Abercrombie & Kent Destination Management

Time Zone

• GMT + 1 hour.
  

Language

• The official language is Italian. Of all the major Romance languages, none bears a closer resemblance to Roman Latin than Italian—so close, in fact, that a grounding in Latin makes understanding Italian relatively easy.

• While proficiency in English is not widespread in country districts, major city centres have a larger percentage of fluent English speakers, especially among people whose work brings them into contact with visitors from abroad.

• Local people appreciate travellers' attempts to speak Italian, so earn yourself some extra smiles by learning a few polite phrases.

Currency

• The Euro is the official currency of Italy.

Money Matters

• Travellers cheques are widely accepted for exchange or purchase in major cities, but in more rural areas, visit a bank to exchange them for Euros. 

• Major credit cards are widely accepted here (though a limited number of merchants have American Express accounts) and ATM access is widespread.

• Exchange currency only at authorised outlets such as banks and hotels, and exchange only what you think you will spend. Coins cannot be reconverted on departure. 

• Save all receipts from any currency exchange transaction. You may be asked to produce them when you exit the country, and they are required if you intend to reconvert local currency.

Tipping

• An amount equivalent to approximately €25 per full day of sightseeing is suggested as a tip for your local guide(s), with €13 suitable for your driver. For half-day excursions, equivalents of €17 and €10 are appropriate for guide and driver respectively. Transfer drivers should be tipped at a rate of about €6 per service and transfer rep at your discretion.  A driver-guide should be tipped €25 for a full day or €17 for a half day of service. These suggestions are per service.

• Hotel porters will expect the equivalent of about €1 per bag. Tips to hotel maids and other hotel staff are at your discretion.

• Taxi drivers would appreciate a tip of rounding up the fare.  (Please note that there are two screens on the counter - the left hand is the counter, the right hand is the timer… some taxi drivers will charge on the timer! Please be aware and ask the driver to turn the other counter on!).

• A charge for service is often added to restaurant checks but, if it's not, a typical gratuity would be equal to 10% of the total. ″ If a Guardian Angel performs a special service for you, it would be appropriate to tip him or her at your discretion.

Weather

• For full details on climate, please see Best Time to Go.

Clothing

• Conservative "smart casual" clothing will be most useful for daytime touring. While jeans are acceptable daytime wear, "smart casual" attire in Italy often means a stylish slacks or skirt outfit for women and a shirt with collar and slacks for men. 

• Cotton and other light fabrics are comfortable choices for summertime Italy. Spring and autumn temperatures dictate medium-weight clothing selections.

• When dining at better restaurants and for any special occasion during your journey, dress is more formal. For gentlemen, a "jacket and tie" standard is appropriate, with an equivalent standard of eveningwear for ladies.

• Bring comfortable walking shoes with low or no heels.

• An umbrella or light raincoat may come in handy.

• Cathedrals, churches, destinations within Vatican City and other religious sites require conservative dress. Both sexes should cover their arms, legs and shoulders.

Health

• For up to date information on latest health and vaccination recommendations, please contact your doctor.

Electricity

• Electrical service in Italy is supplied at 220-240 volts/50 hertz.

Arrival and Departure Formalities

• Visas are required for certain nationalities and you are strongly advised to check your status allowing plenty of time for visa application.

Other Notes

• On-going construction projects in Rome—including expansion of the subway system, restoration of monuments and parks landscaping—are currently having an effect on traffic and visitor access. Some sightseeing stops now limit access by vehicle; some views are obstructed; and other minor inconveniences are in place. Some additional walking may be necessary when vehicles are required to disembark passengers at points more distant from site entrances. Scheduled sightseeing may have to be altered to accommodate changes in accessibility. We ask for your patience should such a situation occur.