*NEVER* do THIS when visiting Italy! 

Avoid these Tourist Scams when in Italy: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-otjRrWNs2mg.html

I taught myself some rudimentary Italian before my visit to Italy. Many times, it got me free dessert and extra scoops of gelato. Most Italians were very grateful for my efforts, and they even helped me with phrases and words. However, while in Venice, the hotel concierge told me, “Just speak English. You’re in Venice. Don’t anyone lie to you. Everyone speaks English here.” Haha! Still, because I love the Italian language and respect the people whose country I’m visiting, I continued practicing Italian every chance I got.

I’m Italian and I can say you make great videos about Italy. One thing to notice: away from those great tourist attractions, there is a beautiful country with no scams, with excellence in food, wine, views, history, etc. I’m from Piacenza, we have great things, so much that many people from Milan come here in our valleys to eat or to have a nice day. Our little town in our province Bobbio is probably the place where the “Gioconda” (monna Lisa) has been painted. Hernest Hemingway called our Val Trebbia “the valley of dreams”, he did like it so much. We have outstanding local food and, best of all, there are no international tourists except a few, so when we see someone that speaks another language we really want to help, genuinely, without any scam (we’re also scammed when we go to tourist places), just because share something of our culture is something beautiful. I like your love for spritz and americano 😜, I mainly drink Campari (bitter) spritz…just a spritz with Campari instead of Aperol. You should try Negroni one time (vermouth, bitter, gin, with orange slice). It’s stronger, but if you drink it little by little is very good (without straw) and has history. Well, as I said in another video, if you plan to visit the province of Piacenza, me and my girlfriend (well, I still have to tell her🤣) will be pleased to host you for free and explain something about our land

It's not an inappropriate inconsiderate way of life at all. It's Italy and this is what I love about them. We should all relax more and not stress the little things. I'm planning to move there asap. Italy has my heart.

I once saw an American girl freak out at a waiter in Milan because he brought her Carbonara with guanciale. Apparently she wanted a vegan carbonara!!😂 I was sitting beside the chef station and overheard them. They genuinely did not know how to make a vegan carbonara ... I felt so bad for them the customer really abused them But honestly just order something else never ask them to change a recipe. Some of these recipes are like a constitutional amendment. It's really offensive to ask for a carbonara with no pork

Just came back from two weeks in italy, Napoli, Amalfi, Venezia, Sorrento, Rome. All those rules must have been relaxed or outright suspended as we broke pretty much all of them, and so did most other people around us. Italians know. Just be polite, and that's pretty much the only rule you need to have an awesome time like we did. 😅

I'm a local from Rome and I truly appreciate your great video! If I may, I'd change your "Buongiorno, parli inglese per favore?" into "Buongiorno, mi scusi parla inglese?" as it sounds more natural. I've also lived in North America for about 10 years and always tipped as if I were in Europe, as I can't stand rewarding overbearing service ha!

Hi Gregor, thank you for depicting so nicely my country. You and all the nice people from the World are welcome here. We are plenty of problems, but most of us tries to be decent. Wishing you a nice stay there!

Hi there...my husband and I travel to Italy yearly and have been to Italy over a dozen times. We have done all the public transportation and we have never to date had a train arrive late. We haven't tried regional trains so that might be a different story. I think to say Italians are always late is extreme, every shuttle back and forth to the airports have always been early and we've never had to worry about getting to the airport late. Everything else you've expressed here is accurate and we couldn't agree with you more

My wife and I spent 10 days in Italy this past fall, and did a lot of research before we went. We had heard or read in several places (like you said) that Italians don't like it when you ask to modify menu items, which was somewhat of a concern to us as we both eat a plant-based diet (no meat or dairy). While we did see that to be true in a general sense, we found that when we explained about our diet first and then asked for the server's suggestions, they often had items that weren't on the printed menu or they would offer to adjust an item. We never once had a problem and a couple of times we were even asked for suggestions to help others with a similar diet who might come to their restaurant. I think the difference was that it was a dietary need instead of just a preference, and that we approached it proactively with the server as soon as we set down instead of expecting them to adjust on the fly. One thing I would mention is that unless you REALLY enjoy crowds, try to avoid Rome on the first Sunday of each month, especially during the summer, when cultural sites run by the state are free of charge. While that may sound like a great way to save a few euros, you need to decide BEFOREHAND how much its worth to be standing in huge lines and packed in standing-room only. Most of the lines into these sites are out in the hot sun, and by the time you get inside you're already hot and tired. There is a LOT to see, and this may not be your best way to see it.

Such practical tips! Thank you!

Love your content! In Florence right now, and enjoying every minute of it!

Thanks Gregor, I’m off to Luca in September with 3 good friends (The East Coast Outcasts) and your tips will be invaluable, keep them coming, have liked and followed 👏👏👍

Such a great informative video. Thank you.

Thank you for the tips , very helpful!

great vid thanks

Another great and imformative video as usual, thanks Gregor ❤

Enjoyed your video and the comments were on point. One thing I might mention regarding credit cards it's best to inform your bank in advance of your travel itinerary so youre not blocked. Happened to me once, fortunately I had another card

In italia certe cose non le facciamo ma siamo molto tolleranti percio' puoi mangiare gli spaghetti aiutandoti con il cucchiaio bere il cappuccino a ogni ora ecc ecc . Non ti capitera ' nulla di male😅😂 buone vacanze

thank you for the advice!! going to italy in a few weeks and am trying to learn as much as i can!

I would like to add that there is a tipping culture in Europe. You can round up the bill or give 5% to 10%. Give the money to the waiter in cash or leave it on the table.

When? You are a tourist.Use the bathroom in every location.You walk into you go to a restaurant.Use the bathroom even if you don't really have to go if you're in the airport.Use the bathroom never walk by a bathroom opportunity or you could be in trouble

Greetings from Sydney. Great video mate. Loved the capital one venture x. Best credit card!!

Fantastic video and lots of correct information. I lived in Northern Italy for 2 years and have so much more than you mentioned. I by far had more fun away from touristy places like Padova and Rovigo. like you said, you can do just about anything you want but remember that you are in Italy and should do as the Italians. A BIG one that you missed is ordering a Margarita. You know what I am talking about.

G'day Gregor love your work mate 👍 Great tips for Italy, never been to EU and frankly a little nervous but watching your content is helping to ease my anxiety as an Aussie visitor to the region. BTW the Mrs loves your work too, maybe a little to much. Anyway have a good one 👍 Appreciate your dedication to your channel and followers

Thanks it's been over 20 years since I was in Italy. Yep we tried to do to much and then slowed down and enjoyed life. I appreciate all the traditions except my cafe late or cafe alonge with milk, after a meal.

Thanks!

We’ve been to Rome 34 times twice every year. Your video is spot on. Forza Roma

Never had a problem with punctuality of trains.

Thanks

When my daughters friend first visited Italy, she ordered an espresso martini with her dinner and was told NO, only after dinner! LOL

Great video. I’m Australian. I have been to Europe a few times. I went with family last year. Everywhere we went (Especially Rome)waiters asked for tips and were upset when we didn’t give anything. I told them “We’re Australian not American.” Never in previous trips to Europe have I been asked for tips. In Munich a waiter asked me if there was something wrong with the service. I told him no. He said he usually gets 20%. I told him it’s rude to expect or ask for tips. Here’s a tip for Americans, please stop tipping in Europe. They’re expecting it now. You’re ruining it for the rest of us. 😊

Looking forward to visiting Italy 🇮🇹 one day. Bucket list item.😊

About credit cards.. visa and master cards are widely used all around Europe, American Express much less.. And you can have a cappuccino any time.. You will look a tourist,but after all you are tourists.. Driving.. In the north it is very different from Rome and Naples

Actually there is (and always was) a tipping culture in restaurants/bars in Europe, in most of the countries (by far). It is somehow expected to leave a tip, as it is a part of the salary of a waiter. They are not paid so well in general, so tipping is a good thing - especially if you loved the service.

There is a tipping culture in Europe. Not that much like in the US but there is. I`m from Germany and the most people in Service are at minimum or low wage. And often the tips were summarised and split at the end of the day between all workers. Including the kitchen staff. It is common to add tip around 5-10 percent or up to the next 10th or fith number. For example your bill is 23 you will say "make it 25"

"Parli" is the informal. You should say "Parla" to get off on the right foot: "Parla inglese?" Otherwise, you're basically saying "Do you speak English, honey?" This might work in the south (also in the south of Italy), but not elsewhere.

This was a funny video for me. I’m not Italian but I was raised by European parents and most of the things you mention are just normal in my family of origin. Also I’ve never worn a baseball cap in my life.

👏 BRAVO - this was one of the BEST Helpful video I have seen. Excellent. I’ve shared with family that is traveling this fall to Italy

In (parts of) Europe we do tip, though not to such extremes as in the US. In Germany you can add a couple of Euros to the restaurant bill to round it up, or add about 5%. In the UK 10% is about right, although I may not be fully up to date on that. In France I would tip aeound 10%, though the rule is if it a a small place and the owner serves you you don't tip.

As a tourist enjoy your vacation the way you want to. That’s should be it.

So many good ones here. My number 1 is road safety. Don't be in a daze when walking around - stay alert to cars, buses, scooters, trams, and, especially, bikes!

And when someone gives you thanks - Grazie (eg because you were courteous towards them) you reply - Prego

i like your sun glasses . what brand is it ? i would like to have one 😎

Great info, thank you! I'm planning a trip to Rome in October and i would like to fly my dji mini drone. I have a licence, but i don't know how it works there. Can you give some advice per favore?

We may not have a 24 hour store in my town, but we do have beer and wine vending machines in a pinch!

Love a good spritz or americano, but in the US a lot of bartenders add too much club soda. Also like Negroni or a Milano-Torino in the evening. Salute!

People sometimes arrive late and that sucks. But people being late has nothing to do with traians being late 😂 Go to Germany and you'll find people being more punctual but trains arriving just as late. I think that is a complicated issue, having to do mostly with crowded train lines and lack of redundancy - which boils down to basically "more investments in rail needed". Good advice about credit cards and cash! I would add: get your cash at an ATM. ATM of a bank would be preferrable, because the ones you find at the airport often have huge commissions and bad exchange rates. If you have to use those, select the option to have your own bank do the conversion, not them. Also, AMEX cards are not often accepted by small shops and restaurants, the commissions for them are too large. For that it's better to also have a Visa or Mastercard.

I have never heard about not ordering a cappuccino after 11 p.m.

There are cafés on the streets that are open all day, don't worry. They are also used to world wide tourist that like cappuccino anytime. Drink an Aprol Spritz when you want!! OMG!NO grappa! They ask us always! They do think you'll tip. DON'T! Cash is king in Europe. Listen to the tips, remember them but explore and experience it at for yourself! We did (being here in Germany for 6 yrs) and we do great. Look around and do as the Italians do! They are very friendly! Cheers! Ciao!🇺🇸🇩🇪❤️🇮🇹

Aperol Spritz! But, good to know that you can drink them only 9n certain hours.

Will you visit Vernazza at some point?:)

I did duolingo for two months or so before coming to italy ( I am here to study for a short time and holiday) and following your advice my mum and I are having a great time here. My tip for museums and galleries is mention you are a student if you are as admission is usually free or cheap. They waved my entrance fee at several galleries and even special access to more fragile artworks this week when I mentioned I am here to study art :)

You can leave out "per favore", it's implicit in a conversation, it depends on the tone of your voice.

Very informative! The only point that isn't 100 percent true is tipping. In some parts of Italy, in particular Naples, the locals tip, but not like the U.S, no percentage method, they just leave what they want.

omg id be totally shattered not being able to order my coffee after 11am. i usually have a latte around 4pm or even later. im not sure how i would even go with my coffees as i have a small skim milk , triple shot coffee latte. i dont even know how i would order that

if you have to eat outside our lunch/dinner time, just look for a "pizzeria al taglio" where you can have all the slices you want, sometimes (especially in rome) they are great (naples is another story, pizza there is on another championship, even outside dinner time. maybe fried. pizza fritta). you'll not staying here for so long: avoid mcdonalds if you can, we have a lot of alternatives.

Yep..the Loo is not free..Amex is not acceptable in many places..I had Visa MC and Amex....love Roma...all of Italy ❤. This video is Such a wealth of information!

Currently visiting now, and I can say this: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Try to adapt to the language, culture, and mannerisms. I almost feel bad when I see other Americans acting like a tourist, it’s embarrassing. Just try to fit in and know your place.

I often hail taxis on the street in both Milan and Rome. Also, most people now do understand English, if you speak slowly. Unfortunately, yes, trains and buses tends to be late. 😞

Ya,don't drink!! The booze is needed at the Vatican 😆😆😆

Curious on your thoughts about adapting a menu item for a severe food allergy? I have a dairy and peanut allergy (like, I'll die if I eat it). We're travelling to Tuscany for our wedding (the hotel/villa isn't a worry as they will adapt anything for us), then up north to Lake Como, the Alps, and potentially Switzerland as well. Then to Scotland, but we aren't worried about going there as much

Last week I was in Rome all these facts are true. They are not punctual at all. Sometimes one hour late is very natural.

So I can only have beer or wine with dinner? I don't drink, so I get nothing?

immediately I'm thinking you sound like John Malkovich!

NEVER!!!, I'm Italian and I only drink bottled water. Wear whatever you want, and however you want, Italians aren't that bothered.

The cappuccino/spritz thingy are, as you said, not enforced rules or rules at all. Simply put, we can talk about having or not having taste buds. If you go to a restaurant and just order dessert, you can order a cappuccino without any problem, but if you are eating a normal dish... cmon. For example, imagine carbonara paired with cappuccino. It isn't heavy on your stomach; that's a way to be polite, and don't say you have the same taste buds of a four-year-old.

I missed the cappuccino curfew. 😂😂😂 It can be said that near main meal times, it is not normal to have a cappuccino. Because a cappuccino almost corresponds to a complete breakfast. But since a person is free to get out of bed or eat whenever he wants, if I wake up at 11 and want a cappuccino at the bar, no one looks at me badly if I get it even at 12! A different matter concerns the temperature. In the summer it will turn someone's nose if you drink a hot drink. But the question is: why on earth should I have a cappuccino at 4pm, with 40 degrees centigrade in the shade, when I can have an ice cream?😋

What rules are you talking about? These are just habits, you can have what you want, just together with a weird look.

Come to Rome, it isn’t uncommon eating pizza Bianca on the road

What about exchanging foreign currency? Best place to do it? In home country or when we arrive in Italy? ATMs? Banks? Airport?

I agree with most, except for the hats. I wear hats ALL of the time. I own too many. I get compliments all over Europe about my hats. I'm ok if they don't wear them, I'm not there to be italian, I AM an American in Italy. It's nice for them to learn about culture as well and they very much enjoy it. I'm respectful about their customs, but wearing or not wearing a hat is not a custom. Snarky remarks about tipping also come from needy customers who have never worked in a restaurant.

I rudely did start speaking English. A rather cools denial. Then I asked if she spoke French. Then she seemed delighted to be able to speak to me.we had a great conversation in my bad French and her much better French. I will ask next time -start out friendly.

So condescending - «Even with all those rules, I still love Italy”

I live by and respect 99% of the rules. But f* that cappuccino after 11 rule, man :) most of the day I wake up at 11 or later, and I love my Cappuccino, so yeah. But nice video overall.

I know that Italy accommodates gluten free, but does every restaurant provide gluten-free options? Bread, pasta and pizza are a nightmare for me bc I have celiac.

Please, when trying to learn a few Italian phrases, at least, use Google Translate to use the microphone for the correct pronunciations.

This video give me a major confidence boost about my pronunciation 😂

No R in potabile 🙂

you also should not be driving a car after 3 wine tastings 😅

TS 7:46 Italians eat slowly, they enjoy the meal. and the punctuality comment.... You are still very much an American in Italy. Why are you in Italy? The Mannerisms and Customs and Culture of Italians have created the country you want to visit. Their Italian joy of food gives us the quality of food we do not have in American restaurants.

Please also tip in Europe, not the same amount like in the US (I am German but lived in the US several years) and been in Italy tons of times. Yes, the people work in Europe get more salary working as waiters but still some tipping is much appreciated especially when you sit longer and got nice service. Easy example which works most time fine: you round up to the euro amount and add 1 euro per each person who was eating or drinking with you. Let‘s say, the bill is 17,20 € and you where with two people, so you round up to 18 and add two euro for two people, that makes it 20 €.

I am Italian and i wonder where all these food rules come from. You can order and eat what you want in Italy.

I really like that you suggest to dress appropriately:I live in Milano and see people running around in beachwear. I don’t agree on punctuality: if we say 10 it is 10 at the most 10.05.

I am Armenian so not much of a cultural shock there 😂 my culture is pretty much the same.

Good thing I would like to fit but sorry, I dislike Campari a LOT.

You just broke all my molds of sexy as hell 😊. Must be those glasses!. Have fun in Italy. Aside from the weather and taxes, I am crazy about Italy, been here for 3 years. Note: Must Italian are very gracious abut the capucino after 11am. They know our culture too!!!

I've seen tourists drinking cappuccino and spritz in Milan and Venice whenever they wanted. And honestly, no one cared. I've even seen a couple of Dutch eating lasagna betwen 2 slices of watermelon, sort of sandwich. We were obviously horrified, but since it was their money and they paid, we didn't care at all .

Dairy is not good for your stomach after 11am? I'll have a pizza margherita for dinner please!

Aqua Potabile, NOT PoRtabile.

It would be more correct to say "buongiorno, mi scusi, parla inglese?"...good morning, excuse me, do you speak english? But no problem ...we understand also "per favore "!

I have one for you. In Venice DO NOT sit on the bridge's stairs. VERY dangerous and illegal.

“Potabile”, not “poRtabile”, Gregor!😊

2:17 Did you just label modesty upon entering a church a superstition?

I had a server really trying to convince me to have wine with my dinner. I told him that I drink coffee or I drink water and it’s too late for coffee. He looked stunned and said okay.

My first time in Italy, not a single person would speak English to me. I have since tried to learn a few words. This next visit coming up, I'm actually staying with someone who doesn't speak any English at all. Another tip is, never take the option when using a credit card, to do so in your own currency.

So, Italians don't wear hats?

Also, you use the third person when speaking to someone you don't personally know in Italy - Parla inglese? or Lei parla inglese? not Parli inglese. Although I'm sure the language police won't arrest you if you get it wrong, but since you're providing information ...

The cappuccino thing is really annoying! The other day I ordered one at 11.30am and they looked at me funny. The espresso gives me a stomach burn sometimes and need some milk with the coffee to avoid that. You can ask for a bit of milk (or soy milk) 'a parte', on the side, but then they charge you extra for it. So silly, will never understand this.

Tooo many rules. I get it but we're only coming for a few days. Just want to see some sites and chill. ❤