Tips for First-Time Travel to Italy
So you’re thinking about heading to Italy? This post is all about tips for first-time travel to Italy. It’s one of our favorite countries and one that we are in the process of obtaining citizenship. Having been a few times, it occurred to me that many people have not had the pleasure of traveling there.
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Here are a few items that should make your travel to Italy a bit easier. It is always better to be prepared and I assume you are reading this post to familiarize yourself with traveling in Italy. We have many posts on places to visit and things to do on the blog. Hope you stay a while and check some of them out.
TRANSPORTATION
TRAINS
This is your best bet for travel between cities. The Regional trains stop at major cities. Local trains usually stop at every single station along the route. There is also the Intercity which is the fast train and is a bit expensive but might be worth it depending on your time. Purchasing tickets online sometimes guarantees extra promotions and/or discounts. Also, check out traveling on Saturdays as most of the time you can get a 2/1 ticket but you have to purchase the ticket several days prior to departure.
There are different classes when you purchase a train ticket. The difference between the First and Second classes is that in the First class, you always have an assigned seat. We have traveled more in Second class as it is cheaper and finding a seat has not generally been an issue. If the train is pretty booked, you might consider getting an assigned seat. The people at the train ticket counters are generally really nice and work through language barriers very well.
You must remember to validate your ticket prior to getting on any train. Fines will occur if the conductor catches that your ticket was not validated in the machine before you got on the train. A recent post of ours goes into detail.
UPDATE 2023: Please use this link to know the new update for traveling Trenitalia if you’ve purchased your tickets on their app or website. This information might save you a hefty fine. You now need to “check-in” on regional trains! We’ve updated one of our posts to reflect this information!
use my Italy planners and notebooks above and here’s a free download for your packing checklist!
TAXIS
Traveling by taxi is a bit expensive in Italy. At times, of course, this can’t be avoided. Make sure you take only official taxis that have the license number clearly displayed and they all have a TAXI sign on the roof. It is wise to get a taxi at one of the Taxi stands or make the reservation by phone. If traveling some distance, ask for the driver’s cost estimate for your route in advance so there are no surprises.
BUS
Bus tickets must be purchased before you get on board. You can purchase bus tickets at kiosks and Tabacchi shops. You also, like train tickets, must validate this ticket!
OTHER INFORMATION
BANKS
All ATMs are called BANCOMAT. Credit cards with a PIN are accepted at these machines. You should notify your credit card company before you leave that you will be traveling. Also, find out what amount you are allowed to withdraw each day. If you need to use a bank, they are usually open from approximately 8:30 am – 1:30 pm and 2:30 – 3:30 pm and are closed on weekends.
CREDIT CARDS
Major credit cards are generally accepted throughout Italy. If you are a US Citizen, remember that Discover Card is not accepted in Europe. Many credit card companies charge a fee for foreign exchange transactions. We use Charles Schwab Bank and they reimburse ALL foreign fees. We truly like this company.
PHONES
Here is an important number to keep handy when traveling in Italy. 112 – Carabinieri (police)
There is an app I highly recommend to use throughout Europe. It’s called: “112- Where Are U.” Once you download and open the app, you will notice three circles at the bottom as in our photo below. The first one with the “x” by the mouth indicates you call if you can’t speak Italian. The middle circle indicates you can speak Italian and the circle to the right is if you want to text. I haven’t had to use it yet, but we learned this at a CPR class in Lucca.
Other Areas…
When calling the United States, dial 001+area code+ phone number. When we get off the plane, we head over to one of Italy’s cell companies. We get a basic plan for our cell phones. To date, we have used TIM but there are plenty of companies available. We actually might try a different one next time. We then use SKYPE for calling back in the US and WHAT’S APP (app) for texting friends and family. Of course, if you have an iPhone, you would have Facetime and not Skype.
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POST OFFICE
You can purchase stamps (Francobolli) at the Post Office and at Tobacco shops (Tabaccheria). Hours for the post office are generally 8:30 am – 2:00 pm daily and close at 12:00 pm on Saturday.
RESTAURANTS
In most restaurants, pizzerias, and take-away establishments, the menu and prices will always be on a board or indicated somewhere. If you sit at a table, there is almost always a service charge. Make sure you check this out prior to sitting as sometimes the table service can cost more than your takeaway food! Remember that you are not required to tip at these establishments as it is already included in the price. Also, restaurants in Italy usually don’t open until after 7:00 pm. You will find trattorias open earlier (a trattoria is an Italian-style eating establishment, less formal than a restaurant)
RESTROOMS
In some cases, bathroom use is free in bars and restaurants if you are there as a customer. In almost all cases, you are not permitted to use a restroom at a restaurant or bar if you are not eating/drinking there. Sometimes it is worth it just to purchase a coffee to use the restroom if you have no other option. Railway and bus stations often require coins for payment to use the restroom. Here’s one of most popular posts about Italian bathrooms.
Editor’s Note: This post was initially published in January 2018 and updated in October 2024 for accuracy and additional information.
