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.
Currency Exchange Rates
EUR 1.00 =
rate 1.36
rate 0.68
rate 1.51
rate 1.66
rate 9.47
rate 1.00
rate 1.85
Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
Language:
Italian. English is understood in the larger cities but
not in the more remote parts of the country.
Entry requirements for Americans:
United States citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is
not required for stays of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British passport holders, irrespective of endorsement regarding
national status, do not need a visa to visit Italy for up to 90
days.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for
stays of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians must have a valid passport. No visas are required
for stays of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for South African:
South Africans need a valid passport and a Schengen visa to
travel to Italy.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals require a passport. No visa is required for a
stay of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for New Zeland nationals:
New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is
required for stays of up to 90 days.
Passport/Visa Note:The borderless region known as the Schengen area
includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these
countries issue a standard Schengen visa that allows the holder, in
principal, to travel freely within the borders of all. Travellers
are advised to have a return or onward ticket plus all documents
required for their next destination, and sufficient funds to cover
period of intended stay in Italy.
Embassy or Consulate in US:
Italian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 612
4400.
Embassy or Consulate in UK:
Italian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7312
2200.
Embassy or Consulate in Canada:
Italian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 232 2401.
Embassy or Consulate in Australia:
Italian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3333.
Embassy or Consulate in South Africa:
Italian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 423
0000.
US Embassy or Consulate:
United States Embassy, Rome: +39 06 46741.
UK Embassy or Consulate:
British Embassy, Rome: +39 06 4220 0001.
Canadian Embassy or Consulate
Canadian Embassy, Rome: +39 06 85444 1.
Australian Embassy or Consulate:
Australian Embassy, Rome: +39 06 852 721.
South African Embassy or Consulate:
South African Embassy, Rome: +39 06 852 541.
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 N1 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.
TippingTipping is customary in Italy and 10% of the bill is
acceptable in restaurants (unless a service charge has already been
included). Hotels add a service charge of 15-18%, but it is
customary to tip the service staff extra. Italians rarely tip taxi
drivers, but 5-10% is usual. Most other services expect some small
change.
SafetyThe 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. Since February 2007 there
has been an increase in volcanic activity on Stromboli and part of
the island has been evacuated.
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.
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.
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.
