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Italy Travel Guide
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Italy Climate and Weather
Italy has a largely temperate climate with regional variations. In summer the Northern parts of Italy are warm with occasional rainfall, the central region is somewhat stifled by humidity and the south scorches under the dry heat. In winter, conditions in Milan, Turin and Venice are dominated by cold, damp and fog and Tuscany's winter temperatures approach freezing, while temperatures in the south of the country are more favourable averaging 50-60ºF (10-20ºC). Most people visit Italy between June and August, however the best time to visit is in Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) when the weather is good and the tourists are few. The sea is warm enough for swimming between June and September. Most Italians take their vacation in August and many shops and restaurants are closed during this period. The ski season runs between December and April and the best time to walk in the Alps is between June and September.Italy Currency
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.Currency Exchange Rates | |||||||
| EUR 1 = | US$ 1.45 | £ 0.69 | C$ 1.37 | A$ 1.56 | R 9.46 | EUR 1.00 | NZ$ 1.88 |
Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.
Italy Health Overview
There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Italy. It is recommended that travellers visiting the country from November through April get an influenza vaccine. 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.Italy Passport & Visa Requirements
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, endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen, or British Subject do not need a visa to visit Italy for up to 90 days. Other passport holders require a visa.
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 Africans: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 Zealanders: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.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
Italy Basics
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.
Health: There are no specific health risks associated with travel to Italy. It is recommended that travellers visiting the country from November through April get an influenza vaccine. 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.
Tipping: Tipping 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.
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. It is illegal for gays to show public displays of affection.
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 usually stylish, and handshakes are the norm. 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.
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.
Italy Airports
Bologna G Marconi Airport
Location: The airport is located four miles (6km) northeast of the city centre.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).
Contacts: Information desk: +39 051-6479615.
Transfer between terminals: The terminals are within easy walking distance of each other.
Transfer to the city: The Aerobus service (fare EUR4.50) connects to Bologna's central railway station, which is a few miles from the airport. From the station local buses, trains and taxis are available. There are also bus connections available from the airport to Modena and Siena. Taxis are also available at the airport for transport to the city centre.
Car rental: Car hire companies include Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Autovia, Hertz and Thrifty.
Facilities: Facilities at the airport include bars, restaurants and shops (including duty-free), left-luggage facilities, Internet access and VIP lounges. There are also banks, ATMs and bureaux de change. Disabled facilities are good and wheelchairs can be arranged through the airlines.
Parking: Short- and long-term parking is available.
Departure tax: None.
Milan Linate International Airport
Location: The airport is situated four miles (7km) from downtown Milan.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).
Contacts: Tel: +39 02 7485 2200.
Transfer to the city: Buses leave regularly for the Central Station in Milan and the Piazza San Babila underground station; the journey takes 30 minutes and costs EUR2. Taxi services are also available; the journey to the centre of Milan costs around EUR15.
Car rental: Cars can be hired from Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty and other local representatives.
Facilities: Facilities at the airport include banks and bureaux de change, ATMs, a post office, wireless Internet, and a variety of cafes and restaurants. In addition, as one would expect in Milan, the shopping is excellent.
Parking: Short- and long-term, as well as valet parking, is available.
Departure tax: None.
Milan Malpensa Intercontinental Airport
Location: The airport is located 28 miles (45km) northwest of Milan.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).
Contacts: Tel: +39 02 7485 2200.
Transfer between terminals: The two terminals are connected by a free shuttle bus.
Transfer to the city: Buses leave every 60 minutes to Porta Garibaldi Station and Stazione Centrale (the central rail station); the journey takes around an hour, and costs around EUR5. Trains run every 30 minutes from Terminal 1 to Milano Cardona Station; a ticket costs EUR9, and the journey takes 50 minutes. Taxis are also available outside Arrivals and cost about EUR70 to central Milan.
Car rental: Car hire companies include Europcar, Hertz, Maggiore-National, Avis and Sixt.
Facilities: Facilities include a bank, bureau de change, and a wide variety of snack bars and other eateries throughout the airport. In addition, as one would expect in Milan, the shopping is excellent. Other facilities include airline lounges/travel clubs, wireless Internet, left luggage, business services, disabled and first aid facilities, a pharmacy, child facilities, a post office and a tourist information desk.
Parking: Short- and long-term parking, as well as valet parking, is available.
Departure tax: None.
Naples International Airport
Location: The airport is located five miles (8km) north of the city centre.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).
Contacts: Flight enquiries: +39 081 751 5471.
Transfer between terminals: The terminals are within walking distance of each other.
Transfer to the city: Buses leave regularly for Napoli Centrale railway station and the city centre. Taxis are also available.
Car rental: The following car hire companies are represented in Arrivals: Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Maggiore, Sixt, Thrifty and several local companies.
Facilities: There are ATMs and exchange bureaux in both Arrivals and Departures. Other facilities include VIP lounges, restaurants, bars and cafes, shops, meeting facilities, hotel reservations, fax and telephones.
Parking: Short- and long-term parking is available.
Departure tax: None.
Pisa International Airport Galileo Galilei
Location: The airport is located one mile (2km) northeast of Pisa.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).
Contacts: Switchboard: +39 050 849 111. Flight Information: 050 500707.
Transfer to the city: A bus service travels regularly to Pisa city centre, and trains go to Pisa Centrale station, from where connections can be made to other cities. Taxis are also available, the average fare within Pisa ranges from EUR4 to EUR8. Drivers are required to switch on meters before each journey.
Car rental: Car hire companies include Avis, Sixt, Europcar and Hertz and Thrifty.
Facilities: Facilities include left luggage, business services, disabled and First Aid facilities, banks, a bureaux de change and ATMs, bars, duty-free shops, a post office, restaurants and tourist information.
Parking: Short- and long-term parking is available.
Departure tax: None.
Rome Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) Airport
Location: The airport is 19 miles (30km) southwest of central Rome.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).
Contacts: Telephone: +39 06 65 951.
Transfer between terminals: A free shuttle service connects the long-term car park and all three terminals.
Transfer to the city: An express train departs every hour for Termini Station in the centre of Rome; the trip takes 30 minutes and the fare is around EUR10. There is a late night bus service to Tiburtina Station. As of 1 October 2006, a fixed rate of EUR40 will be charged for taxis. This includes luggage and is for a maximum of 4 people, to all destinations within central Rome. Before you leave, make sure the taxi meter is running and only use authorised taxis (white cars with meters). The journey will take 40 to 60 minutes to central Rome.
Car rental: Car hire companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar and Sixt.
Facilities: Facilities include lounges/travel clubs, left luggage, business services, disabled and First Aid facilities, banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, bars, duty-free shops, restaurants and tourist information.
Parking: Short- and long-term parking is available.
Departure tax: None.
Venice Marco Polo Airport
Location: The airport is located 10 miles (16km) northeast of Venice.Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).
Contacts: General information: +39 (0)41 260 6111
Transfer between terminals: A free shuttle service connects the two terminals.
Transfer to the city: A waterboat service and water taxis run from the airport to Venice. Taxis are also available. A bus service runs every 20 minutes to Venice-Mestre railway station.
Car rental: Car hire companies include Avis, Europcar Italia, Hertz and Thrifty.
Facilities: Facilities include lounges/travel clubs, baggage/left luggage, business services, disabled and First Aid facilities, banks, bureaux de change, bars, duty-free shops, a chemist, restaurants and tourist information.
Parking: Long- and short-term parking is available.
Departure tax: None.
