What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Italy?
We asked people in Italy if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"Drinking cappuccino after 1pm, not having coffee after dinner, wearing my gym clothes outside of the gym, trying to flag down a taxi (call or go to stands instead)," remarked another expat in Florence, Italy.
"All the time, probably... I walk around barefoot in my house, without slippers on. I asked if I could "Sweep the Floor" for someone. Oh...that's right...I mixed my spinach contorno (side dish) into my spaghetti. I was audibly gasped at," said a member in Southern Tuscany, Italy.

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With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Italy?
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- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Italy?
- What is the average cost of housing in Italy?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Italy?
- What should I pack when moving to Italy?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Italy?
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- What are medical services in Italy like?
- What are typical rents in Italy?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Italy?
If you live in Italy, newcomers to Italy would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of InternationalTravel.ai and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and InternationalTravel.ai, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.