Why you shouldn't hitchhike in Italy

Traveling in Italy is an expensive pleasure, but it is worth it, because there is really something to see in the country. And although in the light of recent events, it is unlikely that many are eager to visit the Apennines, but in the near future, when the situation stabilizes, there will be many people wishing to come to Italy, as always.

Therefore, today we will share interesting information that will help you approach a journey through this amazing country with complete confidence in your abilities. Moreover, ignorance of some of the features can significantly spoil the impression of the trip.



Traveling in Italy The first thing that domestic tourists need to know is that in Italy hitchhiking is officially prohibited. And the police do not turn a blind eye to violators, and a fine from a couple of hundred to a couple of thousand euros is quite real. In addition, there is the prospect of spending the next few hours in an unpleasant place.



The drivers themselves cannot but know about this, and therefore prefer to ignore unfamiliar travelers. Especially when it comes to toll highways, where you have to pay a toll. More often than not, you can even see “NO AUTOSTOP” signs at the entrances.

But if we talk about secondary roads, then you can catch a ride if it is profitable to choose a place. More chances if travelers know Italian (English is unlikely to help), and also orientate themselves on the terrain (which is not easy on secondary roads). And you also need a positive attitude, because it is much easier to win over Italians with a smile than without it.



What else you need to know before traveling in Italy
  1. In Italian pharmacies, potent drugs are sold only by prescription, and therefore it is better to take everything you need on a trip. Moreover, the prices are often several times higher.



  2. The historic city centers are paved with cobblestones, so you should bring comfortable shoes. You can't walk in heels here.
  3. Smoking is prohibited in public places, and fines for violation reach 500 euros.
  4. From 13:00 to 16:00, many establishments may be closed, as locals like to relax at lunchtime.
  5. A visit to the museum can cost around 10 euros. But for those who like to save money, it will not be superfluous to know that on the first Sunday of every month, admission to the Italian state museums is free.



  6. The best time to travel to Italy is in spring (April-May) or autumn. During this time there are fewer tourists and the weather is quite pleasant.
  7. To always stay in touch, you will have to buy a local SIM card, choosing among the main operators: Vodafone, TIM, Wind. Moreover, you can top up your mobile account in supermarkets and even at newsstands.
  8. Even if you know Italian, you may face the fact that you do not understand what the locals are talking about. This is normal, because more than a hundred dialects are spoken in the country.



  9. You can drink water directly from the tap, so don't forget to take a bottle with you. Although in the south of the country this rule does not apply everywhere.
  10. In order not to overpay for food, it is better to get off the popular tourist paths and eat where the locals eat. Surely there are many interesting dishes here that can be tasted in a pleasant atmosphere. If money is running out, then a lot of everything nutritious can be bought right in the supermarket.





Before going to another country, it will not be superfluous to find out its peculiarities, so as not to encounter unpleasant surprises while traveling. We hope that our advice will help you to spend your time abroad with benefit and pleasure, and the impressions of the trip will remain only pleasant.