- You will need an adapter for plugs.

- Cafes typically offer coffee, pastries and gelato. Regular coffee in Italy is an espresso. If you are looking to order an American style coffee you can order an americano. This will be an espresso with more hot water. If you typically like milk in your coffee, it is best to order a cappuccino. Sugar packets can be found on the bar or on the tables if needed. 


- Italians typically enjoy an espresso or cappuccino with a pastry in the morning for breakfast. Lunch is typically the largest meal and dinner is typically something smaller.


- Cafes usually close around 1 pm, however, some cafes are open all day. 


- Most businesses, stores, and restaurants close between 1 pm - 4 pm. 


- Dinner is eaten late, expect restaurants to open between 6-7 pm. 


- A cover charge may be added to your bill if you are seated at a cafe or restaurant (especially in large tourist cities). 


- It is typical for public washrooms not to have toilet seats. 


- Wear comfortable shoes! If you plan on walking around, please ensure you are wearing comfortable shoes. 

For our guests that are not EU residents, for any purchase or transaction carried in Italy a VAT tax is applied. The IVA, VAT in Italian, is around 22% but it can vary according to the goods or services you buy. If you are planning on shopping while in Italy you are eligible to get a VAT refund.

In order to claim a VAT refund in Italy there are 4 important conditions:

1. You should not be European resident, so you should not live inside Italy or any other European countries

2. The overall value of the goods purchased must exceed 154,94€ from a single shop.

3. You should not wear or consume the product before leaving European Union.

4. You should save the bills of the shop, where you purchase the items from.

5 Things to Keep in mind:

1) If you are traveling around European Union you should do this process, only in the last countries you are visiting.

2) Consider that in many European countries the threshold requested for a VAT refund may be lower as well. So, again, we strongly recommend to keep the bills of the purchase you do in any shop.

3) You cannot get VAT refund for services you consume. So for instance you will not receive VAT refund for your accommodation or travel expenses. As well as you will have meals, dinners or entrances to museums.

4) Carry your passport to be sure to be able to fill out the requested forms.

5) You can repeat this process for every travel you make to Italy. There are no limitations.

How to claim a VAT refund:

1) From the shop

There are many stores around Italy that offer tax-free products. These are very common in the tourist areas or in the city centers of important towns in Italy.

Please keep in mind that it is important to mention that you would like a VAT refund at the moment of the purchase. They will provide you a tax free form for tax free shopping. Be sure to buy from a store with tax free symbols, if you want to take advantage of this option.

2) From one of the Tourism Tax Refund Company

You can request the VAT refund form from one of the companies providing these forms such as Global Blue, Premier Tax Refunds, or Tax Refunds for Tourists.

Global Blue is probably the most popular one in the Italian airports.

These shops are easy to find in the big cities and in the tourist hotspots of the cities. However, bear in mind that you will have to pass the checks of the Customs.

3) From the Customs points

These points can be found mostly in the airports, and we recommend looking around for those before leaving the EU. You should get a custom stamp for your VAT refund forms.

The custom points in general can also give the tax refund form, needed to request your VAT refund. You can also get these forms at the luggage’s check-in counters.

Most of the controls are done at the customs. Here you need to be sure to have your passport, your ticket, and your tax refund form filled.

Be sure to have the items you have purchased with you in the luggage. Some custom agents may demand to see the items.

If it is all okay, a customs officer will apply a stamp on your VAT refund form.