Dear Tourists: I’m Italian. Here’s What Tourists Always Get Wrong About My Country

Dear Tourists: I’m Italian. Here’s What Tourists Always Get Wrong About My Country

Italy is magical — but it’s not always what you expect. The beauty is real. The food is unforgettable. The views are straight out of a painting.

But under all that charm, Italy works differently than what most first-time visitors are used to. The rhythm is slower, the rules are unspoken, and the mistakes are easy to make (and sometimes expensive).

I live here. I’ve watched tourists make the same mistakes again and again. This isn’t about where to go — it’s about how to move, eat, stay, and experience Italy the way we locals do. Not perfectly, but respectfully and smartly.

Hidden Fees in Italy: What Tourists Don’t See Until It’s Too Late

Italy isn’t trying to trick you — but if you don’t know how things work here, your bill can quietly balloon. Some of the most common frustrations come from hidden fees that locals expect but tourists never see coming.

1. The Coperto (Cover Charge)

Sit down at most restaurants, and you’ll see a charge of €1–€3 per person on the bill labeled “coperto.” This is not a scam. It’s a long-standing custom that covers bread and table service. It’s charged per person — even if you don’t eat the bread. The coperto is not for the staff but only for the owner

2. Service Charges (Servizio)

In tourist-heavy areas or at high-end restaurants, you might also see a “servizio incluso” charge — usually 10–15%. But if it’s not listed, you’re welcome to round up or leave a few euros as a thank you.

Tip in cash (only euro no dollars - no card)

3. Tipping

Tipping it is not mandatory but it is always well apreciated ( if the service is good obviuously) the "Coperto" on your bill , it is not a tip for the staff , but only for the owner Wages in italy are very low Tipping only cash (no credir card) No tipping in dollars

4. Sitting Down at a Café Costs More

A coffee that costs €1.20 at the bar can jump to €3 or more if you sit at a table — especially in tourist zones. Why? Because you’re not just paying for the coffee — you’re paying to sit and be served. Locals drink standing up.

5. Bread and Water Are Not Free

In many countries, water and bread are complimentary. In Italy, they aren’t. Bottled water is usually €1–€3, and even tap water may carry a charge. Bread is included in the “coperto,” but in some places, you’ll see it as a separate line item.

6. Taxis Start Charging Before You Get In

Italian taxis begin the meter from when they’re dispatched — not when you enter. So if you call a taxi to your hotel, the meter might already read €5–€10 when you get inside. Also: luggage fees, night rates, and Sunday/holiday surcharges are common.

7. ATMs with High Withdrawal Fees

Stick to ATMs (called “bancomat”) at actual banks. Many independent machines — especially those near tourist sites — charge outrageous fees and bad exchange rates. If the machine prompts you to accept a conversion rate, always decline it and let your bank handle the exchange.

8. Museum Add-ons and Booking Fees

Booking online often includes a “pre-sale” or “booking” fee of €2–€4 per ticket. Also, some museums charge extra for temporary exhibitions, special access, or guided visits — even if you already have a general entry ticket. Always read the fine print.

Italy isn’t expensive by default — it just plays by different rules. If you know what to expect, you won’t be surprised. And that makes all the difference.

9. Tassa di Soggiorno (Tourist Tax)

Nearly every town and city in Italy charges a local tourist tax — called the “tassa di soggiorno.” It’s a daily fee per person, added to your accommodation cost, and it varies depending on the city, hotel rating, and type of lodging.

For example:

In Rome, it ranges from €3 to €10 per night per person.

Florence typically charges €4–€8.

Naples €4- €8

Even small towns charge something.

You usually pay this tax at check-in in cash, and it’s not included in the booking total on most hotel websites. Some Airbnbs charge it separately when you arrive.

Children under a certain age are often exempt, and there’s sometimes a limit to the number of nights taxed (e.g., first 7 nights only). But still — budget for it, especially if you’re staying for several nights.

10. You Don’t Need a Car — Seriously

Naples , Florence, Rome, Venice : if your itinerary includes any of these cities, leave the car behind. Trains, buses, trams, and your feet will take you everywhere you need to go. We locals don’t drive in these places — not unless we’re forced to. Parking is expensive and nearly impossible, ZTL zones (restricted traffic areas) will get you fined without even realizing it, and city streets were made for horses, not rental cars.

So when do we use cars? Only when visiting rural villages — places in Tuscany, Puglia, or Umbria that trains don’t reach. Even then, we plan ahead and park outside the historic center. And don’t be fooled by Amalfi Coast road trip dreams: the views are great, but the traffic is chaotic and parking costs as much as dinner. Take the bus or the ferry instead , or book an Amalfi coast tour with driver !

11. Trains Are Your Best Friend (But Only If You Know How They Work)

Trains in Italy are fantastic — fast, scenic, and often cheaper than flying. But they come with a learning curve.

There are two main kinds: high-speed trains like Frecciarossa and Italo, and slower regional trains. High-speed trains are sleek and reserved-seating only — no validation needed. Regional trains? Cheaper, no seat assignments, and you must validate your paper ticket at the platform before boarding. Skip that step and you could be fined €50 or more.

Book high-speed routes in advance online to get the best prices. And always know your train number — destinations can repeat, but the train code is your anchor.

Strikes do happen (we call them "scioperi"), but usually services are reduced, not canceled. Just check ahead if your trip falls on a Friday.

TRAINLINE is best website to book your train in advance : https://www.thetrainline.com/it

12. Yes, You Need to Carry Your Passport

If you're from outside the EU, Italian law requires you to carry your actual passport at all times. Not a photo. Not your driver’s license. The real thing.

Random ID checks happen — especially at train stations or big events. If you can’t show your passport, police can detain you or fine you. EU citizens can use their national ID cards, but everyone else needs the original.

At check-in, hotels and Airbnbs are legally required to register you with the local police. That’s why they always ask to see your ID — it’s not optional.

Keep a digital backup in your email or cloud, just in case, but the physical copy should stay with you — ideally in a secure inner pocket or money belt.

13. Power Problems: Don't Fry Your Hairdryer

Italy uses 220V electricity and Type L plugs. That means many American devices won’t just need an adapter — they’ll need a voltage converter.

Most phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage (check the fine print: if it says 100–240V, you’re safe). Hair tools? Not so much. If your hair straightener or curling iron only says 110V, plugging it in could kill the device — or the outlet.

Bring a European version or leave it at home. If you’re traveling with family, pack a multi-port USB charger — many Airbnbs only have one or two outlets.

14. If You Get Sick: What Actually Works

Skip the emergency room unless it’s serious. In Italy, your first stop should always be the local farmacia — the green cross sign you’ll see on almost every block.

Pharmacists here are highly trained and will help with common issues like colds, headaches, allergies, and minor stomach bugs. For anything stronger, like antibiotics, you’ll need a doctor’s prescription. In bigger cities, there are tourist medical services with English-speaking doctors, though these are private and usually cost €50–€100.

Need medicine late at night? Each neighborhood has a rotating “farmacia di turno” — check the list posted outside any pharmacy or search online.

And don’t forget: if you take prescription medication regularly, bring enough for your entire stay, in the original packaging, and keep it in your carry-on.

15. Pickpocketing Is Real — Here’s How They Spot You

Italy is safe, but pickpocketing is a real issue in busy areas. The people who do this are professionals. They spot tourists instantly.

They watch how you walk: slowly, with your bag loose behind you, pausing in the middle of piazzas to take selfies. They love backpacks, phones on café tables, and wallets in back pockets.

They often work in teams: one distracts you (drops something, asks for help), the other slips your phone or wallet before you even realize.

To blend in? Walk with purpose. Keep your bag in front. Don’t flash cash. And if someone’s acting weird around you — even a child — stay alert.

If something does happen: go to the Questura (police station) to file a report, cancel your cards, and contact your embassy. Always carry a second card and emergency cash in a separate place.

How to Actually Blend In

Italians can spot tourists a mile away. It’s not just the outfit — it’s how you move.

We don’t walk around with backpacks and cameras around our necks.

We don’t check our phones in the middle of a street. We don’t wear athletic clothes unless we’re at the gym.

If you want to blend in, dress simply, walk like you know where you’re going, and carry yourself with confidence — even if you’re lost. Need to stop? Step aside, find a wall, look at your phone quietly.

The less attention you draw, the less likely you are to be targeted.

16. Avoiding Tourist Traps (and Finding Real Italian Food)

If you see a menu with photos, flags, or five different cuisines — run. Real Italian restaurants don’t need signs that say “We Have English Menu!” — we just do.

The best food is usually two or three blocks from any famous landmark.

The menu will be handwritten or short. There may only be a few dishes — and that’s a good thing.

We don’t eat spaghetti with meatballs, garlic bread, or fettuccine Alfredo. We do eat whatever’s in season, drink house wine by the carafe, and linger at the table.

And yes, bread and water cost money — it’s called pane e coperto. It’s normal. If a Margherita pizza costs €15 and tastes like cardboard? You’re in a tourist trap.

How to Handle Yourself in a Restaurant (Without Looking Lost)

In Italy, restaurants work differently. No one will rush you. You can stay as long as you like. But that also means the waiter won’t bring you the check until you ask. Want to leave? Say: “Il conto, per favore.”

Tipping? It’s not expected. We leave a couple of coins if the service was great.

Don’t order cappuccino after lunch. It’s not illegal, but it will get you looks. Ask for “un caffè” — that’s an espresso.

Tap water? You can ask for acqua del rubinetto, but many places prefer to serve bottled. Always check.

And if the place looks charming but only accepts cash, it’s probably still worth it. Just be prepared.

17. What to Expect in August

If you're planning to visit Italy in August, let me give it to you straight: it’s hot, it’s crowded, and much of the country — especially the local, charming part — slows down or shuts down entirely.

August is when Italians take their summer holidays.

The week around August 15th, known as Ferragosto, is the peak of this exodus. Cities like Florence, Rome,Naples and Milan might still be full of tourists, but many of the locals (including shop owners, tailors, bakers, barbers, and your favorite neighborhood trattoria) will be gone — often for the whole month.

You’ll notice closed signs on doors, especially in smaller towns. Restaurants post “chiuso per ferie” — closed for holidays — and won’t be back for two to three weeks. Local services slow down. Even some doctors and pharmacies operate on reduced hours.

On the coast, in contrast, expect the opposite. Places like Rimini, Puglia, Amalfi, and Sicily will be packed — but not just with foreign tourists. Italians themselves migrate to the sea. Beaches will be crowded, prices will be high, and finding parking or last-minute accommodation becomes a nightmare.

It’s not all bad, of course. If you plan ahead, book everything early, and stick to the big cities (which are still functioning thanks to tourism), you can still enjoy your trip. Just don’t expect “authentic daily life” in a neighborhood café — those folks are probably on a beach towel in Sardinia.

And one more thing: air conditioning isn’t a guarantee in Italy. Hotels might advertise it, but “climatizzato” doesn’t always mean it’ll be strong or on all day. Public transport, restaurants, and shops often have minimal or no air conditioning. So pack light, drink lots of water, and don’t schedule too much in the heat of the afternoon.

August is still Italy. It’s just Italy on vacation. Plan accordingly.

Understanding Opening Hours in Italy: When the Country Slows Down

If you show up at a shop in the middle of the afternoon and find it closed, don’t panic — you didn’t do anything wrong. You’ve just encountered one of Italy’s oldest habits: the pausa, also known as the midday break "the siesta" .

In many towns and cities, especially outside tourist hubs, shops close from around 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This isn’t laziness — it’s tradition. It’s a holdover from a time when afternoons were too hot to work, and meals were long, family affairs. You’ll still find bakeries, butchers, and small clothing shops closed during these hours. Even some pharmacies and post offices shut their doors.

Supermarkets and chain stores in big cities may stay open all day, but don’t count on it everywhere. Always check posted hours or Google listings — but even then, be ready for surprises.

Sundays? That’s family time. Outside of major tourist zones, many shops and restaurants are closed. Museums may operate with limited hours. It’s a good day to slow down, go for a walk, visit a park, or enjoy a long lunch.

If you're staying in a smaller town, don’t assume you’ll be able to grab something last-minute on Sunday evening — even pizza places might be closed. Plan your groceries and meals ahead.

So if you walk past shuttered shops in the early afternoon or on a quiet Sunday, don’t get frustrated. You’re just experiencing a slower, more human pace — one that still means a lot to locals.

Don’t expect things to be fast. Don’t expect everything to be obvious. But do expect moments of real beauty, warmth, and joy — especially if you know how to avoid the common mistakes.

If you travel with curiosity, patience, and a little awareness, Italy will open up for you in a way no guidebook can explain.

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