Do’s and Don’ts for Pakistani Nationals in Italy

Religion

Do’s 

• Dress appropriately when you enter a Church or a Public Office
• Mute your phone while visiting a religious monument or place.
• Respect other’s Religious Holidays and Traditions
• Old people are very religious, show respect
• Even if Italy is a secular state there is a Christian mindset that needs to be kept in view,

Don’ts

• Don’t speak too loud at religious places or monuments.
• Don’ts take pictures in Churches unless is specifically allowed (never use the flashlight)
• Don’t use a critical language
• Don’ts ask people about their religion
• Don’t make comments about Christianity or the Pope
• Don’t discuss religion

Culture

Do’s 

• Show respect to women
• Stay well-dressed
• Maintenance of personal hygiene
• Learn some basic Italian language for conversation.
• Tips at restaurants and other tourist places are appreciated are appreciated

Don’ts 

• Don’t stare at others
• Don’t litter.
• Don’t exhibit machoistic behavior
• Don’t criticize the Italian and European way of life.
• Don’t expect people to know English
• Don’t eat/picnic around monuments, cathedral steps, and fountains
• Don’t assume pedestrians have the right-of-way everywhere
• Smoking inside restaurants/closed areas prohibited
• Don’t spit at public places
• Don’t chew tobacco and beetle leaves publicly

Tourists

Do’s

• Do greet strangers like taxi drivers, waiters, etc. with a smile or a “Buongiorno.” Italians are very friendly and welcoming people.
• Do compliment Italy’s History and Heritage.
• Watch your belongings especially passports at tourist sites.
• Bring Covid Vaccination proof before arrival
• Always carry some cash as some stores may not accept card payments
• Beware of pick-pockets and trick thieves who throng public places.

Don’ts

• Don’t fall into tourist traps around restaurants near major tourist sites as they charge too much and offer sub-standard food.
• Don’t forget to validate your tickets if you use public transport like trains and buses.
• Don’t expect Italian food to taste like the one sold by American Franchises.
• Avoid unsafe areas in city close to central train station in late hours.

Diaspora

Do’s 

• Follow Covid rules/Health protocols of the local authorities
• Show respect to women and provide equal opportunities of education and career to the girls.
• Co-operate with law enforcement agencies
• Do Invest in the education, health and well-bring of your children.
• Do remit your savings to Pakistan through legal channels.
• Invest in acquiring marketable skills.
• Regular medical check-up can maintain good health
• Dental hygiene is essential
• Italians are dress conscious people, good clothing is seen as attribute of good personality
• Get to know more about Italy’s history, culture and art.

Don’ts 

• Don’t try to say “Ciao” (Hello) when first meeting someone instead says “Buon Giorno” (good morning) or “Bouna Sera” (good afternoon/evening)
• Don’t forget to look both ways when crossing the street
• Don’t host any strangers in your house.
• Don’t transfer money through illegal means ‘Hundi’ ‘Hawala’
• Strictly avoid forced marriages which is not permissible in Islam or as per local laws.
• Don’t give corporal punishment to your children which is illegal
• Avoid intra-ethnic conflicts

Students

Do’s

• Learn the basics of the language before travel
• Pick the program which is suitable both financially and academically
• Send/receive money through legal channels
• Do promote a positive image and culture of Pakistan in your academic institutes
• Seek guidance from the administration of academic institutes instead of senior passed out students
• Do participate in events of the national importance to the host government

Don’ts

• Don’t forger to bring your documents

1. Identify card
2. Passport
3. Birth certificate
4. Proof of enrolment in your institute
5. Proof of language ability (Spanish/English)
6. Proof of other entrance international exams etc.
7. Previous degrees
8. Reservation of your accommodation

• Don’t miss the opportunities of international students’ scholarships
• Don’t forge your documents especially tenancy agreement(s)
• Don’t overwork. The students must not work over the limit of hours required by law. This is set to 1,040 hours per year or work part-time (20 hours per week) for 12 months.
• Do not violate the campus and other rules of the academic institute
• Don’t indulge in Politics at the university.