Can I have the bag?
'Busta' — 'BUS-ta'. Clear 'b' and 'us' sound. Not to be confused with 'busto' (bust/torso).
When your purchase doesn't automatically come with a bag, or when buying small items. In Italy, plastic bags now often cost extra by law.
'Busta' is the standard word for a shopping/carrier bag. 'Sacchetto' is a smaller bag. 'Borsa' is a handbag or larger bag. Context distinguishes. 'La busta' = the specific bag.
Ha una busta di carta?
Do you have a paper bag?
Specifying paper — environmentally preferred
Il sacchetto è a pagamento?
Is the bag charged for?
Italy charges for plastic bags since 2011
Non ho bisogno della busta, grazie.
I don't need a bag, thank you.
Declining the bag — environmentally conscious
Italy banned free plastic bags in 2011 and charges for biodegradable ones. Quality boutiques offer their own branded bags free of charge as part of the shopping experience — these bags themselves become status symbols.