Must knows for your trip to Italy
Currency. The currency in Italy is the Euro. You should have no trouble exchanging your pounds before you travel. Just make sure to shop around to make sure you get the best deal.
Plugs. Italy sticks to the script and uses the European standards of Type F and Type L. This means if you've got a European plug adapter you should be fine. The Italian grid also outputs electricity at 230 V and 50 Hz, this means most British electrical appliances should work fine. If you're coming from the USA though you may need a voltage converter since US electrical can be rated for a lower voltage.
Vaccinations and health. Guidelines about the vaccinations you might need when travelling to Italy are always changing, check out the .Gov site here for all the info.
Time difference. Italy runs on GMT+1 time. This means they're 1 hour ahead of us here in the UK.
How to get around
This really does depend on where you're going. Major cities like Rome have pretty good transport links and driving around these cities can be quite intimidating. For most of rural Italy though a car is your best bet, Italian road trip, anyone?
Italy's impressive motorway network allows rapid progress across the country which means that you can get around and visit many points of interest, making car hire a great way to get you around.
Useful resources and links
- Italy Tourist Board: The official website for the Italian Tourist Board – a useful resource for planning your trip to Italy.
- Know Before You Go: Travel advice from the FCO for Italy.
- Top 5 Italian cities
Money saving tips for your Italy trip
Keep your cash close and your bag closer. Big Italian cities like Rome can be jam-packed in peak season, this can also be peak season for pick-pockets. It's best to stay safe, carry cash and make sure you keep it somewhere zipped and hidden.
Don't buy the water. Unlike in the UK, it's not always guaranteed that asking for tap water at a restaurant will mean that water is free. It can cost the same as a small glass of wine. Buying cheap bottled water from a shop or just bring your own reusable bottle is an easy money saver.
Look for Apertivo. Apertivo is like the Italian Happy Hour. It's when restaurants will offer a free buffet if you buy a drink. This normally happens between 6pm and 9pm so always worth keeping an eye out!
Things to see and do
- View the ancient ruins of Rome.
- Visit the Trastevere area of Rome, well known for its bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.
- Wear a costume and mask at the Venice Carnival.
- Go to the bare back horse race on Piazza del Campo in Siena. The 'Palio' event is held twice a year in July and August.
- Sample Chianti in Siena, this wine region in the centre of the area of Tuscany should not be missed.
- Float down the Grand Canal, no visit to Italy is complete without visiting Venice.
- Visit the Isle of Capri, the views from the top of Capri are breath-taking.
- Cycle through Tuscany, a beautiful area of Italy.
Festivals and events
- Medieval Easter Celebrations in Assisi, Umbria are a sight to behold. (March - April)
- Medieval Parades in Palio, Asti, Piedmont with horse races. (May)
- Medieval Football Match in Florence, Tuscany. (June)
- The world famous Plio Horse Race in Palio di Siena in Siena. (July)
- Joust of the Quintana in Ascoli Piceno, The Marches. (August)
- St. Gennaro Feast in Napoli, Campania. (September)
- Wine Festival in Marino, Latium. Wine-pouring fountains and lots of wine from the Roman Castles Area. (October)
Tipping etiquette
There is normally a 1-3 Euros service charge automatically added to the bill, therefore most will tip up to the next round figure. It is generally accepted to leave a 5% tip if the service warrants it. A tip of 10% is considered very generous.
Tipping taxi drivers and/or hotel staff is uncommon in Italy but it is appreciated when you do so. A few Euros is acceptable. Most establishments will always give you a receipt and you must take it even if you pay cash. This is to prove that you have paid and that the owner's taxes add up.
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