The Good Trip guide · For U.S. travelers
ItalyA little local knowledge.
Immerse yourself in ancient history, Renaissance art, and irresistible cuisine across the Bel Paese.
Tap water is safe to drink.
Ambulance: 118
Euro
Exercise Increased Caution
Essential Etiquette in Italy
Key dos and don'ts every American traveler should know before arriving.
Greet shopkeepers and restaurateurs
Always say 'Buongiorno' (good morning/day) or 'Buonasera' (good evening) when entering a shop, café, or restaurant. Leaving without a greeting is considered rude.
Don't rush interactions
Italians value unhurried social exchange. Launching straight into a transaction without a greeting or small pleasantry feels abrupt and transactional. Take a breath and exchange a few words first.
Use Lei (formal 'you') with strangers
Address strangers, shopkeepers, and service staff with the formal 'Lei' form. Using informal 'tu' with strangers can come across as rude or overly presumptuous.
Don't ask for modifications to pasta dishes
Requesting changes to traditional pasta recipes (like adding chicken to carbonara or asking for pasta well-done) is considered insulting to the cook. Trust the kitchen.
Essential Italian Phrases
Respectful expressions with phonetic pronunciations to help you connect with locals.
"Hello (formal)"
"Hello (informal)"
"Thank you"
"Thank you very much"
Take all 66 phrases and offline audio with you in Good Trip.
Water & pharmacies
Tap water is drinkable
Tap water is SAFE throughout Italy. Public fountains (nasoni in Rome) are safe to refill bottles.
Local Pharmacy Rules
Look for the green cross (farmacia). Highly trained pharmacists can advise on and dispense many medications that require a US prescription. Farmacie di turno provide 24-hour rotating service — addresses posted on any pharmacy door. Useful first stop for minor ailments.
Apps to Download Before Flying to Italy
Useful apps for transit, navigation, and food delivery in Italy.
Italo
Italo is Italy's private high-speed rail operator, running fast trains between major Italian cities. Often cheaper than Trenitalia on the same routes. Book tickets directly in the app, manage reservations, and store tickets offline. Accepts international credit cards with no Italian account needed.
Trenitalia
Trenitalia is Italy's national rail operator — essential for all regional and intercity train travel. Buy tickets for high-speed Frecciarossa trains, regional trains, and everything in between. Covers the entire national network including routes not served by Italo.
FREE NOW
FREE NOW is the most reliable taxi booking app in Italy's major cities. Book licensed taxis in Rome, Milan, Naples, and other cities with upfront fare estimates and cashless payment. No Italian phone number required — sign up with email and international card.
Emergency Contacts & U.S. Embassy
If you lose your passport, need urgent medical evacuation, or encounter legal trouble, keep this info accessible offline.
U.S. Embassy Rome
Via Vittorio Veneto 121, 00187 Rome, Italy
Field Guides & Dispatches for Italy
This preview comes from the Good Trip country guide. Conditions and travel advisories can change. Check the latest U.S. State Department advice before departure.
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