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flag Italy Practical information Italy

Area : 116602  sq.mi - Population : 60418711 hab.

In brief

Visa :
No
Vaccinations :
No
Currency :
Euro
Capitale :
Rome
Languages :
italian, sardinian, german, French

Our expert Italy

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Weather Italy

Practical information Italy

langue

Languages

Italian is the official language. French and English are generally spoken by people working in the tourism industry.
formalite

Requirements

For European citizens, a valid identity card (or a passport of less than 10 years) is sufficient. It is strictly forbidden to smoke in bars and restaurants with no separate areas for smokers and non-smokers. Anyone buying an imitation good is liable for 10 000 euros, a fine cut down to 3 333 euros if paid within the two months following the offence.
religion

Religion

85% of the population is Catholic.
monnaie

Currency

The currency is the Euro, which consists of 100 Cents. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted credit cards and can also be used to withdraw cash from ATM machines. Cash can be exchanged and travellers cheques cashed in banks, which are open from 8:30am to 1:30pm and from 3:00pm to 4:00pm during the week.
transports

Transport

From January 2007, Milan has had a toll gate for vehicles circulating in the town-centre. It was inspired by the congestion charge in London, but with a different system of application. Only those not residing in the town-centre are concerned, and the tax is paid by getting a cheaper ticket given the pollution caused by the vehicle. The tax is paid every weekday.

The Vaporetto to Venice is another good way to get around.
As of January 2011, the cost of a unit ticket (valid for 60 min) has been about £5.50. Since the Venitian Vaporetti network also serves the lagoon islands (Lido, Murano, Burano), you can get a blue pass: around £15 a day, £28 for 3 days and £45 for 7 days. The pass that includes routes that go up to the Marco Polo airport is the Aliguna pass.
The main islands (Sardinia and Sicily) and cities are accessible by regular flights. The railway network is quite dense and remains a cheap means of transport. Buses can also be used to travel to areas not accessible by train. To rent a car, your national license is sufficient. The speed is limited to 30mph in town, 56 mph outside the town centre and 80 mph on the motorway.
santé

Health

No particular vaccine is required, but check your vaccination updates. Get a European Health card (ask for it at your local social security centre) to be covered for medical expenses. If you need medical care in the country, the expenses will be reimbursed once you return to your country, on presentation of the justifying documents.
electricité

Electricity

Voltage is 220 V. An adapter is not needed.
frequentation

Attendance

In 2009, 43.2 million tourists visited Italy.
taxe

Taxes

Most goods and services are taxed at 19%. In restaurants, if the service is not included, leave 15% of the bill's total. In other cases, leaving a tip is not common practice.
reperes

Landmark

Italy, 20 Regions :