In southern Europe, the famed boot-shaped peninsula of Italy is a cultural melting pot, with a climate ranging from the cold northern Alps to the Mediterranean Sea’s seasonal warmth and winds. It shares its borders with France (near Monaco), Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, and with several seas lapping its many shores. Its coastline is more than 5,310 miles long! Italy also includes two of the Mediterranean’s largest islands; Sardinia to the west and Sicily to the southwest. Sicily is close to Africa, serving as a historical point of connection between Europe and its neighboring continent.
Italy means something different to everyone; the Pope; the pasta; the arts; the ruins; the romance?the food! La dolce vita, the sweet life, could be the theme of its cuisine. Italy has refined the art of dining slowly; leisurely; enjoying every moment. Manga!
Several scheduled and charter carriers serve passengers flying into Italy through Rome Fiumicino Airport and Milan Malpensa Airport.
Departure tax
Ticket prices include tax
Italy’s climate is typically Mediterranean, mild and temperate; colder to the north with warm summers and milder to the south with hot summers.
Country code: 39. Calling from outside the country requires the country code, then the district code including the zero (Rome is 06, for example), and then the number. District codes must be used even when calling from within the district. All modern communications (internet, fax, cellular) are available.
Currency: Euro. Major credit cards accepted, and ATMs are widely available.
Meals
- Low-end: US$6-12
- Middle: US$12-25
- High: US$25-35
- Gourmet: US$35+
Lodging
- Low-end: US$50
- Middle: US$50-150
- High: US$150-250
- Deluxe: US$250+
Passport & Visa
- Valid passport required by all except nationals of Austria; Belgium; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Luxembourg; The Netherlands; Portugal; Spain; Sweden with a valid national ID card.
- Nationals of Andorra; Liechtenstein; Monaco; San Marino; and Switzerland if carrying national ID cards.
Visa not required by nationals of EU; Australia; Canada; USA; Japan. Nationals of Andorra; Argentina; Bermuda; Bolivia; Bosnia; Herzegovina; Brazil; Chile; Colombia; Costa Rica; Croatia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Ecuador; El Salvador; Guatemala; Honduras; Hong Kong (British Nationals); Hungary; Iceland; Jamaica; Kenya; South Korea; Liechtenstein; Macedonia; Malaysia; Malta; Mexico; Monaco; New Zealand; Norway; Paraguay; Poland; San Marino; Singapore; Slovak Republic; Switzerland; Uruguay; Vatican City; Serbia and Montenegro; for stays not exceeding 3 months.
Italy operates on a 220 V, 50 Hz cycle electric current. North American travelers will need a transformer and adapter.
Most water is considered drinkable. Coastal regions may be at risk for Lyme disease (tick borne) and Leishmaniasis, borne by sand fleas.
Official language: Italian. Additionally, French and German are spoken in some regions.
Incidents of violence against tourists are rare, however theft is a more common occurrence. Italian police generally speak limited English, so victims of crime should find an English speaking person to report the incident. The area to the south of Naples is more dangerous than the north, and incidents of assault against persons of color are in higher percentages in the southern regions.
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT+1 hours
Many restaurants include a service charge, and it is polite to leave 5-10% extra (although not required). Taxis generally receive a 10% tip.
