What mistakes do American tourists make that anger Italian Residents?

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Genius Cook

I donâ€™t think Italians really hate anybody except each other. Here is a list of dos and donâ€™ts that I have put together to try my best to answer you question.... and after years of experience as an American traveling throughout the whole â€œbootâ€ and islands.
Here is a list of what Italians may dislike about Americans and or what may perplex them about Americans OR why they may make fun of Americans:

1. Getting drunk and even worse is a woman getting drunk in public.
2. Presumptuous Americans - don't presume that every one speaks English and that everyone accepts the Dollar. Learn how to say, "scusi, non parlo italiano" (excuse me, I don't speak Italian).... and trust me, everyone who knows two words of English will come out of the wood work to help you. Italians will be sympathetic towards you if you just try to speak just a little Italian.
3. DON'T TOUCH THE FRUIT & VEGETABLES IN THE MARKETS! And in the super markets wear the plastic gloves to pick up and inspect the goods.
4. Americans helped save Europe from Nazi Fascism.... but it doesn't mean that you own the territory. Many Italians are upset that the USAF Base is being expanded in Vicenza.... Don't argue that it brings jobs to the Italian communities (and it does). George W has put a damper on relations and so it's best not talk politics. You'll just get in over your head.
5. "In America we do it like this" or "In America we do it better and it's bigger".... make comparisons in your mind. Keep you mouth shut and take notes. Bigger is not always better.
6. Eating habits:
A. Cappuccino after spaghetti with clam sauce dinner is sick.... and you will get the Italian sitting next to sick.
B. Coke for breakfast!!! It should be cappuccino for breakfast and (maybe) the coke for lunch!
C. Eating bread - don't bring the chunk of bread to your mouth - break off what you can put in your mouth with your hands and put that (small) piece in your mouth. Is this clear?
D. Learn how to use a knife and fork please. Watch and study some old films. Put the napkin on your lap and wipe your mouth before and after you drink.
E. DO NOT CUT YOUR SPAGHETTI!!! You are in Italy and so watch your neighbor at the next table and study how to twirl your pasta on the fork. Ask the waiter to teach you! Hell, you try to use chop sticks when you go Chinese don't you?
F. My advice is not to pay as soon as you are served at the bar. Nor should you put your money on the bar as you do at the tavern back home. Italians do not do that... and it makes Americans stand out like a sore thumb. You pay before leaving and not before consuming.
7. Buongiorno, buonasera, grazie, per favore...... and youâ€™ll make friends.
8. Be careful â€“ Italians understand a good deal of English language cuss words. I hope you understand what I mean here. I trust that a word to the wise is sufficient.
9. Italians donâ€™t really cut in line (though some of the old ladies do)â€¦ they just float to where the line may be shortest. Donâ€™t get upset â€“ youâ€™ll just be another ugly American. It is useless to get upsetâ€¦. You are on vacation so slow down, take your time and laugh it off. Then you try it next time.
10. Men - Show respect to your wife in public and (married) women sitting with your husbandsâ€¦ donâ€™t flirt with the waiter!
11. Take off the back packs when you get on public transportaion or least turn it around and wear it in front of you (it is probably safer for YOU this way.

kitiyapron

I do not expect that American tourists often anger Italian residents , as long as they are not arrogant , loud mouthed or rude . Americans often dress inappropriately in Italian cities . Italians are smart dressers as a rule ; it is accepted that in summer it is hot and jacket and tie style dress would be too hot .
In a city men should wear a nice short or long sleeved shirt and nice cotton trousers , discreet sandals are acceptable . For women a comfortable cotton dress , T shirt and jeans or longer shorts ; it is a good idea to wear clothes that cover your shoulders , as you are likely to go into churches and cathedrals where it is required . I have seen Americans in florence men wearing sportsvests , bermuda shorts and flipflops ; women wearing sportsvests and very short shorts and on one occasion even a bikini . This kind of dress is fine on the beach or in the country ; but shows a disrespect when worn in the city .
We frequently read in our local newspapers of American and other nationalities on holiday being robbed in the street . Italian cities are not Disneyland solely for the enjoyment of people on holiday . When you are shopping , window gazing , exploring italian cities , you are seen by petty criminals as easy pickings for plenty of money and credit cards ; some rush by on motorcycles and grab ladies handbags . Don't carry large wads of banknotes ; it is better to use your credit card and draw a little money when you need it , from inside a bank , rather than a street ATM . Put your cards and money in secure pockets and not all together . If you are with a companion window shopping , one keep watch while other looks , be ware of street entertainments . If you go out to a restaurant in the evening ; it is unwise to go wandering around the city afterwards in the early hours of the morning . A few year ago , an American couple on holiday in Florence ; were robbed at knife point outside the Uffizzi gallery at about 2am . The same couple were subsequently robbed again the next morning . Italian residends are upset when naive " Americans " lay themselves open to this kind of crime . Italy is a most beautiful holiday destination ; but not a completely safe one ; you have to be aware , keep your eyes open .
Take care and you will have a lovely time !!!

ClassyInCoach

Be careful not to speak loudly in English, even if everyone else is yelling in Italian.

Always assume that everyone around you speaks English. If you wouldn't talk about a topic in a public place in America, don't talk about it in public in Italy, either. The same goes for not using words in public that you wouldn't use in public in America.

Don't wear white socks. All over Europe, white socks mark you as an American. They are considered exercise clothes in Europe, and so they look very sloppy. Nobody will get mad at you over this, but it will definitely ruin your chances at fitting in.

Also, never walk up to someone and speak to them in English unless you've just heard them speaking English moments earlier. If you want to speak to someone in English, start conversations by looking apologetic and asking "Do you speak English?" in Italian.

cindra

Don't get drunk and try to use a bathroom in a restaurant. Don't get loud. Wear leather shoes. Avoid blue jeans and bummy looking t-shirts. Wear your leather purse strapped over your chest, not shoulder. Cappuchino is in the morning, expresso is after dinner. Order wine, not bud-lite.

bcn_mimosa

Not just Italians but Europeans in general, When we see People wearing matching shirts.. I mean a whole group of Adults, so that no one gets lost.. That's annoying... and Other then that, Just be yourself.. Try to at least know words.. Use Ciao ( as good day and good bye) things like that.....

Enjoy youÂ´re trip...

Erica N

Nothing, really. Its one of the reasons that I love living here it Italy. Don't speak the language, use gestures and pointing. When I have a language barrier most Italians patiently try to understand what I am asking for, they are a very nice people.

chicca m

That's very nice of you! Thank you!
What makes us feel very uncomfortable in the subway are turists who stand right in front of the sliding doors of the wagons.
In this way they block other people who want to get off/ enter in the wagon. I think they should enter the wagon and not just stand there. Sometimes they also stand (when they are puzzled) just in front of the place where people have to stamp their tickets or show their monthly cards.. It would be much better for everyone if they stood aside.
Ciao e grazie!

Just be polite and friendly and learn as much Italian as you can.

amanda

Be polite, like everyone should be when going abroad, but don't worry: i bet the average american tourist is better than the italian one abroad. And who cares if you wear white socks and have cappuccino after pasta! Just don't say bad things about Italy in a loud voice, even if it is in English.

Alex CJ

ask for a coffee in a bar and screem: "I ask for a coffee wath is this!" looking at the espresso in the small cup....

....personal experience....

Suggestion: ask for an "american coffee"

oghma2006

Shaving my armpits in a public (campground) bathroom didn't seem to go over too well. I had quite an audience, all with hairy pits!

isabellarossa

Unless you're not white, you'll fit in darling. ...until you open your mouth. For a week, just push English as much as you can. No kidding. Sooner or later somebody who understands english will come along. Italians feel inferior because although they are in EU they can't go anywhere since most of them dont speak english. So if you speak English, they feel embarassed and inferior, thus kinder because THEY dont understand you.

This doesnt mean you go around with an arrogant air of course. Nobody likes that anywhere. And I imagine, LOUD abnoxious Americans are generally disliked anywhere in Europe. Keep it cool...

Yes ,I speak English/pretend not to understand Italian all the time....Italians treat me well for that...Strange but true

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