I’ve just driven in Italy for 3 weeks. Two other things to be aware of. Many drivers ignore speed limits and no overtaking signs. The other scary thing is the way many drivers tailgate you.
There is an easy way to teach an Italian tailgater not to tailgate. Don't brake check them, but do take your foot off the gas. Then speed up a bit. The ease off the gas again. Do it a few times and he will get the message and overtake you and that is what you basically want.
I've driven in Italy several times, did not find it scary at all, I found people there drive very well, great lane discipline on the autostrada, never saw an accident, as opposed to north american drivers who do not know how to drive.
Pro tips for driving in Italy. 1. Never put your phone down. And remember, texting while driving is a skill that needs to be practiced. 2. Drive as fast and reckless as possible. When you see pedestrians or bicyclists on the road, don’t slow down. Try to see how dangerously close you can get without hitting them. Especially at crosswalks. The same rule applies to driving near motorcyclists on the autostrada. 3. When entering a roadway or intersection, never look in the direction of the oncoming traffic. Only look in the direction that you want to drive. If there’s traffic, block the oncoming cars and wait until there is an opening in the lane you need. And of course, never use your indicators. 4. Ignore all speed limits and stop signs. When at a traffic light, honk your horn as soon as the light turns green. Don’t be shy, horns are made for honking. 5. Parking. Make sure that when double parking you block as much traffic as possible. 6. If the car or motorcyclist in front of you is not going as fast as you want, be sure to tailgate at least a half meter from their bumper. Don’t forget to dangerously pass whenever possible, even on blind corners.
Thanks guys, very informative. Rick, keep in mind you'll no doubt have subscribers from more than just North America as English speakers. UK, Ireland (more used to European customs), and Australia, NZ, SA etc. who I'm sure will be very interested to learn more about travelling to / living in Italy.
I am Czech and Slovak citizen (EU), and I have an EU drivers license, so I don't have to bring my international license to Italy. But of course, for most other countries it is better to bring it. Just keep in mind that there are 2 different types of international license, following Vienna treaty, and Geneva treaty, and some countries are party of only one of those treaties. So make sure to check which international drivers license Italy accepts if you don't have an EU license.
Great video and wonderful tips. We are planning a trip through Tuscany. In addition to google maps, and asking the locals what other resources can we use for planning the trip in advance (eg driving directions)?
Thank you so much for your comment. If you are planning to go to Tuscany signage on the roads are pretty good there. You will be fine using google maps and maybe an old fashion map 👍🏻
There are several mistakes in the video. 5:00 you're not on an Autostrada but on a Strada Extraurbana Primaria (Primary Road), you recognize those because the indication signs have blue background, while in Autostrada hav green background. Usually the speed limit is 90 or 110, depending on how many lanes there are. 6:10 Tangenziale is a type of Autostrada, it usually circles around a city and is sometimes made up of tracts of other highways (i.e in Turin), they're free and speed limit is 130 unless otherwise specified. Some cities have Primary Roads as tangenziale, and those are the ones you're talking about. 6:50 beware that there are much smaller and less visible Autovelox machines.
Great tips guys - well done - spot on tips. I have driven in Italy more than five times and you have covered the basics. Is a yellow vest and triangle compulsory in Italy?
@@TravelAddictsLife Thanks. While in Florence try the Terraces Tour of the Duomo. I think you can still get tickects at the Duomo museum at the rear of the Duomo.
Regarding the Autovelox part at 6:45 the information is not 100% correct. There are 3 types of autovelox: fixed , tutor (present only in autostrada) and mobile (usually positioned by local police). Fixed Autovelox to be legal they MUST have a BIG BLUE sign at least 150 meters before it that says "Controllo elettronico della velocità" . Tutor are present only in autostrada and they work by calculating your average speed between 2 point, they are indicated up on a "bridge" structure where the cameras are with a big white sign. The orange velox are most of the time just fake. If they have the machine inside it means there is the local police there that placed the mobile version inside to make some random checks. The local police are also required by law to put 2 signs that indicate the presence of the autovelox otherwise the fine is null.
Great video guys! Very informative. Planning to travel to Sardinia and I was wondering if you guys recommend renting a car to access different beaches? Thanks!
Great video We are going to lease a car in Italy and will be driving a lot. Other than flying in and out of Rome the biggest town we will be in is Lecce. Can you purchase a toll pass for the highways. In America it's called the easy pass
you can buy a toll pass actually; it’s called telepass. i’d say 20% of the people i know have it, but since it is possible to pay by card it’s absolutely unuseful. also, i think telepass can be purchased by EU residents only. also, a small suggestion from an italian driving everyday in italy: use google maps for directions but always keep the Waze application in background, because it will tell you when there are speed cameras, police controls, dangers on the road etc. have fun in my country and make sure to enjoy everything italy has to offer❤️ buone vacanze e tanti saluti🇮🇹
I enjoyed your video. I am planning on going from MXP to Lake Como next month. Since the ferries are limited on Sundays and I can’t find direct trains I am contemplating renting a car. Do you guys have any tips?
@@TravelAddictsLife Thank you for already claiming that i will drive! I want to only visit Varenna and Bellagio. Will parking be easy? Is there free parking on Sundays?
Excellent video!! I learned so much. As a Canadian where / how do I get an international drivers license? And is this absolutely needed for a week rental ?
Hello Karen you can get the international license at the automotive association. It is not necessary to rent the car but it is necessary if you get stopped by the police
Hi! Do you have some feedback on the car sharing app service called "Auting" or "Go Virtuo" Please advice as the rental is phenomenally low in these apps. Thanks.
Hi I’m from australia and going to Italy in 3 weeks and hiring a car from Bari, almafi coast, Rome, Florence, cinque terre & Venice We just going from hotel to hotel and parking at the hotel and while at each location use the trains What’s the hotel permits
We are not really sure what the laws are in the US, in Italy every child that is shorter than 125cm needs a seat and if the child is younger than 15 month the seat needs to be facing backward.
Hello guys, thanks for all the information. We are planning to visit Italy in 2022 and this is very helpful. For what I understand on the one of the map, when we rent a car in Florence, this will be inside the city, we are going to Tuscany countryside, but just want to confirm in case you experienced; does the GPS you rent from the car rental will have information about the zones you shouldn't go inside Florence ? Thanks,
Italian living in italy here: if you pay by card you get a pre-autorisation on your balance (usually 100 euros). so, if you pump 20 euros in usually 10 minutes your 80 euros will be automatically refunded and you will see it on your credit card balance. if you pay by cash just put the cash in the machine and select the number of your pump just like you did when using the credit card. two tips: make sure to put the right kind of gas for your car and don’t go to the “served pump” since they will charge you extra for the service
If you can really drive you can drive in Italy. If you just have a driver's license but can't drive worth a damn (most people fit into this category and it applies particularly to North Americans)) then take the bus/train.
i agree😂 i drive a lot and i live in italy. everytime i drive abroad driving almost bores me😂 i am used to narrow roads, high speeds, difficult parkings and manual transmission, everything else seems too boring
@@TravelAddictsLife I spent entire night watching your videos from your Italy trip. I'm going there tomorrow. Can you give me an 5 day itenary, I'm getting down at Zagreb Croatia. I can email you. Please give me your email. Thanks
![Don't do this in Italy - 10 mistake to avoid when traveling to Italy [June 2021]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/gH_MsxhO2ds/mqdefault.jpg)
![Don't do this in Italy - 10 mistake to avoid when traveling to Italy [June 2021]](/img/tr.png)
Your videos are excellent and full of details! I love the maps and images you show as well. Really glad I found your channel!
Thank you so much, we are glad you like them
You two are great. Love your personalities and videos 🇮🇹💕
Thank you Stacie 🙏
Thank you so much for the very informative video!!! 😊
Thank you we are very glad you liked it
I’ve just driven in Italy for 3 weeks. Two other things to be aware of. Many drivers ignore speed limits and no overtaking signs. The other scary thing is the way many drivers tailgate you.
That is true
There is an easy way to teach an Italian tailgater not to tailgate. Don't brake check them, but do take your foot off the gas. Then speed up a bit. The ease off the gas again. Do it a few times and he will get the message and overtake you and that is what you basically want.
I've driven in Italy several times, did not find it scary at all, I found people there drive very well, great lane discipline on the autostrada, never saw an accident, as opposed to north american drivers who do not know how to drive.
Yes move out of the way or go faster tailgating is simply to keep the flow moving don't take it personally.
Great video, thank you!
Glad you liked it! 😃
So much fun driving the Lambo!
In Maranello!!
Pro tips for driving in Italy.
1. Never put your phone down. And remember, texting while driving is a skill that needs to be practiced.
2. Drive as fast and reckless as possible. When you see pedestrians or bicyclists on the road, don’t slow down. Try to see how dangerously close you can get without hitting them. Especially at crosswalks.
The same rule applies to driving near motorcyclists on the autostrada.
3. When entering a roadway or intersection, never look in the direction of the oncoming traffic. Only look in the direction that you want to drive. If there’s traffic, block the oncoming cars and wait until there is an opening in the lane you need. And of course, never use your indicators.
4. Ignore all speed limits and stop signs. When at a traffic light, honk your horn as soon as the light turns green. Don’t be shy, horns are made for honking.
5. Parking. Make sure that when double parking you block as much traffic as possible.
6. If the car or motorcyclist in front of you is not going as fast as you want, be sure to tailgate at least a half meter from their bumper. Don’t forget to dangerously pass whenever possible, even on blind corners.
Thanks guys, very informative. Rick, keep in mind you'll no doubt have subscribers from more than just North America as English speakers. UK, Ireland (more used to European customs), and Australia, NZ, SA etc. who I'm sure will be very interested to learn more about travelling to / living in Italy.
Thank you for the suggestion 😃
@@TravelAddictsLife My wife is Napolitan so we can vouch for the chaotic traffic in Napoli.
I am Czech and Slovak citizen (EU), and I have an EU drivers license, so I don't have to bring my international license to Italy. But of course, for most other countries it is better to bring it. Just keep in mind that there are 2 different types of international license, following Vienna treaty, and Geneva treaty, and some countries are party of only one of those treaties. So make sure to check which international drivers license Italy accepts if you don't have an EU license.
Many thanks, guys! I had exactly the same idea to drive through Italy :) I will think about it again ;)
Let us know how it goes 😃
Vi ringrazio per tutti i tuoi consigli.
Grazie a te
Great video and wonderful tips. We are planning a trip through Tuscany. In addition to google maps, and asking the locals what other resources can we use for planning the trip in advance (eg driving directions)?
Thank you so much for your comment. If you are planning to go to Tuscany signage on the roads are pretty good there. You will be fine using google maps and maybe an old fashion map 👍🏻
Appreciate the information!
Thank you 🙏
Very helpful. Grazie!
Thank you 🙏🏻
There are several mistakes in the video.
5:00 you're not on an Autostrada but on a Strada Extraurbana Primaria (Primary Road), you recognize those because the indication signs have blue background, while in Autostrada hav green background. Usually the speed limit is 90 or 110, depending on how many lanes there are.
6:10 Tangenziale is a type of Autostrada, it usually circles around a city and is sometimes made up of tracts of other highways (i.e in Turin), they're free and speed limit is 130 unless otherwise specified. Some cities have Primary Roads as tangenziale, and those are the ones you're talking about.
6:50 beware that there are much smaller and less visible Autovelox machines.
Thank you
very informative
Thank you 🙏
Great tips guys - well done - spot on tips. I have driven in Italy more than five times and you have covered the basics. Is a yellow vest and triangle compulsory in Italy?
Thank you for the comment 🙏yes the best and triangle are mandato
@@TravelAddictsLife Thanks. While in Florence try the Terraces Tour of the Duomo. I think you can still get tickects at the Duomo museum at the rear of the Duomo.
Hello! Can you please name the 3 main types of roads again? Thank you!
Regarding the Autovelox part at 6:45 the information is not 100% correct. There are 3 types of autovelox: fixed , tutor (present only in autostrada) and mobile (usually positioned by local police). Fixed Autovelox to be legal they MUST have a BIG BLUE sign at least 150 meters before it that says "Controllo elettronico della velocità" . Tutor are present only in autostrada and they work by calculating your average speed between 2 point, they are indicated up on a "bridge" structure where the cameras are with a big white sign. The orange velox are most of the time just fake. If they have the machine inside it means there is the local police there that placed the mobile version inside to make some random checks. The local police are also required by law to put 2 signs that indicate the presence of the autovelox otherwise the fine is null.
You are very correct, we just wanted to simplify so people won’t get confused. 👍🏻
Didn't mention scooters which are everywhere in major cities and are driven like they are all preteens.
Great video guys! Very informative. Planning to travel to Sardinia and I was wondering if you guys recommend renting a car to access different beaches? Thanks!
Hey Yonathan yes you definitely want to rent a car to go to some of the best beaches 👍🏻
Great video
We are going to lease a car in Italy and will be driving a lot. Other than flying in and out of Rome the biggest town we will be in is Lecce.
Can you purchase a toll pass for the highways. In America it's called the easy pass
Thank you 🙏 No unfortunately you can’t buy a toll pass but you can use your credit card to pay
you can buy a toll pass actually; it’s called telepass. i’d say 20% of the people i know have it, but since it is possible to pay by card it’s absolutely unuseful. also, i think telepass can be purchased by EU residents only. also, a small suggestion from an italian driving everyday in italy: use google maps for directions but always keep the Waze application in background, because it will tell you when there are speed cameras, police controls, dangers on the road etc. have fun in my country and make sure to enjoy everything italy has to offer❤️ buone vacanze e tanti saluti🇮🇹
would you do a video of the perils of driving in the USA?
Next time we will be traveling there we could.
I enjoyed your video. I am planning on going from MXP to Lake Como next month. Since the ferries are limited on Sundays and I can’t find direct trains I am contemplating renting a car. Do you guys have any tips?
You will enjoy! Roads can be a bit narrow arond the lake so drive carfully
@@TravelAddictsLife Thank you for already claiming that i will drive! I want to only visit Varenna and Bellagio. Will parking be easy? Is there free parking on Sundays?
@@emmag1232 Unfortunately we don't know about free parking on Sunday we haven't been there in a while.
Thank you so much, very informative. You have a beautiful car. What car is that?
Thank you 🙏 Thais a Laborghini but it is rented
Excellent video!! I learned so much. As a Canadian where / how do I get an international drivers license? And is this absolutely needed for a week rental ?
Hello Karen you can get the international license at the automotive association. It is not necessary to rent the car but it is necessary if you get stopped by the police
I've never seen someone peeing along the roads 😂
It happens all the time 😂😂
Hi!
Do you have some feedback on the car sharing app service called "Auting" or "Go Virtuo"
Please advice as the rental is phenomenally low in these apps.
Thanks.
No sorry we have never used it. Sorry about that
thanks for the information my question can anyone drive in Italy using international driving licence by law
You will need your country driver license and the international driver license with you.
Hi I’m from australia and going to Italy in 3 weeks and hiring a car from Bari, almafi coast, Rome, Florence, cinque terre & Venice
We just going from hotel to hotel and parking at the hotel and while at each location use the trains
What’s the hotel permits
Depends on the hotel and the location
@@TravelAddictsLife who’s the best person to talk to about ZTL? The travel agent, europcar hire?
@@TravelAddictsLife also out of all the places listed do all of them have a ZTL eg cinque terre or OnIy main city’s like Rome & Florence?
The hotel usually because they know how to apply for the permit
How’s google maps in Italy ?? Is it accurate
We would say is 95% accurate. 👍🏻
what are the child safety seat laws? are they similar to the U.S.?
We are not really sure what the laws are in the US, in Italy every child that is shorter than 125cm needs a seat and if the child is younger than 15 month the seat needs to be facing backward.
If you have the new EU License issued by an EU country, you do not need any other license to drive in Italy or any other EU country.
Hello guys, thanks for all the information. We are planning to visit Italy in 2022 and this is very helpful. For what I understand on the one of the map, when we rent a car in Florence, this will be inside the city, we are going to Tuscany countryside, but just want to confirm in case you experienced; does the GPS you rent from the car rental will have information about the zones you shouldn't go inside Florence ? Thanks,
Than you Paulo. Usually they do have most of the information, but we have found that Google maps works just as good.
@@TravelAddictsLife Thanks, much appreciated for the fast answer.
usually google maps avoid ztl unless you set your final destination inside one
Pumping gas in Italy??
Italian living in italy here: if you pay by card you get a pre-autorisation on your balance (usually 100 euros). so, if you pump 20 euros in usually 10 minutes your 80 euros will be automatically refunded and you will see it on your credit card balance. if you pay by cash just put the cash in the machine and select the number of your pump just like you did when using the credit card. two tips: make sure to put the right kind of gas for your car and don’t go to the “served pump” since they will charge you extra for the service
If you can really drive you can drive in Italy. If you just have a driver's license but can't drive worth a damn (most people fit into this category and it applies particularly to North Americans)) then take the bus/train.
i agree😂 i drive a lot and i live in italy. everytime i drive abroad driving almost bores me😂 i am used to narrow roads, high speeds, difficult parkings and manual transmission, everything else seems too boring
How much are the tickets?
Which tickets?
@@TravelAddictsLife Ztl and speeding
Depends on the place and the speed
what happens if I drive without international drivers licence in italy and get caught by police? What actions can they enact on me? please advise
We don’t know, most likely you will get a ticket.
@@TravelAddictsLife I spent entire night watching your videos from your Italy trip. I'm going there tomorrow. Can you give me an 5 day itenary, I'm getting down at Zagreb Croatia. I can email you. Please give me your email. Thanks
Are you going to drive here?
@@TravelAddictsLife yes planning to drive to Amalfi coast, I need 5 days itenary. Please, thanks
Where are you coming from?
Hi guys. Any recommendations on car rental company ?
Hello usually Europecar or Sixt are pretty good.
@@TravelAddictsLife thank u. I have ask my husband to watching this video asap. Hahah. Hope he learn.
What about Avis or through Expedia for setting up a car rental?
We used Expedia a few times and we had no problems
Hi .👋 From islamabad Pakistan
Hi 👋🏻
Hi .👋 From islamabad Pakistan
Thank you
@@TravelAddictsLife mention not bro nice 🙂 your TH-cam channel names for nice good luck bro