Quick reference

Money, language, etiquette.

The practical bits — what cards to pack, when to order cappuccino, how to tip, and how to tell a tourist trap from the real thing.

Money

Cards, cash, and tipping

Currency

Italy uses the Euro (€). Croatia joined the Eurozone in 2023 — also Euros. Cards work nearly everywhere. Carry €30–50 cash for cabs, gelato, cicchetti bars, and small purchases.

ATMs

Withdraw from bank ATMs (BNL, Intesa, UniCredit) — avoid Euronet machines, which charge poor exchange rates and high fees.

Tipping in Italy

Service is included; restaurants charge a coperto (cover) of €1–3 per person. Round up or leave 5–10% only for exceptional service. No tipping at cafés — stand at the bar like a local for a €1.20 espresso. Taxi: round up to nearest euro.

On Silver Muse

Gratuities are included in the fare (Silversea is all-inclusive). Extra gratuities at your discretion only.

Phones

Data abroad

eSIM before flying

Airalo's Italy plan is €5–8 per GB and activates instantly. Saves you from $10/day roaming charges. Both Italy and Croatia are EU, so one eSIM works for both.

Safety

Don't be a target

Pickpockets

Italy and Croatia are very safe overall. Pickpockets are the main risk in Rome (Termini Station, Trevi Fountain, buses) and Venice (Rialto Bridge, vaporettos). Front pockets, crossbody bags, don't ask strangers to take your photo with your phone.

Emergency

112 — universal emergency number across the EU. Speak slowly; operators usually have English. 113 Italian police, 118 Italian medical.

Dress codes

What you can't wear in a basilica

Vatican / St. Peter's / St. Mark's

Knees and shoulders covered for both men and women. Sleeveless tops, short shorts, and short skirts will be turned away at the door. Pack a light scarf — does double duty.

Coffee rules

How to order in Italy

Order at the cashier first, get a receipt, then take it to the bar. Drink standing for €1.20; sitting at a table can cost 3× more. Cappuccino is a morning drink — locals never order it after lunch. After dinner: caffè (espresso) or a caffè corretto (espresso with grappa).

Eating timing

When restaurants are open

Lunch: 12:30–2:30 PM. Dinner: 7:30–10:30 PM. Restaurants are usually closed in between. Cicchetti bars in Venice serve all afternoon — good fallback if you missed lunch.

Tourist trap rules

How to spot the bad ones

Avoid

Photo menus, restaurants with hawkers outside, anything directly on Piazza San Marco for food (drinks for the experience are fine), canalside in Venice (overpriced), and anywhere advertising "Authentic Italian Food." Italians don't need to advertise authenticity.

Trust

Handwritten menus, Italian-only menus, full of locals at 1:30 PM lunch or 9 PM dinner.

Italian survival kit

Phrases that earn you smiles

Italian

Buongiorno / Buonasera: Good day / good evening
Per favore / Grazie / Prego: Please / thank you / you're welcome
Mi scusi: Excuse me (formal)
Il conto, per favore: The check, please
Un tavolo per due: A table for two
Senza ghiaccio: Without ice
Dov'è il bagno?: Where's the bathroom?
Quanto costa?: How much?
Non capisco: I don't understand
Parla inglese?: Do you speak English?
Cin cin!: Cheers!
Un caffè: A coffee (= an espresso)
Un cappuccino: Cappuccino — never order after 11 AM
Un'ombra: A small wine (Venice)
Cicchetti: Venetian small plates / tapas
Ottimo / Buonissimo: Excellent / very good
Posso pagare con carta?: Can I pay with card?
Lo conto pago io: I'll pay (claiming the bill)

Croatian

Dobar dan: Hello (Croatian)
Hvala: Thank you (Croatian)

One thing to remember

Slow down. Italian and Croatian meals aren't transactions — they're the point. Order two courses, pour wine for the table, look up at the buildings. The whole region is engineered for this. Buon viaggio!

Pre-trip checklist

Before you fly

Passport valid 6+ months past return (Nov 2026)
Notify credit cards of Italy + Croatia travel
Download offline Google Maps for Rome & Venice
WhatsApp installed (locals use it)
International phone plan or eSIM (Airalo Italy €5/GB)
EU plug adapter (Type C/F)
Power bank for long touring days
Comfortable walking shoes (broken in)
Light layers — May avg 60–75°F
Modest cover for Vatican / St. Mark's (no shorts/bare shoulders)
Reusable water bottle (Rome & Venice both have free fountains)
Book Da Enzo, Armando, Antiche Carampane reservations now
Pre-book skip-the-line tickets (Vatican, Colosseum, Doge's)
Pre-book Venice arrival water taxi for May 22
Pre-book Venice → VCE water taxi for May 23
Cash: get €200–300 from ATM on arrival