Money :
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain Euros through any bank, ATM or bureaux de change. ATMs are widespread. Travellers cheques can be exchanged with ease in the large cities, not so in the smaller towns. Credit cards are accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities. Banks are closed on weekends, but tend to have better rates than casas de cambios.
Time :
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).
Electricity :
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the European-style two-pin plug.
Language :
Italian. English is understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of the country.
Getting Around :
The historic centre of Rome is compact and manageable on foot and most of it is closed to normal traffic. Driving in Rome is an experience to be avoided so if arriving by car it's best to park it and use public transport to get around. The network of buses, trams, metro and trains covers the whole city from 5.30am to midnight (metro to 11.30pm) and night buses take over until about 5am covering the main routes. The metro only has two lines, but is the easiest and fastest way to get around and is convenient for several attractions. The bus service is cheap and reliable, albeit slow due to traffic congestion. Tickets cover all forms of transport and must be pre-purchased and validated at the start of every journey; there are daily tickets valid for unlimited rides, or standard tickets valid for one metro ride or 75 minutes on buses. Taxis are notoriously expensive and display a list of surcharges; they are difficult to find on the streets or even at taxi stands and are best ordered by the hotel concierge or at restaurants. Note that the meter gets switched on immediately so the time it takes to arrive is added to the bill. If hailing one on the street use only the official yellow and white taxis, make sure the meter is on and have small change handy. The 110 Open is a bus service that stops at all the city's main sights, departing from Termini Station square every 20 minutes.
Health :
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Italy. EU citizens can make use of Italy's health services provided they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Cases of the deadly bird flu were found in swans in southern Italy and Sicily, but there is a low risk of human infection; as a precaution all close contact with wild, caged and domestic birds should be avoided, and poultry and egg dishes should be cooked thoroughly.
Tipping :
Tipping is customary in Italy and 10-15% of the bill is acceptable in restaurants (unless, as is increasingly the case, a 15% service charge has already been added to the bill). Hotels add a service charge of 15-18%, but it is customary to tip the service staff extra. Italians rarely tip taxi drivers, but a 5-10% tip is always appreciated.
Safety :
The Italian Government has warned that the risk of an international terrorist attack in the country has increased, and tourists should be vigilant in public places and tourist sites. Domestic terrorism continues, but targets are usually Italian authorities, however there is a possibility of being caught up in attacks. Tourists are vulnerable to pick-pocketing and muggings in the bigger cities, particularly on public transport, in crowded areas and around tourist sites, and should exercise caution when carrying large amounts of cash and valuables. Be particularly careful on bus 64 to St Peter's Square and around the main train station, Termini. Visitors should be wary of groups of children, some of whom will distract attention while the others try to steal what they can. Strikes by transport workers take place regularly throughout Italy and delays are possible.
Customs :
It is an offence to sit on steps and in courtyards near public buildings, including the main churches, in Florence; eating and drinking in the vicinity should also be avoided. Shorts, vests or any other immodest clothing should not be worn inside churches.
Business :
Italians can be very formal and old fashioned, but are also warm and welcoming. Face to face communication is best, and often a third party introduction can speed initial negotiations. Business attire is formal and very stylish, and handshakes are the norm. First impressions count for a lot in Italy. Expect plenty of gesticulating and interruptions, or people talking over each other. Business cards are used. Unfortunately the bureaucracy in Italy can slow down deal-making. Business hours are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, but can vary according to season and region.
Duty Free :
Travellers over 17 years from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%, or 2 litres dessert wine not exceeding 22% alcohol content and sparkling wine, and 2 litres of table wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette, and other goods for personal consumption to the value of EUR175 per adult or EUR90 for children under 15 years. Prohibited items include narcotic drugs, medicinal products, arms and weapons, explosives and protected animal and plant species.
Communications :
The international access code for Italy is +39. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). All numbers must be preceded by 0, whether originating in Italy or out, unless calling a mobile phone. City/area codes are in use, e.g. 02 for Milan and 06 for Rome. There can be high surcharges on calls made from hotels and it is generally cheaper to use a calling card. Public telephone boxes take phone cards for local and international calls, which can be bought from newsagents. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.
Contacts :
Emergencies: 112 (Police); 118 (Ambulance)
