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Safety: travelling is, overall, very safe in Italy, although you are advised to take precautions against petty crime, such as pickpocketing, particularly in transportation centres, on overnight trains and in the busier tourist areas. Health facilities and services are of an excellent standard in urban areas, with standards somewhat lower in the smaller villages and rural areas. You are advised against carrying more cash than necessary and visibly displaying jewellery and other valuables. Domestic terrorism has been a factor for some time, with public authority figures typically being targeted. Although unlikely, it is possible for visitors to inadvertently become victims of such an attack. In winter, the northern mountains draw lots of skiers, as the snows in the Alpine area are perfect for downhill and cross-country skiing as well as other winter sporting activities. In summer, tourists descend in droves to coastal resorts and to the major cultural and historic attractions of the cities. Money: as Italy is a member of the European Union, the Euro is the standard currency. Banknotes are available in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 and coins are issued in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Traveller's cheques and foreign currency can be changed at banks, airports and main railway stations. Recommended hospitals:
European Hospital (Rome) +39 6 659759
Rome American Hospital +39 6 22551
International Hospital +39 81 7612060 Emergency: 118
Ambulance: 118
Police: 113 Typical business hours:
- Government offices: 08:30 to 14:00, Monday to Friday, but vary by region and season, with offices in larger cities typically remaining open until 17:00.
- Retail shops: 08:30 to 12:30, and from 15:00 to 19:30, Monday to Saturday.
- Banks: 08:35 to 13:35, and from 15:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday. In many tourist areas banks do not close mid-day, remaining open from 08:30 to 16:00. ATMs are readily found in all regions.
Business needs: conducting business in Italy is rather formal, although Italians will likely be very welcoming. Communication and negotiations are best when conducted face-to-face and you’ll find that being introduced by a third party can be extremely helpful. People tend to interrupt while others are speaking and often conduct multiple conversations simultaneously. You are advised that bureaucratic processes in Italy can make for prolonged negotiations and approvals in trying to complete business deals. | |
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