Welcome to Italy 😊

Quick Facts About Italy

Money and Finances

The currency in Italy is Euro (EUR). Coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 euro coins. Notes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros.

ATM Network

ATMs are widely available in Italy. Most international debit and credit cards are accepted at most ATMs, although some may charge a fee for use.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Italy, particularly in larger cities and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, while American Express is not as widely accepted.

Internet and Phones

In Italy, the average download speed is 40.50 Mbps and the average upload speed is 15.38 Mbps. There are no major government interferences to internet use in the country.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The major telco companies in Italy are Telecom Italia, Vodafone, Wind Tre, and Fastweb. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 20-30 euros per month. Most phones are compatible with Italian sim cards.

Dialling to Italy

To call Italy from another country, dial +39 followed by the area code and phone number. The area code for Rome is 06, for Milan is 02, and for Florence is 055, among others.

Transport Around Italy

Air Travel

Italy has several major airports, including Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Rome and Malpensa Airport in Milan.

Train Travel

Italy has an extensive inter-city train network, operated by Trenitalia. Example prices for a one-way journey from Rome to Florence start at 19 euros, and journey times are typically around 1.5 - 2 hours.

Metro / Local Trains

Rome, Naples, Milan, and Turin all have local rail transit systems.

Buses

Italy also has a bus network with a company called FlixBus which operates in major cities. Example prices for a one-way journey from Rome to Milan start at 9 euros, and journey times are around 7 hours.

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft are both available in Italy, with average prices for a ride within Rome starting at around 10 euros.

Driving by Car

Driving in Italy can be challenging, with narrow roads and aggressive drivers. The speed limit on highways is typically around 130 km/h, and Italy drives on the right-hand side of the road.

Local Customs

In Italy, tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. It is common to round up the bill or leave a couple of euros for good service. Locals generally greet each other with a kiss on each cheek, starting with the left cheek. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to use formal language and address them with their title (e.g., Signore for Mr. and Signora for Mrs.). Men and women typically address each other with formal titles, but friends and family may use informal language and nicknames.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Italy has a public healthcare system, but there are also private healthcare options available. The Sistema Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) provides free or low-cost medical care for residents with an Italian health card. For non-residents, medical expenses can be quite expensive, with a visit to a doctor costing around €80-100. Private healthcare can be much more expensive. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and emergencies.

COVID Situation

Italy was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, with a large number of cases and deaths. The government implemented strict lockdown measures to control the spread of the virus, which have been gradually lifted as the situation has improved. Currently, the situation in Italy is stable, with a low number of cases and deaths compared to peak levels.

Common Health Risks

Common health risks in Italy include food poisoning from contaminated food or water, mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus and Chikungunya fever, as well as heat exhaustion and sunstroke during hot summers. There is a low risk of malaria in certain areas in southern Italy during certain months of the year, so it’s recommended to take precautions such as using mosquito nets and repellent.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Italy, the legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol consumption is generally allowed in public places, but public intoxication is illegal and can lead to fines or imprisonment. Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited.

Recreational Drugs

Recreational drug use is illegal in Italy and can result in fines and imprisonment. Possession of small amounts of cannabis (up to 15 grams) for personal use is decriminalized, but selling, trafficking, or growing cannabis is illegal and can result in severe penalties.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Pre-marital relationships are generally accepted in Italy, as is cohabitation. However, there are legal requirements for getting married in Italy, including obtaining certain documents and going through a civil ceremony.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in Italy, but same-sex couples can enter into a civil union. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal, but LGBTQ individuals may still face social stigma and discrimination in certain areas of society.

Firearms / Guns

Gun ownership is strictly regulated in Italy, and a license is required to purchase, possess, or carry a firearm. Only individuals with a valid reason, such as hunting or target shooting, are typically granted a license. The use of firearms for self-defense is generally not considered a valid reason.