How to Adapt to Italian Culture: Practical Tips for Success

Thinking of moving to Italy from the UK and wondering what it’s really like to live there? The sunshine, delicious food, and rich cultural history are all part of the appeal—but truly settling into Italian life means more than just learning a few Italian phrases or enjoying your morning espresso in the local piazza. To feel at home, it’s important to get to grips with the customs, values, and social etiquette that define everyday life in Italy.

Italian culture is centred around family, style, and community. From warm greetings and lively dinners to a more relaxed attitude to time, life here is all about personal connection. And while these cultural differences are part of the charm, they can take a little adjusting to if you’re coming from the UK.

Whether it’s navigating dining etiquette, picking up on unspoken cues, or embracing regional quirks, understanding how things work in Italy will help you feel like you belong.

At Simpsons International Removals, we’ve helped hundreds of people make the move to Italy smoothly and stress-free. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips to help you settle in—whether it’s respecting family traditions, dressing with Italian flair, or building genuine local connections.

With the right mindset—and a trusted removals partner—you’ll be embracing la dolce vita in no time.

1. Embrace Italian Family Values

Family sits at the heart of Italian life. It’s more than just a source of love and support — it’s the glue that holds many aspects of daily life together, from social traditions to financial help. While some cultures tend to focus on the nuclear family, in Italy, the extended family is just as important. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins often have a hands-on role in each other’s lives, creating a close-knit and supportive network.

Even though modern life has seen family sizes shrink, the emotional bonds remain incredibly strong. It’s not uncommon for young adults to live with their parents well into their 20s or 30s — and not just for financial reasons, but because family togetherness is deeply valued.

Respect for older generations runs deep, and there’s a strong cultural expectation that children will look after their parents as they age. At the same time, many Italian parents continue to support their adult children, helping with living costs and offering guidance through life’s ups and downs.

For anyone thinking of moving to Italy or getting to know the culture more deeply, understanding these family values is key. They’re a powerful reflection of the Italian way of life — warm, supportive, and deeply connected.

2. Mastering Italian Dining Etiquette

In Italy, dining is much more than just eating — it’s a celebration of food, family, and friendship. Meals are social occasions, often lively and full of conversation, and understanding a few customs can help you feel right at home.

First, don’t worry too much about being exactly on time. If you’re invited to dinner, arriving 15 to 30 minutes late is perfectly acceptable — Italians are relaxed about punctuality, especially when it comes to social gatherings.

Style also matters. Italians take pride in how they present themselves, so whether you’re attending a formal dinner or a casual get-together, it’s a good idea to dress smartly. Even relaxed dinners call for polished, well-fitted outfits — think more elegant than everyday casual.

Once you’re seated at the table, there are a few simple rules to follow:

• Keep your elbows off the table.
• Don’t speak with your mouth full.
• Take modest portions — there’s usually plenty to go around.
• Use the continental dining style, keeping the fork in your left hand and knife in your right.
• Wait for your host to invite everyone to begin before you start eating.
• And when raising a glass, a cheerful “salute” or “cin cin” is always appreciated.

One lovely tradition to look out for is la scarpetta — using a piece of bread to mop up the last of a delicious sauce. It’s a small but genuine way of showing you’ve really enjoyed the meal. And more often than not, the evening ends with an espresso — a comforting little ritual after a long, leisurely dinner.

So, if you’re invited to share a meal in Italy, embrace it. It’s not just about the food — it’s about the connection, the conversation, and the joy of being together around the table.

3. Dress Like an Italian

Fashion in Italy isn’t just about clothes — it’s a way of life. Italians have a natural flair for dressing well, blending timeless elegance with a modern edge. The famous “Made in Italy” label stands for more than just style; it’s a mark of quality, craftsmanship, and pride in tradition.

Italians tend to favour clothes that are well-fitted, clean-cut, and quietly stylish. You won’t see much in the way of loud patterns or flashy logos — instead, think tailored blazers, crisp shirts, and jeans that fit just right. Even casual outfits have a polished, put-together feel.

At the heart of Italian style is the idea of “la bella figura” — literally “the beautiful figure” — but really, it’s all about making a good impression through how you present yourself. That’s why you’ll rarely see Italians wearing gym clothes outside of the gym. Activewear is for working out, not for coffee runs or city strolls.

If you’re visiting or moving to Italy, embracing these style cues is a great way to connect with the culture. Looking sharp isn’t about being flashy — it’s about showing respect for yourself and those around you. And once you get into the rhythm of Italian fashion, you might find yourself enjoying the confidence that comes with dressing well.

4. Getting the Message Across: Speaking the Italian Way

In Italy, communication isn’t just about words — it’s an art form full of energy, warmth, and expression. Italians love to talk face-to-face, using hand gestures, facial expressions, and tone to add colour to every conversation. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it.

Don’t be surprised if Italians keep speaking to you in Italian, even if they know you don’t understand everything. It’s not meant to be confusing — it’s their way of sharing their beautiful language with you, and they often hope you’ll pick up bits and pieces along the way. Mistakes and misunderstandings are all part of the fun, so don’t be shy about jumping into a chat, even if your Italian isn’t perfect.

You might also notice greetings are a bit more personal — a warm smile and a cheek kiss (or two) are common ways to say hello. It can feel unfamiliar at first, but it’s a lovely way to connect.

Whether you’re chatting with a neighbour or asking for directions, you’ll soon see that conversations in Italy are full of personality. Embracing this expressive, animated style of communication is one of the best ways to feel part of the local culture — and to enjoy every exchange that comes your way.

5. Talking with Your Hands

In Italy, communication isn’t just about what you say — it’s also about how you say it, and that often involves your hands. Gestures are a big part of everyday conversation, adding personality, emotion, and meaning that words sometimes can’t quite capture.

You’ll quickly notice how naturally Italians use their hands to express themselves. A twist of the finger into the cheek — known as the cheek screw — can mean something’s cute or tastes amazing. A quick flick from under the chin? That’s a clear sign someone’s not interested or a bit bored. And then there’s the famous hand purse gesture — fingers pinched together and moved up and down — which can mean anything from “What do you want?” to “What on earth are you doing?” depending on the situation. It’s all about the context!

Picking up on these gestures is more than just fun — it helps you understand the rhythm of Italian communication and avoids confusion. But be careful: some gestures, like slapping your bicep while raising a clenched fist, can be pretty offensive. It’s always best to observe and learn before using gestures yourself. Once you start noticing and even trying out a few of these expressive movements, you’ll find it easier — and a lot more fun — to connect with locals and really feel part of the Italian way of life.

6. Building Relationships with Italians

In Italy, relationships are everything. Whether it’s a casual chat over coffee or a formal business meeting, personal connections lie at the heart of how things are done. Trust and familiarity matter — Italians prefer to do business with people they know and feel comfortable with, so building genuine rapport is key.

Networking here isn’t about collecting as many new contacts as possible. Instead, it’s about nurturing the relationships you already have, often through regular catch-ups, thoughtful gestures, and time spent together. Relationships are built over months and years, not rushed introductions — so patience and consistency go a long way.

If you’re invited to someone’s home, it’s a real sign of trust — and a wonderful opportunity to deepen your connection. A small gift, like a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers, is always appreciated. Complimenting the host’s home or the meal is a lovely way to break the ice and show respect. And if you happen to arrive near mealtime, don’t be surprised if you’re invited to stay and share dinner — Italians are famously warm and generous hosts. Sincere appreciation, good manners, and a little time are all it takes to start forming strong, lasting bonds. In Italy, those relationships can become the foundation of both personal and professional success.

7. Understanding Regional Variations

Italy may be one country, but it’s made up of many distinct regions — each with its own personality, customs, and way of life. From north to south, the cultural differences can be quite striking, and getting to know them is a big part of truly understanding Italian life.

In the north, you’ll often find a faster pace — people tend to be more business-focused, with a culture shaped by strong ties to Central Europe. In the south, life moves at a slower, more relaxed rhythm, shaped by the warm Mediterranean climate and rich history influenced by Arab, Greek, and Spanish traditions. This mix is especially evident in the food, architecture, and daily habits you’ll come across in southern towns and cities.

One thing you’ll quickly notice is the deep sense of local pride, known as campanilismo. Rather than thinking in terms of a national identity, many Italians feel strongest about their hometown or region — and they’ll happily tell you why theirs is the best! This local pride shows up in everything from the food they cook to the dialects they speak, like Neapolitan in the south or Franco-Provençal in parts of the north.

Even daily routines can vary — for instance, in the south, you might come across the tradition of the siesta, a restful break in the afternoon, while in the north, schedules tend to stick to a more continuous workday.

Taking the time to appreciate these regional differences isn’t just polite — it’ll help you connect more meaningfully with the people you meet and deepen your understanding of what makes Italy such a wonderfully diverse and colourful country.

8. Navigating Italian Work Culture

Working in Italy comes with its own set of traditions and expectations. The workplace tends to be quite structured, with a clear hierarchy where seniority and experience are highly respected. Titles matter, and it’s important to be formal and polite when addressing colleagues, especially those in senior positions. This formality isn’t about being stiff — it’s about showing respect and recognising people’s roles within the team.

At the same time, Italians place a strong value on work-life balance. Family is a big part of everyday life, and many people prioritise family time just as much as their professional responsibilities. This balance is often reflected in the way many Italian companies — especially family-owned ones — operate. There’s a strong sense of loyalty and community, and personal relationships often play an important role in the workplace culture.

By understanding and respecting these dynamics, you’ll find it easier to settle into a professional environment in Italy — and you’ll likely gain a deeper appreciation for the thoughtful balance Italians strive to achieve between work and life.

9. Handling Culture Shock

Experiencing culture shock is a natural part of adjusting to a new culture with different customs and social norms. It’s important to approach culture shock with curiosity and an open mind to better appreciate the differences and challenges. Self-reflection through journaling can help process feelings associated with culture shock, making the transition smoother.

Cultural adaptation requires patience, as adjusting to a new lifestyle takes time. Celebrate small victories and remember that feeling out of place initially is normal. By understanding that culture shock is a common experience, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of adapting to Italian culture.

10. Celebrating Italian Festivals

Festivals in Italy are more than just events — they’re lively, colourful celebrations that bring people together and showcase the country’s rich history and deep-rooted traditions. They’re also one of the most joyful ways to experience Italian life firsthand.

Take Carnevale, for example — held in cities like Venice and Viareggio, it’s a riot of colour with elaborate costumes, masks, parades, and music filling the streets. Then there’s Easter, which is celebrated with unique local traditions, such as Florence’s spectacular Scoppio del Carro — a centuries-old fireworks display symbolising peace and prosperity.

In mid-August, the country slows down for Ferragosto, a national holiday marking the Assumption of Mary. It’s also when many Italians head to the beach or countryside for a well-earned break, so don’t be surprised if cities feel quiet and many shops or restaurants are closed.

Getting involved in these celebrations — whether you’re watching a procession, sharing a festive meal, or simply soaking up the atmosphere — is a great way to connect with your local community and feel more at home. These moments of shared joy and tradition are not just fun, they’re a wonderful window into what makes Italian culture so special.

11. Learning the Italian Language

Moving to Italy without knowing the language can feel a little overwhelming at first. It’s completely normal to experience moments of frustration or even isolation when you can’t quite express yourself or understand what’s going on around you. But the good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Language programs like From Zero to Italian are designed to gently guide you from knowing nothing at all to being able to hold real conversations. With video lessons, audio practice, PDFs, and interactive quizzes, the course helps make learning feel manageable — and even fun.

One of the best ways to learn is by getting involved in everyday life. Whether it’s chatting with your barista, asking for directions, or just listening in on conversations at the market, interacting with native speakers gives you a chance to put what you’ve learned into practice — and build confidence along the way.

It also helps to surround yourself with a supportive community. Connecting with other learners or locals who are happy to help can make all the difference. Encouragement, shared struggles, and little victories together can turn learning into a much more enjoyable journey.

The more you invest in learning Italian, the easier it becomes to feel like you truly belong. It opens doors — not just to communication, but to friendship, culture, and a richer experience of life in Italy.

12. Making a Home in Your Neighbourhood

Adapting to a new country involves integrating into your local community. Ways to build familiarity and a sense of belonging include:

• Frequenting the same cafe
• Supporting local businesses
• Engaging in conversations. Participating in local customs like the passeggiata, an evening stroll, can provide valuable insights into Italian conversational styles. When you feel comfortable, you can start talking.

Being an active participant in your neighbourhood leads to deeper connections and enhances your living experience in Italy. By embracing these practices, you’ll find it easier to adapt to your new life and feel more connected to your surroundings.

Summary

Living in Italy is about more than speaking the language or eating the food – it’s about getting into the way of life that values family, connection and community. Whether you’re getting to grips with regional traditions, embracing the Italian love of food and fashion or learning the rhythms of local life, these cultural insights will help you settle in with confidence and ease.

The more you participate in everyday Italian customs – like joining a local festa, greeting your neighbours with warmth or mastering the art of a slow lunch – the quicker you’ll feel at home. With time, patience and a little preparation, you’ll not only live in Italy but truly belong.

If you’re moving to Italy, Simpsons International Removals are here to help every step of the way. We offer a full door-to-door removals service from the UK to Italy, whether you’re moving a few boxes or your entire household. From professional packing and customs clearance to safe delivery, we make moving abroad simple and stress free.

Get your free online quote today or visit our Removals to Italy guide for tips on making your move a success.