When you come to Napoli, bring... and other Naples, Italy Local Custom Tips

When you come to Napoli, bring plenty of openmindedness and a good dose of patience. Driving here can be very stressful and aggrivating. Don't be offended by honking horns or hand gestures. It's all part of the Napolitan 'fun'.

When someone answers the phone they will say 'Pronto' meaning they are ready for you to talk.

Don't worry about tipping too much in restaurants, as most charge you a servizio of 15-20% anyways.
There is usually always a charge of 1-2 euro per person for sitting at a table. This is called coperto and is for the bread. This is in addition to the servizio. To ask for the check say 'Il conto per favore'

When you leave a restaurant you will be given a receipt (scontrino or ricevuto fiscale), which by Italian law must be taken with you. If you aren’t given one, it means the restaurant is probably cheating on its taxes in which case, they are probably offering you lower prices.

When parking, men may approach you to ask for money. They are not authorized to do this, but not paying will result in possible or probable damage to your car.

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If you're wondering about that little guy on top, That's Pulcinella, one of the many symbols of Napoli. Probably only second to Vesuvio and monstrous traffic

Pulcinella originated in Campania The nose has the form of a beak which ancients called 'pullus gallinaceus' It is thought the etymology of the word derives from the word 'Pulliciniello' that is pulcino or chick. Like Harlequin, Punch is a stupid servant who sometimes takes on contradictory personalities. He can be both stupid and astute, bold and cowardly and has an extremely lively expressiveness typical of Napolitans. The costume consists of a white coat constrained by a belt, a long hat and a black mask which highlights a hooked nose and wrinkles

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