Last updated on November 16th, 2024.
If you’re traveling to Italy from the US, it’s helpful to know some basic information before you visit.
And as a local, I want to share 8 important things to know when planning for your Italy vacation. In this post, I’ll be sharing helpful and practical information about how to travel to Italy from the US.
Bookmark this post for future reference or share it with someone who plans on traveling soon.
Helpful Italy travel resources
I wrote the following articles to help visitors plan for their trip around Italy. Ideal for first-time travelers, they contain plenty of helpful information.
- When is the best time to visit Italy?
- A local’s guide to taking trains in Italy
- Every public holiday in Italy
- Scams to avoid in Italy
How to travel to Italy from the US
Basic information
The following is a list of basic information about Italy that you may not know.
Feel free to skip to the next part if you’re already familiar with this information.
- Country abbreviations: IT/ITA
- Language: Italian
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Country dial code: +39 / dial +001 to make an international call to the US
- VAT (Value added tax) in Italy is 20%
Italy time zone
Italy only has one time zone, Central European Time (CET). In relation to the times zones in the US, Italy is ahead by the following hours:
- Eastern Time Zone (ET): +6
- Central Time Zone (CT): +7
- Mountain Time Zone (MT): +8
- Pacific Time Zone (PT): +9
- Alaska Time Zone (AKT): +10
- Hawaii-Aleutian Time Zone (HST): +11
Getting a visa
Do you need a visa to travel to Italy from the US?
US citizens don’t need a visa to visit Italy for tourism or business purposes because of the current visa-waiver program.
However, this is set to change from 2025. The EU announced in 2023 that all non-EU citizens will require an entry requirement document to travel.
- The document, called an ETIAS, will cost $8 for US citizens and will last for 3 years
- You can apply on the official website from 2025
- Visitors can stay for a maximum of 90 days in Europe
- Minors under 18 and people over 70 will receive an ETIAS free of charge
- Dual citizens that travel to Italy from the US will also be exempt if they use their EU passport
Check the website for the most up-to-date information.
Getting a SIM card
Buying a sim card in Italy
Not everyone will need or want to buy a sim card when traveling in Italy. Several factors will come into play, such as the length and purpose of your trip.
To connect for standard usage, many hotels, restaurants and even shopping malls will offer free WiFi. Some will be better, and more secure, than others so be mindful of this when connecting.
However, if you want the flexibility of using your phone in Italy without incurring roaming charges a sim card is essential.
Ask your current provider
A good place to start to ensure you get coverage in Italy is to ask your current provider. Many providers, like T-Mobile, provide international add-on services (that are added to your current plan).
This option may be better for several reasons:
- the charges will be transparent
- you’ll have coverage the moment you arrive in Italy
- there will be a customer service representative to speak to if there are any problems
- You already know and are comfortable with your provider
- They’ll speak English
Buying a sim card from Italian providers
Another alternative for buying a sim card in Italy is to get one from an Italian service provider.
There are several main companies in Italy (Vodafone, Windtre, TIM) that provide sim cards for visitors.
However, unlike in the US, many providers don’t yet offer e-sims in Italy. Some do, but they aren’t yet available everywhere.
We’d never heard of an e-sim when we bought one in the T-Mobile store during a trip to New York. They worked perfectly and were deactivated when we returned home.
One option is to buy a digital SIM card from Airalo. The eSIM card saves on high roaming charges when traveling abroad. It’s simple to install and ensures you’re connected the moment you arrive in Italy.
Where to buy sim cards in Italy
Instead, you can buy a standard sim card from the airport or from Italian mobile service providers. For the first option, ask at the information desk where you can buy a sim card. Someone will direct you accordingly.
For the second option, you can buy your sim online, but you’ll still need to activate it at the store. They’ll usually require a form of ID (passport) and maybe a pin code (it varies depending on the provider).
NB: I’ve not tested or tried any of the following sim cards so I can’t personally say which provider is best.
WINDTRE
One of the largest companies in Italy, WINDTRE (W3), offers a tourist pass*. For €14.99, the tourist pass includes 20GB in Italy and 100 minutes of calls for 30 days with no limitations. The 100 minutes to call abroad includes the US and the offer will automatically be deactivated after 30 days.
TIM Tourist
Another Italian mobile provider is TIM. The TIM Tourist card* includes 50GB and 200 minutes to use in Italy or abroad (US included) all for €14.99.
Vodafone Holiday
The most expensive of the providers is Vodafone. Its Vodafone Holiday sim card* includes 300 minutes and 300 text messages to your home country for €30. The price includes 2GB of data, the sim card and the first renewal.
Unlike the 2 sims cards mentioned above, you must call 42071 (free number) from your mobile to deactivate this sim. If not, you’ll automatically be charged even if there’s no credit left on the sim.
Other alternatives for buying sim cards in Italy
Another alternative for buying sim cards in Italy is the OneSim card.
On its website, it states that its prepaid international sim card can save 85% on roaming charges when traveling.
There are different types of OneSim cards available. The ‘best seller’ is the OneSim Card Universal which costs $29.95 and includes $10 for voice, text and data. Check the website for more detailed information.
Map of Italy
VAT information
How to claim back VAT in Italy
When you travel to Italy from the US, you may want to know how the VAT tax refund works.
You may be able to claim back the money on certain goods but there are certain conditions involved.
You must provide evidence of your purchase with your receipts along with a tax refund form. If approved, you may receive a refund in the range of 11.6% to 15.5%.
Exceptions to the rule
Not all goods are liable for tax-free shopping in Italy and not all shops will offer it. The 3 main companies, Premier Tax Free, Global Blue and Tax Refund for Tourists typically have stickers in shop windows.
Another thing to note is that there’s a minimum purchase amount of €154.94 per receipt to be able to claim.
There are a few ways that you can claim back your VAT refund in Italy:
Visit the offices of one of the tax refund processing companies
Take your tax refund form to the offices of Premier Tax Free, Global Blue and Tax Refund for Tourists. They will begin your claim process, but you still need to get a custom stamp at the airport.
Do it at the airport
Alternatively, you can claim back your VAT refund at the airport. If you’ve placed your items inside your checked bags, let the agent know at the check-in desk. They will then direct you to the tax refund kiosk.
Items to pack
What plugs to use in Italy
In Italy, we’ve 3 different types of plugs and outlets. Type C is a classic 2 round-prong plug and type F is a 2 round-prong plug with metal hooks. The last is type L which is a 3 round-prong plug.
The voltage in Italy is 230V and with a frequency of 50Hz.
Which adapter to use for Italy
None of the above will make much sense (until you see it for yourself). The main thing you need to know for travel to Italy from the US is that you need to bring/buy an adapter.
There are many good ones available online or at the airport. I particularly like this adapter as there are 2 in one pack, plus it also has USB ports.
Try bringing at least 2 to 3 adapters (depending on how many electrical goods you plan to take).
Should you forget to bring an adapter to Italy, online services like Amazon will have plenty available.
This adapter is one you can use in Italy and worldwide and it also has in-built USB ports.
Booking flights from the US
Flights from the US to Italy
Given the size of the US, there are tons of flight options available to travel to Italy from the US.
However, not all US destinations will have direct flight options.
I write about this subject in more detail in my guide to the 25 international airports in Italy.
Some of the most popular direct flights from the US to Italy include:*
- Boston Logan International (BOS) to Roma Fiumicino
- Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) to Roma Fiumicino
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Roma Fiumicino
- Miami (MIA) to Roma Fiumicino
- New York (JFK) to Roma Fiumicino (direct flights are also available from New York Newark EWR)
- New York (JFK) to Milano Malpensa
- New York (JFK) to Venezia Marco Polo (direct flights are also available from EWR) Speaking from personal experience, direct flights are less common from Venice to New York. Venice is our closest airport and we’ve never booked a direct flight. Instead, we’ve usually had a stopover in Paris or London. Just be mindful that this option may not always be available.
- New York (EWR) to Napoli International
Flights with a stopover
Aside from the larger cities, flights with a stopover (usually London) are likely for travel to Italy from the US.
The following routes will likely include a stopover when flying from the US:
- Florence
- Bologna
- Verona
- Palermo (Sicily)
- Catania (Sicily)
- Lampedusa (Sicily)
- Pantelleria (Sicily)
- Cagliari (Sardinia)
- Alghero (Sardinia)
Money, cash and credit cards
Using ATMs in Italy
Using ATMs in Italy work the same way as in any other country. Check with your bank beforehand about the conversion fee related to using your debit and credit card abroad.
Banks in Italy will also charge a fee for conversion.
Paying for goods with a credit card
When paying for goods with a credit card in Italy, always choose Euros when there’s a conversion at the register. This relates to the currency conversion fees and exchange rate. Basically, it works out better for you to let the credit card companies negotiate the rates for you.
Always have cash ready
While most places in Italy will accept credit cards, it’s always helpful to have cash on hand.
Paying for smaller items like a coffee or an ice cream with a credit card is frowned upon. While these businesses are obliged to accept the payment, the reception may be a little frosty.
In our city of Vicenza, I’ve rarely seen anyone pay for a coffee or pastry with their credit card.
You can either exchange money before you travel to Italy from the US or at one of the money exchanges here.
Basic Italian phrases
While it’s not expected that you’ll be able to speak Italian, knowing some common Italian phrases might be helpful.
Some useful Italian words to know are:
- Buongiorno – good morning/day
- Buonasera – good evening
- Buona giornata – have a nice day
- Salve – hello (formal use)
- Grazie – thank you
- Arrivederci (goodbye)
- Il conto (the check)
- Dov’è l’albergo / il ristorante / il bagno? – where is the hotel/restaurant/bathroom
- Quanto costa/viene? How much is…?
Visit my post on how to learn Italian for more detailed advice and practical resources.
What do you think of this article on how to travel to Italy from the US? Have I included useful information? Did I miss anything out? Let me know in the comments below.
*Information correct at time of publishing
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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ABOUT me
Welcome to my site. I'm Lisa, an Italy-based travel and lifestyle blogger behind Following the Rivera. Find out more about me and my story.
This is super helpful as it touched on some simple things that are easily not thought of like what plugs to use! It’s always a good idea to bring a universal adapter. I also didn’t know you can get VAT exempt!! Would you say Italy is still very much a cash-based society or is it just the small items that bothers Italians when using cards?
Thank you! You can use your credit card in supermarkets for small items it’s not an issue. But for a coffee or bottle of water, it’s best to bring cash. I’m glad you found this useful 🙂
Even though Italy is a popular destination we sometimes struggle to get the right flights. From Canada, most of the flights are connecting flights. But in season, we can sometimes get direct flights to Rome or Milan. We use those when we can. The first time we visited Italy I bought a SIM card and it was easy. Now I travel with an international SIM and just buy a data plan. I am checking out Holofly ESIM for the coming trip – think it might actually get me phone services too! Good reminder to people about bringing cash for smaller purchases. We use credit cards for everything here but when we travel we restrict where we use our cards. Starting the countdown to our trip!
I was quite surprised how few direct flights there were from the US, thank you for letting me know about Canada too 🙂 I have not heard of the Holofly ESIM but it sounds very interesting. Well done on bringing cash!
These are some helpful tips you shared. I will bookmark this post.
Thanks