Guided tours for disabled visitors in Pompeii, Rome, Florence, Pisa and Milan

English version
Versione italiana
 
You are in: Home Page » Italy » TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS IN ITALY » Information

INFORMATION




TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS IN ITALY:




RESTAURANTS:

The Italian restaurants are obliges by law to produce a menu, which must be clearly shown on the façade of the entrance. . But on the list of dishes  its contents may bear little relation to what is being prepared in the kitchen, particularly in smaller trattorie. Don’t be put off: it only means that the chefs, in their tiny kitchens, are using the best, freshest ingredients available at market that day.
The menu turistico is best avoided;  the menu del giorno, on the other hand, is likely to be fresh and tasty.
All restaurants charge coperto (cover charge),  which is generally between  Euros 2,50 and Euros 4,00 per person. When the bill arrives, check it carefully (particularly if there was any confusion over Your  order) and calmly query anything that is unclear. It is customary, though by no means obligatory, to leave a tip (usually around ten per cent), which is a particularly good investment if You intend to return to the restaurant.
By law, the Italian restaurants  are obliged to issue a receipt.

PASTICCERIA:

Dolci are a serious business in Italy, and Italians will happily cross from one side of the city to another to obtain the perfect cake., particularly for special occasions. Should  You be invited for Sunday lunch, don’t turn up with a bottle of wine but with some finely wrapped cakes.    


BAR:

You can have something  (a coffee or anything else) standing in the bar.  The price will be much higher if You sit down at a café table and have the same thing.


TIPPING:

In Italy, tipping is discretionary, and You are quite justified in leaving nothing for service that merited nothing.  However, a tip – rarely over 12% - is appreciated everywhere. Most locals  leave  10 cents or 20 cents on the counter.  Anyway it’s better to tip in cash than by credit card.

TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

To call in Italy, You  have to use Your country’ exit code (00 in the UK, 011 in the US), followed by the country code for Italy (39). When within Italy,  all telephone  numbers now require that the area code is dialled as part of the number , whether You are in the relevant area or not.

CHURCHES:

Italy is awash  with churches  and, frequently,  it is very interesting to visit them.
Though churches are best visited in sober attire, all but the most indecent extremes of exposure are generally tolerated from tourists. To avoid giving offence, use common sense: don’t visit during mass unless there are empty side aisles where You can blend quietly into the shadows.  Most priests
are only too happy to talk about their churches, but don’t expect exhaustive historical knowledge.

TICKETS  AND ADMISSION:

At state-owned sites, EU citizens under 18 and over 65 are admitted free; some places offer further reductions for groups, full-time students and so on. Keep Your  ID with You at all time; You never know when You might qualify for cheaper tickets. Tickets prices at sites not owned by the state – including many smaller museums and galleries – vary, but  rarely exceed Euros 5.

ELECTRICITY:

Most wiring systems work on 220V.  Two-pin  adapter  plugs can be bought at electrical shops (look for “Casalinghi” or “Elettricità”) or at airports.  
HEALTH:

Emergency health care is available for all travellers through  the Italian national health system and, by law, hospital casualty departments must treat all emergency cases for free. However, to avoid hassle  if You’re only visiting for a short time, it’s worth taking out private health insurance.
If You require regular medication during Your stay in Italy, bring adequate supplies of Your drugs with You.

PHARMACIES:

Farmacias, marked by a large red or green cross, will give informal medical advice for simple ailments, and will make up prescriptions from a doctor. Over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin are more expensive in Italy than in the UK or US.

ID:

Under  Italian law, You are technically required to carry a photo ID at all times. However,  in reality You will only be asked to show it on rare occasions, such as when cashing traveller’s cheques or checking into a hotel.

MONEY:

Euro coins and notes from any  Eurozone country  are legal tender in Italy.  By law, You must be given a receipt  (scontrino fiscale) for any transaction .

ATM:

Most banks, even in the smallest  towns, have cash machines  (Bancomat)   that allows  You to withdraw money with cards bearing  the Eurocard, Maestro, Cirrus or Visa symbols.

BANKS:

Most banks are open 8.20am-1.20pm, 2.45-3.45pm Mon-Fri. All are closed on public holidays, and work reduced hours the day before a holiday, usually closing around noon.