|
BANKS
In general, banks are open from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 3:00
PM to 4:00 PM - Monday to Friday. Afternoon hours may vary
from city to city. Banks (besides those in airports) are
closed on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as during religious
or national holidays. Exchange bureaus throughout the
country are often available when banks are open and closed.
CALLING TO/FROM ITALY
To phone Italy from outside of the country, you must dial
the appropriate international code (i.e. for dialing from
the US, the code is 011) + the country code (39 for Italy) +
the city code (a number beginning with a zero) + the phone
number. City codes for some of major cities are: Rome 06,
Florence 055, Venice 041 and Milan 02. For example, to call
Italy from the US, you must dial: 011-39-06-xxxxxx (NOTE:
phone and fax numbers in Italy may have a varying number of
digits.)
To phone from Italy to other countries you must dial the
foreign call code 00, then the country code (i.e. 1 for the
US or 44 for the UK) + the city code + the phone number.
Example: To call San Francisco from Italy, you must dial:
001-415-xxx-xxxx.
In Italy, phone numbers are always listed with the city code
+ phone number. You must always dial the city code + phone
number even if you are in the same city.
CURRENCY
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency of Italy. The Euro
symbol is €. 100 cents = 1 Euro. Remember: A passport may be
required to exchange money.
ELECTRICITY/VOLTAGE
The voltage in Italy is 220 volts, with two-pin
round-pronged plugs. US electrical equipment will need an
adapter, while European equipment only needs to have the
plug changed. Please check with the hotel before using any
electrical gadgets.
FOOD & WINE
Italy is rich in tasty products and its cooking is among the
most well-known in the world. As for Italian wines, there is
a wide selection of exceptional wines, from light white
wines to extra-bodied red ones (Pinot, Castelli Romani, the
famous Chianti, Barolo, Valpolicella and many others).
PUBLIC TELEPHONES
Public telephone cabins are easy to locate and only accept
phone calling cards which may be purchased at major bars or
tobacconist. Many public phones accept a special phone
credit card “carta di credito telefonica” sold only in Italy
and not useful for tourist purposes. Other credit cards are
not accepted. Pre-paid international phone cards are the
best solution for tourists.
SHOPPING IN ITALY
One of the most exciting experiences for visitors is
shopping. Italian designs are very well-known and
appreciated around the world. Throughout the country you can
find all kinds of goods: from famous designer fashions to
handicraft items, however, you should not miss the typical
products of each region.
Store hours generally 09:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM to
7:30 PM, Monday through Saturday. Shops are closed on
Saturday afternoons in the summer and on Monday mornings
during winter months. All shops are closed during religious
and national holidays.
TAXIS
Only take the white official taxis with a sign that reads
“taxi.” A hotel doorman can call a taxi for you, or there
are numerous stands around the cities. Surcharges for
evening transfers and for transfers on Sundays and Holidays
may apply. You may also have to pay the return trip from/to
an airport or other distant destination.
TIME
Italy is one hour ahead of London, six hours ahead of New
York (Eastern Standard Time), nine hours ahead of Los
Angeles. The clocks are put forward one hour in spring and
back one hour in the fall (like Daylight Savings Time).
TIPPING
Service is included in most bills, however in Italy it is
customary to leave an additional tip of up to 10% for
restaurant waiters, taxi drivers, etc. |
