” In the US, we often ask for food “to go,” so in my mind I thought “per andare” (funny, right?), but I suspected that wasn’t correct. I asked a lady at a bakery how I should ask for my order “to go.” I asked, “Should I say ‘per andare’ or is that incorrect?” She taught me the correct way is “da portare via,” which makes sense.
When I was in France, I heard Americans speaking French with decent pronunciation (I’m familiar with French because my dad speaks it fluently for over fifty years), and the French would always tell them, “Just speak English.” Haha!
@@DicksonMaimouthDon't worry! Also speak your italian with a spanish accent. For us italians it's not a problem!!!👍😉
Ps. You can also use "da asporto" as well as "da portare via"! Ciao
A crosswalk in Italy is just dry
paint. So follow is advice.😂😂
I’m Italian and I can say you make great videos about Italy. One thing to notice: away from those great tourist attractions, there is a beautiful country with no scams, with excellence in food, wine, views, history, etc. I’m from Piacenza, we have great things, so much that many people from Milan come here in our valleys to eat or to have a nice day. Our little town in our province Bobbio is probably the place where the “Gioconda” (monna Lisa) has been painted. Hernest Hemingway called our Val Trebbia “the valley of dreams”, he did like it so much. We have outstanding local food and, best of all, there are no international tourists except a few, so when we see someone that speaks another language we really want to help, genuinely, without any scam (we’re also scammed when we go to tourist places), just because share something of our culture is something beautiful. I like your love for spritz and americano 😜, I mainly drink Campari (bitter) spritz…just a spritz with Campari instead of Aperol. You should try Negroni one time (vermouth, bitter, gin, with orange slice). It’s stronger, but if you drink it little by little is very good (without straw) and has history. Well, as I said in another video, if you plan to visit the province of Piacenza, me and my girlfriend (well, I still have to tell her🤣) will be pleased to host you for free and explain something about our land
@@marcocatelli1 my grandparents were from Piacenza
Sometimes all you need to do is go down the street away from the main tourist street. I had the best hot chocolate of my life in a little shop just off the main drag in Rome. It was sublime!
To be a good traveller you need some curiosity and try to educate yourself; it's a process of discovery and so enjoyable. Wandering around can be fantastic; I was wandering around Florence and found myself outside a house Galileo lived in. This sense of discovery is so much better than just following a tourist guide, if you have the time. It goes without saying that you will get better value for money if you avoid the tourist spots to eat and drink. Obviously be aware of any risky areas and don't just wander about aimlessly always look purposeful even if you don't have a purpose. Consult maps and phones discretely. If you halt in the middle of the street to find directions you mark yourself as a tourist so expect to be targeted especially in a city like Rome. Some places are not safe for a woman alone, I would say that is Rome and Naples. Really dangerous especially if you take the trip to Pompeii via the train to Naples. Do NOT take it alone. Talk to locals always and find out the risky areas and what the scams are, this is just basic research when you travel. Always be polite to the waiters and never never click your fingers or whistle as a signal you want them to serve you, like they are a dog. This is the highest insult.
Thank you. And that's a great little town that I visited before, and that whole region, of course, is great for its food and wine. I will search for a production house for pasta, cheeses, and balsamic vinegar. Thank you for your invitation and compliments on the video.
It's not an inappropriate inconsiderate way of life at all. It's Italy and this is what I love about them. We should all relax more and not stress the little things. I'm planning to move there asap. Italy has my heart.
@@Happinessiselusive best of luck to you, I'm moving to Mexico City in the fall. There's big cultural similarities between Italy and Mexico. You have to greet people when first meeting wether it be a business setting or socially. I just got my temporary résidence and I'm ready to rock n roll. My Spanish is ok, but I need to learn the nuance s.
That's great to hear, and yes, you will find it quaint. And amusing, but in times of importance, it is always respectful to be on time.
@@GregorBrown Timeliness is a cultural norm. If it’s expected one might be late then there is no disrespect. Like the person above said, “It’s Italy.”
ok, our transports are always late, but we're not fine with it. i'm from tuscany, and we and people for veneto are usually why it rains. it's 'cause of our blasfemy 'cause some public transport is late. nobady is happy to handle people who are always late (like me). our life is not that relaxed compared to the north europe's one, and it's just 'cause we don't have a strong comunity view. so our public administration doesn't work fine and we have no time to "hygge".
@@erreticcu we were there in August 2023 and never had a problem with transport so I'm surprised at that but there were a few delayed attendants 😄 anywho...I loved it all with exception to the scammers.
I'm Italian and I drink cappuccino at any time. if I want I eat spaghetti with a fork and spoon and I try to be as punctual as possible... so we don't all act the same way. There are some basic rules that belong to the culture but we are tolerant especially if you do not belong to this culture
Are you a northern italian?
@@pasqualinamichelaconsiglio9391assolutamente no...centro Italia...vicino Roma.
I totally agree. I often have a capuccino for lunch if I am running for errands and noone has ever made a grim... But yes, it's northern Italy
@@diversificalamente exactly, that doesn't apply in Northern and Central Italy. But southern Italians are different. Southern Italians aren't mixed with the French. Their dna is different.
As Italuan I must say yes you can eat spaghetti with spoon and fork but you'll be considered a bit of a blockhead, unable to eat sspaghetti properly......
I once saw an American girl freak out at a waiter in Milan because he brought her Carbonara with guanciale.
Apparently she wanted a vegan carbonara!!😂
I was sitting beside the chef station and overheard them. They genuinely did not know how to make a vegan carbonara ... I felt so bad for them the customer really abused them
But honestly just order something else never ask them to change a recipe. Some of these recipes are like a constitutional amendment. It's really offensive to ask for a carbonara with no pork
It's literaly impossible make a "vegan" carbonara. You can't use pork, cheese Nor eggs...
Se io andassi a mangiare in un ristorante negli Stari Uniti, non mi permetterei mai di comportarmi così con un cameriere. Educazione
Vegan carbonara? That's a goodie!
Another Karen...
@@alessandroroveda2859 As an American, I think that she should have been thrown out of the restaurant. That is so wrong to do in someone else's country
Just came back from two weeks in italy, Napoli, Amalfi, Venezia, Sorrento, Rome. All those rules must have been relaxed or outright suspended as we broke pretty much all of them, and so did most other people around us. Italians know. Just be polite, and that's pretty much the only rule you need to have an awesome time like we did. 😅
Well said
When?
You are a tourist.Use the bathroom in every location.You walk into you go to a restaurant.Use the bathroom even if you don't really have to go if you're in the airport.Use the bathroom never walk by a bathroom opportunity or you could be in trouble
Strikes are usually on Fridays, not on Mondays.
Hi there...my husband and I travel to Italy yearly and have been to Italy over a dozen times.
We have done all the public transportation and we have never to date had a train arrive late. We haven't tried regional trains so that might be a different story.
I think to say Italians are always late is extreme, every shuttle back and forth to the airports have always been early and we've never had to worry about getting to the airport late.
Everything else you've expressed here is accurate and we couldn't agree with you more
I agree. Rode regional trains last week between Rome, Civitaveccia and the airport. Not one late train.
Just came back from a first-time, 2 week vacation in Italy. Venice, Milan, Florence & Rome was my route. Looooved every minute it ! Had the time of my life. Will surely go back again. Did my research 6 months ahead of the trip. Your videos helped and guided me throughout. They prepped me so well. Love your energy and enthusiasm. Thank you so much for a fantastic job !!!
Great to hear!
Great video. I’m Australian. I have been to Europe a few times. I went with family last year. Everywhere we went (Especially Rome)waiters asked for tips and were upset when we didn’t give anything. I told them “We’re Australian not American.” Never in previous trips to Europe have I been asked for tips. In Munich a waiter asked me if there was something wrong with the service. I told him no. He said he usually gets 20%. I told him it’s rude to expect or ask for tips. Here’s a tip for Americans, please stop tipping in Europe. They’re expecting it now. You’re ruining it for the rest of us. 😊
Europe is a continent. Never heard about this in Italy.
@@strikedn why are you telling me Europe is a continent? I just mentioned two cities in two different countries in the continent. Australia is also a continent, one country and an island.
@@chrisso35 Because what happens in Germany doesn't necessarily happens in another country in Europe. That's all and no need to be aggressive.
😅@@strikednnot the point really. No country in Europe had a tipping culture.
The other person who commented is correct. They are scamming tourists by asking for tips.
It starts off expecting it from tourists and over time, the locals too will be expected to pay tips everywhere. Don't tip in Europe!
@@strikedn no one is being aggressive. It happened in Rome and Bruges too.
Thanks Gregor, I’m off to Luca in September with 3 good friends (The East Coast Outcasts) and your tips will be invaluable, keep them coming, have liked and followed 👏👏👍
Dress appropriately, well said. Italian cities are not beach resorts. Be respectful of places, of local people and of yourself.
Thank you - as an expat resident of Florence I am continually embarrassed by the way tourist (un)dress
I’ve gone to Padua and taken the train every day to Venice for 10 years….The train is always on time, maybe a few minutes late but it’s as good as in Copenhagen, maybe even better:)
Thanks for sharing
Not my experience- piombino trains were cancelled the other day. Took the bus to the nearest train station where once many again trains were cancelled as we watched. In the end we got to our destination however be prepared to be patient and stay flexible. Also don’t book tight connections- refunds and changes were not allowed.
In the north of Italy for sure! 😊
@karinlouisesvendsen6572 He went overboard to get views!
"Parli" is the informal. You should say "Parla" to get off on the right foot: "Parla inglese?" Otherwise, you're basically saying "Do you speak English, honey?" This might work in the south (also in the south of Italy), but not elsewhere.
I think Italians would be happy one is just trying. And most places I go people us the informal tense, so no problem
As an Italian, we don't really care about that. Tourists are more than welcome when they try to speak Italian and they are allowed to make all the mistakes they want. The only thing that we find very strange from a foreign tourist is saying Ciao to someone they don't know and see for the first time. Older Italians may even find this very disrespectful. Buongiorno and Buonasera woud do.
Exactly 💯
cause we need our money😅 😂 I m jocling, but You can try to learn italian social rules, @@GregorBrown
@@strikedn how about salve?
ciao Gregor, da Italiano vorrei farti i miei complimenti. Ci sono centinaia di video simili a questo ma il tuo mi è piaciuto molto, senza stereotipi inutili.......senza MANDOLINO come colonna sonora :-) e dando consigli utili. E quando hai parlato dei nostri difetti (veri) lo hai fatto in maniera molto rispettosa. Bravo!!!!!
Italian here, the video is pretty spot on, I'd say they would be the same advices I'd give to a tourist :) (apart the delays, I'm from Milano and we are pretty in time LOL we are annoyingly picky here)
My wife and I spent 10 days in Italy this past fall, and did a lot of research before we went. We had heard or read in several places (like you said) that Italians don't like it when you ask to modify menu items, which was somewhat of a concern to us as we both eat a plant-based diet (no meat or dairy). While we did see that to be true in a general sense, we found that when we explained about our diet first and then asked for the server's suggestions, they often had items that weren't on the printed menu or they would offer to adjust an item. We never once had a problem and a couple of times we were even asked for suggestions to help others with a similar diet who might come to their restaurant. I think the difference was that it was a dietary need instead of just a preference, and that we approached it proactively with the server as soon as we set down instead of expecting them to adjust on the fly.
One thing I would mention is that unless you REALLY enjoy crowds, try to avoid Rome on the first Sunday of each month, especially during the summer, when cultural sites run by the state are free of charge. While that may sound like a great way to save a few euros, you need to decide BEFOREHAND how much its worth to be standing in huge lines and packed in standing-room only. Most of the lines into these sites are out in the hot sun, and by the time you get inside you're already hot and tired. There is a LOT to see, and this may not be your best way to see it.
That's great to hear, and i'm glad you were able to get the plates you wanted at restaurants
Yes,,,I had an American girlfriend, she wanted everything gluten free, no dairy for f**c sake! You're not in the US enjoy the moment and adapt. We're no longer together. Good riddance.
Excellent advice. I also think it's worthwhile going in the offseason. I went to Italy in winter and had a terrific time and the museums were not at all crowded. The downside is some were closed for renovations but still worth it.
I did however nearly get caught taking the wrong ferry in Venice and would have been stranded on Murano island all night. However I noticed the locals talking in Italian sniggering and deriding me so at the last moment I jumped off. That shut them up.
I believe you can book tickets online to skip the queues.
But of course, if there is a dietary need or an intolerance, the restaurant will do everything to accommodate you. We're not crazy.
It's a different story if you ask to add cream to the carbonara, or ketchup to the pasta.
Such a great informative video. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
What rules are you talking about? These are just habits, you can have what you want, just together with a weird look.
As an Italian I will say you're spot on for the most part. The hat thing is slightly more loose and it depends on the area.
i'm Italian and i live near Venice, you amazed me. everything you say is correct and you are very respectful of my country... thank you for the nice words
Thank you for the tips , very helpful!
Glad it was helpful!
Another great and imformative video as usual, thanks Gregor ❤
My pleasure!
Your videos are a mine of information and superbly presented. Very entertaining and my favourite content to view for Italy. Thanks for the content.
Glad you like them!
Gregor, you didn't talk about the "apericena" also invented by us Italians, which is a moment of aggregation between friends. Which would be "Aperitif" and "Dinner" in one.
While you have an aperitivo, you dine with very light but abundant dishes. Various Salumi, Prosciutto, Crostini, small Mozzarella, Supplì, Bruschetta etc.
Fact packed vid, yet so entertaining. Brilliant videos, so helpful. Thankyou ❤
So glad!
thank you for the advice!! going to italy in a few weeks and am trying to learn as much as i can!
Definitely learn some key phrases. All Italians appreciate you making an effort when it comes to conversing in their language.
@@imdead6823 don't worry, we are Italian, not french. We love to help foreign tourists, speaking or not speaking our language.
@@SharonHannah-vf9qr i definitely will, ive been doing so much research so i can be as polite as possible 😭
@@enricopiaia1253 lmaooo that made me giggle, that’s comforting to hear!!
@@imdead6823 It's a joke, I love France 🤣
I'm a local from Rome and I truly appreciate your great video! If I may, I'd change your "Buongiorno, parli inglese per favore?" into "Buongiorno, mi scusi parla inglese?" as it sounds more natural. I've also lived in North America for about 10 years and always tipped as if I were in Europe, as I can't stand rewarding overbearing service ha!
Really? You didn't tip your server in the US for 10 years? Wow, I'm pretty sure you should offer zero advice on cultural expectations in someone else's country.
Your restaurants automatically charge a service charge, and it promotes lazy restaurant workers.
Wonderful perspective to see my country from the eyes of others
Very true and useful for first time visitors. I love the laidback lifestyle of Italy and their friendly nature.
Yes indeed!
Fantastic video and lots of correct information. I lived in Northern Italy for 2 years and have so much more than you mentioned. I by far had more fun away from touristy places like Padova and Rovigo. like you said, you can do just about anything you want but remember that you are in Italy and should do as the Italians. A BIG one that you missed is ordering a Margarita. You know what I am talking about.
Margherita
@@vistacyclingtuscany he could be talking about the drink 🍹
@@mr.archivityher's the misunderstanding!!!😂😂😂
The fact is that the margarita cocktail is not very popular in italy, not as popular as the Margherita pizza!!!😂😂😂
Enjoyed your video and the comments were on point. One thing I might mention regarding credit cards it's best to inform your bank in advance of your travel itinerary so youre not blocked. Happened to me once, fortunately I had another card
I happened to tell my bank purely by chance - that I would be in Europe for the next two months. One of the luckiest breaks I ever had. NO problems with bank card.
@@DG-mb1us nowadays, if you have an online banking, you don’t have to do it anymore- that’s what I was told by my bank
Greetings from Sydney. Great video mate. Loved the capital one venture x. Best credit card!!
Hey, thanks!
Love your content! In Florence right now, and enjoying every minute of it!
@@jameswatkins96 With this heat?
@@sunnysharif6410 I left right before it really warmed up, by then I was in Venice in the pool!
great vid thanks
In italia certe cose non le facciamo ma siamo molto tolleranti percio' puoi mangiare gli spaghetti aiutandoti con il cucchiaio bere il cappuccino a ogni ora ecc ecc . Non ti capitera ' nulla di male😅😂 buone vacanze
insomma, se lo fa un turista può andare, ma se lo fa un italiano ... apriti cielo!! Si rischia persino di litigare. Amo l'italia in tutti i suoi aspetti ma questa rigidità riguardo al cibo è insopportabile. Ognuno ha i propri gusti e anche i propri problemi alimentari. Se un ristoratore non può prepararmi un cappuccino dopo cena perché è troppo laborioso capisco, ma se è solo per una questione di principio, è un atteggiamento irrispettoso nei confronti del cliente.
@@bennyblackcat4959 hai ragione ma noi nasciamo che sappiamo già arrotolare gli spaghetti l'italiano che non c'è la fa e' considerato sudtirolese 😜
@@bennyblackcat4959 In molti bar e ristoranti in tutta Italia, molti turisti (stranieri) chiedono il cappuccino a pranzo o a cena, e ti assicuro che nussun ristoratore rifiuta di farlo.
Cosa che non si può dire che avvenga fuori dall'Italia.
A me è capitato più volte negli USA di sentirmi rifiutare un bicchiere di latte, perchè non era contemplato il costo nel Menu. Potevo invece ordinare il "latte" che però sarebbe il latte con il caffè.
Ed era sufficiente prendere una bottiglia di latte e versarlo in un bicchiere e farmelo pagare come "latte".
About credit cards.. visa and master cards are widely used all around Europe, American Express much less..
And you can have a cappuccino any time.. You will look a tourist,but after all you are tourists..
Driving.. In the north it is very different from Rome and Naples
Please, when trying to learn a few Italian phrases, at least, use Google Translate to use the microphone for the correct pronunciations.
I always take a pocket dictionary with me, and a good phrase book (to practise phrases) before needing them, and to adapt as necessary. This method has worked well for me during many travels in most countries (so long as they use Roman letters). Regrettably this doesn't work for me in Greece!
The fountain that suddendly got "non drinkable" probably was fine untill a few days, maximum weeks, before. They get checked for bacterial counts and chemical residues at regular intervals, as sometimes water quality can drop for various reasons, agricultural issues, dry weather or very wet weather. I used to work in a lab doing these controls, a couple of people had the task to tour all the little fountains around the villages and countriside..
I really appreciate this video and all of the helpful comments. Grazie molto!
Glad it was helpful!
Hi Gregor, thank you for depicting so nicely my country. You and all the nice people from the World are welcome here. We are plenty of problems, but most of us tries to be decent. Wishing you a nice stay there!
I'm Italian, but I have to make a small correction: when addressing someone for the first time, it's not very polite to say "Ciao", unless you're talking to a child. With adults, the first time you say "Buongiorno" or "Buonasera" (depending on the time). However, don't worry: Italians know very well that foreigners can make mistakes like these and in fact they really appreciate the effort of speaking Italian...
Thanks it's been over 20 years since I was in Italy. Yep we tried to do to much and then slowed down and enjoyed life. I appreciate all the traditions except my cafe late or cafe alonge with milk, after a meal.
A lot of restaurants charge a Coperto, typically €2 per person to cover the service charge.
G'day Gregor love your work mate 👍 Great tips for Italy, never been to EU and frankly a little nervous but watching your content is helping to ease my anxiety as an Aussie visitor to the region. BTW the Mrs loves your work too, maybe a little to much. Anyway have a good one 👍 Appreciate your dedication to your channel and followers
Why nervous?
@@strikedn Need been to a NON English speaking country
This was a funny video for me. I’m not Italian but I was raised by European parents and most of the things you mention are just normal in my family of origin. Also I’ve never worn a baseball cap in my life.
Those caps do serve a purpose.And I wear one in the summertime when I have to be outside to keep some shade on my face
@@GregorBrown last summer I was in Vienna and it was SO HOT. I had forgotten or lost the hat I usually bring on vacation (and wear around in NJ too). I ended up buying a super dorky sunhat - pink flowered material - at the Schonbrun Palace. My friend who I was traveling with said: "I don't know anyone who could wear that hat. Except you. You totally rock it!" And she was serious, too.
Grazie per questo video .
This are some goods advices.
When my daughters friend first visited Italy, she ordered an espresso martini with her dinner and was told NO, only after dinner! LOL
@@texasburbs4380 nobody do it here
That was a good suggestion. Why would you ruin the taste of your dinner with the espresso martini, and why would you ruin the taste of your espresso martini with the food of your dinner? It's like pineapple pizza... pizza by itself is delicious, just as pineapple by itself... why destroying both by eating them together?
"expresso martini" symply means nothing in Italy. It's an american invention.
This video is awsome I'm going on Eurail trip in September
Never had a problem with punctuality of trains.
Try taking more trains and then report back
In general they are mostly Fine but you will find problems eventually
@@GregorBrown There used to be very frequent issues rail strikes , often half days from 1pm. Are there many now?
We’ve been to Rome 34 times twice every year. Your video is spot on. Forza Roma
Sono romana e ti ringrazio di aver visto la mia città così tante volte. Se vuoi tornare, sarò lieta di ospitarti!
Excellent video! New subscriber ☺️ (more about Italy: Florence, Milan, Naples, Rome, Sicily)
Awesome! Thank you!
And when someone gives you thanks - Grazie (eg because you were courteous towards them) you reply - Prego
So many good ones here. My number 1 is road safety. Don't be in a daze when walking around - stay alert to cars, buses, scooters, trams, and, especially, bikes!
Especially in Naples where they drive around you as you cross. Though, as an Italian friend advised, you stand more chance of a successful insurance claim if you are injured whilst using a crossing!
In Italy it is not a good thing to have your food served with speed ... It has to be served with correct timing, not to long and not to fast.
There is a tipping culture in Europe. Not that much like in the US but there is. I`m from Germany and the most people in Service are at minimum or low wage. And often the tips were summarised and split at the end of the day between all workers. Including the kitchen staff. It is common to add tip around 5-10 percent or up to the next 10th or fith number. For example your bill is 23 you will say "make it 25"
It is not a culture as it is something that people do every now and then. Definitely. Nothing like what Americans are used to in the United States and as I explained in this video, that culture does not exist here in Europe.
Tipping isn't common in Italy.
Agree
Looking forward to visiting Italy 🇮🇹 one day. Bucket list item.😊
You should!
Well, the least 'a tourist' should do is ..don't expect to find the land that you are vacationing "from". Example: don't go to Milano expecting to find New York! And "please" don't take it for granted that the places that you are visiting, were dying ... to see you go there!
👏 BRAVO - this was one of the BEST Helpful video I have seen. Excellent. I’ve shared with family that is traveling this fall to Italy
Awesome! Thank you!
if you have to eat outside our lunch/dinner time, just look for a "pizzeria al taglio" where you can have all the slices you want, sometimes (especially in rome) they are great (naples is another story, pizza there is on another championship, even outside dinner time. maybe fried. pizza fritta). you'll not staying here for so long: avoid mcdonalds if you can, we have a lot of alternatives.
Such practical tips! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
People sometimes arrive late and that sucks. But people being late has nothing to do with traians being late 😂
Go to Germany and you'll find people being more punctual but trains arriving just as late.
I think that is a complicated issue, having to do mostly with crowded train lines and lack of redundancy - which boils down to basically "more investments in rail needed".
Good advice about credit cards and cash! I would add: get your cash at an ATM. ATM of a bank would be preferrable, because the ones you find at the airport often have huge commissions and bad exchange rates.
If you have to use those, select the option to have your own bank do the conversion, not them.
Also, AMEX cards are not often accepted by small shops and restaurants, the commissions for them are too large. For that it's better to also have a Visa or Mastercard.
Thanks!
You bet!
Thanks to you
To be late is considered rude in Italy too. Sorry, it seems to me this is a commonplace, we are not so relaxed, especially in cities
The term "cappuccino" derives from the color of the habit worn by the "Capuchin" friars. Cappuccino means "little hood". Therefore "cappuccino" is pronounced with the "u" and not with the "a" instead of the u.
Great info, thank you! I'm planning a trip to Rome in October and i would like to fly my dji mini drone. I have a licence, but i don't know how it works there.
Can you give some advice per favore?
Buongiorno up to 12
Buon pomeriggio up to 18
Buona sera up to 22/24
Buona nottata up to 6 am
Buon Pomeriggio isn't used too much as a greeting, however.
I did duolingo for two months or so before coming to italy ( I am here to study for a short time and holiday) and following your advice my mum and I are having a great time here.
My tip for museums and galleries is mention you are a student if you are as admission is usually free or cheap. They waved my entrance fee at several galleries and even special access to more fragile artworks this week when I mentioned I am here to study art :)
Love a good spritz or americano, but in the US a lot of bartenders add too much club soda. Also like Negroni or a Milano-Torino in the evening. Salute!
The reason why trams and busses are so often on strike is because they have been working for the pat 15 years with no updated cathegory contract. That means no pay raise except for those mandated by law or by the old contract, no updates on the safety rules, very few new workers being hired to sunstitute those that retired.
TS 7:46 Italians eat slowly, they enjoy the meal. and the punctuality comment.... You are still very much an American in Italy. Why are you in Italy? The Mannerisms and Customs and Culture of Italians have created the country you want to visit. Their Italian joy of food gives us the quality of food we do not have in American restaurants.
The food is some of the best in the world, no doubt, and I agree with you there. However, punctuality is highly valued and being late is not appreciated by anyone, especially for important commitments. It can be quite annoying.
Great video 😊
I'm italian and I think your Italian is great!
You're absolutely right about cappuccino 😂
Never order it with you food, please😂
Thank you! 😃
Never go to a gelateria where the pistachio and mint chip are dyed green. That stuff is made in a giant factory. Every city has natural, artisanal gelato, and the price is about the same as the mass produced stuff. The shops are less crowded, too.
Wish I would have watched this before my trip!
More to come 😎
One more advice: pay attention to pickpocket in big city like Milan, Rome, Florence, Naples, Bologna, Trieste; expecialy in the metro.
Basically turists don't know how to use grated cheese on the table. It's for pasta with meat or veggies, don't use it on pasta with fish, don't use it on spicy hot pasta (like penne all'arrabbiata - penne pasta with chili, tomato sauce, garlic and parsley). You can use it it soups, tho.
Also, the pread on the table can leave you puzzled. the main use for bread is to collect the sauce left on the plate from your pasta, meat, or fish. Use you hand and a chunk of bread to scoop the goodness from the plate and don't waste it. Yeah, like in asia. But you can also pour some quality EVO oil or butter on a slice of bread, than sprinkle some salt on it, and you have a little appetizer while you wait your meal.
Grazie
Great video. I especially agree with you about at least making an attempt with some Italian phrases - it's only polite to do so, and Anglophones can be a bit lazy with languages.. Having visited Italy many times over the years I find Italians are quite relaxed about things like drinking a Latte in the evening or putting Parmeggiano on inappropriate foods. at the end of the day they are in business to make money so what tourists want to eat and drink is up to them - and busy restaurant staff are hardly going to worry about whether you twist your pasta around your fork! I'm always puzzled when Anglos complain about 'slow' service in European restaurants - but this is actually a feature not a bug. What's the big rush? It's nice to linger for a while and relax at their table, use their toilets, have a chat etc. Anyway, very entertaining video as always!😀
You kinda of remind me of John Malkovich. Especially your way of speaking. That is a compliment.
I have heard that my whole life
Currently visiting now, and I can say this: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Try to adapt to the language, culture, and mannerisms. I almost feel bad when I see other Americans acting like a tourist, it’s embarrassing. Just try to fit in and know your place.
Thanks
And thank you for your support. And watching the videos and supporting the channel, it means a lot
really well done, as italian I confirm everything :D, just one thing "(lei) parla inglese?" is the formal way (preferred), and it's better than "(tu) parli inglese?" (too informal).
We may not have a 24 hour store in my town, but we do have beer and wine vending machines in a pinch!
I've seen those around 🔥🔥🔥
There' re actually 24-h stores in Milan.
Me being italian watching some advice for tourist 🗿:
Ciao Gregor, hai detto tutto perfettamente, bravo! Amo il tuo paese e mi piacerebbe scambiare opinioni con te. Bacio
Very informative! The only point that isn't 100 percent true is tipping. In some parts of Italy, in particular Naples, the locals tip, but not like the U.S, no percentage method, they just leave what they want.
So, I have a medical condition that doesn’t allow me to consume any amount of alcohol. I mean non at all. No drinks, and no e in my food. Literally just a few drops will kill me. With this said, will I end up dying if I go to Italy?
No you won't! You just have to pay attention to dishes like risotto, some pasta sauces or some recipes with meat like brasato that are made with wine or desserts like tiramisu and zuppa inglese as they contain alcohol; it is better to ask/inform the waiter about your intolerance and don't trust who tells alcohol evaporates during the cooking, even after 1 hour in the oven a small percentage is still there!
In (parts of) Europe we do tip, though not to such extremes as in the US. In Germany you can add a couple of Euros to the restaurant bill to round it up, or add about 5%. In the UK 10% is about right, although I may not be fully up to date on that. In France I would tip aeound 10%, though the rule is if it a a small place and the owner serves you you don't tip.
Yes, in the UK it is customary to tip about 10-12%, though not necessarily in very cheap places (eg sandwich bars at lunch time). Many restaurants now have a 'service charge), which can be quite high!
In Italy, there's usually a service charge two euro per person
Italy no tipping. It is not done or very little after a dinnet. 1 to 2 euro. I have seen people doing it around Europe either.
But why in USA I must speak english and american in Italy do not have to speak italian?
What you said about spritz is correct. Instead in USA it's very confusing. I met some friends in Texas, it was almost 7 pm and we went to a restaurant, the waiter came and took the orders for drinks. They told me the local was famous for its piña colada. I assumed we were going to have aperitivo so I asked for one. Next, the waiter began to take orders for dinner 😮 every one was ordering meat.... at that hour... ! While drinks were to arrive to the table!
What?
I said: "Meat is ok, but.... will I have time to drink my drink before they bring the meat?"
Nobody understands my worries, so I had my wonderful beef ... and I was supposed to eat it WITH PIÑA COLADA!!!
Oh guys, the sweet drink wasted the first piece of meat, so I put my drink away and asked for red wine, while the others were surprised.
They said, "What's the problem about sweet drinks with meat, don't you ever eat a hamburger with milk shake?" 😂😂😂
I said never, not even if you point me with a gun... I just couldn't!.
Aperol Spritz! But, good to know that you can drink them only 9n certain hours.
Mainland is so much more different than Sardinia haha. They do wear sandals, sun dresses, and sometimes even hats. Baseball caps with NY yankees logo are not only popular but sold in all our stores here.
17:16 I am Italian and I am always drinking spirtz, even eating a pizza. You were in Tuscany and the spritz is not a typical local drink there...
In Italy, if you don't like beer or wine, order just a Prosecco before the pizza. It is fine!
The spirtz is a common drink in the North East, I mean from Padova to Trieste, because of austro-hungarian occupation of the Lombardo-Veneto during the 1800ish. For austrians the local wine was too strong so they diluted it with "seltz water" inventing the spirtz (wine plus water). Nowadays the Aperol Spritz Is the common Spritz young Italians use to drink.
@@trentasenzalode unfortunately, outside of the north-east, it is considered a cocktail, with the associated prices, even if the ingredients are way poorer ( 3-3.5 euros in Friuli/Veneto against 7/8 elsewhere )
It also depends on bad luck: I've been using one credit card for 7 years and have never had a problem. Not for a new computer non for an espresso.
i like your sun glasses . what brand is it ? i would like to have one 😎
Persol
@@GregorBrown awesome 😎 thanks
The cappuccino/spritz thingy are, as you said, not enforced rules or rules at all. Simply put, we can talk about having or not having taste buds. If you go to a restaurant and just order dessert, you can order a cappuccino without any problem, but if you are eating a normal dish... cmon. For example, imagine carbonara paired with cappuccino. It isn't heavy on your stomach; that's a way to be polite, and don't say you have the same taste buds of a four-year-old.
I've seen cappuccino ordered after fried fish by a couple of Belgians. No one cared. After all it's their money....and stomach...😂
Yep..the Loo is not free..Amex is not acceptable in many places..I had Visa MC and Amex....love Roma...all of Italy ❤.
This video is Such a wealth of information!
Thanks
@@GregorBrown 😊