3 minute read

Italy travel tips and advice for first-time travellers

By Krista

Travel & Tech Writer

Italy is one travel destination that certainly lives up to its hype. (The food alone justifies the flight over!) Still, arriving with some forethought and preparation can help ensure that this dreamy trip is without unnecessary stress.

If it’s your first time navigating Italy, it helps to have some travel advice. Here are some important Italy travel tips and advice to know before you go.

Do Canadians and Americans need a visa for Italy?

No! Both Canadian and American passport holders can travel to Italy without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Part of the Schengen Area (a border-free travel zone encompassing 29 European countries), Italy does still adhere to the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which is a digital border registration system. While it’s not a visa, it does track your entry and exit at the border.

The implementation timelines of the EES have changed a few times. That being said, it's worth checking the status before you travel to Italy.

Get an eSIM before you land

Connectivity in Italy is typically reliable. However, roaming charges from your home carrier are not something you want to encounter while sipping on an affogato.

Skip the SIM card at the airport kiosk and instead opt for an eSIM for Italy before you leave home. Download and activate on your phone and you’ll have data set to go the moment your plane lands.

If Italy is only one stop on a broader European trip, a regional eSIM for Europe covers multiple countries (including Italy) all under one plan, so you won’t need to juggle separate SIMS when you cross the border.

Book trains in advance

The Frecciarossa trains that connect between Rome, Florence, and Milan, are the perfect combination of fast, comfortable, and scenic.

Although the best fares tend to sell out quickly, if you book through Trenitalia or Italo in advance, you might be able to save a good amount of your budget.

Carry cash for smaller towns and markets

While plastic payment is widely accepted across Italy, it’s a good idea to have cash in your pocket if you happen to venture into local markets or family-run trattorias.

ATMs are fairly available but take care to use a reputable bank and double check excessive conversion fees.

Know the church dress code

It might not even cross your mind until you’re turned away at the doors of the Sistine Chapel. Most churches across Italy, including any major tourist sites, require modesty (think covered shoulders and knees).

Consider carrying a light scarf with you so you aren’t scrambling or disappointed at the entrance.

Italy travel tips and advice on where to eat

It goes without saying that the restaurants in the vicinity of major attractions are seeking to trap tourists with higher prices (and potentially lower quality food).Venture a few blocks away and look for menus written in Italian.

If there’s no English signage and locals already seated inside, it’s probably a safe bet for a delicious meal.

Once the logistics are taken care of, with your visa status confirmed, eSIM installed and train tickets booked, all that’s left is to decide on what type of pasta to eat first!

Written by Krista

Based on beautiful Cape Breton Island, Krista Montelpare is a storyteller and content writer who has been writing about eSIM technology, travel trends, and global safety since 2023. Follow her on Instagram @LoveLetterLifestyle where she writes love letters to her favourite destinations.

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