Cagliari Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication

Italy has excellent mobile network coverage with major providers like TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad.

Local SIM Cards & Internet Access

Purchase local SIM cards ('scheda SIM') at the airport or official stores; passport for registration. Look for "prepagata" (prepaid) plans for tourists, typically €10-€30.
Most hotels and many cafes/restaurants offer complimentary Wi-Fi. Limited public Wi-Fi is available.
Use your smartphone's hotspot. A Portable Wi-Fi device or an ESIM from Airalo are options for consistent internet.

Postal Services

Italy's national postal service is Poste Italiane. Post offices are available in Cagliari. Stamps ('francobolli') can also be bought at 'Tabaccherie' (tobacco shops).

Mail & Stamps

Send postcards or packages from post offices.
Purchase stamps at any 'Tabaccherie'.
Check local post office hours for service availability.

Language Barriers

Italian is the official language. Sardinian is a recognized regional language. English is common in tourist areas, but limited in smaller shops or rural areas.

Translation Resources

Google Translate: Download Italian language pack for offline use.
Rosetta Stone for language learning. Rick Steves' Italian Phrase Book & Dictionary is recommended for basic communication.

Important Phrases

Basic Italian phrases for common interactions:

Essential Italian Vocabulary

Hello/Goodbye: Ciao (informal), Buongiorno (good day), Buonasera (good evening).
Please: Per favore / Thank you: Grazie / You're welcome: Prego.
Do you speak English?: Parla inglese? / I do not understand: Non capisco.

Money & Banking

Banking Hours & ATMs

Banks are typically open Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM. Some branches have limited afternoon hours.
ATMs ('Bancomat') are widely available 24/7 throughout Cagliari.
Currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is useful for small purchases.
Be mindful of dynamic currency conversion when using cards.

Flight Compensation & Lounges

For flight delays or cancellations, Compensair assists with compensation claims.
Retain all travel documents and receipts for claims.
Priority Pass provides access to independent airport lounges worldwide.
Check Priority Pass terms for lounge access benefits.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Small gestures of respect go a long way in Cagliari. Be mindful of typical operating hours and seasonal closures, especially outside of peak tourist season.

Business Hours & Schedules

Shops

Generally 9:00 AM/9:30 AM - 1:00 PM, then 4:30 PM/5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Monday-Saturday). Many smaller shops close for a 'siesta'. Larger stores may have continuous hours. Sundays are often closed.

Restaurants

Lunch service: 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM/3:00 PM. Dinner service: 7:30 PM/8:00 PM - 11:00 PM (or later). Many close between lunch and dinner.

Cafes/Bars

Open early (around 7:00 AM) and often stay open until late evening (midnight or later), with some having continuous hours.

Banking & Public Holidays

Banks typically open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, with some branches also open for limited afternoon hours.

Holiday Impact

Banks, post offices, and many shops close on national and religious holidays.
Public transport runs on a reduced schedule, similar to Sunday service, on holidays.
Feast of Saint Efisio (May 1st) is a major local religious festival, affecting businesses and transport.

Seasonal Closures

Some tourist-oriented businesses may close entirely or operate on very limited schedules outside the peak summer season.

Affected Services

Beach clubs and boat tour operators may close (roughly November-March).
Smaller coastal restaurants may have limited hours or close during low season.
Confirm opening times if you plan to visit during the low season.

National Holidays

Main National Holidays

New Year's Day (Jan 1)
Epiphany (Jan 6)
Easter Monday

Additional Public Holidays

Liberation Day (Apr 25)
Labour Day (May 1)
Republic Day (June 2)

Planning Ahead

Always check specific opening hours online or at the tourist information office, as hours can vary seasonally and due to local events.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Engaging respectfully with Cagliari's local culture and traditions deepens your travel experience.

Greeting Customs

Small gestures of respect go a long way when interacting with locals.

Common Greetings

Use Buongiorno (good morning/day) or Buonasera (good evening) when entering businesses.
Ciao is informal and used with friends or peers.
A simple Grazie (thank you) is always appreciated.

Appropriate Attire

Italians tend to dress smartly. While casual attire is acceptable for tourists, dress appropriately for various settings.

Dress Guidelines

Churches/Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.
Overly revealing clothing or beachwear is confined to beach/pool areas, not worn in cities.
Smart casual attire is generally appropriate for dinner.

Dining Practices

Tipping practices in Italy differ from some other countries.

Dining Etiquette

A "coperto" or "servizio" may be included in your bill. Tipping beyond rounding up is not obligatory.
Eating pizza with a knife and fork is acceptable.
Locals generally do not order cappuccino after 11 AM; espresso is the common choice after meals.

Photography Permissions

It is fine to photograph public places and landmarks.

Guidelines for Photos

Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially children.
Some museums or private establishments prohibit flash photography or have specific rules.
Look for signage indicating photography rules.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Avoid These Topics

Avoid discussing politics (especially recent Italian politics).
Do not discuss personal finances with strangers.
Do not be overly loud in public, especially in residential neighborhoods.

General Conduct

Avoid gestures that may be considered disrespectful.
Public displays of affection may attract stares in some areas.
Do not photograph military installations or restricted areas.

Gender Considerations & LGBTQ+

Social Climate

Italy is generally a conservative country.
Major cities like Cagliari are more open and tolerant.
Same-sex civil unions are recognized in Italy.

Public Behavior

Public displays of affection are becoming more accepted, but use common sense.
Behavior in smaller, more rural areas may be more conservative than in the city.
The general advice applies to all travelers regarding respect for local sensibilities.

Religious Site Etiquette

When visiting churches, dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered). Be quiet and respectful inside. Do not eat, drink, or use mobile phones loudly. Some churches may have specific rules about photography.

Accessibility Information

Cagliari has a mixed picture regarding accessibility for travelers with mobility needs.

Mobility Infrastructure

Cagliari's historic center, specifically Castello and Stampace districts, with hilly terrain, cobblestone streets, and staircases, can be challenging.

Challenges & Easier Areas

Cobblestone streets and numerous staircases in historic areas create difficulties for wheelchairs.
The Marina district and Via Roma are flatter and generally more accessible.

Accessible Transport & Attractions

Newer public transport options and museums generally offer better accessibility.

Travel & Sightseeing

Newer CTM buses are low-floor and equipped with ramps. The Metrocagliari tram system is also generally accessible.
Taxis offer door-to-door access; inquire about accessible taxis when booking.
Newer museums and public buildings have ramps and elevators. Check specific attraction websites or call ahead.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Specialized services specifically for tourists with visual or hearing impairments are limited.

Information & Resources

Most public information is mainly in Italian.
Rely on personal devices (e.g., screen readers) and translation apps.
Contact specific attractions or hotels directly for accessibility features.

Planning Resources

Contact specific attractions, hotels, or tour operators directly in advance for detailed accessibility features.

Peer Advice & Recommendations

Online forums for disabled travelers may offer peer advice.
Search for recommendations for accessible routes or services in Cagliari.
Confirm any specific access needs before your trip.

Important Accessibility Note

Historical Areas

Be aware that Cagliari's historic center, with its cobblestones and steep ascents, poses significant accessibility challenges. Prioritize routes in the Marina district and main thoroughfares.

Public Transport Variations

While newer buses and trams are accessible, not all stops may have full infrastructure. Consider taxis as a reliable option for direct access.

Further Resources

General Travel Advice

Consult general travel advisories for Italy before your trip.
Check official tourism websites for up-to-date information.
Keep copies of important documents accessible.

Emergency Contacts

Emergency services: 112 (European emergency number).
Fire: 115
Medical emergency: 118

Accessibility Recommendation

Direct communication with accommodations and tour providers is the most effective way to ensure your specific accessibility needs are met in Cagliari.

Cagliari Travel Tips