Dress stylishly and conservatively: Italians place a high value on fashion and presentation, so be sure to avoid wearing athletic attire or clothing that is too casual.
Greet people with a handshake: When meeting someone for the first time or entering a shop or restaurant, it is customary to shake hands as a sign of respect.
Understand the importance of meal times: Italians typically eat lunch between 1-2pm and dinner around 8-9pm, so be prepared for later dining hours compared to other countries.
Always greet and thank people in Italian: Even if you only know a few basic phrases, showing effort to communicate in the local language is appreciated by Italians.
Be mindful of personal space: Italians tend to value close physical proximity in conversation, so don't be surprised if people stand closer to you than you might be used to.
