It's not inherently rude to skip ordering water in Italy, but it's expected you'll order bottled still or sparkling water (paid) or ask for free tap water ("acqua del rubinetto"), as Italians always have water with meals; simply not ordering anything can seem unusual, so requesting free tap water is a polite way to stay hydrated without extra cost, though some restaurants prefer you buy bottled, and you'll likely pay a small cover charge (coperto) anyway.
Yes, you do have to pay for water.
(You can ask for “acqua dal rubinetto,” tap water, but it's often seen as a bit rude or strange. Plus, those glasses of tap water will take ages to get refilled by your waiter, if they're refilled at all!).
Italians will always order a bottle of water regardless of what else they're drinking. Bear in mind, it's never free. Whether you're drinking still or sparkling, it's going to be bottled and it's going to be included in the bill.
Italian Food Taboos to Avoid on Your Next Trip
In Nordic countries like Norway or Finland, complimentary water is pretty common. Some countries, like Belgium, however, will straight-up refuse to give you tap water, so don't bother asking. In the Netherlands, asking for tap water will probably cause some confusion, but you can usually get it.
The server will be grateful they don't have to keep eyeing your glass and you won't have to keep apologizing for drinking it like a camel. When servers ask if you prefer bottled water or tap, there's nothing wrong with asking for the free stuff.
“Can you drink tap water in Italy?” is a question that students coming to visit us ask quite frequently. The answer is of course yes: tap water in Italy is always good to drink unless it is explicitly communicated. Tap water is constantly monitored in Italy in order to always assure its safety.
The 7% tax rate applies to any type of foreign sourced income taxable in Italy, not just pension income. If you meet the requirements above, you can take advantage of a 7% flat tax rate on all your foreign earnings of any nature.
In Italy, the 🤌 (pinched fingers) emoji and gesture primarily mean "What do you want?" or express disbelief, frustration, or "What are you talking about?", but it can also signify something is "perfect" (like a chef's kiss) or add emphasis to questions like "Why?" or "Are you crazy?" depending on context and tone. It's a very expressive gesture used to convey confusion, emphasis, or exasperation, a hallmark of Italian communication.
Cover shoulders and knees, and avoid flashy outfits. A lightweight scarf is a smart item to carry for sudden church visits. Italians love sunglasses—not just in summer but in every season. It's as much about style as practicality.
How to Ask for Water in Italian. When you are seated and ready to order water, you can use the following phrases: For still water: “Vorrei un'acqua naturale, per favore.” (I would like still water, please.) For sparkling water: “Vorrei un'acqua frizzante, per favore.” (I would like sparkling water, please.)
Il conto per favore: The check/bill please. This is important, and you may need to ask a few times because servers don't want to rush or kick you out — it's considered rude to do so in Italian culture.
Although many places in Italy now take cards, we always recommend that you carry some cash with you. Italy is still quite cash-centric, with many locals using cash daily. You may even get a better deal by paying with cash, which helps the vendor avoid any fees associated with card payments.
Free water at restaurants in Rome
When you ask for water, they will likely bring you a bottle, and if that's the case, you'll see it on your bill. If you'd like tap water instead (which is free), you can ask for an acqua corrente or an acqua del rubinetto.
Don't be ripped off
As a quick rule of thumb: avoid anywhere with a 'tourist menu' or pictures of the food. Waiters in bow ties, and those who tout for custom outside are also best avoided. Wine prices are another indicator of a tourist trap.
Perfect – Also known as an OK gesture (👌).
Available in gender-neutral (💁), female (💁♀️), and male (💁♂️) forms, this emoji is widely used to say “here you go,” “let me explain,” or “I told you so.” In modern texting and meme culture, it's frequently used to convey <strong>light sarcasm, confidence, or mock elegance</strong>. <
The Chin Flick (“Non Mi Interessa”)
Meaning and context: Conveys “I don't care” or “I'm not interested.” Among friends, it can be lighthearted, but it can also appear rude if used carelessly.
Under the "lavoratori impatriati" tax scheme a significant portion of qualifying income from employment in Italy is exempt from income tax. Specifically, 70% of gross salary or net profit is exempt from income tax, while the remaining 30% is taxable.
The average salary for tech workers in Italy is roughly between 3,000 – 3,500 EUR per month.
The Italian FDI regime is also known as the Golden Power Law or Golden Power regime in Italy, as it gives the Italian government "golden" or special powers to approve or veto FDIs.
Reliable Sources of Drinking Water in Italy
Public Fountains: Common throughout Italy, especially in Rome, Milan, and Venice, offering free, potable drinking water.
Countries With the Safest Tap Water
Italy is packed with public drinking fountains. Just look for fountains like this one ⬇️ where locals simply stick their heads under and drink. No bottle needed! These fountains are everywhere, and the water is usually ice cold and incredibly refreshing—even in the heat of summer.