Italy is a country that does not lack stereotypes, and as a first timer, it can be difficult to know what to expect when you are leaving to travel in Italy. But once you spend some time here, you will find that most of them aren’t true! Italian culture is an experience unlike any other, and some of the things locals do here may surprise a lot of first time travelers. Here are some of the things that are the most surprising!
Spaghetti and Meatballs are not Italian
It may be a typical Italian dish in the United States, but it is not served anywhere in Italy! Instead, typical Italian pastas include Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, and Gnocchi.
You have to use cash
Cash is used almost exclusively in Italy. Shops either don’t have credit card machines or simply prefer it.
They don’t use ice
Italians never put ice in their drinks, and it can be impossible to find. When you go to a restaurant, it may surprise you when you are given water or coke without it!
Receipts are always given
When you purchase an espresso or a pizza, the cashier will hand you your receipt without asking. This is because in Italy, they are required to ensure the customer leaves with the receipt. If they don’t, the owner could face a large fine! Once you leave the establishment, Italian police even have the right to stop you and ask for it. After a few days, you will most likely have a ton of receipts in your wallet!
They are friendly to tourists
The stereotype of many popular travel destinations is that the locals dislike tourists. But in reality, Italians are very friendly people, and they are more than willing to share Italian culture with you. Some of the major sites can become very crowded, so they are used to having tourists around them.
Stores close in the afternoon
Spain may be known for their siestas, but the same idea is prevalent in Italian culture as well. Some stores close during lunch, from around 1pm until 4pm. However, this is becoming less typical, especially in the larger cities.
The Relaxed Atmosphere
About 60 million people live in all of Italy, and Rome is the 4th most populated city in Europe. But still, the country, and even Rome, do not have the same city feeling as other places do. Rome does not have many tall buildings, and with a slower pace of life, people are not constantly hustling around. This is one of the many charms of Italy.
By: Julia Morton