Italy Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Italy, located in Southern Europe, is a country known for its rich history, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. With a population of over 60 million people, it is home to bustling cities such as Rome, Milan, and Venice, as well as charming towns and villages. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the stunning Amalfi Coast, Italy offers a diverse range of landscapes to explore. The country also boasts a vibrant culture, with art, fashion, and music playing significant roles in daily life. Whether you are interested in history, food, or simply soaking up the Mediterranean sun, Italy has something for everyone to enjoy.

Why Italy?

Italy is home to the largest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world.
The country has over 3,000 museums and galleries, making it a haven for art lovers.
Pizza was invented in Naples, Italy in the 16th century.
The Trevi Fountain in Rome collects an estimated €3,000 worth of coins every day, which is donated to charity.
Italy is home to the world's smallest country, Vatican City, which is located within the city of Rome.

History

A country of breathtaking beauty and indulgence - sheer romance - Rama Tobin

Transportation on Italy

Getting to Italy and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

Valid Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least 3 months beyond departure.
Visa: Check Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa requirements based on nationality.
Proof of Accommodation: Have confirmation of hotel or lodging.
Proof of Funds: Be ready to show you can cover your stay (bank statements or sponsorship letter).
Return Ticket: Show onward travel plans.
Travel Insurance: Recommended for health coverage.
Arrival Form: Complete if required.
COVID-19 Documents: Check latest travel advisories and COVID-19 requirements from reliable sources.

Departure Tax

No specific departure tax in Europe for American citizens; European countries typically include departure taxes in airline ticket prices, applying to all passengers, to fund airport services. Best to check with airline or airport website for any updates.

Driving

Drive on the right-hand side of the road in Italy.
Non-EU/EEA tourists may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Ensure all occupants, including passengers in the back seat, wear seat belts.
Children under 12 or less than 150 cm in height must use an appropriate child safety seat.
Adhere to speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on open roads, 110 km/h on expressways, and 130 km/h on motorways (some sections may have lower limits).
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system.
In some cases, vehicles coming from the right have priority unless road signs indicate otherwise. Always be cautious at intersections.
Many highways have tolls; pay attention to toll booths and consider electronic toll devices available with some rental cars.
In case of an emergency, call 112 and familiarize yourself with emergency service numbers.

Italy Weddings and Honeymoons

Vacationers don’t just stay in Italy villas - they come to paradise to get married and celebrate their honeymoons!

See our favorite villas for weddings.

Know Before You Go...® - Italy Travel Tips

Before making their way to Italy villas, vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Italy even more relaxing.

Capital:

rome

Population:

202060 million

Size:

2019301,338 square miles

Electric Current:

220/240

Time:

15:41 pm zone:+1 (GMT/UTC +1)

Official Language:

English is widely spoken, but knowing a few basic Italian phrases can be helpful, especially in rural areas.

Currency:

Italy's official currency is the Euro (EUR), which is the most widely accepted form of payment throughout the country. It is divided into banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros, as well as coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 euro cents, as well as 1 and 2 euro coins. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Italy, particularly in major cities and tourist destinations. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, followed by American Express and Diners Club. However, it is always advisable to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and transactions. Travelers can easily exchange their currency for euros at banks, exchange offices, and ATMs throughout Italy. Exchange rates may vary, so it is recommended to compare rates before making a transaction. It is also important to note that some banks may charge a fee for currency exchange. ATMs, also known as "bancomats" in Italy, are widely available and can be found in most cities and towns. They accep

Tipping and Taxes:

In Italy, tipping and taxes are an important aspect of the country's economy and culture. Tipping, also known as gratuity, is not a mandatory practice in Italy, but it is a common and appreciated gesture for good service. Taxes, on the other hand, are a necessary part of daily life and are regulated by the government. When it comes to tipping, it is customary to leave a small tip of 5-10% of the total bill at restaurants, cafes, and bars. This is usually done by rounding up the bill or leaving loose change on the table. However, it is not expected to tip in fast-food chains, coffee shops, or for take-out orders. Tipping is also common in other service industries such as hair salons, taxis, and hotels. In these cases, a small tip of a few euros is appreciated for good service. It is also common to tip tour guides and drivers on organized tours, but this is not mandatory. On the other hand, taxes in Italy are an important source of revenue for the government. The main types of t

Dress Code:

The dress code in Italy is typically formal and stylish, with an emphasis on well-tailored and sophisticated attire.

Topography:

Italy's topography is characterized by a diverse landscape, with mountains dominating the north and central regions, a narrow coastal plain along the Mediterranean Sea, and islands scattered throughout the surrounding seas.

Telephone:

Italy's telephone country code is +39 and the area code for the entire country is 00.

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