Currency. Italy uses the euro (€). Cards are widely accepted in cities and larger towns, but Italy remains more cash-reliant than northern Europe — smaller restaurants, bars, and market stalls often prefer cash. Withdraw from bank ATMs using your debit card; airport exchange bureaux offer poor rates. Tipping is not customary but rounding up the bill or leaving a euro or two after a sit-down meal is appreciated.
Language. Italian is the official language. English is understood in tourist areas, hotels, and by younger Italians in cities. Away from the main tourist circuits — especially in the south — a few words of Italian go much further than you might expect. Regional dialects are strong in some areas; Neapolitan, Sicilian, and Venetian are distinct enough to confuse even standard Italian speakers.
Safety. Italy is generally safe. The main concern for most visitors is petty theft — pickpocketing and bag-snatching on crowded buses and metro trains, and around major tourist sites. Keep your bag in front of you, use an inside pocket for your phone, and stay alert at Rome Termini, Naples Centrale, and the major tourist squares. Organised crime exists in parts of the south but rarely affects tourists.
Opening hours. Many shops and some restaurants still observe the midday break (roughly 1pm–4pm), particularly outside the big cities and in summer. Sunday trading is more limited than in northern Europe. Churches are usually free to enter but may close at midday and require covered shoulders and knees. Book major attractions — the Vatican Museums, the Uffizi, Pompeii — in advance, especially in summer. Queues can be hours long without a reservation.
Health. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for emergency treatment. Non-EU visitors should carry travel insurance with medical coverage. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. In summer, heat in central and southern Italy is serious — carry water and avoid strenuous sightseeing during midday.
Electricity. Italy uses Type F (Schuko) and Type L plugs at 230V/50Hz. Most modern devices handle the voltage automatically; you may need a plug adapter.
Public holidays. Italy observes 12 national public holidays. Key dates: Epiphany (6 Jan), Easter Monday, Liberation Day (25 Apr), Republic Day (2 Jun), Assumption (15 Aug), All Saints' Day (1 Nov), and Christmas (25–26 Dec). Ferragosto on 15 August means much of Italy shuts down for a week or more — Italians leave the cities for the coast and mountains. Shops and restaurants in cities close in droves. August is generally a poor time to visit Rome or Milan.
Communications. Italy has good 4G coverage in cities and most towns; coverage can be patchy in mountain areas and parts of the deep south. Buying a local SIM from Tim, Vodafone IT, or Iliad is inexpensive and straightforward — bring your passport.