Here you can find a sort of handbook of things to know (or not to do) when visiting Italy.
- Don’t say Ciao to everyone! In Italy it is very important to use the correct greeting depending on who is greeting you. Unless the person you refer to is a friend, use a more formal greeting like Buongiorno if it’s morning or Buonasera if it’s evening.
- Dinner. Between 7.30pm and 9.00pm. Italians prefer to have aperitif before dinner and then to eat usually after 8.00pm.
- Shops close in the afternoon. This can surprise many foreigners. Almost every shop is closed from 1pm to 4pm, especially outside city centers. At that time Italians return home to have lunch and relax. Do it too!
- Taxi. You have to call or go to a dedicated taxi station. In Italy you can’t stop a taxi on the street.