Coins and change.
I didn't actually notice this for a while, but since we've talked about it a couple of times in Italian class, this difference stands out to me.
Italian cashiers do not want you to put money directly into their hands. It's a serious payment faux pas. If you try to give it to them directly, they'll pull their hand away and point to the counter. Almost every place I've been has a small tray where you're supposed to put the money. And when they hand you change, even if your palm is out they will place it on the counter.
It's the exact opposite of the norm in the U.S. I feel incredibly rude if I just set the money on the counter. I know as an employee, every time someone throws coins and some bills on the counter I am immediately annoyed. It takes more time to pick up all those darn nickels and pennies you insist on paying with and those people behind you aren't standing in a single file line just for fun.
It took me a while to get used to just setting money on the counter without feeling like I would be reprimanded with a filthy glare. But I'm used to it. As far as cultural differences go, it's probably the easiest to manage. It just baffles me.
I didn't actually notice this for a while, but since we've talked about it a couple of times in Italian class, this difference stands out to me.
Italian cashiers do not want you to put money directly into their hands. It's a serious payment faux pas. If you try to give it to them directly, they'll pull their hand away and point to the counter. Almost every place I've been has a small tray where you're supposed to put the money. And when they hand you change, even if your palm is out they will place it on the counter.
It's the exact opposite of the norm in the U.S. I feel incredibly rude if I just set the money on the counter. I know as an employee, every time someone throws coins and some bills on the counter I am immediately annoyed. It takes more time to pick up all those darn nickels and pennies you insist on paying with and those people behind you aren't standing in a single file line just for fun.
It took me a while to get used to just setting money on the counter without feeling like I would be reprimanded with a filthy glare. But I'm used to it. As far as cultural differences go, it's probably the easiest to manage. It just baffles me.
Gah, I HATE when customers just throw their change onto the counter when my outstretched hand is there waiting for it. So rude. I couldn't do that.
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