What documents are needed for the return?
'Documenti' — do-cu-MEN-ti. Four syllables.
Ask this before arriving at the shop or at the start of a return conversation. Knowing what to bring saves a wasted trip. Requirements vary from shop to shop.
'Servire' in impersonal use means to be needed — 'servono' (they are needed, from 'servire'). 'Che documenti' = 'what documents'. This impersonal construction is very common in Italian: 'che cosa serve?' (what is needed?), 'quanto tempo serve?' (how much time is needed?).
Basta lo scontrino?
Is the receipt enough?
Asks if the receipt alone suffices.
Serve un documento d'identità?
Is an ID document needed?
For refunds over a certain amount.
Cosa mi serve portare?
What do I need to bring?
Casual and direct version.
Italian shops can ask for identity documents ('carta d'identità' or 'patente') for cash transactions. This is standard practice linked to anti-money laundering regulations and is not an accusation of wrongdoing.