Etiquette in Italy
Everyday customs that visitors and newcomers often find useful in Italy.
- Greeting A handshake or two cheek kisses among friends. Say 'Buongiorno' on entering shops.
- Dining Cappuccino is a morning drink. Meals are leisurely, and the bill is not brought until you ask.
- Dress Cover shoulders and knees to enter churches.
- Time Dinner is late, often after 8 pm.
- Public Validate train tickets before boarding where required.
These are general customs, not rules or legal advice. They differ between regions, generations and families, and they change over time. For visas, residency and legal requirements always use the destination country's official government sources.