Milan Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication Essentials

Staying connected and overcoming language barriers are important.

Connectivity & Language

Local SIMs/eSIMs: TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, Iliad. Passport registration required. Consider Airalo eSIMs for data.
Internet: Widely available Wi-Fi. For continuous connectivity, consider a portable Solis Wi-Fi hotspot or search for Mobile hotspots on Amazon.
Language Tools: The Google Translate app and Rosetta Stone are useful resources.

Essential Italian Phrases

Learn a few basic Italian phrases for smoother interactions.

Phrases & Pronunciation

Buongiorno (bwon-JOR-noh): Good morning/day
Grazie (GRAHT-see-eh): Thank you / Prego (PREH-goh): You're welcome
Quanto costa? (KWAN-toh KOH-stah): How much? / Dov'è...? (doh-VEH): Where is...?

Business Hours & Schedules

Operating hours for businesses and public amenities in Milan.

Daily Operations

Shops: 9:30 AM/10:00 AM to 7:30 PM/8:00 PM. Smaller shops may shut for a midday meal (1 PM - 3 PM).
Restaurants: Lunch (12:30 PM - 2:30 PM), Dinner (7:30 PM - 10:30 PM). Often closed between services.
Banks: Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM & 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM. ATMs are widely available 24/7.

Public Holidays & Seasonal Closures

Awareness of holidays helps plan activities.

Dates & Periods

Outstanding Holidays: Jan 1 & 6, Easter, April 25, May 1, June 2, Aug 15 (Ferragosto), Nov 1, Dec 7 (Milan only), 8, 25, 26.
August (Ferragosto): Many smaller businesses close for a week or more as locals vacation. Major attractions remain open.
Airport Services: Consider Priority Pass for lounges and Compensair for issues with your flight.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Social Interactions

Greetings: Formal (Buongiorno/Buonasera), Informal (Ciao for friends). Handshakes common, two kisses on cheek for close relations.
Attire: Cover shoulders and knees in churches. Smart informal to formal for fine dining/opera. Milan is fashion-conscious.
Dining: Tipping not mandatory, round up or leave a few euros. "Coperto" or "servizio" may be added. Coffee often consumed standing at the bar.
Photography: Ask permission for individuals. Respect "no photography" signs, especially in churches or museums.

Cultural Sensitivities

Taboos: Keep conversations quiet in public. Do not discuss politics or religion with strangers unless invited.
Gender: Milan is a contemporary, cosmopolitan city; interactions are generally equitable.
LGBTQ+: Milan is one of Italy's most LGBTQ+ friendly cities with a noticeable community and dedicated venues.
General: Italians appreciate politeness and respect.

Local Custom Highlight

Embrace the Milanese tradition of aperitivo, a pre-dinner drink with complimentary snacks. It's a social ritual and can serve as a light dinner.

Accessibility Information

Milan is actively working to welcome all travelers with improved accessibility.

Mobility Infrastructure

Newer buildings and public transport lines (M4, M5) possess better accessibility. Older areas (Brera, Navigli) with cobblestones can present challenges.

Accessible Transport

Newer Metro stations have lifts/ramps. Some low-floor buses and trams are available. Check the ATM website for details.

Attractions & Services

Duomo, Sforza Castle, Pinacoteca di Brera, The... museum Novecento generally offer accessible routes. Confirm with individual sites.

Visual Impairment Support

Resources for visitors with visual impairments.

Aids & Tours

Some museums provide tactile tours or audio descriptions.
Information services may be available in Braille.
Specialized audio guides can offer detailed narratives.

Hearing Impairment Support

Resources for visitors with hearing impairments.

Interpreters & Information

Interpreters for Italian Sign Language (LIS) available upon request for specific events.
Some multimedia exhibits might have subtitles.
Inquire in advance for specific services or assisted communication.

Accessibility Resources

Organizations

YesMilano: Local tourism office, their website usually gives accessibility information.
ATM (Public Transport): Webthe location is a source for detailed public transport accessibility information.
Direct Contact: Contacting specific venues or tour operators in advance is recommended.

Planning & Tips

Route Planning: Plan routes considering terrain, particularly in old city centers.
Advance Bookings: Intake shape attractions of certain accessibility needs at the time of reservation tickets.
Travel Assistance: Look into services that provide personal support for travelers.

Recommendation for all Travelers

Always verify the most current accessibility information directly with venues and transport providers prior to your visit, as conditions and services can change.

Health & Safety

Prioritizing health and safety is important for a pleasant Milan travel experience.

Medical Services & Emergencies

Access to medical assistance and emergency contacts.

Emergency Contacts & Facilities

Emergency Number: Dial 112 for all emergencies (ambulance, police, fire).
Hospitals: Major hospitals with emergency rooms (Pronto Soccorso) include Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico and Ospedale Niguarda.
Pharmacies: Indicated by a green cross. Many have English-speaking staff. Some are open 24/7 (farmacia di turno).

General Safety Precautions

Simple steps to stay safe in Milan.

Personal Security

Valuables: Keep an eye on belongings, especially in crowded areas like the Duomo or public transport. Use a money belt.
Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid isolated areas at night.
Transport: Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps. Validate public transport tickets.

Health Tips & Considerations

Maintaining well-being during your visit.

Stay Healthy

Drinking Water: Tap water in Milan is safe to drink. Carry a reusable bottle.
Sun Protection: In summer, use sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated.
Insect Bites: Mosquitoes can be present in warmer months, especially near Navigli.

Road Safety & Driving

Navigating Milan's Roads

Traffic: Milan has heavy traffic. Consider public transport over driving in the city center.
ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones): These areas restrict vehicle access. Fines apply for unauthorized entry.
Parking: Can be challenging and expensive in the city center.

Fraud & Scams Awareness

Common Scams

Pickpocketing: Prevalent in crowded tourist areas and public transport. Secure your wallet and phone.
"Friendship Bracelets" / Roses: Avoid accepting unsolicited items. Vendors often demand payment.
Unofficial Taxis: Use only licensed taxis (white cars with a fare meter and roof sign).

Protection Measures

Money Management: Carry only necessary cash. Use credit/debit cards for larger purchases.
ID Copies: Keep copies of your passport/ID separate from originals.
Travel Insurance: Consider comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and theft.

Tourist Information & Assistance

Where to find help

Tourist Offices: Visit official "YesMilano" tourist information points for maps, brochures, and advice.
Digital Resources: The YesMilano website provides up-to-date information on attractions, events, and services.
Hotel Concierge: Hotel staff often a resource for local information and bookings.

Additional Advice

Navigation Apps: Use Google Maps or Citymapper for public transport routes and directions.
Receipts: Keep receipts for purchases, especially for tax-free shopping.
Travel Documents: Keep copies of important documents (passport, tickets) both physically and digitally.

Safety First

Your personal safety and health are of utmost importance. Stay vigilant, store valuables securely, and do not hesitate to contact emergency services if needed.

Money & Banking

Managing your finances effectively during your Milan trip.

Currency & Exchange

Euros & Exchange Services

Currency: The official currency is the Euro (€).
Exchange: Places to exchange currency are available in airports, train stations, and city centers, however offer less favorable rates.
Best Rates: Withdrawing from ATMs (Bancomat) generally better exchange rates from your home bank.

Credit Cards & ATMs

Using plastic and accessing cash.

Card Usage & Cash Access

Credit Cards: Widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and hotels (Visa, MasterCard common). Amex not so much in smaller venues.
Cash: Always carry some cash for small purchases, market stalls, or places that may not take credit cards.
ATMs (Bancomat): Abundant throughout the city. Most accept international debit/credit cards. Check for fees.

Banking Services for Travelers

Assistance with banking needs.

Bank Branches & Services

Bank Branches: Large banks like Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, BNP Paribas operate numerous branches.
Services: Cash advances, international transfers, and assistance with lost/stolen cards (contact your bank directly first).
Traveler's Cheques: Not widely accepted; avoid.

Budgeting Tips

Maximizing your travel budget.

Saving Money on the Go

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Decline if offered; always pay in Euros for better rates.
Aperitivo as Dinner: Many pubs offer generous buffets with your drink, saving on dinner costs.
Markets & Supermarkets: Buy food for picnic lunches or self-catering.

Tax-Free Shopping

Eligibility

Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds on purchases over a certain amount (currently €154.94 per store).

Process

Ask for a tax-free form at participating stores. Present forms, purchases, and passport at airport customs for validation before departure.

Refund Points

Refunds can be received immediately at airport refund points or credited back to your card.

Financial Planning

Inform your bank of your travel dates to Italy to avoid card blocks. Keep a separate record of your bank's emergency contact numbers for lost or stolen cards.

Milan Travel Tips