With any move overseas, you’ll have a new culture and customs to adjust to, and, with any luck, warm to. Here are some ways of life particular to Italy that those moving there will want to be prepared for.
The Morning Ritual: Cappuccino Culture
Once you’ve moved into your new Italian abode, head down to your local café for your morning coffee, as is the custom in Italy, perhaps you’ll bump into a neighbour or two.
However, it isn’t the norm to drink milky coffee after 11am. Baristas in touristy areas might oblige you, even if the cappuccino is handed over with an accompanying funny look.
Greetings in Italy: More Than Just a Handshake
In some cultures, physical contact is only really the norm between friends and family. But in Italy, it’s common for acquaintances of the same age to greet each other with a kiss on each cheek. Hold back on the tongue though, the kiss is meant to be just a light touch. If you’re meeting a stranger, are in a formal setting or feel unsure, offer a hand instead.
Time and Punctuality: Understanding the Italian Approach
While in some cultures, showing up a mere five minutes late can result in tutting and a heavy look at the wristwatch, that’s not the case in Italy. It is normal for social gatherings and events to start around 20 minutes late. So, if you’ve invited your Italian neighbours over for an al fresco meal, don’t be offended if they turn up late. Even scheduled concerts start late – if you’d like an event that starts on time, you’re best off sliding into a cathedral pew.
The Italian Dining Experience: Late Nights and Local Cuisine
Dinner tends to be served later in Italy, especially in the south, where the heat makes eating late more comfortable. Generally, restaurants open at 8:30pm and Italians start rolling in at 9:00pm.
Food is a massive source of pride in Italy. Food is fresh, locally produced and a high standard is a given. It can be difficult to find international cuisine, especially in the more remote areas.
Speaking Italian: Unraveling Local Dialects
You’re moving to Italy. You brush up on your Italian, go to a class, source a phrase book, download an app. And then, you get there, stride over to your neighbour, ready for a chat and find that you can’t quite understand what they’ve said back to you. There are 34 spoken languages and related dialects in Italy – so don’t blame yourself! Try to get a teacher from the area that you’re moving to, if at all possible. But, if in doubt, ask a young person. They’ll speak a familiar-sounding Italian and will often speak English too.
Shopping etiquette
In Italy, it is the law that purchases over €2,000 must be made by card. It is also necessary to get a receipt for your purchase. For small purchases, especially outside of major cities, cash payments are common, with many vendors preferring them. There are plenty of machines to get some out and carrying it will soon become a habit.
When you come to pay, its often the way that the cashier rounds up or down. This is to avoid dealing with tiny pennies. If your bill comes over by just a smidge, you won’t have to pay either.
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