Here are a few travel tips to make your stay in Italy go more smoothly.
- Italy runs on military time and is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the U.S.
- All people entering Italy must have a valid passport
- A visa is needed for any person that plans to stay in the country for longer than 90 days.
- The currency of Italy is the Euro, not the Lira. You can obtain the Euro from any bank, ATM machine or exchange office.
- During the afternoon hours, some shops close in order for employees to go home and eat lunch with their families.
- Office and shops are closed on the following days:
January 1 August 15
January 6 November 1
Easter November 8
Easter Monday December 25
April 25 December 26
May 1
June 2
- Many Italian airlines have very strict baggage rules. For most airlines, passengers are allowed one checked bag weighing 44lbs and two carry-ons weighing a combined 22 lbs per person
- When you return to the U.S. after being in Italy you will have to go through customs. There are certain regulations on how much wine and souvenirs a person is allowed to bring back. Check the regulations before you leave.
- Dogs or cats must have a veterinarian’s certificate stating that the pet is in good health and has been vaccinated against rabies between 20 days and 11 months to be allowed to enter the country.
- Italy is on the AC current, the cycle being 50 and the voltage being 220. American appliances will not fit into Italian outlets, so be prepared with a voltage adapter and converter or to buy appliances in Italy.