The T stands for tabacchi, or the tobacconist. Pronounced “Tah-BAck-y.” You’ll see the “T” often, and that’s a good thing, because the tobacconist not only sells tobacco products, but he also sells stamps (francobolli)! Yes, that’s probably what you, as a visitor, will be most interested in–for your postcards to all of your family and friends at home who want to know about your trip in Sicily. No need to go looking for a post office. You’re friendly tobacconist usually will have the postage you need.
Not only does the Tabacchi sell tobacco and stamps, but he often is where you can purchase bus tickets, lottery tickets, and phone cards. For those of us with Italian SIM cards (for our cell phones), you can “ricaricare,” or refill/charge up your phone minutes or data plan through a nifty machine they have in the store as well. For the locals, the tabacchi is where everyone stops at some point during the day for something… so if you want to know what the latest gossip is, you can ask at the tabacchi.
