poliglotti :: פוליגלוטי

Below I gathered all the necessary information for your visit to Italy:

Check list:

- Valid passport or identity card

- Tickets and reservations

- Insurance documents

Climate

Although summer in Italy, from the Alps to Sicily, is quite warm, the winter in Northern and Central Italy can be quite cool; winter in the south, however, is relatively mild. The best weather in the cities is in spring and autumn.

Average summer temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F), the average winter temperature is around 4°C to 16°C (39°F to 61°F).

Credit Cards / Traveler’s Cheques

Traveller’s Cheques and Credit Cards are accepted almost everywhere. You can receive money at Automatic Teller Machines (ATM), if you have an ATM card linked to an international network (Bancomat, Postomat, EC, Cirrus, Plus, Maestro etc.). Mastercard and Visa (with PIN number) may be used to withdraw cash from an ATM machine. Cash from ATM’s only in Euro. You should not forget that the daily amount is limited.

Cash from ATM’s only in Euro / daily amount is limited.

Exchanging money

When exchanging large amounts of money it is usually better to do it in Italy. However, you should also bring cash for the first few days (for the taxi, for purchasing small things, etc.). Avoid to change money in change offices because of high commission rates; the best exchange rates are at the bank.

For a stay of more than 3 months, it may even be useful to open a bank account. Our staff will give you further information on it.

Italian Currency / Euro

The basic unit of Italian currency is the Euro.

When exchanging large amounts of money it is usually better to wait until you arrive in Italy. However, you should also bring cash for the first few days (for the taxi, for purchasing small things, etc.). Avoid changing your money in change offices because of high commission rates; you will receive the best exchange rate at the bank.

Telephone

The country code for Italy is "39":

• ‘Land phone’: The country code must always be followed by the "0" before the area code;
• ‘Mobile phone’: There will never be the "0" before the number.

Traveling by train

There are several night- and Eurocity-day-connections with Italy. People under 26 years may receive special discounts. Reservations for sleeping car or couchettes should be made as early as possible. Siena is connected with Florence and Rome by a public bus or by the train.

Visa

Citizens from the European Union do not need a visa and can enter Italy with an Identification card or Passport. Citizens from other countries should check with the nearest Italian Embassy or Consulate.

World time zones

Italy uses Middle-European-Time (MET):
Rome: ±0; London: -1; New York: -6; Los Angeles: -9; Tokyo: +8.
From the end of March to the end of October the clocks in Italy are turned ahead one hour.