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General Information |
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 Facebook page: visit also our  Facebook page Passport & Visa European Citizens whose countries are in the Schengen Area can enter Italy on a valid identity card or passport. Citizens from all other countries must show their passports and, where a visa is required, this must be presented to the border authorities, indicating the length of the holder's stay and his or her destination. Visa applications - specifying the reason for the trip - must be obtained at the Italian Consulate in the applicant's country of residence and are generally issued 90 days after application has been made. There are no limits to what may be bought or carried on trips within the European Union, provided such purchases are for the traveller's own personal use. For additional information see: www.esteri.it Climate & Clothing Rome enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate. Early Autumn, September and October and Spring, March to June are the best times to visit Rome, with lovely blue skies and mild temperatures.Summers (from June to September) are hot and dry with temperatures often soaring to 37°C. High humidity is also common, particularly in July and August. June in Rome is relatively hot and sunny. The average low and high temperature in the second week of June is 18-29°C, respectively. Light clothing is suitable for day time, and a light jacket may be useful for the night. Language In Italy, you are likely to find lots of people who speak English and are eager to practice with you. In a unique city like Rome, visited all year round by tourists from everywhere else in the world, there will be no communication difficulty. Romans are used to speak different languages when getting in touch with visitors. Shopping hours Shopping hours are generally on Monday from 4:00 to 7:30pm or 8:00pm, and Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 or 10am to 7:30 or 8:00pm. Shops located within the city centre and in shopping malls may be open on Sunday. Local markets: Full of character and real life, Rome's busy markets are an integral part of local life. Their goods include fresh vegetables, flowers, antics and handcraft. They are held in many districts of the city and are open only in the morning from 7:00am to 2:00pm. Money The Italian currency is the Euro, "EUR = €." Exchange rates of participating countries are locked into a common currency fluctuating against the dollar. Notes come in denominations of €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and €1, and 50, 20, 10, five, two and one cents. You can change your money in banks, at post offices or at a cambio (exchange office). There are exchange booths at Stazione Termini and at Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. Always make sure you have your passport, or some form of photo ID, at hand when exchanging money. ATMs ATMs (known in Italy as bancomat) are widely available in Rome and most will accept cards tied into the Visa, Amex, MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro systems. As a precaution, though, check that the appropriate logo is displayed on the ATM before inserting your card. Almost all ATMs have a language key to enable you to read the instructions in English. Remember that every time you withdraw cash, there will be a transaction surcharge. Find out from your bank the exact amount. Banks opening hours are 08:30 to 13:30 and 14:45 to 15:45, Monday to Friday. Credit cards Major cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard, Cirrus, Amex and Eurocheques are widely accepted. Travellers cheques Travellers cheques are accepted almost everywhere. Those in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars are the easiest to cash. Taxes & refunds A value-added tax of around 20%, known as IVA (Imposta di Valore Aggiunto), is included in the prize of just about everything in Italy. If you are a non-EU resident and you spend more than €155 on a purchase, you can claim a refund when you leave the EU. The refund only applies to purchases from affiliated retail outlets that display a ‘Tax Free for Tourists’ sign. Tipping In Italy service, which usually ranges from 1 to 3 Euros depending on the restaurant, is automatically added to the check and must be visible on the menu. Therefore, there is no need to tip. Normally, however, Italians just round up the bill, by a few Euros. Tipping in the more expensive restaurants is expected, with around 5 to 10 percent being the usual amount. Taxi drivers do not have to be tipped even if a tip is welcome. Hotel staff, such as luggage handlers, happily accepts a small tip. Generally, no other public service workers expect tips. Also remember to take your receipt, even if paying cash. It is required by the law as you must be able to prove that you paid and the owner rang it in for tax purposes. Electricity Electric appliances in Italy work with 220 volts, CA. 50 Hz and In Italy electricity is 220 volts, frequency 50 hz, plugs conform to the European system of round pins with two holes. Plugs type you may find in Italy: C, F & L; Type L plugs/outlets may have different pin spacing. Enjoying Rome with your kids Your children will like this city as much as you will. Rome offers many spaces and events that are children-friendly, especially over the weekend as well as many parks where they can run and play safely with other children. Smoking Regulations Smoking is not permitted indoors in public buildings and other places open to the public. This also includes restaurants, pubs and clubs. In some places there are designated smoking zones. Useful facts Population: 2.8 million inhabitants Area: 1,285 km2 (580 sq mi) Time: GMT/UTC + 1 hour (+ 2 hours in summer) Telephone area code: +39(06) Emergency numbers: Dial 112 for Police, 118 for Ambulance, and 115 for Fire. Airports: Ciampino (CIA) 13.5 km and Fiumicino (FCO) 26 km. Water: Tap water is safe everywhere. In addition, Rome’s ubiquitous public fountains provide fresh drinkable water. Useful Links (please add these links) Rome 2000 www.rome200.it Vatican city mv.vatican.va Ministero degli Affari Esteri http://www.esteri.it/MAE/EN/Ministero/Servizi/Stranieri/IngressoeSoggiornoInItalia.htmTourism Tourism Rome www.romaturismo.it Touristic Board - Province of Rome www.aptprovroma.it National tourism agency www.enit.itBuses and subway ATAC www.atac.roma.it TRAMBUS www.trambus.com SUBWAY www.metroroma.itTrain Trenitalia www.trenitalia.itFlight Alitalia www.alitalia.it Rome Airports www.adr.itLow cost companies Ryanair www.ryanair.comSkyeurope www.skyeurope.comVueling www.vueling.comBlu-Express www.blue-express.com |
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| Date Last Edited: 2012-04-24 10:35 | ||