Italy Essential Travel Information
This is essential travel information you need to know before you travel to Italy.
Climate
Italy’s climate ranges from the more temperate northern part of the country to the Mediterranean south. Summers are hot and dry along the coastal areas (especially the further south you go), cool in the major mountain areas. Winters are mild in the south of the country, Rome and below, but in the north they can be extremely cold.
Currency
The Euro is the local currency in Italy.
1 Euro consists of 100 cent.
Notes are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500.
Coins are €1, €2, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c.
Tipping
Some low wages mean that tipping is an important part of Italian living, so keep plenty of small change handy.
In hotels, the service charge is 15% - 19%, but is already added to a bill. In addition, it is customary to tip the chambermaid 0.50€ per day, the doorman (for calling a cab) 0.50€ and the bellhop or porter 1.50€ to 2.50€ for carrying your bags to your room.
A concierge expects about 15% of his or her bill, as well as tips for extra services performed, which could include help with long-distance calls. In expensive hotels, these euro amounts are often doubled.
Credit Cards and Cash
Credit and debit cards are convenient and relatively secure. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted, and shops tend to display the company logos in windows.
The cheapest and most convenient way to access cash is via ATMs (Bancomat), although in very remote areas, they are less common.
Traveller’s cheques are safe and commonly accepted with your passport.
Various coins will be needed for parking meters, tolls, laundries, etc.
Driving
Italy recognises international driver's permits when presented in conjunction with your Australian driver's license. To hire a car you’ll need a valid driving licence and a major credit card.
Roads across Italy are in very good condition. Italians drive on the right side of the road as does all of continental Europe. The motorways take credit cards for toll payments but you must be prepared for Italian drivers to be too close and very pushy.
There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or while using a mobile phone and penalties apply.
Electricity
The electricity in Italy varies considerably, but is primarily alternating current (AC), varying from 42 to 50 cycles. The voltage can be anywhere from 115 to 220. It's recommended that any visitor carrying electrical appliances obtain a transformer. Check the exact local current at the hotel where you're staying. Plugs have prongs that are round like European prongs, not flat; therefore, an adapter plug is also needed.
Passport and Visa Information
Australian Citizens do not require a visa for travel within 90 days but must have a valid passport on them at all times. Visas are required for students planning to study in Italy.
Legally, you're required to register with the police within three (3) days of entering Italy, though if you're staying at a hotel or with a tour group, this will be done for you.
Public Holidays 2008
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1 January 2008 |
New Year's Day |
Public Holidays in
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25 April 2008 |
Saint Mark ( |
Time Zone
Local time is Greenwich Mean Time plus 1 hour (Day Light Saving means the times change to GMT + 2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Language
The official language spoken in Italy is Italian; however, you will often hear local dialects spoken, as well as French, German, Slovenian and Albanian due to its geographical location. English is widely spoken in heavily touristy areas.
Communications
Some public telephones are coin-operated, but most require a national telephone card, available from tobacconists and newsstands. To call abroad from a public or private telephone purchase an international phone card, available at main post offices. Mobile phones in Italy work on the GSM European standard. Internet cafés are found in larger towns and cities.
Emergency
Emergency Telephone Numbers
12 Phone Directory Assistance
113 for Emergency Police Help
115 for the Fire Department
116 for the A.C.I. (Italian Automobile Club) - for vehicle road side assistance
118 for Medical Emergencies
176 International Inquires
Health
While no vaccinations apply for Italy, medical and travel insurance is highly recommended for international visitors as treatment can be very expensive. Tap water is drinkable in Italy and water from drinking fountains is safe unless there is a sign ‘Acqua non potabile’. You might see this sign inside trains, camping sites, etc.
Smoking
Smoking is now not permitted in public places for the protection of people’s health, eg airports, post offices, shops, theatres, banks, hospitals, etc.
Smoking in restaurants and bars is also prohibited unless there is a separate, air-conditioned area for smokers. Fines of €25 to €50 apply.
