Practical information Calabria

Flights

Airline companies operating flights to Calabria include Alitalia and Air Malta.

Airports

The main airport is a 10 minute drive from the centre of Reggio Calabria and can be reached either by using a sea shuttle service that is linked to the flight times or by taking a public bus from the city (102/103/105/125). The airport has a supervised car park with space for about 400 cars.

The second largest airport is at Lamezia Terme, in the municipality of Sant'Eufemia (6 mi from the centre). There is a car park (charged) with 328 spaces next to the airport. The third and last airport is at Crotone. It is 9 mi from the centre in the Sant'Anna district and has a non-supervised car park.

Languages

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

Required travel documents for

For British nationals a valid passport of less than 10 years is necessary. It is strictly forbidden to smoke in bars and restaurants with no separate areas for smokers and non-smokers. Anyone buying imitation goods is liable for a 10,000-euro fine - cut down to 3,333 euros if paid within two months following the offence.

Religion

87% of the Italian population is catholic

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 cash machines. Cash can be changed 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.

Local transportation

Milan

From January 2007, Milan has had a toll gate for vehicles in the town centre. It was inspired by the congestion charge in London, but with a different system of application. It only applies to those not living in the town centre, applicable every weekday.

Venice

Vaporetto/Gondola/Traghetto

As of June 2012, the cost of a single ticket (75 minutes of travel time) on the vaporetto is 7 Euros. The Venitian Vaporetti network also serves the lagoon islands (Lido, Murano, Burano), with a pass available that can cover you for your whole visit. For any shorter journeys, a gondola, traghetto or simply walking is recommended.

The Main Islands (Sardinia and Sicily)

These two islands are accessible by regular flights, as are most other large Italian cities.

General

The railway network is quite dense and provides a relatively cheap means of transport. Buses can also be used to travel to areas not accessible by train and are usually the most cost efficient mode of transport if you are staying within one region. 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.

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.

Electricity

Voltage is 220V. An adaptor will be necessary for UK plugs

Tourist numbers

Italy welcomes more than 46.1 million visitors every year, making it the fifth most popular tourist destination worldwide

Taxes and tips

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.

Telephone

Reggio Calabria 0965

Crotone 0962

Lamezia Terme 0968

Catanzaro 0961

Cosenza 0984

Vibo Valentia 0963