Greetings
Greetings are an important part of Italian culture, and it is crucial to follow the culture’s customs when visiting or interacting with people of Italian heritage. In Italy, a handshaking is a common form of greeting. However, kissing on the cheek is reserved for close friends and family.
It is also important to remember to maintain eye contact during the greeting and to smile. Body language is a critical factor in Italy, so it is essential to be mindful of your posture while greeting someone.
Physical Contact
In Italy, physical contact is an integral part of the culture. Hugs and kisses accompany greetings, and a light touch on the arm or shoulder is common. Of course, it may not apply when you first meet someone, and it depends on your relationship with that person. But friends, family, and colleagues will usually be comfortable with this level of physical contact in a greeting.
In business settings, Italian men greet each other with a handshake, while women usually opt for two or three kisses on the cheek. If you meet an older Italian man in Italy or abroad, it’s polite to address him as Signore (Sir) followed by his surname; the same goes for older women, whom you should call Signora (Madam) followed by her surname. Always be courteous when addressing Italians, as titles are etched into their value system.
It is common to kiss both cheeks (or shake hands) when saying goodbye, depending on how well you know each other. Goodbyes are often very heartfelt in Italy, so don’t be surprised if the conversation continues for some time despite your taking leave!
Verbal Greetings
Verbal greetings in Italy are essential and provide the basis for all social interaction. Greetings should always be warm and friendly but not overly familiar. Most Italians will shake hands when greeting each other upon meeting and leaving; handshaking is important in Italian culture. It especially applies to business contexts and should not be ignored as it is seen as a sign of trust and mutual respect.
Men usually do not embrace people they do not know well—unless they are family or friends from another city. Women usually greet with a kiss on both cheeks—starting with the left cheek—and exchange of ‘ciao‘ (hi).
If there are more than two people present, everybody needs to get greeted—the rule is you start with the oldest first and work your way down to the youngest present. Generally, it’s also wise to use formal language when talking with elders and strangers; this shows respect for their age/station, even if your relationship is informal later.
Name suffixes should always be used at least once by formal introductions (but might also appear in unofficial settings). In Italy, several name endings indicate a man’s occupation or rank: -Dottore/- Doctor is used for doctors or academics; -Ingegnere/- Engineer for engineers or technicians; -Avvocato/- Lawyer for lawyers or counselors; -Professore for professors; so on and so forth. When talking directly to an individual whose name you already know, however, you can use his/her Christian name all the time.
Titles
In Italian, addressing people and using titles is essential to any conversation. Titles are used much more frequently than in American culture. It is important to address people correctly to receive respect and demonstrate that you understand the cultural requirements of the country.
The most common titles used in Italy include:
- Signore/ Signora: Respectful terms for ‘Mr’/’Mrs’.
- Dottore/ Dottoressa: Honorific title that shows respect for someone’s educational achievements.
- Signorina/ Signorino: Terms for ‘Miss’/’Mister’ are used when addressing young people or children.
- Professore/ Professoressa: Title for teachers and scholars regarded with great respect at all age levels.
- Onorevole/ Onorevolezza: Terms used when speaking with a Member of Parliament or other public official titled ‘Honorable.’
Dining Customs
Dining etiquette in Italy is quite different from many other countries. Eating out is often a very social experience, and you may share dishes and engage in lively conversations. Italian culture takes table manners seriously, and we expect to adhere to a few rules on every visit. Let’s jump into understanding the dining customs of Italy.
Table Manners
Tables manners in Italy are an essential part of dining in the country. In Italy, you will find most table etiquette customs and rules you have come to know and adhere to at home. However, it’s important to remember that table manners differ slightly from region to region, so it’s best to be familiar with the basics.
Table manners begin with setting the table. Italians typically set their tables with a tablecloth, dishes, flatware, and glasses (usually for water). When dining outside of one’s home, it is customary for each person’s cutlery (knife and fork) to be laid away from the plate facing up. It is also common for a spoon to be laid above the knives or next to them.
In some areas of Italy, bread may be served before or after a meal, but it should never be eaten before everyone else has received their food. Before eating, Italians may say “Buon appetito,” which means “enjoy your meal.” During meals, try not to complain about too much food or too little – this can often be rude. And when using salt, pepper, or olive oil, do so by asking permission from those around you first – even if it is only used on your portion of food.
Eating pasta in Italy is customary only to use a fork – no other cutlery should be used while eating pasta dishes. Don’t worry if you make some mistakes at first – they won’t take basic dining etiquette too seriously! Remember, though, that taking time over meals and enjoying them instead of rushing will improve any experience!
Tipping
In Italy, a service charge is typically included in restaurant bills. Therefore, tipping is not expected beyond rounding up to the nearest euro and, in some cases, leaving spare change. If you receive outstanding service, it’s entirely acceptable to tip up to 10% of the bill – but this should not be taken as a standard requirement.
Tipping two or three euros is sufficient for other services (such as hairdressers or taxi drivers). In bars or cafés, leaving your remaining coins on the table is usually only necessary after paying for your order at the counter.
Drinking Etiquette
Regarding drinking etiquette in Italy, you may find yourself in a new and potentially confusing situation. In general, alcohol is typically served at dinners or other gatherings, so it’s important to know how to interact and what you should expect from the local customs. To ensure that your Italian experience runs smoothly regarding dining and drinking habits, follow these etiquette and cultural guidelines.
- Be sure always to accept the first drink offered – refusal can be seen as an insult.
- When dining with others, the host is expected to order for everyone at the table, and purchasing rounds is unnecessary, as each person should pay for their drinks.
- Wine is frequently served during a meal – particularly red wine – and you must understand refills are expected at the discerning guests’ pleasure.
- Refills of wine glasses constitute good hospitality among friends, family, and visitors.
- After dinner, drinks such as grappa (an herbal liqueur made from grape skins) or limoncello (lemon liqueur) are offered.
- Italians rarely mix alcohol but do enjoy an espresso after a meal!
Gift Giving
Giving gifts is an important part of Italian cultural customs. Italians enjoy giving gifts to friends and family, which is seen as a token of appreciation and respect. Gift-giving is essential to any social interaction in Italy, from a simple thank you to a birthday or anniversary.
With the proper knowledge and understanding, giving gifts can be a rewarding experience for both the giver and the receiver.
Appropriate Gifts
When choosing a gift to give during a visit to Italy, it is essential to consider the cultural norms of gift-giving in the country. Gifts should always be presented with thought and consideration. Furthermore, receiving a gift without giving one in return is considered inappropriate, so if someone has given you a token of their appreciation, you are expected to reciprocate the gesture.
Some appropriate gifts to bring with you when visiting Italy include chocolates or Italian biscuits. Homemade gifts are especially well-received and show that you have put effort into selecting something special for them. If you are visiting family, consider bringing photographs from back home, souvenirs from your travels, or small items like necklaces or earrings; however, remember that these should be modestly priced items as over-the-top presents are frowned upon in some circles.
Other suitable gifts might include:
- Wine or grappa
- Tea or espresso sets
- Framed art
- Handmade cards
- Local delicacies such as cheese, salami, or olives
- Flowers (roses are traditionally given between lovers)
For most occasions, practical gifts like books on local history, city guides, and other relevant literature make thoughtful presents that are often appreciated more than lavish items like expensive jewelry or electronic gadgets. When considering what kind of gift would be suitable for someone living in Italy, it’s important to keep your budget realistic and not buy anything too lavish, which might cause embarrassment for the recipient.
Gift Wrapping
Gift wrapping is an important part of presenting a gift in Italy. It is common practice to keep the wrapping neat, modest and conservative – don’t go overboard with too much ribbon, lace or pattern! The idea behind this practice is to show respect for the recipient and not draw too much attention to the package itself.
More sumptuous material is used for formal gifts, but this should never be considered vulgar or excessive. Ideally, it would be best if you tried to use higher quality materials and more muted colors like brown paper, green cloth, and plain ribbon. Of course, as with any part of gift giving, there are exceptions, and in Italy, bright colors can be given for occasions such as Easter and birthdays.
If you are sending a gift, make sure it arrives attractively wrapped or doesn’t have sufficient packaging, then look for Italian wrapping paper, which comes in plain and decorative designs.
Social Interactions
When visiting Italy, it is important to know the local customs and etiquette. While some of the traditions may be very familiar to those from other European countries, Italy does have its unique rules and etiquette.
This section will cover the various aspects of social interactions in Italy and provide helpful tips for navigating these social situations:
Personal Space
In Italy, personal space is essential and should be respected. It is common for people to stand close when talking, but respecting the individual’s comfort zone is always polite. Generally, Italians don’t like it if you touch them or get too close in conversation unless you are friends, family, or someone you know well.
Italians will often brush their cheeks when exchanging a greeting like a handshake, so always be prepared for this when meeting others. However, in large cities like Rome and Milan, where people are more accustomed to tourists, they may accept more relaxed standards of personal space.
Eye contact is important in Italy – avoiding eye contact may suggest that someone is not telling the truth or trying to hide something. Similarly, nodding your head is a sign of agreement rather than acknowledgment – so only nod if you understand what someone has said and agree with it!
Conversation Topics
Italy is a place where food and passion go hand-in-hand. Italians love to talk about food and the varieties that come with it. Ingredients, preparation methods, and dining experiences are all topics that will spark conversation. So if you’re out with new friends, don’t forget to ask them where they shop for ingredients or where they prefer to eat.
Italians are very passionate about their country’s history and culture, so discussing lineage in the form of personal history or national pride is also commonplace. However, it’s important to remember that Italians’ loyalties lie first and foremost with family, which can be seen through their strong sense of regionalism and city pride. You can talk about the differences between regions in terms of language, food, customs, or architecture – don’t make any jokes about Italian pride or stereotypes, as this can lead to an awkward moment!
You’ll likely also get questions about yourself – where you’re from and your opinions on specific topics (politics and religion should usually be avoided) – which means talking about your hobbies and travels is always a safe bet. Allow the conversation to progress naturally without forcing it; consider conversing over an espresso or aperitif instead of having mealtime conversations!
Dress Code
When going out, it’s important to consider the dress code. A casual dress is great for weekend nights, with little need to wear anything too fancy. However, dinner parties and special occasions such as weddings or an evening at the theater require a more formal approach; men should choose a blazer and tie, while women would be wise to opt for an elegant gown or little black dress.
When visiting someone’s home, men should wear smart trousers, a shirt (not a t-shirt!), and a light sweater. It’s also a good idea for men to take off their hats indoors. For women, trousers or carefully chosen skirts or dresses (below the knees!) are expected when visiting someone’s home. The most important thing is not to overdress – Italians like people who look smart but aren’t too formal about it!
In public places – on public transport such as buses and trains – locals usually don’t pay much attention to how you look, apart from being neat! On weekdays however, you will find that far more people dress up quite smartly to project an image of success in the workplace – particularly in Rome, where Italian style is considered necessary when dressed for work.
Business Practices
Business practices in Italy are formal and require a great deal of courtesy and respect. Punctuality is especially important when meeting with Italian business associates, as missing or being late is considered rude and disrespectful.
Gifts are also important to ensure a good relationship between business partners, even if they are small and symbolic. It is also customary for negotiations to take a long time, and multiple meetings may be necessary to reach a final agreement.
Punctuality
Punctuality is a standard rule in Italian business culture. Italians view people who lack punctuality as being unreliable. Therefore, it’s particularly important to arrive on time for your first meeting with a client or representative of a firm, as it creates a basis for establishing trust and respect between the two parties.
Though some individuals may not be overly concerned if their counterparts don’t show up immediately, this custom is valued in many parts of Italy. Therefore, it should be considered when setting up an initial meeting. It can also depend on the setting of the meeting. At the same time, someone will probably expect to be greeted immediately in an official business setting. It may be acceptable to arrive late to an informal gathering among colleagues. Italians tend to follow relaxed schedules outside of work hours, so maintaining punctuality can vary from case to case.
However, it’s important to remember that regardless of attendee count and purpose, punctuality is almost always appreciated – making sure you are on time for meetings shows respect and responsibility for you and those you are meeting with.
Meeting Etiquette
In Italy, punctuality is valued, so aim to arrive at the designated place and time. Business meetings often provide a great opportunity to build relationships. You must greet everyone present, although it’s not expected that you will shake everyone’s hand. Instead, a polite smile in the acknowledgment is all that is necessary.
Greetings are typically formal, with most Italians using titles such as ‘Signor/ Signora’ or ‘Dottore/ Dottoressa.’ However, asking polite questions about family, jobs, or hobbies can help add a personal touch and signal that you are interested in learning more and building a connection.
During the meeting, Italians tend to be direct and explicit about expectations; remaining focused on the topic is important for showing respect for the agenda of the meeting. Avoid distractions by switching off your mobile phone before entering a meeting room. Additionally, rare occasions may call for a more casual approach, though this varies considerably between regions in Italy.
Negotiating
When negotiating, decision-making in Italy is very much a collective process. There is rarely one decision-maker, so be prepared to be patient with the negotiation process. Italians usually negotiate face to face, and decisions are based on rational facts and a good understanding of your needs and theirs. Building relationships is essential, so take the time to get to know your negotiating partner/s.
Whereas some countries are more aggressive, Italian negotiation tactics tend to be more subtle. Despite being direct at times, they will almost always remain polite and friendly throughout negotiations. Showing respect for their history and culture can help break down barriers.
Be aware that the Italians like to maintain their “face” while negotiating – not showing anger or pressure when due dates or budgets are discussed – no matter how tight the situation may be! Asking questions can help break any tensions that might arise during negotiations, although this depends on who you’re dealing with—sharp questioning may not always be welcome.
Italians have a long memory, so lousy behavior in dealings will likely not endear you to them for future business, and success for all stakeholders rests on strong relationships between you both!