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Practical Information

Practical Information

Italy

Connectivity

TIM, Vodafone, WindTre offer prepaid SIM cards. Present your passport for registration.

Digital Options

  • Airalo: eSIM for digital SIMs.
  • Solis Wi-Fi: Portable WiFi device.
  • Immediate connectivity.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and cafes. Mobile data (4G/5G) covers most areas.

Access Points

  • Free Wi-Fi at many accommodations.
  • Public Wi-Fi varies in quality.
  • Mobile data for navigation.

Language Basics

Italian is the official language. English speakers exist in tourist roles, less so in smaller villages.

Learning Tools

Essential Phrases

A few words of Italian open doors and show respect.

Common Greetings

  • Ciao (chow): Hello/Goodbye.
  • Buongiorno (bwohn-JOR-noh): Good morning.
  • Grazie (GRAHT-syee): Thank you.

Useful Expressions

Polite Words

  • Prego (PREH-goh): You're welcome / Please.
  • Scusi (SKOO-zee): Excuse me / Sorry.
  • Per favore (per fah-VOH-reh): Please.
  • Sì (see) / No (noh): Yes / No.

Asking Questions

  • Parli inglese? (PAR-lee een-GLEH-zeh?): Do you speak English?
  • Non capisco (non kah-PEE-skoh): I do not understand.
  • Quanto costa? (KWAN-toh KOH-stah?): How much does it cost?
  • Dov'è...? (doh-VEH?): Where is...?

Postal Services

Poste Italiane handles mail. Find post offices in towns, or use red street post boxes. Postcards and letters can be sent from here.

Business Hours & Local Rhythms

Navigate daily schedules and holiday closures across Umbria.

Shops

Generally 9 AM - 1 PM, then 3:30/4 PM - 7:30/8 PM. Larger stores may have continuous hours.

Restaurants

Lunch 12:30 PM - 2:30/3 PM. Dinner from 7:30 PM onwards. Many close between services.

Museums

Typically 9/10 AM - 6/7 PM. Often closed Mondays. Check specific sites for seasonal changes.

Banking Hours

Banks open 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM, then 2:30 PM - 4 PM, Monday-Friday.

ATMs

  • Widely available 24/7.
  • Outside banks, shopping centers.
  • Withdraw Euros reliably.

Public Holidays

Banks, post offices, and many shops may close or reduce hours on national holidays. Public transport schedules may also be reduced.

Dates

  • January 1: New Year's Day.
  • August 15: Ferragosto (summer break).
  • December 25/26: Christmas.

Seasonal Notes

Reduced Schedules

  • Agriturismi and smaller B&Bs may close.
  • Low season (Jan-Feb, Nov) closures.
  • Extended closures around Ferragosto.

Check Ahead

  • Confirm operating times directly with establishments.
  • Tourist areas may vary.

Currency Considerations

Carry some cash in small denominations (€5, €10, €20 bills, and coins) for small purchases, market stalls, or places that do not accept cards.

Etiquette & Culture

Embrace local customs for a richer travel experience.

Greeting Customs

Always use Buongiorno (morning) or Buonasera (afternoon/evening) with shopkeepers and staff.

Formalities

  • Ciao is informal.
  • A simple greeting upon entering.
  • Show respect.

Appropriate Attire

Italians dress smartly. Casual is fine, but avoid overly revealing clothing.

Dress Code

  • Churches: Shoulders and knees covered.
  • Evening: Smart casual for dinner.
  • Respect local norms.

Dining & Tipping

Tipping is not as expected as in some countries. Service charges may be included.

Dining Notes

  • Service charges can be on bill.
  • Small tips for good service appreciated.
  • No obligation for large tips.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing people, especially children. Flash often prohibited in museums/churches.

Permissions

  • Ask individuals for permission.
  • Flash often restricted.
  • Respect posted signs.

Sensitive Subjects

Topics to Avoid

  • Politics.
  • Religion.
  • Overt displays of wealth.

Public Behavior

  • Loud behavior.
  • Maintain discretion.
  • Italians value composure.

Inclusivity

LGBTQ+ Notes

  • Generally conservative country.
  • Major cities are more tolerant.
  • Civil unions are recognized.

Rural Areas

  • Public displays might receive less acceptance.
  • Compared to urban centers.
  • Be aware of local distinctions.

Accessibility Notes

Umbria’s hill towns present inherent challenges due to steep slopes and cobblestone streets. Contact hotels/attractions directly for their accessibility features. Perugia's Minimetrò and Orvieto's Funicular are generally accessible.

Accessibility Insights

Navigating Umbria with mobility needs presents specific considerations.

Mobility Infrastructure

Steep slopes, cobblestone streets, and narrow medieval passages pose challenges for mobility.

Challenges

  • Hill towns are difficult.
  • Wheelchair navigation can be hard.
  • Newer infrastructure is better.

Accessible Spots

Some major museums and public transport systems offer better access.

Easier Access

  • Perugia Minimetrò.
  • Orvieto Funicular.
  • Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria (partial).

Specific Services

Dedicated services for visual or hearing impairments are less widespread than in larger cities.

Limited Availability

  • Audio guides for major attractions.
  • Sign language interpreters are rare.
  • Dedicated guides are uncommon.

Information Resources

Contact hotels and attractions directly before booking to verify accessibility.

Planning Support

  • Direct contact for details.
  • Online forums for accessible travel.
  • Real-world experiences and advice.

Important Advice

Contact Ahead

Always contact specific hotels and attractions directly for accessibility details before your trip.

Research Online

Accessible travel blogs and forums can provide valuable real-world advice.

Cash on Hand

Always carry some cash in small denominations (€5, €10, €20 bills, and coins) for small purchases, market stalls, or places that may not accept cards.