If  are planning to go to Italy before going it is better to have an idea of how the people live there what are their likes and dislikes after all when "You are in Rome you should do as the Romans do."
 . The usual handshake with direct eye contact and a smile suffices between strangers.
. Once a relationship develops, air-kissing on both cheeks, starting with the left is often added as well as a pat on the back between men.
. Wait until invited to move to a first name basis.
. Italians are guided by first impressions, so it is important that you demonstrate propriety and respect when greeting people, especially when meeting them for the first time.
. Many Italians use calling cards in social situations. These are slightly larger than traditional business cards and include the person's name, address, title or academic honours, and their telephone number.
. If you are staying in Italy for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to have calling cards made. Never give your business card in lieu of a calling card in a social situation.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. Do not give chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals.
. Do not give red flowers as they indicate secrecy.
. Do not give yellow flowers as they indicate jealousy
. If you bring wine, make sure it is a good vintage. Quality, rather than quantity, is important.
. Do not wrap gifts in black, as is traditionally a mourning colour.
. Do not wrap gifts in purple, as it is a symbol of bad luck.
. Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If invited to an Italian house:
. If an invitation says the dress is informal, wear stylish clothes that are still rather formal, i.e., jacket and tie for men and an elegant dress for women.
. Punctuality is not mandatory. You may arrive between 15 minutes late if invited to dinner and up to 30 minutes late if invited to a party.
. If you are invited to a meal, bring gift-wrapped such as wine or chocolates.
. If you are invited for dinner and want to send flowers, have them delivered that day.

Table manners

. Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Follow the lead of the hostess - she sits at the table first, starts eating first, and is the first to get up at the end of the meal.
. The host gives the first toast.
. An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal.
. Women may offer a toast.
. Always take a small amount at first so you can be cajoled into accepting a second helping.
. Do not keep your hands in your lap during the meal; however, do not rest your elbows on the table either.
. It is acceptable to leave a small amount of food on your plate.
. Pick up cheese with your knife rather than your fingers.
. If you do not want more wine, leave your wineglass nearly full.

Italians prefer to do business with people they know and trust.
. A third party introduction will go a long way in providing an initial platform from which to work.
. Italians much prefer face-to-face contact, so it is important to spend time in Italy developing the relationship.
. Your business colleagues will be eager to know something about you as a person before conducting business with you.
. Demeanour is important as Italians judge people on appearances and the first impression you make will be a lasting one.
. Italians are intuitive. Therefore, make an effort to ensure that your Italians colleagues like and trust you.
. Networking can be an almost full-time occupation in Italy. Personal contacts allow people to get ahead.
. Take the time to ask questions about your business colleagues family and personal interests, as this helps build the relationship
. Italians are extremely expressive communicators. They tend to be wordy, eloquent, emotional, and demonstrative, often using facial and hand gestures to prove their point.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are mandatory and should be made in writing (in Italian) 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
. Reconfirm the meeting by telephone or fax (again in Italian).
. Many companies are closed in August, and if they are open many Italians take vacations at this time, so it is best not to try to schedule meetings then.
. In the north, punctuality is viewed as a virtue and your business associates will most likely be on time.
. The goal of the initial meeting is to develop a sense of respect and trust with your Italian business colleagues.
. Have all your printed material available in both English and Italian.
. Hire an interpreter if you are not fluent in Italian.
. It is common to be interrupted while speaking or for several people to speak at once.
. People often raise their voice to be heard over other speakers, not because they are angry.
. Although written agendas are frequently provided, they may not be followed. They serve as a jumping off point for further discussions.
. Decisions are not reached in meetings. Meetings are meant for a free flow of ideas and to let everyone have their say.

Dress Etiquette

. Dressing well is a priority in Italy.
. Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits.
. Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses.
. Elegant accessories are equally important for men and women.