Liguria Piedmont And Valle Daosta, Italy
Italy has three major mobile providers: TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre. You can purchase a 'turist SIM' at phone shops upon arrival. You will need your passport for registration. Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Consider an ESIM from Airalo for convenience, or a Portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi.
Italian is the official language. English is often spoken in tourist-oriented establishments. In smaller local shops or with older residents, English may be less common.
Phrases for everyday needs.
Plan your daily activities around typical operating hours.
Most small shops: 9 AM-1 PM, then 3:30 PM-7:30 PM. Supermarkets stay open.
Lunch: 12:30 PM-2:30 PM. Dinner: 7:30 PM-10:30 PM. Many restaurants close one day a week.
Generally 9 AM/10 AM-5 PM/6 PM. Many museums and attractions close on Mondays.
Banks: 8:30 AM-1:30 PM, 2:30 PM-4 PM (Mon-Fri). ATMs are widely available 24/7.
National public holidays impact business hours and transport schedules.
Some coastal restaurants or smaller attractions may close during low season (winter months). August sees many businesses take summer holidays.
Always greet shopkeepers and staff with 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera'. Use 'Arrivederci' when leaving. Smart casual attire fits most settings.
Coperto or servizio charges are common and not a tip. A small additional tip for excellent service is appreciated.
Be respectful when photographing people. Always ask for permission for close-ups. Avoid discussing politics, religion, or personal finances.
Gender and LGBTQ+ matters are generally tolerated, especially in tourist areas. Discretion may be appreciated in more conservative or rural settings.
For specific accessibility advice, consult local tourism boards or online disability travel forums.
