A few years ago, I interviewed my friend Sebastian Harrison, who splits his time between Italy and Los Angeles, and he shared some great insider tips. Since then, I’ve returned to Italy several times, including this trip, and have picked up plenty of observations and lessons of my own. So while a couple of these tips originated with Sebastian, most come from my own firsthand experiences traveling throughout Italy.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Italy always teaches you something new. Here are some practical tips that can save you money, help you avoid common mistakes and make your trip a whole lot smoother.

1. Carry some cash

In major Italian cities, you can pay for almost everything with a credit card or Apple Pay. But if you’re visiting smaller towns, outdoor markets or family-run businesses, it’s smart to have some Euros in your wallet.

2. Skip the currency exchange booths

Avoid airport and tourist-area currency exchange counters whenever possible. Instead, withdraw cash from an ATM at a reputable bank. Even better, check whether your bank has a partnership with an Italian bank so you can avoid ATM fees. Also make sure your credit card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

3. Always pay in Euros

When a payment terminal asks if you’d like to pay in U.S. dollars, always decline. This is called dynamic currency conversion and it almost always gives you a worse exchange rate. Paying in Euros lets your bank or credit card company handle the conversion, which is usually much cheaper. I’ve included an example above.

4. Stay connected

If your phone supports eSIM technology, it’s worth using while traveling. It can be much less expensive than relying solely on your U.S. carrier’s international plan. I use Ubigi whenever I travel overseas because it gives me affordable data for GPS, Uber, FaceTime calls and everything else I need if my T-Mobile service slows down. Before you leave, compare your carrier’s international options so you know what works best for you.

5. Don’t touch the produce

One thing that surprises many Americans is shopping at outdoor markets. In Italy, you’re generally not supposed to pick up fruits and vegetables yourself. Instead, point to what you want and let the vendor select it for you. This is especially important with delicate items like tomatoes, which bruise easily.

6. Skip the rental car in Rome

I wouldn’t rent a car in Rome or most major Italian cities. Parking is difficult and driving can be stressful. Instead, take public transportation or if you want to take a car, try using the FreeNow app which is by Lyft. It works similarly to Uber but connects you with licensed taxis throughout much of Europe. You can pay through the app, follow your route and avoid trying to explain your destination in Italian. Uber does operate in Italy but it’s generally limited to premium services like Uber Black, which can get expensive.

7. Watch out for pickpockets

Stay alert anywhere crowds gather, especially train stations, public transportation, churches and major tourist attractions. Keep your backpack or purse in front of you and always keep a hand on it in crowded areas. Be cautious if someone tries to distract you or block your path since that’s a common tactic used by pickpockets. I also like using a money belt or a Scottevest jacket when I travel. With more than 20 pockets, it helps keep my valuables organized and secure. Women may also want to consider an RFID-blocking crossbody bag with slash-resistant straps.

8. Tipping

Unlike in the United States, you don’t need to leave a large percentage as a tip. If your restaurant bill is around €50, leaving two or three Euros is common. If the service is excellent, I usually leave around five Euros.

9. How to spot good gelato

One of my favorite Italy tips is how to identify authentic gelato. If the gelato is piled high into colorful mountains that almost look artificial, keep walking. Good gelato usually looks flatter and more natural. As Sebastian once told me, “If it’s too fluffy and too colorful, stay away from it.”

10. Check for strikes

Unfortunately, my Italian cugini like to strike, which can really put a snafu in your travel plans. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, it’s a good idea to check, or better yet subscribe to, the Italy Strike Tracker website or app. It could save you a major headache.

Italy is one of my favorite countries in the world and every trip teaches me something new. I hope these tips help you avoid a few common mistakes, save some money and make your vacation even more enjoyable.

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