Milan Trams

They offer 24- and 48-hour tickets for the tram in the ticket machines. Here is a link to assist you: https://www.introducingmilan.com/tickets-and-travel-cards

I don't remember trams in Milan but am sure they are somewhere. We only used the subway. We always focus on the stop before. We keep the map and we see that stop "K" is the stop prior to "L" where we want to get off. Sometimes the one before "K". When we hit K we gather out stuff and get ready to get off at the next stop. That way we are not wondering if this is our stop or not.

I use my smart phone when I travel. Google Maps has been an enormous help with public transit - has saved me a lot of time and frustration vs. previous years when I used paper walking maps and schedules. It will tell me which buses, trams, or trains to take to get from place to place, how to walk there, etc. I can also follow my route in real time on the map, so I'll know when it's time to get off, even if I can't tell from the signage (or announcements) on the tram.

No announcements. What we often do on public transportation that is meant for people who live there (and so they know the stops) is to follow along on Google Maps, just the same as if we were driving a car in an unfamiliar area. We also ask people, just to make sure. Or count the stops while looking at a transit map we have printed up on paper or purchased.

Be sure to get ready to get off before your stop, especially if the tram is crowded. It does help to know more than just the name of the stop you want (i.e. have a map of some kind and study it). I can't remember if the tram stops in Milan have their names on their signs, but if they do, you can look for the stop before your own stop. I also do not remember if the Milan tram stops at every stop or if it only stops when people signal it to stop.

lots of stops - no announcements

Maps also work. Knowing where you are going helps too. Especially the Milan transportation map. I cut mine into pieces, otherwise it is like a bed sheet when it is open.

Sometimes stops are announced, sometimes not. Some trams stop at every stop, and some don't, so the best option is to follow in Google maps to be ready and maybe ask the driver or a passenger to be sure. Always call the stop before, in case no one else is getting off.

Usually the older 60s style trams do not announce the stop. The newer ones usually do but this is Italy so no promises. Download the ATM Milano app for public transport. It is pretty handy dandy. Make sure your location settings are on for the app and you can plan your journeys through that. Like Google maps, it will show your exact location, where you should pick up the tram (or metro or bus) on the map and where your stop is. You can follow your location on the map as you are on the tram too so you will know exactly where your next stop is.

@ Nigel - thanks for the tip about cutting up the trans plan!