Salerno Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Providers

TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre are Italy's main mobile carriers, with good coverage in Salerno.

Acquisition

Purchase a local SIM card at official provider stores (passport needed).
Consider eSIMs from Airalo for immediate connectivity.
Portable WiFi devices from Solis Wi-Fi also work.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Most accommodations offer free Wi-Fi. Connection quality varies, but it is good for basic browsing.

Connectivity Points

Hotels and B&Bs commonly have free guest Wi-Fi.
Many cafes, bars, and restaurants provide free customer Wi-Fi.
Limited public Wi-Fi zones exist, but reliability varies.

Language Barriers

Italian is the official language. English varies in proficiency.

Communication Aids

English is spoken in most tourist-oriented businesses.
Google Translate app, with offline capabilities, is valuable.
A basic Italian phrasebook shows respect.

Learning Italian

Essential Phrases

Buongiorno (bwon-JOR-noh): Good morning / Good day
Grazie (GRAHT-see-eh): Thank you
Kindly (pehr fah-VOH-reh): Please

More Phrases

Common Greetings

Buonasera (bwon-ah-SEH-rah): Good evening
Prego (PREH-goh): You're welcome / Please
Parla inglese? (PAR-lah een-GLEH-zeh?): Do you speak English?
Quanto costa? (KWAHN-toh KOS-tah?): How much is it?

Useful for Dining & Directions

Dov'è...? (doh-VEH): In what place is...?
Acqua (AHK-wah): Water
Caffè (kahf-FEH): Coffee (usually espresso)
Conto, per favore (KON-toh, pehr fah-VOH-reh): The bill, please

Local Engagement

Even a few Italian words can go a long way in connecting with locals and enriching your travel experience.

Business Hours & Schedules

Salerno's daily rhythm follows traditional Italian schedules.

Shops

Typically 9:00 AM-1:30 PM, then 4:00 PM-8:30 PM (midday break). Larger stores may stay open continuously.

Restaurants

Lunch from 1:00 PM-3:00 PM. Dinner from 7:30 PM-11:00 PM. Many close between services.

Cafes/Bars

Open early (e.g., 6:00 AM) for breakfast, often staying open late for aperitivos.

Banking Hours & ATMs

Banks operate mainly on weekdays, with ATMs widely available 24/7.

Financial Access

Banks typically open 8:30 AM-1:30 PM on weekdays.
Some banks may have a short afternoon opening (e.g., 2:30 PM-4:00 PM).
ATMs (Bancomat) are common outside banks and in public areas.

Religious & Public Holidays

Italy observes several public holidays affecting commercial activities and public transport.

Dates

January 1 (New Year's Day), Easter Monday holiday, April 25 (Liberation Day).
May 1ST (Labor Day), August 15 (Ferragosto), November 1 (All Saints' Day).
December 8 (Immaculate Conception), December 25-26 (Christmas & Santo Stefano).

Seasonal Closures & Schedules

Seasonal Operations

Smaller coastal towns often have businesses closed during low winter months.
Ferry services to Amalfi Coast and Capri reduce or suspend from Nov-March/April.
High season brings full schedules and lively atmospheres.

Planning Ahead

Always confirm specific operating hours when traveling off-season.
Public transport may operate on reduced schedules on holidays.
Local Salerno businesses typically maintain more consistent hours year-round.

Observe the Local Pace

Italian cities adopt a rhythm of midday breaks and afterwards dinners. Embracing this pattern enriches your local experience.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting Customs

Politeness is valued. Commence interactions with appropriate greetings.

Interaction Basics

Use "Buongiorno" or "Buonasera" upon entering and "Grazie" on leaving.
IT'S common to shake hands for first introductions.
Small phrases show respect for local culture.

Appropriate Attire

Dress appropriately for different settings to show respect.

Dress Code Guide

Smart casual dress works for most general situations.
Modest dress (shoulders/knees covered) for visiting churches like Salerno Duomo.
Beachwear belongs on beaches or by the pool, not urban streets.

Dining & Tipping

Dining has specific customs, including where and how to consume.

Mealtime Manners

Standing at the bar ("al banco") for coffee is cheaper than table service.
Table service ("al tavolo") costs more for drinks and meals.
Refer to specific tipping culture guidance.

Photography Ethics

Respect privacy and local customs when capturing images.

Photo Protocol

Ask permission before photographing individuals, especially children.
Be discreet with religious ceremonies or private moments.
Look for "No Photo" signs; flash often is prohibited.

Taboos & Considerations

Sensitive Topics

Avoid discussing politics or religion with strangers.
Avoid overly loud behavior in public.
Refrain from sensitive historical event discussions.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Awareness

Italy is generally welcoming, especially major cities.
Smaller towns can be more traditional.
Public displays of affection might draw more attention for same-sex couples in less urban areas.

Religious Site Etiquette

Respectful Conduct

Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
Maintain quiet and respectful behavior.
Avoid eating or drinking inside churches.

Tipping Culture Insights

Tipping is not mandatory, but small amounts are appreciated.
A few euros for good service at restaurants suffices.
Service charge ("coperto") is often included.

Engage Thoughtfully

Polite and calm demeanor is appreciated. Genuine interest in local culture opens doors to richer experiences.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility for people with mobility challenges bears consideration, especially in older areas of Salerno.

Infrastructure Considerations

While Italy works to enhance accessibility, historic areas like Salerno's old town present challenges.

Navigational Realities

Cobbled roads and narrow alleys are common.
Numerous steps feature throughout the historic core.
These features complicate finding your way for wheelchair users.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Some parts of Salerno and its transport options are more accommodating.

Easier Paths

The Lungomare Trieste promenade is flat and completey accessible.
Newer buildings, modern hotels, and shopping centers have ramps/elevators.
Certain recent coaches and trains are equipped for accessibility.

Sensory Impairment Services

Specific services tailored for visually or hearing-impaired travelers are generally limited.

Support Availability

Major institutions may offer some assistance for visual impairments.
Assistance for hearing impairments generally limited at local level.
Direct inquiry with venues is recommended for specific needs.

Resources & Planning

Thorough research for specific venues and transportation options is highly recommended.

Pre-Trip Checks

Online forums or specialized travel agencies provide detailed advice.
Contact accommodations directly to confirm accessibility features.
Confirm specific accessibility for routes or vehicles needed.

Traveler Support

Mobility Support

Salerno's newer areas offer easier movement.
Many hotels have staff ready to assist.
Focus exploration on accessible zones first.

Transport Aid

Newer train carriages meet accessibility standards.
Some ferry lines have accessible boarding.
Private it's possible for taxis to offer more adaptable services.

Empowered Journeys

With careful planning and direct communication, Salerno can be a rewarding destination for all travelers, regardless of mobility needs.

Salerno Travel Tips