Jetting off on an Italian adventure this year? Perhaps you’re planning a trip to a major city like Venice, Rome, Florence or Milan, a tour of the vineyards in Tuscany or a hiking adventure in Abruzzo.
Whatever you have in mind, you’ll need to know exactly what to pack for your trip.
We’re here to help, with the ultimate packing list for Italy. We’ll look at what to take for different times of the year, and for the various regions of the country.
One crucial thing to add to your must-pack list is the Wise card. It lets you spend in EUR for low fees and great rates across the whole of Italy and beyond.
Packing list for Italy - the essentials
No two trips are the same, and what you pack will depend on which city and region in Italy you’ll be heading to. Plus, the time of year, how long you’re staying and what activities you have on your itinerary.
Let’s start with the basics that every traveler will need, whatever Italian destination they’re heading to.
Here’s what to pack first:
- Valid passport, visa, and travel documents. You can find details of what you’ll need here on the U.S. Department of State website. The good news is that for stays of less than 90 days, US citizens don’t need a tourist visa.¹ The only exception is if you’ll be working in Italy, in which case you’ll need a work visa.
- Spending money. You can take cash in the local currency (euros), credit or debit cards, or a combination of both. This can be useful for more rural parts of Italy where cards are less widely accepted. Take a look at our guide to the cost of living in Italy for an idea of how much spending money you’ll need.
- Travel insurance documents. This includes phone numbers to call in case of a claim or emergency.
- Prescription medications and basic first aid supplies.
- Travel-sized toiletries. For example, shampoo, toothpaste and sun lotion. You can of course buy these in Italy, but it’s good to have some supplies to start off with.
- A universal plug adapter for charging electronic devices. Italy uses Type C and F plugs, which both have two round pins and operate on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.² It could also be a good idea to pack a power bank for charging devices on the go.
- A travel lock for securing your luggage. Make sure you have one for every zippable bag or suitcase.
- A language guide or translation app to help with communication. Remember that not every part of Italy speaks Italian, as you’ll see it in a phrase book. Depending on where in the country you go, you might encounter regional dialects and languages. A prime example of this is Sicily, where the local language is quite different to Italian.
- Extra space for shopping! If you plan to shop up a storm in a city like Milan, don’t forget to leave some space (or take an extra bag) for your purchases. It’s also a good idea to check customs rules on what you’re allowed to take out of Italy and into the US, as well as the baggage allowance for your flights.
An Italy packing list for every season
The time of year you’ll be traveling to Europe will play a huge role in what you pack for your trip.
To help you prepare for whatever the weather throws at you, let’s take a look at packing list considerations for Italy in different seasons. This includes some useful info on the climate in Italy at different times of the year.
Although, of course, it depends on where in the country you’re going. For example, it’s likely to be much colder if you’re hiking in the Dolomite mountain range, compared to sunning yourself on a beach in Sicily.
Spring (March to May)
In spring, Italy tends to experience mild, pleasant and slightly breezy weather.
It’s a lovely time of year to visit, with blooming flowers, lush greenery and warming temperatures. On average, you can expect lows of 5°C and highs of 25°C.³
However, the season is also characterized by occasional showers, so it’s good to be prepared.
Your Italy packing list for spring should include essentials such as:
- Lightweight clothing, such as T-shirts, blouses, and breathable fabrics. At this time of year, layers are a smart idea, so you can adjust what you’re wearing if the weather is changeable. Lighter items that you can layer up are also easier to pack.
- A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring both cities and countryside.
- A scarf and a foldable umbrella just in case of unexpected showers.
- Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen to protect against the increasing sun.
And of course, don’t forget a camera or smartphone for capturing the beautiful scenery.
Summer (June to August)
Summer in Italy is usually hot and sunny, especially in the southern regions. Temperatures can soar, making it perfect for beach vacations, but it can also be quite humid.
Temperatures can reach as high as 38°C³, so remember to pack some sunscreen and stay well hydrated.
Your Italy packing list for summer should include:
- Light and airy clothing, such as shorts, sundresses and tank tops.
- Swimsuits for beach trips or time spent around the hotel pool.
- Sandals or comfortable walking shoes for hot weather.
- Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
- A compact travel towel for beach days.
- Insect repellent for evenings outdoors.
- A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during sightseeing - the water in Italy is safe to drink from the tap.
- A portable fan or hand-held misting spray for extra comfort.
Fall (September to November)
Autumn brings cooler temperatures, although they can rise as high as 28°C.³ The season is generally considered a delightful time to visit Italy. The weather remains pleasant (although you’ll need to watch out for rain), and the countryside is bursting with colorful foliage.
A packing list for Italy in September, October or November should ideally include:
- Layered clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters and a jacket.
- Pants and jeans for cooler temperatures.
- Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes.
- A waterproof jacket or umbrella for occasional rain.
- A hat and gloves towards late autumn, especially if you’re visiting the cooler northern regions.
- A daypack or tote bag for day trips.
Winter (December to February)
Winter weather in Italy varies quite a bit depending on the region. The north experiences cold temperatures and snow, which is perfect for winter sports. If you’re planning a ski break, you’ll of course need a whole new packing list.
However, the south remains milder, and could be a good time for sightseeing without the crowds.
Overall, you can expect temperatures anywhere between -5°C and 15°C.³
Here’s what to pack for Italy in winter:
- Warm clothing, including heavy sweaters, thermal layers and a thick coat.
- Waterproof and insulated boots for snow and rain.
- Thermal socks and gloves to keep your extremities warm.
- Scarves, beanies, and earmuffs for added warmth.
- Portable hand warmers for chilly outings.
- Skincare products to combat dry skin due to cold weather.
Your study abroad packing list for Italy
Staying in Italy for longer? If you’re studying, working or moving to Italy for a few months, you’ll need most of the items on our essentials and seasonal packing lists above.
Here are a few extra things you might to add to a study abroad Italy packing list:
- Visa and other travel documents
- Your student ID and acceptance letter from the university or college
- Health insurance documents
- Academic supplies, such as your laptop (and charger), textbooks or course-specific materials, notebooks, stationery and a backpack to carry it all in.
Remember though that you’ll be able to buy most of what you need in Italy. So if you’re struggling to get your suitcase closed, it could be worth taking a few items out and waiting until you arrive.
| 💡 You might also find it useful to read our guides to the renting process in Italy, and how to open an Italian bank account. |
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Bring a Wise card with you for safe, convenient and low-cost spending in Italy
The Wise card is a fantastic solution to cover your needs when traveling to Italy. It’s contactless and works in 150+ countries, including Italy and across the EU.
Order your Wise card for a one-time fee of $9 and you’ll get:
- Your dollars automatically converted to EUR at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. There’s just a small conversion fee, or there’s no charge if you already have the currency in your Wise account.
- Fee-free foreign ATM withdrawals up to $100 a month (remember though that ATM operators may charge their own fee).
- A powerful online Wise Account which lets you send money to and from Italy for low, transparent fees.
- EUR bank details, so you can receive euro payments for free while in the US.
Wise is a money service business, offering a multi-currency account, international money transfer services and a debit card.
Get a Wise Account today
Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit : Only Pay for What You Use for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.
Bottom line
And that’s it - everything you need to pack for a comfortable, safe and thrilling Italian adventure.
Of course, you’ll need to tailor your packing list based on where you’re going and what you’re doing, as well as the time of year. You might prefer a few extra comforts, or want to leave some things out and pack super light.
But hopefully after reading this guide, you’ll be clued-up on the must-pack essentials you’ll need for travel to Italy.
As a rule of thumb, it’s always best to be over prepared. You never know what the weather will throw at you, even if visiting Italy in the height of summer. Remember though that you should be able to buy anything you’ve forgotten to pack once you arrive, especially if staying in a major city.
Just pack your Wise card, and you’ll be able to spend like a local, buying everything you need in euros for low fees and great exchange rates. It’s the perfect travel companion.
Learn more about Wise
| 💡 Read more about travel to Italy in our guides to buying property, how ATMs work in Italy (and how to find your nearest) and how to get Italian dual citizenship. |
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Sources used for this article:
Sources checked on 25-Jul-2023.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information. This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
