VENICE

CASH NEEDS

Credit card use is pretty widespread, but some cash is always good to have (ATMs are abundant). You'll still likely use cash for tips, for traghetti trips, for small purchases (e.g., souvenirs or espresso), or at some small vendors and markets. You'll also want to carry some small denominations for the occasional restroom that charges or to light up art in some churches.

TIPPING

Tipping in Italy is still optional and modest; you should tip out of appreciation rather than obligation. Service charges are often included, so there isn't a huge tipping culture. Note that a coperto is not a tip; it's a cover charge for the bread, table settings, etc. Round up for cabs or bars and add ~10% in restaurants. Tip a few Euros for other services like maids or porters. In Venice, your biggest tips will likely be to water taxis. The standard tip is €5-10, but increase that to €10-20 if there was exceptional service, bad weather, or lots of assistance with luggage.

You'll likely find English speakers since it's a major tourist destination, especially in the cities, but it's always good to prep some Italian and try to use it! At the very least, familiarize yourself with the names of common dishes. Generally, an all-Italian menu is a good sign, so come prepared to read it!

Officially, the State Dept. has given Italy a level 2 travel advisory (out of 4), which advises to exercise increased caution. This status is given due to terrorism risks. For more info, read the full travel advisory from the U.S. State Dept.

In general, Italy is relatively safe for travelers with low to moderate rates of violent crime, petty theft, etc. As always, stay smart in big cities to avoid scams or pickpocketing and avoid certain areas late at night. Keep your bag or wallet in front of you, don't leave bags sitting on the ground or a chair, don't flash valuables, don't engage with people offering you anything for "free," and generally stay aware of your surroundings. In Venice, be particularly aware on vaporetti or near major tourist spots like St. Mark's and Rialto.

Overall, Italy feels rather familiar as a US Traveler. That said, Italy has a few cultural norms to keep in mind when traveling:

• Italy is a predominantly Catholic country. Be aware of holidays & masses, dress appropriately (covered shoulders and knees for many churches), and be respectful when entering a church.

• Greetings are mandatory - whether that's simply saying hello and goodbye when entering a shop, saying permesso when passing in a crowd, or giving the classic cheek kisses to family and friends

• Italians take their food seriously, and that comes with a few rules and expectations: cappuccino is strictly a morning drink, don’t put cheese on seafood pasta, and expect meals to be slower, more social, rather than quick

• The daily rhythm is a little different. Shops may be closed in the afternoon or on Sundays, and dinner tends to be later (rarely before 7:30)

• There are a few regulations that are enforced in Venice, including: No eating on bridges or monuments, no sitting on the steps of monuments, no dragging suitcases over bridges (due to noise), no feeding the pigeons, no littering, and no swimming in canals

FOR ITALY

Currently, no travel documents aside from a passport are needed (for US Travelers staying fewer than 90 days in the Schengen Area (a collection of European countries)); however, starting in 2026, Americans will need an ETIAS travel authorization. The EU repeatedly states that this is not a visa, but I don't really see the difference. (My assumption is that only certain travelers in very specific situations will care about that delineation). You can apply for this online at this link: ETIAS Italy Requirements for US citizens

Make sure you have a valid passport with at least 2 blank pages that will be unexpired for 3 months beyond your planned departure (although a longer 6-month window is recommended).

You also may be asked (but not always) for the following when visiting the Schengen Area:

• Proof of onward travel

• Proof of accommodation

• Proof of sufficient funds

Note: This advice is tailored to American travelers and is subject to change. Always check the latest requirements with IATA, the U.S. State Department (Italy International Travel Information), the Italian Embassy, or an equivalent before heading out on your trip. I also like Sherpa as a resource, which has a handy travel advisory map; it's a great starting point to know what visa & health requirements exist for everywhere you are going internationally. I also always double-check official sources to cover all my bases!

FOR VENICE

Recently, Venice has implemented a Venice Access fee. This fee ranges from €5-10 depending on how far out you book. The fee only applies to day-trippers (between 8AM - 4PM) visiting on designated peak days. While overnight visitors are exempt, they still must register their visit online. You can register and see more information here.

Generally, no medical prep is required to visit Italy. Always check official Italian entry requirements as well as the U.S. State Dept.'s page for Italy International Travel Information (or your country's equivalent.)

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At the time of writing, no proof of COVID vaccination nor a negative test was required to enter Italy. The situation is always changing, so make sure to check a site like Sherpa, which has a handy Travel requirements map along with the Embassy (COVID-19 Information) to stay up to date with the latest requirements. 

Italy country code: +39

Emergency services (Police, fire, ambulance): 112

U.S. Embassy Rome: +39 06‑46741

U.S. Consulate Milan: +39 02‑290‑351

U.S. Consulate Florence: +39 055‑266‑951

U.S. Consulate Naples: +39 081‑583‑8111

U.S. Consular Agency Venice: +39 041‑541‑5944

U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Italy

Types F & L (230V / 50Hz)

For reference:

• US uses 110V / 60Hz and plug types A (2-prong) and B (3-prong)

• UK uses 230V / 50Hz and plug type G

• Most of continental Europe uses 230V / 50Hz and plug types C, E, & F

If your device is not dual-voltage (usually phones & laptops are - but hair tools are problematic), make sure to use a converter / transformer, NOT just an adapter. AND make sure your converter has a high enough power rating for your device. An adapter just makes the plug fit in the wall, but doesn't change the voltage.