Etiquette and good manners in Italy

Bella figura means appearing decently: tidy dress, cleanliness, politeness, confidence and respectful conduct, and also includes quality in food and hospitality.

• Its opposite is brutta figura, that is leaving a bad impression by rude behaviour, neglected clothes or embarrassing conduct.
• This does not mean spending a lot, but paying attention to details.
• On meeting a greeting is given: Buongiorno in the morning until afternoon, Buonasera in the evening, Ciao with friends, Salve a middle expression, and Arrivederci is said on parting.
• And people shake hands and kiss on the cheek depending on the case.
• On introduction say Piacere or Molto lieto.
• And pay attention to the tone of voice, and do not exaggerate public reproach.
• And in small places greet everyone on entering.

Italians take care of their clothes, so even in daily life they tend towards smart, tidy clothes: avoid torn clothes or excessively sporty ones in formal places and restaurants.

• In offices dress is formal or semi-formal according to the place, and in interviews wear a suit or smart clothes.
• Modest dress is suitable everywhere, and for veiled women there is no legal problem in wearing the hijab in streets and public places, but the full face veil that hides the face is banned in some public places and requires uncovering the face for ID. And in summer light clothes are accepted but not in churches.
• And care about cleanliness and smell, since it is the basis of respect.
• And in luxury places smart dress is expected in the evening.

An invitation to the home means trust, and usually a big meal is served.

• If you are invited bring a small gift: sweets (dolci) from a good shop, or flowers (do not offer chrysanthemums and white carnations since they are associated with funerals), or wine for non-Muslims if suitable, and bring instead chocolate, juice or tea if you do not drink.
• Offer an odd number of flowers and avoid the number seventeen, considered unlucky.
• Arrive on time or ten minutes after and do not come early.
• Ask permission when entering with shoes sometimes, since some homes remove them.
• Eat from what is served with thanks, and do not put much cheese on fish.
• And tell the host in advance of your dietary restrictions (halal, allergy).
• And send a thank-you message after the visit.

On entering churches and cathedrals modest dress is required (shoulders and knees covered) and removing hats, speaking quietly and not photographing during Mass.

• Do not walk in front of worshippers at prayer time.
• And when attending a baptism, wedding or church funeral suitable clothes, calm and respect are expected, and veiled Muslim women are welcome with their hijab.
• In mosques and Islamic centres (which are relatively few) shoes are removed and women cover the head.
• And at funerals condolences are offered with Condoglianze.
• And if you have questions about traditions ask people gently.
• And remember that Italy is a secular state and respects freedom of religion, and agreements exist with some denominations.
• And respect others' rites and ask respect for yours.

In the street and transport: give your seat to the elderly, pregnant women and the disabled, and keep cleanliness and do not throw rubbish, and sort waste according to your city's system (raccolta differenziata).

• Avoid speaking loudly on the phone in trains and restaurants.
• Do not cut the queue at the pharmacy and post office, and take a number (numero) if there is one.
• In historic places do not sit on the steps and monuments or eat at fountains since you may be fined.
• And avoid behaviour considered rude: drinking alcohol publicly to drunkenness, using foul language, smoking near children, and neglecting to wait.
• And treat everyone with respect, since discrimination and harassment are against the law.
• And be patient with queues and delays, since a smile eases a lot.

What is bella figura?