There's no cultural expectation to tip waitstaff or cab drivers in Italy. At some restaurants, you might notice something called a "coperto" (cover charge) on the bill. It’s the fixed amount that you’re charged (usually no more than €5, or around $5.50) for a tablecloth, silverware and a bread basket that often comes out at Italian restaurants.

Many public restrooms have a fee to enter, usually 1 euro or less. That is why it is important to carry a few Euro coins. Restrooms are referred to as "WC" (Water closet).

• Be aware of your surroundings especially in busy areas such as the train station or tourist spots • Do not put your phone / wallet on the table when you eat at a restaurant • Do not keep your phone / wallet in your back pocket

In Italy, it is common to just take a shot of espresso while standing at the bar of a cafe. When you see “Caffè” (coffee) on a menu…it actually is referring to Espresso, not your typical American coffee. Closer to a typical coffee is a “Caffè Americano”, an espresso with hot (hot!) water added. One biggie is that cappuccino (or any coffee drink with milk) is for the morning and not typically consumed after a meal.

Try to pack as light as possible. There are a lot of stairs and cobblestone streets in Europe and you do not want to be lugging around a giant suitcase (especially on trains/busses). Here are some essentials to pack: • European power converter (needed for plugging anything in) • Passport (ensure that it does not expire within 6 months of the trip) • Comfortable walking shoes • Reusable water bottle (We recommend a filtered bottle such as a Brita water bottle), although the tap water is safe to drink in Italy.

Italians are famous for taking their enjoyment of food and drink very seriously, and meals in Italy typically follow a four-course structure and after-dinner drinks. This structure includes antipasti, primi, secondi, dolci, and traditional post-meal drinks. It is normal to order only one dish from the primi or secondi menu selection. • Many Italian restaurants are open for lunch, closed for the afternoon, and open again in the evening. The typical closing time for an Italian establishment is from around 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Keep this in mind when planning meal times. Between 6 and 7 pm it’s aperitivo time: something to drink (alcoholic or not), and a snack like nuts or olives. • In Italy, restaurants do not offer free tap water. Instead, you can purchase bottled water for the table. The server will ask you if you prefer gas or no gas (still or sparkling). • At most dining establishments in Italy, your table is yours for the entire duration of the lunch hour or evening. This is why restaurants in Italy typically don’t bring your bill without you asking. Instead Italians usually linger and socialize after a meal and if you want to pay you’ll most likely have to flag your waiter down or go up to the till to pay.