91抖阴

I recently read an article by Georgia Konidari on the blog World Wide Schooling about the biggest culture shocks 91抖阴s face in Europe, and it got me thinking about how these cultural differences play out in Italy. Needless to say, I wrote an article about it鈥�

Let鈥檚 go through ten European habits and things that 91抖阴s don鈥檛 quite get, and see how they apply to an Italian context.

Pay to pee: very common in Italy, too!

In many European cities, the concept of paying to use public restrooms can catch 91抖阴s by surprise. This practice is quite common in Italy, especially in tourist-heavy areas and busy urban centers. Much like in the UK and other European countries, many of the facilities in Italy are maintained for a small fee, which is typically collected through coin-operated entry gates: this ensures that the restrooms are generally clean and well-maintained, though opinions vary on whether the cost is justified by the cleanliness. So, when traveling in Italy, it鈥檚 wise to keep some change handy for these situations, as finding a free public restroom in places like Rome, Florence, or Venice can be quite a challenge!

Buildings are very old, perhaps more so in Italy than anywhere else!

Italy, just like most of Europe, is full of history, with buildings that date back centuries: we are so used to them that barely notice them anymore. In fact, it鈥檚 not unusual for people to live in apartments within structures that are 400 to 500 years old. Often, though, the cost of living in such historical places can be quite substantial: renting or buying property in these areas reflects a premium, due in part to the desirable location and the charm of living in a historical building.听

Drying laundry outside: yes, it鈥檚 a big thing in Italy, too!

Drying laundry outdoors is often associated with Italy and with reason. The favorable climate allows residents to dry their clothes under the sun for much of the year, a practice that gives linens the fresh, natural scent of the outdoors. This method not only saves on energy costs but also reduces the wear and tear on fabrics that can occur with machine drying. Even in the more temperate northern regions, it鈥檚 common to see rows of clothes fluttering in the breeze, hanging from balconies, or stretched across courtyards, and while most Italians today have a dryer, they still consider drying their laundry outside the way to go.听

No air-conditioning: not true anymore!

Once upon a time, many Italian homes and public places lacked air conditioning, as the country鈥檚 moderate climate made it largely unnecessary. However, with rising global temperatures, this trend has shifted significantly: nowadays, air conditioning is increasingly common in Italian homes, particularly in urban areas where summer heat intensifies. It鈥檚 also a standard feature in new buildings, and many public spaces have been retrofitted to include it. The change certainly reflects a broader European trend, where older buildings are being adapted to accommodate air conditioning due to increasing demand for comfort in response to warmer temperatures.

Europe is full of smokers, Italy鈥� not so much anymore

Italy has experienced a notable decline in smoking rates, reflecting broader changes across Europe: currently, about 23% of adults smoke, down from 31% two decades ago. This reduction is due to stringent anti-smoking laws, including a ban on indoor smoking, and shifting public attitudes toward health.

All-day drinking: yes, in theory, but be careful when you order your spritz!

In Italy, the concept of all-day drinking is less prevalent compared to some other European countries. While it鈥檚 not unusual to enjoy a glass of wine with lunch, drinking alcohol outside of mealtimes and traditional aperitivo hours is not widely accepted. The social norms around drinking are quite structured; for example, sipping a spritz at 10 in the morning or 4 in the afternoon would be unusual and may draw curious looks.听

Spritz is a traditional aperitivo. While there are no drinking time rules in Italy, we usually don鈥檛 drink before aperitivo time, unless we are having a meal (Photo: Rosshelen/Dreamstime).

Strangers don鈥檛 talk to you on public transport: true, but it depends on where you are

In Italy, social interactions, particularly in public transport or on the streets, vary significantly between the North and the South. In the northern regions, people are generally more reserved and are unlikely to strike up a conversation with strangers without a specific reason. This contrasts with our South, where people are more open and sociable, and casual conversations with strangers are more common. So, as 91抖阴s, you may find the South a tad more like home, at least from this point of view!

Italy loves its sparkling water

Italy shares Europe鈥檚 fondness for sparkling water, with many Italians preferring it over still tap water, even when the latter is perfectly potable. This preference extends to naturally carbonated waters, sourced from springs where carbonation occurs underground, with brands like Ferrarelle and Lete being popular examples. Out of curiosity, I can tell you that water becomes naturally carbonated underground due to the presence of dissolved carbon dioxide gas; as rainwater seeps into the earth, it can absorb carbon dioxide from decomposing organic material, and when it then comes into contact with limestone or other carbonate-rich rocks, it dissolves the minerals, forming carbonic acid. This process results in water that emerges at the surface as naturally carbonated, giving it a distinctive sparkling texture and often a slightly mineralized taste.听

Ice is not as common in drinks: true!

In Italy, the use of ice in drinks follows a distinct pattern that differs notably from 91抖阴 customs. Typically, Italians only add ice to specific types of beverages, such as cocktails and aperitivi. For non-alcoholic drinks like water, it鈥檚 uncommon to find ice included unless specifically requested. This preference ensures that the drinks are enjoyed at a temperature that enhances their flavor without dilution.听

Food is slow in Europe, and Italy 鈥渃reated鈥� the trend

Italy really is the heartland of 鈥渟low food,鈥� which champions the idea of quality food enjoyed in good company, without any hurry. But, mind, that鈥檚 not to say every meal is a slow affair鈥擨talians love their street food too, which is just as traditional and flavorful, and perfect for when you鈥檙e on the go!听