A lot has changed when it comes to payments in Italy. You can now use credit cards widely, but other contactless payment services like Venmo and ApplePay are less common around the country. That means that how much cash to bring to Italy really depends on the kinds of purchases that you plan to make. […]
Category Archives: Italy
29
Jun
Jun
I receive a lot of worried messages asking me if it is true that Italians NEVER drink cappuccino after 11 am, and what visitors can do if they really want that coffee fix later in the day. While there is no law in Italy that bans a cappuccino after 11 am, you really won’t find […]
21
May
May
Learning a new language is usually a lifelong process but that does not make it an impossible one. (Or at least that is what I am discovering having already lived in Rome for 10 years). There are always new ways to build understanding, learn new vocabulary, and stretch towards fluency. Depending on your goals, timeline, […]
18
May
May
Sorrento is a picturesque town on the far end of the Bay of Naples known for its lemons, ceramics, and, well, tourists. Located south of Naples and just before the Amalfi Coast, the city has long drawn international visitors who are charmed by its beauty and sea views. The lure is understandable. While Sorrento is […]
16
May
May
Mario Draghi, the Prime Minister of Italy, and other government officials have recently announced a “Green Pass” for people hoping to travel to Italy from countries such as the United States. It was rumored that those who can show proof of vaccination, a negative test, or proof of recent recovery from COVID-19, can enter Italy […]
17
Apr
Apr
One of the things that I really cherish about my life in Italy are the small social interactions that revolve around food. This can mean shopping at a local market to interact with the vendors, making small talk with the barista over a morning caffè, and of course, sitting down for an aperitivo. Aperitivo in […]
08
Feb
Feb
I hope you gnocchi how much I enjoy a good joke. Hello? Anyone? But seriously, I need a break from the news and I love a good Dad joke. If you are looking for a little pick-me-up, these pasta jokes are (almost) so bad they are good. And if you have any more pasta puns, […]
27
Jan
Jan
The Euro is a common currency used across many EU countries and it can be fun to collect coins issued by different countries. The designs you will find on the coins are country-specific, though they can be spent across all Eurozone countries. Italy’s usual designs, for example, feature Dante and an image of the Campidoglio, […]