What bothers so many foreigners in Italy?

Ah Italy! Destination chosen by millions of tourists throughout the year. Italy has immense charm in the imagination of tourists, but like every country it is not impeccable (contrary to what many people think!). Shall we go to our post today? What bothers so many foreigners in Italy? Here at Italy’s Dream Tourism you can make the trip of your dreams come true!!! Also check out our Accommodation in Italy Section – Tips for your Vacation!

Our Introduction

I have a friend who lived in Italy for five years: three of them in the north and two in the south and she always says that the differences are super obvious and tourists can also notice them, even if in a short period of time. I’ll try to be as succinct as possible, OK?! Foreigners and Italians: eternal relationship of ‘love and hate’!

1) What bothers so many foreigners in Italy? THE IMPOLITE ITALIAN

Italians are impolite: One of the biggest complaints received is that Italians are impolite! There are controversies and this ‘lack of education’ is not the rule! So much so that the things they value most are ‘good morning’, ‘excuse me’, ‘please’. Of course there are impolite and rough people, but you will find them in Italy, in Brazil, in the USA, boring and ignorant people exist anywhere in the world and Italy would not go unharmed by this. Often, because they are very direct, they are seen as uneducated people, but don’t take it personally: they ARE like that, even in family and among friends! He didn’t ‘think’ about you! 😉

2) What bothers so many foreigners in Italy? THE SCREAMING OF THE ITALIANS

Italians don’t speak, they shout: Yes! Italians talk loudly and, often, it seems more like a fight than a conversation, but nothing will make them change and you will have to deal with chatter, shouting, loud laughter and the whole ‘made in Italy’ combo (in the south it is ‘even worse!). They will probably ‘yell’ at you, but it’s THEIR WAY, it’s CULTURAL! We can’t do anything to change this and if you say something about it, they’re likely to be offended so smile and move on!

3) What bothers so many foreigners in Italy?THE FAMOUS ZTL’ S

The ZTL (‘Zone a Traffico Limitato’ – Limited Traffic Zones): many, many, many tourists go crazy because of the blessed ZTL. Let me explain: if there is one thing that WORKS in Italy, it is the laws! So, in these zones, not even 30 seconds are tolerated; You will get a fine, no matter what excuse you give! It’s forbidden! And then foreigners complain that Italians are not tolerant: believe me, the fine would come even if you were local! So, again: don’t take it personally and avoid traveling in these areas. Find out more about ZTL by clicking here!

4) What bothers so many foreigners in Italy? THE LINES

Long lines at attractions: Guys, in many places around the world it is usual to stay in some lines and we’re used to do it, there’s no reason to complain! Joking aside: lines are really, really, REALLY common in Italy, especially at big attractions. And yes: most of them are time-consuming! That’s why one of the suggestions is to buy your ticket in advance and skip the line, that way, once there, you’ll only have to face one line instead of two! And patience! Be patient! Your anxiety won’t speed up the line! 😉 Ah: in low season there are also lines, unfortunately!

5) What bothers so many foreigners in Italy? THE TEMPERATURE

Drastic temperature variation: the seasons in Italy are very well defined; The big problem is when traveling when the season is changing: it rains, it’s cold, the sun shines and it heats up in a matter of hours, all in the same day. One tip I can give is: take a coat that can withstand the cold in your backpack! Forget the denim jacket, I’m talking about a heavier coat! (Read our Post: The seasons in Italy, how to pack?)

Months that experience the most temperature variation in Italy

There is little way to predict when the weather will change and, between prevention and cure, choose to be prepared! What are the seasonal change months? Here are the months that experience the most temperature variation in Italy: the change from winter to spring, which happens from mid-March to mid-April. And another period of major climate change is the transition from summer to autumn, that is: from the end of August to the middle of October. During these periods, variations arrive without warning! In the other months the season is very marked: the summer is hot and the winter is very cold, with the exception of some cities close to the sea, where the winter tends to be milder.

6) What bothers so many foreigners in Italy?  ITALIAN VACATIONS

Italian vacations: another really really really busy time in Italy is the vacations, especially school vacations, which last almost three months! School vacations start at the beginning of June and last until the beginning of September! As a result, during this period, the cities get CROWDED, both with tourists and locals. If you don’t like a ‘mess’, I don’t recommend traveling to Italy during this period. In August, high summer in the country, many traders also take the opportunity to lower their doors for at least a month; so you are likely to find many places closed, including hotels, restaurants and shops. Also read our Post: Tourism in Italy with children

7) What bothers so many foreigners in Italy?  THE SECURITY CONTROL

Security control at the entrance to tourist sites: There is a huge security control at the entrance to the main Italian monuments. It’s understandable since many of them have priceless works! The problem is that it’s not always organized the way we thought (or would like!) it to be, but it’s the way they found to keep ‘everything organized’! It’s another cultural issue that, whether we like it or not, we must accept and do as requested by them, otherwise you won’t get through the door!

8) What bothers so many foreigners in Italy?   ITALIANS DON’T SPEAK ENGLISH

People don’t speak English: No! Italians don’t speak English. In fact, the minority of them speak! Of course, in the hotel and tourist information centers, you will probably find someone who understands you in linguistic terms, but this will not always be the case. To ‘avoid’ this problem, learn some key phrases; Write them down and always have them with you! Do you have a guide with the most used phrases? Excellent! Take it with you! Read this Post: 10 pieces of advice for your trip to Italy. 

9) What bothers so many foreigners in Italy? THE ITALIAN TRAINS

Italian trains: Another issue that ends up leaving tourists in awe: the trains! Many believe that all trains are beautiful, new and impeccable. Myth! The regional trains are quite old and a little dirty, but nothing unbearable. High-speed trains, in turn, are modern and clean, but you will probably only use this type of train if you are changing cities. Are you taking the train early in the morning or late in the afternoon? Get ready to catch them full, as it is the most used form of transport in several Italian cities by the residents themselves. Read our section on the Transport Blog and find out the difference between Italian trains and much more.

10) What bothers so many foreigners in Italy? THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NORTH AND SOUTH ITALY

Northern Italians and Southern Italians: Culture changes A LOT within Italy too: in the north people seem more ‘professional’, more ‘kind’, especially because they are much more used to tourists; in the south they are more ‘sloppy”: they talk (more!) loudly, kiss, hug, touch you and in some cities there is a clear lack of tourist infrastructure. Something that you will hardly find in the north of the country, where they are more contained and a little more discreet, with excellent tourist centers! The ‘coldness’ of people from northern Italy can be confused with ‘bad’ treatment, but don’t get it wrong: they are more closed, it’s normal! In the south, don’t be surprised if someone you just met invites you to have lunch at their house: they like it and it’s very common! Read here and learn more about The difference between Northern and Southern Italy.

11) What bothers so many foreigners in Italy? THE RIGHTS

I’m paying for that!: Forget that phrase in Italy, they don’t care if ‘you’re paying!’. Italians value kindness, a smile and a cheerful ‘good morning’ MUCH MORE than their money! Always be kind, friendly and polite because that way, with ALL SURE IN THE WORLD, you won’t have any problems with ‘they were rude to me!’. Also read our post How to behave in Italy?

12) What bothers so many foreigners in Italy? THE TIMETABLES

Respect the schedules: All schedules in Italy are strictly adhered to! Never be late, for example, to take a train: you will be left behind! There is no tolerance for delays and tickets, tickets and others are not always refundable. Always pay attention to the times marked on your tickets and always try to arrive at least 20 minutes early.

13) What bothers so many foreigners in Italy? WAZE

My Waze doesn’t work in Italy: Can it happen? Of course! It’s worth remembering that it’s not always an application problem, it could also be a connection problem.

14) What bothers so many foreigners in Italy? THE MONEY

Carry change: It’s not that they don’t like giving change, they don’t always have change; So, the more money exchanged the better! Ah, use and abuse coins! Because when you return to Brazil, you could end up at a loss if you have a lot of currency in your pocket; It is worth remembering that exchange offices do not exchange coins! Find out how much money to take to Italy here.

It’s worth having tolerance!

Tolerance! Learn to have TOLERANCE: guys, Italy and your country are two completely different worlds, but with one thing in common: the passion for people! Avoid taking everything personally, thinking that a word said more abruptly is rude and that they are rude; Before ‘complaining’ and saying that you were treated badly, observe your own attitudes and understand that not everyone will have a good day like you might have. Remember that while you are on vacation, without any worries, they are there working, providing a service! And we really are always more available! It’s a cultural issue. Just know this and adapt 🙂 and everything will certainly be simpler.

To think about

Let your guard down when in Italy! Give Italians the chance to win your heart! I want to make it clear that I am not ‘defending’ the Italian people, but I speak with confidence, because living in Italy for so many years, I have never had any treatment problems, I have always been very well received, even before marrying an Italian. I believe it’s just a matter of time before you get used to something (sometimes completely!) clumsy Italian way of welcoming your visitors! 🙂

 

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Conclusion

What bothers so many foreigners in Italy? This post was inspired by so much feedback received from customers. It’s worth remembering that VERY FEW people complain about the treatment received in Italy, but I think it’s worth exposing what may (or may not!) happen, OK? This way you travel more ‘prepared’!

Do you feel insecure traveling?

If you need help organizing your trip, do not hesitate to contact me! I would love to help you make your dream trip to Italy.

Did my post help you, or do you still have questions? Leave your comment below, and I’ll get back to you!

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