Travel Information

Protocols and Etiquette

Family
Italians place high priority on the family unit, which is at the center of society. Young people often live at home until they are in their 30s, even when they have formal jobs. When parents become seniors, they often live with their children.

Greetings
Italians often greet each other with a handshake or a kiss on both cheeks (especially among friends and family).

Cultural Sensitivities
Italians value personal space but are generally warm and welcoming. It's polite to address people using their titles (e.g., Signore for Mr., Signora for Mrs., and Signorina for Miss).

Open doors for the elderly.

Religious Sites
When visiting churches or religious sites, it's respectful to dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) and to speak quietly.

Dining
Meals are a social affair, with lunch being the largest meal of the day. Italians take their time to enjoy food and conversation.

Guests are invited to start eating when the host or head of the table says “Buon appetito” (Enjoy your meal).

If bread is on the table, try not to fill up on it before the main course begins. Use it to absorb the sauce at the end of the meal.

If someone does not want more wine, it is customary to leave the wine glass nearly full.

Breakfast is not a big meal in Italian culture and is sometimes skipped. But it generally consists of a cappuccino and a cornetto (croissant), or some other type of sweet bread.

Tipping is not obligatory, but it is a nice gesture to leave a few Euros for your server. Also, check your bill as it may already include a 10% service charge. 

Coffee
Italy is renowned for its coffee culture, and they take this culture quite seriously. For example, they never have milk with their coffee after 11AM, this includes cappuccino and caffè latte. These drinks are generally considered part of breakfast and are sipped with a cornetto (croissant). They also do not consume it after a meal because they say it can negatively impact digestion.

Cafes provide you the choice of consuming coffee while standing at the counter (al banco), or at a table. It is cheaper to drink standing but payment must be up front.

There are many types of coffee options in Trieste, but if you want to be like the locals, you can ask for a “capo in b” which stands for a cappuccino in bicchiere – in a glass. Here is a guide to the various coffee options which will make your exploration more fun!

Gift Giving
Gifts are often open in front of the giver when received.

If giving flowers, be aware that chrysanthemums symbolize death and funerals. Yellow flowers can indicate jealousy whilst red flowers may indicate love or secrecy.

Italians usually wrap gifts in beautiful wrapping. Avoid wrapping a gift in black as it symbolizes mourning/grief, or purple which is considered bad luck. 

When dining at someone’s home, it is customary to bring sweets, or small trays of pastries. Wine, chocolates, and flowers are always appreciated.

Business gifts are not common, but if one is given, it is usually small and symbolic of your home country, culture, or type of business.

Communication
When entering a meeting or shop, it is customary to say good day or good evening, and goodbye when departing.