Practical Information: Perugia

Mobile Service & eSIMs

Italy's main providers are TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre. Purchasing a local SIM or eSIM is cost-effective for data and calls.

Purchasing & Benefits

Buy at official provider stores in Perugia; passport registration is needed.
Tourist-specific plans offer reasonable data for navigation and communication.
Airalo provides eSIMs, a digital alternative for immediate connectivity.

Accessing Internet

Perugia offers various options for staying connected online.

Availability & Quality

Most accommodations offer free Wi-Fi for guests; quality varies.
Many cafes and restaurants feature free Wi-Fi for customers.
Public Wi-Fi networks are increasingly present in the historic center.

Language & Translation

Italian is the official language. English is common in tourist areas, less so in local shops.

Helpful Resources

Rosetta Stone for language learning.
Google Translate app works offline and has camera translation.

Sending Mail & Parcels

Post offices are available in Perugia for sending postcards or parcels.

Postal Essentials

Look for "Poste Italiane" signs for official post offices.
Stamps can be purchased at post offices or tobacco shops.
Parcel services are available for larger items.

Italian Phrases

Greetings & Basics

Ciao (chao): Hello/Goodbye (informal).
Buongiorno (bwon-JOR-no): Good morning/Good day.
Buonasera (bwo-na-SEH-ra): Good evening.
Buonanotte (bwo-na-NOT-te): Good night (when leaving or going to bed).

Interactions & Questions

Grazie (GRAHT-zee-eh): Thank you.
Prego (PREH-go): You're welcome / Please / Go ahead.
Parli inglese? (PAR-lee een-GLEH-zeh?): Do you speak English?
Quanto costa? (KWAN-toh KOS-ta?): How much does it cost?

Effort Makes a Difference

Practice a few phrases like "Buongiorno" or "Grazie" before your trip. Locals appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation is not perfect.

Business Hours & Schedules

Retail Outlets

Smaller, independent shops often have split schedules: typically 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and then reopening from 3:30 PM/4:00 PM - 7:30 PM/8:00 PM.

Grocery Stores

Generally open continuously from 8:00 AM/9:00 AM to 8:00 PM/9:00 PM. Some may close on Sundays or have reduced Sunday hours.

Dining Establishments

Lunch service typically runs from 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM/3:00 PM. Dinner service usually begins around 7:30 PM. Most restaurants close between services.

Banking & ATMs

Banks typically operate 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM and 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Access Points

Banks are closed on weekends and public holidays.
ATMs (Bancomat) are widely available 24/7 throughout Perugia.
ATMs are the most convenient way to withdraw Euros.

Holidays & Seasonal Shifts

Italy observes several public holidays when most businesses close. Public transport may have reduced schedules.

Impact Details

Public holidays include New Year's, Epiphany, Easter, Liberation Day, Labor Day, Republic Day, Ferragosto, All Saints', Immaculate Conception, Christmas, Santo Stefano.
January 29 (San Costanzo) is Perugia's local holiday.
Some smaller businesses might close for weeks during low season or August.

Public Transport Schedules

Train Timings

Trains generally run on fixed schedules.
Check Trenitalia website or apps for specific routes and times.
Reduced services occur on public holidays.

Bus Timings

Local buses run frequently in urban areas.
Regional buses connect Perugia to surrounding towns.
Weekend and holiday schedules may differ.

Confirm Hours Locally

Always check opening hours in advance, especially if you plan to visit specific establishments or during holidays.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Familiarity with local customs aids in respectful interactions.

Greetings & Goodbyes

Always use "Buongiorno" or "Buonasera" when addressing someone. "Ciao" is informal.

Common Practices

Italians typically shake hands when meeting and leaving.
Close friends and family often exchange kisses on both cheeks.
Say "Arrivederci" when leaving a shop or restaurant.

Appropriate Attire

Attire choices reflect respect for local settings and culture.

Contextual Dressing

Churches/Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees must be covered.
Dining: Casual but neat for most; smart casual for nicer places.
Public: Presentable attire is appreciated, avoid beachwear in urban settings.

Photography Permissions

Photography is permitted in public spaces. Respect privacy.

Guidelines

Avoid close-up photos of individuals without permission.
Inside museums and churches, photography may be restricted or prohibited.
Look for signs or ask staff; some places charge a small photography fee.

Sensitive Topics

Certain topics are best avoided in casual conversation to maintain harmony.

Avoid these:

Politics (especially local) or religion, unless initiated by a local you know well.
Be cautious with gestures; some have different or offensive meanings.
Mind noise levels, notably during siesta hours and late at night.

Gender & LGBTQ+ Information

General Acceptance

Italy is generally a progressive European country.
Major cities and university towns like Perugia tend to be more open and tolerant.
Public displays of affection are generally accepted in Perugia.

Legal & Social Status

Homosexuality is legal in Italy.
Civil unions for same-sex couples are recognized.
While smaller towns may be more conservative, Perugia presents a diverse atmosphere.

Airport Services

Lounge Access

Priority Pass offers independent airport lounge access globally.
Ideal for frequent travelers seeking comfort and convenience.
Enjoy member benefits and relaxation before flights.

Flight Compensation

Compensair aids in receiving compensation for flight issues.
Covers delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
Simplifies the process of claiming deserved funds.

Engage with Respect

A thoughtful approach to local customs enriches your travel experience and fosters positive interactions.

Accessibility Information

Perugia’s historic and hilly topography presents unique challenges for travelers with mobility needs, yet the city has made strides.

Mobility Challenges

The hilly terrain, steep streets, and cobblestones in the historic center pose challenges for wheelchair users.

Navigation Aids

MiniMetro stations feature elevators, making it a valuable resource for city navigation.
A network of public escalators and elevators aids in overcoming steep inclines.
Newer public buses often have ramps for wheelchair access.

Accessible Attractions & Support

Many major attractions work towards accessibility within historic buildings.

Support Resources

The Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria strives for accessibility with ramps or elevators.
Dedicated services for visual impairments may be limited.
Dedicated services for hearing impairments may be limited.

Plan Ahead for Access

Contact individual attractions, hotels, or transportation providers directly for current accessibility details related to your needs. Utilizing apps or personal assistance is advisable.

Practical Information