Language: Italian. English is understood in the larger cities but not in the more remote parts of the country.
Currency: The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain Euros through any bank, ATM or bureaux de change. ATMs are widespread. Travelers cheques can be exchanged with ease in the large cities, not so in the smaller towns. Credit cards are accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities. Banks are closed on weekends, but tend to have better rates than casas de cambios.
Time: Local time is GMT
+1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in September).
Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the European-style two-pin plug.
Communications: The international access code for Italy is +39. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). All numbers must be preceded by 0, whether originating in Italy or out, unless calling a mobile phone. City/area codes are in use, e.g. 02 for Milan and 06 for Rome. There can be high surcharges on calls made from hotels and it is generally cheaper to use a calling card. Public telephone boxes take phone cards for local and international calls, which can be bought from newsagents. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.
Duty Free: Travelers over 17 years from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco; 1 liter spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%, or 2 liters dessert wine not exceeding 22% alcohol content and sparkling wine, and 2 liters of table wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette, and other goods for personal consumption to the value of EUR175 per adult or EUR90 for children under 15 years. Prohibited items include narcotic drugs, medicinal products, arms and weapons, explosives and protected animal and plant species.
Tourist OfficeItalian Tourist Board: +39 06 49711 or www.enit.it
EmergencyEmergencies: 112 (Police); 118 (Ambulance)
Embassies
Italian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 612 4400.
Italian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7312 2200.
Italian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 232 2401.
Italian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3333.
Italian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 423 0000.
Italian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 1744.
Italian Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 5339.
United States Embassy, Rome: +39 06 46741.
British Embassy, Rome: +39 06 4220 0001.
Canadian Embassy, Rome: +39 06 85444 1.
Australian Embassy, Rome: +39 06 852 721.
South African Embassy, Rome: +39 06 852 541.
Irish Embassy, Rome: +39 06 697 9121.
New Zealand Embassy, Rome: +39 06 441 7171.
