What's that small tray near the cash register?

Many people are surprised when, after paying for coffee or whatever you had at a bar, the cashier puts the change on a small plate next to the register instead of giving it directly to you.
The plate creates a kind of "transition area" for the money going from you to the cashier and, as in the case of your change, from the cashier back to you. This "plate rule" actually applies to most stores.
Thanks to our reader Caroline in California for suggesting this new blog topic. Got questions about the Italian culture? Write us and preview a chapter of our eBook for free.

Plastic or... plastic?

I personally love grocery shopping in Italy. The variety and quality of the food available is simply excellent. If you are used to shop in US stores, you may notice a few differences:
- Carts are free to use but you often need a Euro coin deposit to unlock the cart from the rack
- At the cash register, you'll have only one option: plastic bags
- Bags are subject to an 'environmental' fee of about Euro 0.05
- No one will help you place your groceries in the bags

Honey, I couldn't resist buying those shoes

Fashionable garments are available almost everywhere in Italy. These nice pair of patriotic Dolce Gabbana shoes come with a price tag of Euro 165 (or $194). I bet your friends will be able to tell where you went on vacation...