Culture Shock:  An Americans' Guide to Getting Around (and Getting Along) in Italy

When shopping for souvenirs, visitors need to be aware that the reality that the majority of stores, shops, and museums close from shortly after lunch to mid-afternoon. 

Keep in mind that shopping is a lot like early 20^th century America.  In Italy,  customers don’t touch things until they buy them.  When we pick things up to examine them, the shopkeepers get irritable.  Instead, customers tell the shopkeeper what they want, and the shopkeeper gets it.  When I don’t know the proper word, I point at what I want, saying, ”Questo per favore. (This, please.)”

Learning Italian numbers is a big help when discussing price and payment.

Also, an evening walk (passeggiata) with the entire family is customary throughout the country, in large cities and small towns.  Stores re-open at 3:30 and stay open through the evening.  Families amble about window shopping and eating gelato.   

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For other observations, please click on the link:

• Home.

• Lodging.

• Eating.

• Shopping.

• Driving.

• Rail

• Buses.

• Security.

• Accessibility.

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