The Country

The beautiful country of Italy extends for 1300 kilometers or 808 miles from north to south. The peninsula has an extraordinary variety of climate and topography. Italy's 301262 square kilometers or 139087 square miles offers a territory that is rugged and contrasting and plains occupy one quarter of this terrain. It's almost 7500 kilometers or 4660 mile long coastline is washed by the waters of four inner seas: Mare Ligure (Ligurian Sea), Mare Tirreno (Tyrrhenian Sea), Mare Ionio (Ionian Seat) and the Mare Adriatico (Adriatic Sea).

The Alps, which arose from the folding or the earth's crust in the Tertiary Era, form a gigantic barrier and a reservoir of electrical power. Several transalpine passes and tunnels connect Italy with France and northern Europe. On the southern side of the Alps between the fertile Po Plain and the foothills there are several lakes of glacial origin. The Apennines runs from Genoa into Sicily. They are the backbone of the Italian Peninsula and divide the country into two zones of different influences, which have for long remained independent of one another. The peaks of this limestone chain are lower than those of the Alps. The Corno Grande at 2914 meters or 9560 feet is the main peak of the chain's highest massif, the Gran Sasso. The earth's crust from Naples to Sicily is a zone of instability with much underground activity: volcanoes, changing land and sea levels and earthquakes. These processes are all responsible for altering the relief of this southern part of the peninsula. By the end of 1990 the population of Italy reached 57,746,000 making it the fifth most densely country in Europe after the Benelux countries. Towns are more numerous in northern and central Italy and over 54% of the population is urban, residing in towns of 20,000 or more.

Customs

There are customs posts at all points of entry into Italy, whether by Airplane, Boat, Automobile. All airports, ports and borders. These posts control goods being imported and exported and those in transit. Their role is to control and protect health, farming, industrial and trade policy, products and brands as well as fight the traffic of arms, drugs, currency, radioactive materials and protect the national and community cultural heritage. They also control all citizens entering and leaving Italy- EU members and non.

Import - Export Regulations

From January 1, 1993 the countries belonging to the European Union constitute a single area within which there is free circulation of people, goods and capital. Those traveling within the European Union can carry goods purchased in shops other than duty free shops with them without restrictions or formalities. However for certain categories of products subject to tax on manufactured goods or excise tax (processed tobaccos, alcohol and alcoholic beverages) free circulation is permitted within certain quantity limits.

Animals

Dogs and Cats

Entry is permitted if the animals are accompanied by a certificate of origin and health (issued by a foreign public health authority which is recognized in Italy) bearing all the identification particulars of the animals and their owners. The certificate must state that the animals are healthy and have received rabies vaccination at least 20 days and no more than 11 months from the date of the certificate.

Other Animals

Birds, Fish, Frogs and Tortoises may enter if accompanied by a certificate of origin issued by the authorities of the country of origin stating that the animal has been subjected to a health examination and is immune from infectious diseases.

Protected Species

A CITES certificate must be produced, in accordance with the Washington Convention, for the entry of protected species.

Roads and Motorways

The road network comprises provincial and state roads and motorways. Provincial and state roads have blue signs bearing white lettering, the motorways green signs bearing white lettering and numbers. The backbone of the motorway system is the Autostrada del Sole: off this branch of the Padano-Veneta motorway, the coastal and transversal motorways and those to the Alpine passes. The main motorways are: A1 Milano - Napoli; A3 Napoli - Reggio di Calabria; A4 Torino - Trieste; A14 Rimini - Ancona - Taranto; A21 Torino - Piacenza - Brescia; A22 Brennero - Modena. For traffic info contact CIS Viaggare Informati by dialing 1518 - 24 hours a day - 7 days a week. The use of seat belts is mandatory in Italy on front and rear seats and safety seats for children between 3 and 12. Crash helmets are mandatory on two-wheeled vehicles.

On motorways tolls, payments can be made at tollgates by passing through exits that accept non-cash payments. The most convenient solution is a Viacard (purchased at toll gates, Punto Blu stations along motorways, Auto grills and tobacconists; it is used at automatic gates bearing the logo:

Alternatively, credit cards (American Express, Visa, Eurocard-Mastercard, Diners Club, Carta Aura) or Bancomat cards can be used but only Viacard exits. Those equipped for this can use the electronic Telepass payment system, but only through exits bearing the logo:

Maritime Links

The islands are linked with ferry and hydroplane services. The main ports in Sicily, Sardinia, the Tuscan and Campania archipelagos the Eolie Islands, Ustica, the Egadi Islands, the Pelagie islands and Pantelleria, are linked to Genova, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Napoli and Villa San Giovanni. The Ferrovie dello Stato, Tirrenia Navegazioni, Grandi Navi Veloci, Moby Line and Sardinia Ferries operate on these routes. Bookings and ticket purchases can be made at Discoveritaly.net. Services guaranteed all year round, are more frequent in summer. For further ferry information please contact Discoveritaly.net and e-mail to info@discoveritaly.net The pre-Alpine lakes Maggiore, Como, Garda, Iseo have regular boat service. For more information e-mail your request to info@discoveritaly.net

Railways

France, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria are just some of the countries that have direct train connections with Italy. This type of travel is particularly attractive if you are traveling to the north of Italy, where the stations of Torino, Milano, Verona, Venezia and Trieste are Eurocity arrival destinations. The Ferrovie dello Stato (State Railways) have modern ETR Eurostar and InterCity / EuroCity locomotives and carriages. Local traffic is divided between Inter-Regional, Regional and Local services. As well as railway transport the F.S. also offer Ferry services (to the islands) and Autobus Gran Turismo coaches. For information e-mail your request to info@discoveritaly.net

Ticket Purchase and Use

• First and second-class tickets, which are priced differently, can be purchased at railway stations and at Discoveritaly.net, which is an authorized agent for the Ferrovie dello Stato.
• Tickets must be stamped before getting onto the train, and this can be done using the machines situated in stations.
• The journey must commence no more than 6 hours after stamping.
• EuroCity, InterCity, Eurostar Italia (also known as "Pendolino") require mandatory booking and a payment of a supplement. Groups of visitors, those over 60 or under 26 and family groups qualify for special concessions. For more information please call Discoveritaly.net at 1-800-320-1710 or e-mail request to info@discoveritaly.net
• Long distance trains have a restaurant or buffet car and sleeping cars of berths (bookings mandatory). Sleeping cars have 1,2,3 berths cabins and connecting double cabins with washbasin with hot and cold water, shave socket, reading lights, clothes hangers and other amenities.
• Some F.S. trains offer a bicycle transport service and, on some routes, special "Treno + Auto" conventions which allow you to take your car with you.

Health

Citizens of the European Union states qualify for comprehensive health care on the condition that they are carrying a valid identification document and an E111 form (not mandatory). Citizens of non-European Union states that have agreements with Italy can obtain temporary health care; those from states with no agreements with Italy must take out private insurance. Pharmacies are usually open Monday to Saturday from 8:30am to 12:30pm and from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Some locations provide night and Sunday services.

Visitors with Disabilities

There are structures for the care and assistance of the disabled all over Italy. Divided by regions, these structures - public and private - are specially equipped to provide care and assistance.

Travel:

• By Car: The disabled may use a car if they have obtained special licenses and/or permits to do so. There is facilitated parking in special areas and in areas prohibited to traffic.
• By Train: FS stations offer assistance, guaranteed by special reception centers.
• By Airlines: Airlines guarantee assistance both on the ground and during flights. Wheelchair carriage is free.
• By Ship: Some ferries and passenger ships provide access for the disabled.

Emergency Telephone Numbers:

Electricity

Italy has the same voltage as other European countries: 220 Volt. It is however advisable to carry socket adapters (most Italian sockets have two holes) and American visitors should also carry a transformer.

Time Zone and Summer Time

Italy is in the same time zone as Central Europe. Summer time (CET + 1 hour) is in force from the end of March to the end of October, as in nearly all European Countries. Italy is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the USA and Canada. Daylight saving time in Italy goes into effect each year usually from the end of March to the middle of October.

VAT and Tax Free Shopping

Customs concessions are envisaged for Citizens of Non-European Union countries. Products can be purchased exempt of VAT (Value Added Tax) at shops that display the "tax-free-shopping" sign. For more detailed information contact the customs offices in Italy. VAT rates in Italy are currently at 20% on services, drinks, cars, motorcycles, clothing etc. 10% on mineral water, medicines, facilitated building etc.; 4% on milk, bread etc.

Useful Information - Opening Times

Banks

Although there is no national rule, transactions can normally be conducted from 8:30am to 1:30pm and from 2:30pm to 4 or 5pm Monday to Friday. Some counters are also open on Saturday mornings.

Post Offices

Museums

National Museums should close one day a week, but for the convenience of visitors they often stay open all day from 9:00am to 5:00pm, especially in the high season. In summer this is sometimes extended to 11:00pm.

Shops

More and more shops are staying open through the lunch hour (usually from 9:30am to 8:00pm Monday to Saturday) especially in large city centers and the main summer resorts, where shops usually close between 12:30pm and 4:00pm in the north and between 2:00pm and 5:00pm in the sought, especially in summer.

Restaurants

In the north kitchens are, usually open from 12:00 noon to 3:00pm, in the south from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. In the evening, in the north this is from 7:00pm and in the south from 8:00pm almost until midnight. In seaside resorts opening times may extend beyond midnight, especially in pizzerias. Please note the day of closure, which is a day chosen by the owner and may not be applied in the busiest periods.

Gas and Fueling Stations

In towns from 8:00am to 1:00pm and from 2:30pm to 7:30pm. Many stations offer self-service 24 hours a day and accept bank noted and credit cards. The stations on motorways are open 24 hours a day.

Currency and Regulations

Effective January 1, 2002 the Italian currency has been converted to the Euro. The eight denominations of coins vary in size, color and thickness according to their values, which are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent or EUR 1 and EUR 2. One euro is divided into 100 cent. There are 7 denominations of the Euro banknote. They are 5. 10. 20, 50, 100, 200, 500.

Exchanges

Foreign currency and traveler's checks can be changed at bank counters displaying a Cambio/Change/Wechsel sign, in the mail railway stations, at airports and in many hotels and exchanges.

Holidays

Offices and Shops are closed all Sundays in Italy. In major tourist areas especially during high season many shops are now open.

Offices and Shops are also closed in the following cities on the local feast days honoring their patron Saints.

Telephone calls to and from Italy

To make international calls from Italy dial the international code of the country desired followed by the area code (if any) and the telephone number. To call Italy from abroad from a fixed telephone dial the international code 39, followed by the area code including the initial zero and the telephone number; for mobile phones dial 39 followed by the telephone number minus the initial zero. Here is a sample on a phone call from Italy to the US. Dial 001-213-892-6381 where 001 is the code for the US, 213 is the area code of the city and the telephone number.

Public Telephones

Public telephones are available throughout Italy. Either local or international calls require the use of a phone card (Carta Telefonica), which may be purchased at any newsstand, tobacco shop or "bar"(coffee shop) Calls to emergency numbers are free. The charges applied to all conversations from public telephones are calculated by units.

Mobile Telephones

Mobile phone owners should know that the GSM system covers the entire nation and charges depend on the international roaming agreement between their national contractor and the Italian counterpart. Those coming from the United States must carry a phone for European frequencies, until now incompatible with overseas ones.

Telegrams to Italy and Abroad

From a landline / fixes telephone dial 186. This service operates all over Italy every day (weekdays and holidays included) 24 hours a day.

Operator calls

• The 170 service allows you to book and make an international call (reversed charge included) with the assistance (also in English) of an operator.
• The 176 service provides, in Italian and English, information on: foreign directory telephone numbers, international dialing codes, time zones. The service is provided every day, holidays included, 24 hours a day.
• The 1795 service offers on-line translations and reverse charge calls.

Major cities area codes