Italy is a country that fascinates and enchants, world-famous for its rich history, art, gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes. Located in Southern Europe, it is home to iconic cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence. Before leaving for this amazing trip, it is normal to have questions. That’s why we prepared this guide to clarify the main doubts travelers usually have when visiting Italy for the first time.
You need to know this before boarding your flight:
Do I need a visa to travel to Italy?
No. Brazilian citizens who plan to stay in Italy for up to 90 days do not need a visa for tourism, business, or visiting purposes. Brazil is part of the Schengen Agreement, which allows visa-free travel across 29 member countries, including Italy. However, even without a prior visa, you must present certain documents when entering Italy:
- A passport valid for at least three months after the planned departure date from the Schengen area
- Proof of accommodation or an invitation letter signed by an Italian citizen or resident
- Travel insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical and hospital expenses
- Round-trip tickets
- Proof of sufficient financial means for your stay
For stays longer than 90 days, whether for study, work, or other purposes, you must apply for a visa before traveling. We strongly recommend checking the latest updates at the Italian consulate or embassy, as the rules may change. Always confirm the current requirements before departure.
What is the best travel insurance for Italy?
The required insurance for Italy must cover at least €30,000. However, we found an excellent option that offers double the coverage—€60,000—at the same price as other plans. Currently, we use Seguros Promo, which includes a 24-hour assistance center. We have already used their service, and it was very efficient, so we recommend it.
My Travel Assist: MTA 60 Europe + Albert Einstein Telemedicine
Here are other great cost-benefit options:
ITA Travel Insurance: 60 Europe (except USA) + Albert Einstein Telemedicine
Assist Card: PLAN 30 EUROPE (except USA) COVID-19 PROMOTIONAL
Universal Assistance: UA 40 EUROPE (except USA) COVID-19
We recommend Seguros Promo, a reliable platform with great prices!
Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccine to go to Italy?
The Yellow Fever vaccine is not required to travel to Italy. However, rules can change frequently. Therefore, always check your airline’s website before departure.
Also, remember to check the vaccination rules of the country where your flight has a layover. Staying alert helps you avoid unexpected issues.
How much does a trip to Italy cost?
The cost of a trip to Italy can vary a lot depending on the season, the cities you visit, the Euro exchange rate, and your travel style. On average, a 7-day trip for two people can cost between R$20,000 and R$25,000, including airfare, accommodation, food, and sightseeing. It is wise to monitor the Euro’s exchange rate and plan your budget in advance. Don’t forget to consider extra expenses like shopping and unexpected situations.
What is the best time to visit Italy?
Spring (March 21 to June 20) and Autumn (September 21 to December 20) are ideal if you want to avoid the heat and the summer tourist crowds. These seasons bring pleasant weather, lighter crowds, and better prices for flights and hotels.
Summer (June 21 to September 20) is packed everywhere. Hotels are more expensive and the heat feels intense! You might think, “I’m Brazilian, I’m used to the heat.” We thought the same, but Italian summer feels different—there’s almost no breeze 😳. If you decide to travel during this period, book everything in advance and make sure your accommodation has air conditioning or at least a fan, since many older buildings in Italy don’t have it.
Winter (December 21 to March 20) can be very cold, especially in Northern Italy near the Alps, such as the Dolomites. It’s perfect for winter sports, but keep in mind that snowy roads require snow tires or chains by law. For details, check out our post on Driving in Italy: Essential Tips for Car Rental, Tolls, Parking, and ZTL Zones
Do I need to speak Italian?
You don’t need to speak Italian to travel around Italy, especially in big cities where English is widely spoken in tourist areas. However, in smaller towns and rural regions, fewer people speak English.
Learning a few basic phrases helps a lot. Italians appreciate when visitors try to speak their language, and they often respond more warmly. That’s what happened to us—locals valued our effort and offered better assistance. It also makes the trip even more enriching.
If you’d like to take a few lessons with a native teacher before your trip, we recommend Preply.com, the platform we use for conversation classes.
What currency does Italy use and how does money work there?
The official currency is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but some small shops may prefer or only accept cash.
We mostly use the WISE card, which offers reduced IOF and service fees. Almost everywhere in Italy accepts it. We only needed cash in remote areas, like some hiking trails or very small businesses without card machines—but those cases were rare.
What are the electrical plugs and voltage in Italy?
Italian sockets are type C, F, and L (see photo below), and the standard voltage is 220V. We recommend bringing a universal adapter. Here’s the one we use: Universal Adapter on Amazon.
What should I try in Italian cuisine?
Don’t miss out on authentic Neapolitan pizza, fresh pasta, artisanal gelato, and regional wines. Each region has unique traditional dishes worth tasting, but these are classics you will find everywhere.
What are the restaurant etiquette rules in Italy?
In most restaurants, you should wait to be seated. That means you should ask for a table and wait for the staff instead of sitting at an empty spot.
Also, pay attention to lunch hours. Many restaurants close between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Try to arrive at least an hour before closing time. If you arrive only 15 minutes before, they may not let you in—this happened to us once.
Most places charge a fixed “coperto” (service fee) per person. Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated if the service was outstanding.
Is it safe to travel around Italy?
Italy is generally safe for tourists. However, like in any popular destination, you should watch out for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
You’ll often hear “Attenzione Pickpocket.” These thieves usually act in busy spots or on public transportation. They steal wallets and phones without the victim noticing. It’s more common in big cities like Rome and Milan. Always keep your bag in front of you to avoid problems.
Can I drink tap water in Italy?
Yes, tap water in Italy is safe to drink. In many cities, you’ll also find public fountains with clean drinking water.
Why does my hair get dry in Italy?
Hair can feel dry or stiff because of the high mineral content in the water. Italy often has “hard water,” which contains calcium and magnesium. When these minerals build up, they can cause:
- Mineral buildup: Calcium and magnesium stick to the hair, making it heavy and stiff.
- Less foam: Shampoo doesn’t lather well in hard water, so you use more product, which increases buildup.
- pH imbalance: Hard water changes the hair’s natural pH, opening the cuticles and making it more vulnerable.
- Dryness: Minerals absorb natural moisture, leaving hair dull and dry.
To minimize these effects, try chelating or clarifying shampoos, which help remove excess minerals. Another option is installing a shower filter, especially if you plan a long stay in Italy. That’s what we did. For more details, read Why Does Hair Get Dry in Europe? Causes and Easy Solutions
Now that you have your main questions answered, your trip to Italy already feels closer. Get ready for an unforgettable experience where history and modern beauty meet around every corner!
If you have more questions, leave them in the comments so we can update this guide! 😉
Buon viaggio! ✈️
For more Italy travel tips, check out:
Tuscany Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit
The 50 Most Famous Italian Wines
Italian Regional Cuisine: What to Eat in Every Province
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