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Practical Information

Practical Information

Puglia, Italy

Mobile Connectivity

Main mobile providers in Italy include TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad. They have prepaid plans.

Options

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available and usually free in hotels, B&Bs, and many trullo accommodations in Alberobello.

Places to Connect

  • Free Wi-Fi in hotels and B&Bs.
  • Many restaurants, cafes, and bars offer free Wi-Fi.
  • For consistent access, a local SIM or eSIM with data is main.

Language & Translation

Italian is the official language. English is common in tourist-oriented businesses. Learning basic phrases receives appreciation.

Resources

Important Italian Phrases

Using a few phrases can enhance your interactions.

Greetings & Basics

  • Ciao (Chow) - Hello/Goodbye (informal).
  • Buongiorno (Bwon-jor-no) - Good morning/Good day.
  • Scusi (Skoo-zee) - Excuse me.

More Phrases

General Use

  • Grazie (Grah-tsee-eh) - Thank you.
  • Prego (Preh-go) - You're welcome / Please.
  • Sì (See) - Yes / No (Noh) - No.
  • Il conto, per favore (Eel kon-toh, pehr fah-voh-reh) - The bill, please.

Questions

  • Parli inglese? (Par-lee een-gleh-seh?) - Do you speak English?
  • Non capisco (Non kah-pee-sko) - I don't understand.
  • Quanto costa? (Kwan-toh kos-tah?) - How much does it cost?
  • Find more in a Lonely Planet Phrasebook.

Stay Connected!

Plan for mobile data with a local SIM or eSIM. Embrace simple Italian phrases. Local Wi-Fi is generally present.

Business Hours & Schedules

Knowing typical operating hours will facilitate your planning.

Shop Hours

Many smaller shops observe a traditional Italian schedule known as Riposo or Siesta, typically closing for an afternoon break.

Restaurant Hours

Restaurants generally serve lunch from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM and dinner from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM, often closing between services.

Cafes & Bars

Cafes and bars generally open early for breakfast and remain open until late evening, often with continuous hours.

Banking & ATMs

Banks typically operate weekdays, usually from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. ATMs (Bancomat) are widely available 24/7 outside banks.

Banking Services

  • Banks are closed on weekends and public holidays.
  • ATMs are present in central areas.
  • Priority Pass for airport lounge access.

Holidays & Closures

Italy observes several national holidays when most businesses, banks, and public services close. Plan your activities accordingly.

Dates to Note

  • New Year's Day (Jan 1), Epiphany (Jan 6), Liberation Day (Apr 25).
  • Labour Day (May 1), Republic Day (Jun 2), Assumption Day (Aug 15).
  • Christmas Day (Dec 25), St. Stephen's Day (Dec 26).

Seasonal & Local Closures

Seasonal Impact

  • Some businesses may close during low season (Jan/Feb).
  • Annual holidays (e.g., August) might lead to closures.
  • For off-season travel, check directly with establishments.

Local Festivities

  • Alberobello celebrates Saints Cosmas and Damian.
  • Major festivities occur in late September.
  • This can impact local transport and business hours.

Schedule Smart

Check opening times for shops and attractions. Be aware of mid-day closures. Public holidays mean closures.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Respect for local customs enriches your journey.

Greeting Customs

Always use formal greetings for those you do not know. "Ciao" is informal.

Greetings

  • "Buongiorno" or "Buonasera" for shops and restaurants.
  • "Ciao" for friends or quick encounters.
  • A firm handshake is common when meeting for the first time.

Dress Code

Dressing with respect for local norms is a mark of courtesy.

Guidance

  • Shoulders and knees must remain covered at churches.
  • Carry a scarf for quick coverage.
  • Smart casual attire is a good guideline for dining.

Dining Customs

Meals are for savoring at a relaxed pace. Wait to be seated in restaurants unless indicated otherwise.

Practices

  • Keep hands above the table during meals.
  • Tipping is not obligatory; service charge is often included.
  • Say "Il conto, per favore" for the bill.

Photography Ethics

General photography of public areas and landmarks is fine. Some sites may prohibit flash or all photography.

Considerations

  • Always ask permission before photographing individuals.
  • Respect their decision if they decline.
  • Be mindful of privacy in residential areas like Aia Piccola.

Social Norms

Public Behavior

  • Avoid discussing politics or religion unless locals initiate.
  • Be mindful of public displays of affection.
  • Italy is generally a welcoming country.

LGBTQ+ Information

  • Tourist areas are increasingly open and accepting.
  • Alberobello, a small town, might be more traditional.
  • Respect and discretion are always appropriate.

Accessibility Information

Mobility Challenges

  • Alberobello's trulli districts feature cobblestone streets and steps.
  • This can present difficulties for wheelchairs.
  • Many trulli accommodations may have steps at entrances.

Accessible Locations

  • Some modern hotels and attractions may have accessible facilities.
  • Public transport may present limited accessibility features.
  • Older vehicles or stations might not accommodate wheelchairs.

Cultivate Respect

Embrace local customs. Dress appropriately for sacred sites. Polite greetings go a long way.

Accessibility Notes

Travelers with mobility challenges can plan their visit with specific information.

Infrastructure

Alberobello's trulli districts feature cobblestone streets, steep inclines, and steps, which can present difficulties.

Areas to Note

  • Rione Monti and Aia Piccola can be challenging for wheelchairs.
  • Aia Piccola has uneven surfaces and narrow passages.
  • Many trulli accommodations may have steps at entrances.

Accessible Transport

Some modern facilities exist. Older vehicles or stations might not accommodate wheelchairs.

Considerations

  • Some modern hotels and attractions may have accessible facilities.
  • Public transport may present limited accessibility features.
  • Services for visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Planning Resources

Local tourist information offices can provide specific details.

Sources of Information

  • Consult local tourist information offices upon arrival.
  • They might have maps or information on more accessible routes.
  • Specialized travel agencies can arrange suitable accommodations.

Trulli Accessibility

The traditional design of trulli may present accessibility challenges.

Considerations

  • Many trulli accommodations have steps at entrances or within units.
  • Inquire directly with properties about their specific accessibility features.
  • Confirm suitability before booking.

Travel with Ease

Research specific trullo accessibility. Note the cobblestone streets. Contact tourist offices for information.