Brindisi Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Local SIM Cards & Mobile Providers

Major mobile providers in Italy are TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad. Purchasing a local SIM card offers cheaper data and calls. Buy SIM cards at official stores, some electronics shops, or at the airport.

Requirements and Options

Your passport is usually necessary. A "codice fiscale" (Italian tax code) might be needed.
Tourist packages (e.g., "TIM for Tourist") cost around €20-€30 for a month.
Airalo (eSIM) and Solis Wi-Fi (portable Wi-Fi) are alternatives.

Internet Access & Postal Services

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, and cafes. Using a local SIM card for mobile data is often the most reliable option.

Poste Italiane & Language Aids

"Poste Italiane" branches are throughout Brindisi for letters and parcels. Stamps can also be bought at "tabacchi."
Italian is the official language. English is spoken in tourist-facing businesses.
Google Translate app (offline Italian pack) and an Italian phrasebook are good for quick translations.

Business Hours and Banking

Shops generally operate Monday-Saturday, with a midday break. Supermarkets typically have continuous hours. Restaurants have distinct lunch and dinner services.

Banking and ATMs

Banks are generally open Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, sometimes with an afternoon hour.
ATMs ("Bancomat") are widely available 24/7 outside bank branches and in main squares.
Public holidays affect services, with most shops, banks, and public offices closed.

Etiquette and Cultural Norms

Greeting customs vary from formal to informal. Dress varies by setting, especially for religious sites.

Dining and Social Norms

Dining etiquette includes keeping hands visible on the table and not cutting pasta with a knife.
Cappuccino is a breakfast drink; avoid ordering it after a meal.
Observe local behavior and try to adapt to customs. This shows respect.

Photography and Sensitive Topics

Photography Guidelines

Always ask permission before taking photos inside churches, especially during services. Flash photography is often prohibited.
Always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially children.
Public spaces are generally fine for photography, but be mindful of private property signs. Avoid photographing military installations.
Rosetta Stone is a language learning platform to help with communication.

Taboos and Gender Considerations

Avoid deep discussions on politics and religion, or casual talk about the Mafia.
Avoid generalizations or comparisons between Italian regions that could be negative.
Italy is generally welcoming. Public displays of affection are accepted for all couples, though perhaps more reserved in traditional settings.
No prominent LGBTQ+ specific venues in Brindisi, but the city is cosmopolitan enough to not present issues.

Language Tip

Practice pronunciation of a few Italian phrases before your trip. Even a small effort is appreciated by locals.

Airport Services & Public Holidays

Important information for travel disruptions and seasonal considerations.

Airport Lounge Access

Priority Pass gives frequent travelers independent airport lounge access globally.

Flight Compensation

Compensair helps customers get compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.

Public Holidays

Most shops, banks, and public offices are closed on public holidays in Italy. Public transport may operate on a reduced schedule.

Important Public Holidays

Be aware of these days when planning your trip, as they impact business hours and transport.

Main Annual Holidays

January 1: New Year's Day (Capodanno), January 6: Epiphany (Epifania).
Easter Sunday & Monday (Pasqua e Pasquetta), April 25: Liberation Day (Festa della Liberazione).
May 1: Labor Day (Festa del Lavoro), June 2: Republic Day (Festa della Repubblica).

Seasonal Closures & Accessibility

Many coastal establishments operate seasonally (May/June to September). Mid-August (Ferragosto) sees many city businesses close for holidays, while coastal towns become very busy.

Accessibility for Travelers

Historic centers often have cobblestone streets and steps, posing challenges for mobility.
More modern areas and the Lungomare are generally more accessible.
Limited specialized services for visual or hearing impairments. Assistance dogs are generally permitted.

Full List of Public Holidays

Early Year Holidays

January 1: Capodanno (New Year's Day)
January 6: Epifania (Epiphany)
Easter Sunday & Monday (Pasqua e Pasquetta)

Mid-Year & Late Year Holidays

April 25: Festa della Liberazione (Liberation Day)
May 1: Festa del Lavoro (Labor Day)
June 2: Festa della Repubblica (Republic Day)

Seasonal Travel Considerations

During the low season (winter), some tourist-oriented businesses might have reduced hours or close for renovations. This can mean fewer crowds and a more authentic experience.

Cultural Insights & Dining Etiquette

Greeting Customs and Attire

Formal greetings use "Buongiorno" or "Buonasera," with "Arrivederci" for goodbye. "Ciao" works for informal settings. A handshake is common for first meetings.

Dressing Appropriately

For churches and religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.
Italians often dress smartly for meals; avoid beachwear in restaurants.
Casual wear is fine for sightseeing, but dress neatly. Avoid overly revealing clothing.

Dining Practices and Tipping

Tipping customs vary. Service charges ("coperto" or "servizio") might be included. For table manners, keep hands visible on the table. Do not cut pasta with a knife.

Coffee Culture

Espresso is the standard coffee.
Cappuccino is a breakfast drink and generally not ordered after a meal.
Politely ask for the bill by saying "Il conto, per favore."

Photography Ethics and Taboos

Always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially children. Be discreet when photographing public spaces. Avoid military installations.

Sensitive Subjects

It is generally best to avoid deep discussions on politics and religion.
While part of history, the Mafia is a sensitive topic not for casual conversation.
Avoid generalizations or stereotypes about Italian regions.

Gender and LGBTQ+ Information

Italy is generally a welcoming country. Brindisi is tolerant, though Puglia is a more traditional region. Public displays of affection are generally accepted for all couples.

Local Context

Displays of affection may be more reserved in very traditional or rural settings.
No specific LGBTQ+ areas or venues are prominent in Brindisi.
The city is cosmopolitan enough to not present issues for visitors.

Important Considerations

Avoid Stereotypes

Do not make negative or stereotypical comparisons between Italian regions.
Respect privacy when taking photos of people.
Be mindful of local "pausa pranzo" (afternoon closing) periods.

General Tips

Learn a few basic Italian phrases.
Check tipping practices for dining.
Observe local behavior to blend in.

Language Learning and Assistance

Online Resources

Rosetta Stone for comprehensive language learning.
Google Translate app for quick translations and camera function.
Portable Italian phrasebooks.

On-the-Ground Assistance

Limited specialized services for visual or hearing impairments.
Assistance dogs are generally permitted.
Contact Brindisi's local tourism office (Pro Loco) for specific local accessibility information.

Brindisi Travel Tips