Things to know before your trip to Italy

Things to know before your trip to Italy

A few tips for getting around! Including useful apps, and emergency numbers.
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General Tips

When heading to Italy, many hot-spot cities will be easy to get around using English. However if heading to a few small towns, a little Italian can help a lot!

Grab a little phrase book before coming.

💪🏻Safety

Tourist hot spots are known for a little petty theft. Be sure to only carry what you need with you. Carry an over the shoulder bag and keep your belongings in eye site, especially when on public transport! With regards to important documents, carry a copy of your passport, but leave your original at home. I also suggest getting a pre-paid card to bring with you, leaving bank cards and credit cards at home. Lately there has been a theft of gold jewellery, not to alarm anyone but i have seen an uptick of this, so I would recommend not wearing any real gold necklaces or bracelets out. 

🗺 Getting Around

Before you leave for your trip, make sure to download Google Maps around the area you will be staying.

Other helpful apps to download are:

Moovit - for knowing bus routes and when they will arrive. This includes buses in all cities and private buses such as SITA (often used in Sicily & Amalfi Coast)

FreeNow - for booking taxis and paying through phone.

Bus tickets-

Usually you buy them at a “tabacchi” a cigarette store with a clear big T outside. Or you can get them at a magazine kiosk, known as an edicola.

Parking for Rental Cars

Blue, means paid parking, you can pay at a meter and put the receipt in your front window. Or you can download the app EasyPark which will make it easier!

Yellow, you can't park there, it is for residents or transport.

White is free parking!

But always check the signs in the surrounding area!

☕️ When ordering at a cafe -

If it is an elegant spot, or in the city center, you might prefer to take your coffee standing up "al banco". Here the coffee will be normal prices, where as sitting down they may charge you quite a few euros more for an espresso.

Here are some more coffee tips:

🍴Meal times :

Normally in Italy lunch is eaten between 13-15, while dinner is often from 8pm

And if you are looking for how to pick the best place to eat, you might enjoy this article.

🚨Emergency:

If you need to call emergency services the number is 112.

If you need to seek out the police for any reason, you can go to the nearest Polizia or Carabinieri.

Women if you are traveling alone, you may want to look at the VIOLA app, this refers you to safe spaces if you are feeling threatened outside. 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ready to experience an Italy beyond what you've seen on a screen? Having lived in Italy for over 12 years, I love sharing the special moments that make each distinct Italian region stand out. The best part of traveling to Italy is discovering a whole new world in each region you visit. 🍷Located in Piedmont, I specialize in Northern Italy travel, with a focus on wine travel. Whether you're interested in wine tasting in the famous Langhe region, exploring Tuscany's rolling hills, discovering the excellent Rosati of Puglia, or savoring wines from anywhere in between - I'm here to make your trip unforgettable. 🤓In addition to learning about Italy's incredible wines, you can expect fun and nerdy facts from my guides, as I am a graduate in archaeology and art history. 🏔️Since I could never limit myself to one niche, I'm also a huge fan of the outdoors, climbing, and hiking. I love sharing the best of the Italian Alps with you, whether you're a beginner seeking a breath of fresh mountain air or an experienced adventurer looking for local insights. 📍Here you'll find extensive city guides, niche tours, regional wine guides, and much more! And if you're looking for something tailored specifically to you, check out my custom travel services! --- 💭About me: I'm originally from Middlebury Vermont but came to Italy at age 18 to study. As you can tell I never looked back. I've lived in Rome, Pompeii, Florence, Milan, and now I call Piedmont home with my family: myself, my Italian boyfriend, our adorable 1 year old, and the real star: Kiki our pup. _ If you dream of turning your Italy trip into a permanent move, I am an expat guide who helps individuals make Italy their home. From the visa process to the move, from setting up a bank account to understanding the healthcare system, I can assist you. Find out more on my website linked below.
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