"I’ll be there in 5 minutes" means 15 minutes. "I’ll be there soon" means 30 minutes. This is not rudeness; it’s a different relationship with time.
Plan your trip →Trains: Frecciarossa high-speed trains are punctual (Swiss-level). Regional trains: 5–15 min delays are standard. Restaurants: your reservation at 9pm means you’ll be seated at 9pm. The food might arrive at 9:30. Meals are not rushed. Ordering, eating, lingering — a 2-course dinner takes 90 min minimum. Social: arriving 10–15 min late to a social engagement is standard. Arriving exactly on time is slightly awkward (implies you’re too eager). Medical/government: your 10am appointment at the questura (police station) might be seen at 11:30am. Bring a book. For travelers: build buffer time into plans. Don’t schedule back-to-back activities. The Italian approach to time reduces stress once you accept it.