Basic Etiquette It is important to dress neatly and respectfully. Cover your mouth when yawning or sneezing. Hats should be removed indoors. It is impolite to remove one's shoes in front of others.

Italian etiquette in 2026 is centered on "Bella Figura" (the beautiful impression), which emphasizes presentation, manners, and social harmony. Being polite involves greeting everyone in a shop or cafe with a "Buongiorno" or "Buonasera" and maintaining eye contact. When dining, it is polite to wait for the host to say "Buon appetito" before eating and to keep your hands visible on the table (never in your lap). Conversely, rudeness often stems from a lack of respect for local customs. For example, ordering a "Cappuccino" after 11:00 AM is considered a major faux pas, as Italians believe milk-heavy drinks interfere with digestion after a meal. Arriving exactly "on time" for a social dinner at a home can actually be rude; arriving 15–20 minutes late (the "academic quarter") is often preferred to give the host extra time. In public, shouting on a cell phone or wearing revealing clothing in a church is seen as highly disrespectful. Lastly, never "point" with your finger at people and always use "Lei" (formal you) when speaking to elders or those in professional roles unless invited to be informal.