Ultimate Italy Travel Guide
Destinations
Best time to go
The best time to visit Italy depends on your interests and preferences. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and blooming landscapes, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summer (July to August) is popular for beach holidays and festivals, but it can be crowded and hot, especially in tourist hotspots. Winter (December to February) is quieter, with opportunities to experience Christmas markets, ski resorts, and cultural events, although some attractions may have reduced hours.
Average Temperature By Month
January: 8°C (46°F)
February: 9°C (48°F)
March: 11°C (52°F)
April: 14°C (57°F)
May: 18°C (64°F)
June: 22°C (72°F)
July: 25°C (77°F)
August: 25°C (77°F)
September: 22°C (72°F)
October: 18°C (64°F)
November: 13°C (55°F)
December: 9°C (48°F)
What To Expect
Time Zone:
Central European Time (CET), UTC+1.
Currency:
The official currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets.
Language:
Italian is the official language of Italy, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
Airport:
Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Rome and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) are the two main international airports in Italy, serving as primary entry points for international travelers. Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Florence Airport (FLR) are also major airports with international connections.
How To Get Around
Train: Italy has an extensive and efficient train network operated by Trenitalia and Italo, connecting major cities and regions across the country. High-speed trains like Frecciarossa and Frecciargento offer quick and comfortable travel between cities.
Rental Cars: Renting a car is a popular option for exploring Italy’s countryside and smaller towns, offering flexibility and freedom. Roads are generally well-maintained, but driving in historic city centers can be challenging due to narrow streets and restricted traffic zones.
Public Transport: Italy has comprehensive public transportation systems in major cities, including buses, trams, and metros. Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples have extensive metro networks, while buses provide connections to surrounding areas.
Taxis/Uber: Taxis are readily available in major cities and tourist areas, but they can be expensive, especially for longer journeys. Uber is available in some cities, providing an alternative for transportation.
Average Temperature By Month:
January: 8°C (46°F)
February: 9°C (48°F)
March: 11°C (52°F)
April: 14°C (57°F)
May: 18°C (64°F)
June: 22°C (72°F)
July: 25°C (77°F)
August: 25°C (77°F)
September: 22°C (72°F)
October: 18°C (64°F)
November: 13°C (55°F)
December: 9°C (48°F)
Plugs:
Italy uses Type C and Type F electrical plugs, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz.
VPN:
Using a VPN is advisable for secure internet browsing, especially when accessing public Wi-Fi networks.
Safety:
Italy is generally safe for travelers, but it's essential to be vigilant, especially in crowded tourist areas where pickpocketing can occur. Be aware of your surroundings and follow local guidelines and advice.
Credit Cards and Banks
Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted in Italy, especially in urban areas, tourist destinations, and larger establishments. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted cards, followed by American Express and Diners Club, though acceptance may vary. However, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash, especially when traveling to more remote areas or smaller establishments.
Debit Cards: Debit cards, known as “Carta di Debito” or “Bancomat” in Italian, are commonly used for purchases and ATM withdrawals in Italy. Most Italian banks issue debit cards to their customers, which are equipped with chip-and-PIN technology for security. Informing your bank of your travel plans is advisable to prevent any issues with card usage abroad and to check for potential foreign transaction fees.
ATMs: ATMs, known as “Bancomat” in Italian, are readily available throughout Italy. They can be found in cities, towns, tourist areas, and even in some remote locations. Italian banks often charge their own customers minimal fees for ATM withdrawals, but foreign banks may impose additional fees for international transactions. Using ATMs affiliated with major banks or located within bank branches is recommended for security.
Currency Exchange: The official currency of Italy is the Euro (EUR). It’s advisable to exchange your currency to Euros upon arrival. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks, currency exchange offices (Cambio), some hotels, and at airports. US dollars and British pounds are often accepted for exchange, especially in tourist areas.
Banks: Italy has a number of commercial banks serving its population. Some of the major banks in Italy include UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, and Banco BPM. These banks offer various financial services, including current accounts, savings accounts, loans, and investment products. Many banks also provide online banking services and have extensive branch networks.
Traveler’s Checks: Traveler’s checks are becoming less common worldwide, including in Italy. While some banks may still cash traveler’s checks, they are not as widely accepted as they once were. It’s recommended to carry cash or use alternative payment methods such as credit/debit cards or ATMs for transactions.
Tips for Banking in Italy:
- Notify your bank before traveling to Italy to inform them of your travel plans.
- Keep your PIN and card information secure, especially when using ATMs in crowded tourist areas.
- Familiarize yourself with the current exchange rate to ensure fair transactions when exchanging currency.
- Carry a mix of cash and cards for flexibility, but avoid carrying large amounts of cash for security reasons.
Understanding the banking system in Italy can help ensure a smooth and convenient financial experience during your travels in the country.
Locations
TRAVEL FACTS
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution due to terrorism.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
US Embassy/Consulate
(+39) 06-4674-1; US Embassy Rome, via Vittorio Veneto 121, 00187 Roma, Italy; uscitizenrome@state.gov; https://it.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
39
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 112, 118; Fire: 112, 115; Police: 112, 113;
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Italy: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tickborne encephalitis, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
Climate
Predominantly Mediterranean; alpine in far north; hot, dry in south
Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, F, L
Major Languages
Italian, German, French, Slovene
Major Religions
Christian (overwhelmingly Roman Catholic with very small groups of Jehovah’s Witnesses and Protestants), Muslim
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March, ends last Sunday in October
Potable Water
Yes, but some opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Rome (includes Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo, Roman Forum); Venice Canals; Pompeii; Leaning Tower of Pisa; Lake Como; Florence (includes Ponte Vecchio, Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery); Sicily; Mount Vesuvius; Amalfi Coast; Hadrian’s Villa; Milan (includes Cathedral, La Scala)
Major Sports
Soccer, basketball, rugby, cycling, water polo
Cultural Practices
It is common for Italian friends and families to kiss on the cheek when they meet, irrespective of their gender. Dress neatly and respectfully.
Tipping Guidelines
A service charge, ranging from 1-3 euros, is sometimes added to a restaurant bill, but you can round up for good service. Tip a bartender 1 euro for a round of drinks. Tipping in hotels is not required, but always appreciated. It is appropriate to tip a porter 5 euros, the concierge 1-2 euros (if they provided a service), and housekeeping between 75 cents to 1.5 euros per day. Round up taxi fares.
Souvenirs
Leather goods, designer fashion, artwork, ceramics and pottery, wine and liqueurs, cheese, pasta, crystal and blown-glass items
Traditional Cuisine
Pasta dishes, pizza
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) – To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information – Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada – 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas – +1 202-501-4444
Central Intelligence Agency.
The World Factbook.
/the-world-factbook
(May 8, 2024)
