Italy offers a rich cultural experience filled with charming quirks that can surprise visitors. From the absence of washcloths in hotels to pay toilets, motion-activated escalators and lights, unique payment customs, and the coperto fee in restaurants, understanding these differences can enhance your travel experience and help you avoid confusion or frustration during your trip.
Traveling to Italy is a dream for many, but visitors often encounter some unexpected cultural differences that can catch them off guard. These quirks are not negative; rather, they are unique aspects of Italian life that can enrich your experience once you know what to expect. Here are 10 surprising things about Italy that many travelers notice, along with tips on how to handle them.
One of the first surprises for many visitors is the absence of washcloths in Italian accommodations. Unlike in the US, Italian hotels and Airbnbs typically provide a large bath towel, a hand towel, and sometimes a small towel for the bidet, but not a washcloth. Italians generally do not use washcloths, possibly considering them too personal to share, even when laundered.
Tip: If you prefer using a washcloth, bring your own or pack disposable washcloths, which are lightweight and hygienic.
Visitors often notice escalators that are not moving and assume they are broken. However, many escalators in Italy are motion-activated to save energy, especially in towns built on hills where escalators help transport people from parking lots to town centers.
Example: In the hilltop town of Spalta, an escalator from the parking lot to the town activates only when someone approaches.
Unlike in the US, where public restrooms are common and free, in Italy, public toilets are scarce and often require a small fee (usually 1 to 2 euros). This can be surprising and inconvenient for travelers.
Advice:
In some Italian bathrooms, you may find toilets without seats. This can be due to repeated breakage or a belief that toilets without seats are more hygienic and easier to clean. Occasionally, you might encounter squat toilets, which are less common but still present in some places.
When paying in bars, restaurants, or stores, Italians typically place money on a tray or the counter instead of handing it directly to the cashier or server. Change and receipts are returned the same way.
Reason: This custom may help both parties clearly see the amount exchanged.
In many Italian restrooms, lights are motion-activated to conserve energy. This means the lights may turn off unexpectedly if you remain still for too long, plunging you into darkness.
Tip: Wave your arms or move around to reactivate the lights.
If you purchase a paper ticket for regional trains, you must validate it at a machine on the platform before boarding. Failure to do so can result in fines of 50 euros or more, even if you have a valid ticket.
Note: This validation is not required for high-speed trains with assigned seating.
Many commercial establishments in Italy have doors that open inward, unlike in the US where fire codes require doors to open outward for safety reasons. This can confuse visitors who try to pull doors that need to be pushed.
In Italy, it is customary to pay a coperto fee, usually between 1 to 3 euros per person, which covers the use of the tablecloth, utensils, and bread. This fee appears on the bill and is not a tip or a scam.
History: The coperto dates back to the Middle Ages when travelers brought their own food to inns and paid for the table setting and roof over their heads.
Tip: Although it may seem unfair, remember that taxes are included differently and tipping is modest in Italy.
In many Italian bars and cafés, prices differ depending on whether you stand at the bar or sit at a table. The menu will often list two prices: "al banco" (at the bar) and "al tavolo" (at the table). Sitting at a table can cost twice as much or more, especially in tourist areas.
Reason: The higher price covers table service and the privilege of sitting and lingering, particularly if the table offers a scenic view.
Italy is full of charming surprises that add to its unique character. Knowing these cultural quirks in advance can help you navigate your trip smoothly and enjoy the authentic Italian experience without confusion.
Have you encountered any other surprising customs in Italy? Share your experiences and tips in the comments!
