It is a wonderful experience to travel to the capital city of Italy. Rome has well over two million residents. They have a wonderful sense of community and are incredibly patriotic. Rome is a lovely, vibrant city with a mild climate. Normally, the temperature hovers around 80 degrees. Buses are the primary mode of transportation.
When you travel, you often become aware of a lot of little things that, from your perspective, may appear unusual or unfathomable. Different conventions, traditions, cultures, habits, and behaviours can have a beneficial or bad impact. Read on to learn the 10 things you should never do in Italy if you’re moving there and don’t want to make any mistakes.
1. Don’t tip too much
Tipping is not required in Italy. Italian waiters often earn a standard salary, so they do not anticipate huge tips from patrons. Tipping is typically an estimation based on factors such as price, type of restaurant, quality of service and food, quantity of patrons, etc. rather than a precise calculation.
2. Never get a cappuccino after 11:00 a.m.
One of the most popular breakfast beverages in Italy is the cappuccino, which is frequently enjoyed with a croissant or other sweet pastry in the morning. Italians find it difficult to accept the cappuccino because it contains all the characteristics of these classic foods. Ask for a macchiato if you want a splash of milk in your coffee.
3. Avoid topping shellfish or fish pasta with cheese
In Italy, this is considered high treason. Italians have very clear notions about what can and cannot be done, as well as a very strong relationship with food. One of the things you should never do is this.
4. Avoid ever cutting spaghetti with a knife or fork
Never cut spaghetti! In Italy, no! More spaghetti is consumed here than anyplace else in the world, and there is such a thing as “pasta etiquette.” One of the worst things an Italian could ever see is this. Spaghetti should always be eaten by rolling it up around the fork while using the dish as support.
5. Avoid ordering the Alfredo sauce
This is really puzzling. This pasta dish with butter, Parmesan, and occasionally house-roasted chicken or sour cream is typically offered on the menu in most Italian restaurants outside of Italy. The issue is that no one in Italy is aware of it. The only place where you can find the authentic “Alfredo” fettuccine is at the restaurant “Il Vero Alfredo,” also known as the Emperor of Fettuccine, in the heart of Rome. Here, you can sample the dish’s original recipe, which has been passed down down the generations but, sadly, not in Italy.
6. When attending a church, avoid wearing shorts, a tank top, or flip-flops.
It is forbidden to enter sacred buildings in Italy while wearing beachwear; you must be properly attired. A scarf or foulard for your back should be brought, while shorts and sandals should be avoided. It’s considered impolite for a man to enter wearing a hat.
7. Don’t count on Swiss timeliness
Time in Italy is elastic. This also holds true for the opening hours of many locations and for public transportation. A guided tour planned to begin at 11 will actually begin at 11.30am. On at least two days of the week, many businesses and services close for lunch. Always make sure the destination is safe before going.
8. Refuse to believe that you can only use English everywhere (and that everyone will understand you)
Don’t get your expectations up, though; English isn’t a language that’s spoken commonly in Italy. In the most well-known and popular cities, you won’t have any difficulties while travelling, but elsewhere in the nation, things are different. Always keep a little dictionary on you that contains all the vital Italian vocabulary you require so that you can function even in the most distant areas. Otherwise, use caution and trust Google Translate. Sometimes the English-Italian translations you intend to use result in unexpectedly funny results.
9. Avoid eating pizza with your hands
You’d get a lot more out of your trip to Italy if you followed your table manners! If you want to avoid the angry looks of the residents walking by, don’t just choose your pizza slice and start cutting into it. Instead, eat this Italian treat with a knife and fork to the fullest!
10. You don’t have to always rely on your credit card
In your home city, your credit card might be your closest friend, but when you’re on vacation in Italy, don’t depend or rely on it blindly. The majority of shops only accept cash as payment and do not accept credit cards. Therefore, it’s wise to bring a lot of local currency. Not only will it be useful, but it will also spare you from the headache of converting money or the stress of the last minute.
Conclusion
The traditional and Mediterranean cultures have an impact on the people in central and southern Iraq, as is evident. Most people in southern Italy have darker hair and more brown skin. However, they tend to be taller, with blonder hair and lighter eyes, in the north. Italians are friendly, passionate about their work, and have a love of life, which unites them north to south. They engage in a lot of talking and make attractive gestures. Italians are not scared to express their emotions through hugging and kissing.
Book a Tour Package
Read more- Things to avoid in Italy, First city to Visit in Italy, Things to Do in Venice, Nicest Parts of Italy to Visit, Dos and don’ts in Italy?, Is Venice or Florence better?