Italy Travel Guide

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Shopping

Many Italian products, especially clothes, shoes and bags, are world-famous for their style and quality. Florence, Milan and Rome are important fashion centers. Some places are known for particular products, such as Carrara (Tuscany) for marble. In several parts of Sardinia, writing paper made of cork is produced. Cremona (Lombardy) is famous for its handmade violins. Valenza (Piemonte) has a large number of goldsmiths and Sulmona (Abruzzo) produces 'confetti' (sugar-coated almonds) used all over Italy for wedding celebrations. Ravenna (Emilia-Romagna) is famous for mosaics and Volterra (Tuscany) for alabaster goods.

Shopping hours: Generally Mon-Sat 0830-1230 and 1530-1930, with some variations in northern Italy where the lunch break is shorter and the shops close earlier.

Currency

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Currency Exchange

Traveller's checks, checks and foreign money can be changed at banks, railway stations and airports and very often at major hotels (generally at a less convenient rate).

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

Diners Club, MasterCard, American Express and Visa are widely accepted.

Travelers Checks

Traveller's checks are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler's checks in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Currency Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if traveling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Banking Hours

These vary from city to city but, in general, Mon-Fri 0830-1330 and 1500-1600.

Exchange Rate