1) Currently the euro is stronger than the dollar as of November 2023 $1 is €0.93, so €100 is $106.66. Although you can always pay with credit card, we suggest bringing some cash as not all the establishments accept credit cards especially for small transactions (€10 or <). When you are exchanging some money, it is always better to do it via your bank in the United States versus in Italy, allow the bank a couple of business days to order the euros for you. 

2) Although you should always have some cash on you, we suggest not to bring too much cash with you when you are going out for your daily activities. August is the peak of the tourism season and especially at beach clubs it can be possible to get pick pocketed if you don’t look like a local.

3) Italy does not have a culture of tipping so you don’t have to add any additional money to your final check although if you want to and decide to tip, cash should be the way to go.

4) We recommend you drink bottled water rather than tap water. Tap water is not drinkable in Italy as the pipe system is ancient, you will be able to buy sparkling (frizzante) or still (minerale) water pretty much anywhere. Your stomachs will thank you.

5) Not all places in Italy have Air Conditioning (so check before booking a BnB) but open the window as needed and prepare for that. All we do to fight the heat in Sicily in the summer is relax by the beach and swim in the sea!

6) Throw toilet paper in the trash can, not the toilet. Again, the pipe system is ancient.