Culture Shock in Italy

Expats moving to Italy may experience some culture shock. Settling into a new country is often challenging, particularly when cultural differences are compounded with the difficulty of learning another language like Italian. Even seemingly simple transactions such as finding a house, doctor, dentist, school and bank can seem daunting and add to a new arrival’s sense of culture shock in Italy.

Meeting and greeting in Italy

Italians are more formal in addressing new acquaintances and colleagues than some expats might be used to. Someone using an informal greeting like 'ciao' to someone they have just met will often be interpreted as rudeness rather than friendliness. When being introduced to an Italian, a person would say 'buongiorno' (good day) and shake hands. Ciao is reserved for use among friends. Once acquainted, kisses on the cheek are often exchanged in greetings and when saying goodbye. 

Titles are used when addressing people, particularly of an older generation. In the case of professionals, a director would be referred to as 'direttore', a doctor is 'dottore' while an architect would be called 'architetto', and so on. When addressing someone without knowing their title, a man can be referred to as 'signore' and a woman as 'signora'.

Dress in Italy

When one thinks of fashion one thinks of Italy, and this connotation exists for good reason. Italy is home to several leading fashion houses. High fashion and professional dress are common in workplace settings. A person’s general body language speaks to style too, so expats should carry themselves with confidence and walk the walk. This is important among both men and women.

Religion in Italy

Most of the population of Italy is Roman Catholic and Christian, although the number of Italians who practise their religion is lowering. Still, religion plays a major role in culture, business and the way people live. Italy is a secular country but, given its ubiquitous churches and the influence of the Vatican City, religion is undeniably significant.

Bureaucracy in Italy

While expats often complain about the bureaucratic inefficiency they encounter in the country, Italy has a strong bureaucratic tradition. Italians are aware of the problem and public office is often associated with inefficiency, but the paperwork is largely seen as a necessary, if unpleasant, part of life. Expats should expect paperwork and bureaucratic procedures to take some time.

Time in Italy

Coupled with bureaucracy is Italian time: there is no rush. Italian time makes allowances for siestas, called riposo locally, which means that banks are often only open in the mornings and shops are closed between 1pm and 3.30pm. During this time, many families take a nap and should not be disturbed by telephone calls.

Food in Italy

Food is indeed the way to the heart in Italy and this does go further than pizza and pasta. A wide variety of soup, bread, meat and fish dishes are also commonly eaten. Food is a way of creating a warm, welcoming environment, to maintain family relations and friendships and to establish new relationships too. Expats are unlikely to enter an Italian home without being offered something to eat or drink.

Language in Italy

Italian is the official language of the country and is spoken by most of the country’s population, and dialects can differ vastly between regions.

There are many language schools throughout the country which provide memorable and useful insights into Italian culture. Alternatively, expats can enjoy private lessons with a hired tutor in the comfort of their own home or hotel.