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!...
"Numerous, but I don't care because I am the perpetual outsider - the American. I live my life around diversity, being multiracial. I am different and if I am living here, I not only want to absorb but also share. Had people not shared in the past, the Jewish community would have kept that awesome coffee to themselves," commented one expat who made the move to Tuscany, Italy.
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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"It is important to be respectful when visiting Italy. Some cultural faux pas you should try to avoid making include not speaking too loudly in public places, as it is considered rude; being punctual when invited to someone's home; avoiding being too familiar or friendly with strangers; not being loud or disrespectful in places of worship; not eating or drinking while walking the streets; and not increasingly gesticulating when speaking," remarked another expat in Italy.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Italy?
- How do I meet people in Italy?
- What is life like in Italy?
- Is there a lot of crime in Italy?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Italy accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Italy like?
- Is the cost of living in Italy high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Italy?
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- What is the weather like in Italy?
- Are there good restaurants in Italy?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Italy?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Italy?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Italy?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Italy?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property 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 Digital Nomad Exchange 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 Digital Nomad Exchange, 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.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.