A little bit of effort goes a long way when it comes to communicating in Italy. It's amazing how a well placed per favore or grazie (“please” or “thank you”) can indicate to an Italian-speaking local that you are doing your best. This chapter offers a primer on the basics that you may find useful, even if you have no intention of learning the Italian language at a conversational level. Speak what little you can with a smile, and odds are you'll get all the help you need in return.