Practical Information: Bergamo

Communication

Staying connected in Bergamo is simple with various mobile and internet options.

Connectivity Options

Local SIM Cards: Available at airport kiosks or phone shops. Airalo offers convenient eSIMs.
Wi-Fi Access: Widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces in Bergamo. Solis Wi-Fi for portable options.
Language Tools: Google Translate, phrasebooks, or language learning apps like Rosetta Stone.

Essential Phrases

A few Italian phrases go a long way in local interactions.

Italian Sayings

Hello/Good morning: Buongiorno (bwohn-JOR-noh)
Thank you: Grazie (GRAHT-see-eh)
How much is it?: Quanto costa? (KWAN-toh KOHS-tah?)

Business Hours & Schedules

Be aware of typical operating hours for shops, restaurants, and banks.

Daily Operations

Shops: Generally 9 AM-1 PM, 3:30-7:30 PM (closed for Pausa pranzo).
Restaurants: Lunch 12:30-2:30 PM, Dinner 7:30-10:30 PM.
Banks: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM-1:30 PM and 2:30-4:00 PM. ATMs are widely available.

Public Holidays

Public holidays may affect service availability; plan accordingly.

Dates

New Year's Day (Jan 1), Epiphany (Jan 6).
Easter Sunday & Monday (Variable), Liberation Day (Apr 25), Labour Day (May 1).
Assumption Day (Aug 15), All Saints' Day (Nov 1), Christmas (Dec 25-26).

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

General Conduct

Greetings: Use Buongiorno or Buonasera when entering/leaving establishments.
Attire: Dress modestly, especially when visiting churches (shoulders and knees covered).
Coffee: Locals drink cappuccino before 11 AM; espresso after meals.
Photography: Generally fine, but ask permission for close-ups of people; look for "no flash" signs in museums.

Dining and Tipping

Tipping: Not as customary as in other countries; see section 2.3 for details.
Dining: Do not ask for extra cheese on seafood pasta.
Noise: Be mindful of noise levels, especially during siesta (1-4 PM).
Airport Lounge Access: Priority Pass for comfort during layovers.

Remember:

Respect local customs and traditions for a more enriching travel experience.

Traveler Services

Information about essential services and support for travelers.

Transportation

ATB buses and funiculars for city travel; trains for regional trips.

Banking

ATMs are available 24/7; bank branches have limited weekday hours.

Airport Services

Assistance for flight issues via Compensair.

Accessibility Information

Navigating Bergamo with mobility needs has specific considerations.

Mobility Considerations

Citta Bassa: More accessible with flatter sidewalks.
Citta Alta: Significant challenges with cobblestones and steep paths.
Transportation: Funiculars and many ATB buses are accessible.

Accessibility Resources

Information sources for accessible travel planning.

Where to Find Support

Bergamo tourist office: Contact Infopoint in advance for specific advice.
Online forums: Dedicated communities for accessible travel share experiences.
Museums: Accademia Carrara and GAMeC generally have good accessibility (check individual websites).

General Tips

Roaming & Services

EU citizens benefit from "Roam Like at Home" regulations.
Postal Services: Poste Italiane branches for sending postcards.
English: Commonly spoken in tourist areas and among younger generations.

Cultural Awareness

Gender: Italy is generally welcoming; public displays of affection are accepted.
Religious sites: Enter quietly, phones off, no food/drink.
Sensitive topics: Avoid direct criticism of local culture or football.

Support & Information:

For any specific questions or assistance during your visit, the Bergamo tourist office is a good first point of contact.

Cultural Immersion

Embrace Bergamo's local charm and traditions.

Greeting Customs

Simple courtesies can make a big difference.

Manners Matter

Use Buongiorno or Buonasera when addressing someone.
Say Arrivederci when departing.
Handshakes are common; close friends may exchange cheek kisses.

Religious Sites

When visiting churches, follow these respectful guidelines.

Sacred Spaces

Enter quietly and turn off mobile phones.
Avoid eating or drinking inside.
Observe designated prayer areas and avoid disruption.

Tipping Practices

Tipping in Italy differs from some other countries.

Gratuity Guide

Tipping is not customary in the same way as in the US.
A "coperto" (cover charge) or "servizio" (service charge) may be added.
Rounding up the bill is common for good service.

Airport Considerations

Make the most of your time at the airport.

Pre and Post Flight

Priority Pass access to airport lounges for comfort.
Compensair assists with flight delays or cancellations.
Airport Wi-Fi is generally available for connectivity.

Important Information

Emergency Numbers

Emergency: 112 (Universal Emergency Number).
Fire Brigade: 115.
Medical Emergency: 118.

Local Specifics

ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones): Restricted access for vehicles in Citta Alta.
Seasonal Closures: Some smaller attractions may close in low season.
Do not walk on restricted parts of monuments.

Gender & LGBTQ+

General Tolerance

Italy is generally welcoming.
Public displays of affection are generally accepted.
Major cities are more open and tolerant.

Bergamo Specifics

No specific gay districts in Bergamo.
The city is generally safe and tolerant.
While traditionally Catholic, tolerance continues to grow.

Public Wi-Fi & Posts

Connectivity options and postal services within Bergamo.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available in Bergamo's tourist areas and establishments.

Staying Connected

Hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, and cafes offer Wi-Fi.
Free Wi-Fi in major squares, including Piazza Vecchia in Citta Alta.
Public Wi-Fi network available in tourist areas.

Postal Services

Send postcards or parcels from various post office locations.

Sending Mail

Poste Italiane (Italian Post Office) branches are available.
Main post offices are located in Citta Bassa.
Look for the distinctive Poste Italiane yellow and blue signage.

Language Aids

Tools to overcome language barriers during your stay.

Bridging the Gap

Google Translate: A useful app for on-the-spot translation.
Download the Italian language pack for offline use.
Phrasebooks: A small Italian phrasebook is good for common interactions.

Banking & ATMs

Accessing your funds is straightforward in Bergamo.

Money Management

ATMs (Bancomat): Widely available 24/7 throughout Bergamo.
Look for Cirrus, Maestro, Visa, and Mastercard logos.
Banks are open weekdays during specific hours.

Location Note:

Main post offices and a greater concentration of banks are found in Citta Bassa.

Practical Information