Voltage in Italy is 220, and in the US and some other countries, it's 110. The adapter should convert your USA plug (Type A or Type B) into the Type F socket commonly found in Italy. You will need a plug adapter since the shapes of the plugs are different. Most electronic devices such as cameras, cell phones, laptops and electric shavers are dual voltage by default. See the photo.

Washcloths are not items one finds in a typical household in Italy, and hotels don't usually have them - you will usually only find a large bath towel and a smaller hand towel and towels for the bidet. Consider carrying a quart size zip baggie to put your wet wash cloth in as you travel.

Make photocopies of your passport and of the contents of your wallet (carry separately.)  Keep a photocopy (or scanned copy on your phone) of your passport with you in case you are asked to verify your identification.  Hotels may ask to keep your passport, but it will be returned within a few hours.  (Passports can be kept in hotel safe).  Take photos of your luggage to assist if lost or stolen.  Consider putting "air tags" or "Tiles" inside luggage and purses to track them in case they become lost.

Travel insurance can make the difference between a ruined trip and a trip that has a hiccup that you can just get through.  Most USA medical insurance is not valid during international travel.  Check your credit card company for possible coverage and find out about medical insurance. 

American dollars are not accepted in Italy. Getting Euro when you are in Italy will save you money, BUT you may feel comfortable ordering small amount of Euro from your bank before traveling, (300 to 500 euro).  It's easy to get Euros in Italy from bank machines (Bancomat) that are near or in any bank you see on the streets, in the airports, and train stations.  I recommend using your bank debit card to withdraw Euro from Bancomats, (transactions are available in English).  (Do not change money at places that say ATM).

Tipping in Italy differs from the USA and is never mandatory. For good service in restaurants, consider rounding your bill up to the nearest five or ten euros as a cash tip. Credit card payments do not include a line for a tip amount; leave cash (5-10%). Tipping tour guides is customary, typically 5-10% or more for longer tours (10 to 15%). For taxi drivers, tip around 3-5 euros in cash, depending on distance and luggage.

Check with your credit card company regarding foreign transaction fees for card use in Italy.  While credit cards are widely accepted, smaller shops may charge extra for card payments, so it's advisable to carry cash, especially for small purchases like coffee, gelato, and tipping. While Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, some smaller establishments may not take American Express.

When using your international phone plan to call numbers in Italy, you must use the plus sign (+)before the Italy country code of 39. To get the + sign on your phone keypad, press and hold the zero key until it appears. Then enter 39 and the rest of the number.

If you are calling back to the States, dial normally.

If you download a map and save it for offline use in Google Maps, you will be able to view the map and access basic information about locations, such as names and addresses, even without internet access. However, you will not be able to receive real-time navigation directions, such as turn-by-turn directions or voice-guided navigation, without an internet connection.  NOTE:  Street names will be ON the buildings at the corner, about 10 feet up.

• You can ask for a menu in English in most restaurants

• Ordering tap water is not an option in Italian restaurants. Restaurants will offer bottled water, either still or carbonated (liscia o frizzante) and there is a nominal charge.

• You do not have to order from every category (appetizer, primi, secondi, contorni (side dishes) and dessert.

• Most restaurants open around 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm. and serve late into the evening.

• There are plenty of other eating options besides restaurants, include pizzerias, bars (which are actually cafes--not like American bars), bakeries, gelato & sandwich shops, etc. They are usually open all hours.

• Italians never drink cappuccino after breakfast and never with meals except breakfast.  You can order one whenever you like, but it's not a common thing.  

• If you order a "latte", you will receive a glass of milk and not a coffee drink - ask for a "caffé latte".  

• To order a coffee, say "un caffé" and not un espresso.  Order un americano for a more diluted coffee.

• Service Charge (Servizio): In many Italian restaurants, a service charge might be added to your bill, which is usually around 10-15%. This is indicated by the phrase "servizio incluso" (service included). If you see this on your bill, it means the tip has already been included, and there is no obligation to leave an additional tip.

• Coperto: In some parts of Italy, you might also see a charge called "coperto" on your bill. This is a cover charge that typically ranges from 1 to 3 euros per person and covers the cost of bread, table setting, and sometimes water. This is different from a service charge, and it’s a standard fee in many restaurants.

• Leaving an Extra Tip: While tipping is not mandatory, it is appreciated for exceptional service. If the service charge is not included, or if you want to leave something extra, it's common to round up the bill or leave a small amount (5-10%) in cash. Italians generally leave tips in coins rather than bills, and it’s often left on the table when leaving.

• In Casual Settings: In casual eateries like cafés or pizzerias, tipping is even less expected. Rounding up the bill or leaving a euro or two is sufficient.

The following cell phone apps work well when you need a taxi in Italy's main cities:  FreeNow, itTaxi, and Apptaxi. These apps are in English and easy to use.  Uber is also in Italy's main cities, but it operates like Uber Black and will be more expensive than other taxis.

In Italy, the official metered taxis are white and will have their license information on the side of the car.  You cannot flag taxis down in Italy -- they must be reserved ahead of time by phoning the taxi company or having your hotel or restaurant call and make arrangements.  You can also catch a taxi by standing at the official taxi stands, but often it's faster to use an app or call the taxi company.  Official taxi stands are easy to find at airports, train stations, and near major monuments and museums.  Before you enter the taxi, ask if they accept credit cards and always agree on the price.

Tickets for regional trains, or any ticket that doesn’t have a specific time and assigned seat, need to be validated.  (Easily validated by downloading train app).

Upon entering the station, locate the large electronic schedule boards. Avoid focusing solely on the destination; instead, find your train by identifying the train number and departure time. Trains may arrive about 10 minutes before departure. 

"Binario" is Italian for platform, abbreviated as "BIN" on the schedule board. "Partenza" means Departures. Once at your platform, train car numbers are indicated above. Ensure your ticket matches your designated train car number.

Be mindful of pickpockets. A train station is a great place for them to steal from your bag or pickpocket you because it’s busy, loud and distracting. Keep your belongings close the whole time, and don’t accept help from anyone who doesn’t work for the train station or a railway company! One “trick” they like to do is offer to help with your bags, and then they refuse to give them back without payment. Decline any such offers for help if it’s not from a staff member (clearly marked with uniforms and badges).