Useful Information
Passports and Visas.
British visitors to Italy are required to have a full 10 year passport and do not require a Visa.
For non British citizens, it may be that you require a visa. To check details concerning visa requirements,
you should contact the Italian Consulate Tel. No. 020 7235 9371 or go to the website
www.embitaly.org.uk
under the visa information section.
Driving in Italy
An International Driving Licence is not required by EC nationals. If you are from outside the EC
and wish to drive whilst in Italy, you should contact the Italian Consulate. You will need to be
over 18 years of age and have had a driving licence for at least two years.
A credit card will be required to hire a car.
In the country, the roads are often winding and narrow, and in some cases, to reduce environmental
impact, they are not tarred. Please drive carefully, keeping to the speed limit.
Due to the geographical characteristics of the Amalfi Coast, the roads again, can be narrow with
many bends. Parking restrictions throughout the coastal area can make it very difficult to park,
particularly in some small towns and villages where space is at a premium. Positano is well known
for parking difficulties.
On the majority of motorways, you have to pay a toll either by cash or credit card. An alternative
option would be to purchase a 'Viacard' from a newsagent in order to save time having to look for
change or use your credit card.
TIP: Petrol prices are high. Generally, supermarkets with their own petrol stations
are cheaper.
The Railways
Most of Italy's train system is state-run, with just a few private companies, providing a convenient
way to travel from city to city, whilst admiring the lovely countryside you are passing through.
They all share main line stations and similar fares. The fastest trains operate between the major
cities, while the regional trains are fairly slow.
Return tickets are cheaper but when booking make sure you state first day of travel otherwise the
ticket date starts from day of purchase. Always validate tickets at the special machines found
along the platform at both ends of the journey, otherwise you'll be liable to a fine!
www.trenitalia.com - Trenitalia Pass is a special ticket designed for those coming from
abroad to visit Italy.
TIP: Do not book until absolutely sure, refunds are difficult to obtain as the process involved is
so complicated you'll be using up valuable leisure time.
Buses
As with the railways, buses are efficient and cheap, with every major town having its own system.
Useful words:
Fermate - bus stops
Autobus - usually runs from 6am to midnight
Servizio notturno - night buses in larger cities
Biglietti - tickets - which must be purchased before boarding - from newsagents, bars, any place displaying
the bus company's logo.
TIP: Buy a book, just in case your return journey coincides with the siesta time!
Ferry Services
Please check under various Regions on our website for further information.
Taxis
Usually, yellow or white with a 'taxi' sign on the roof. Watch the meter and check fares
prior to paying. Fares vary considerably and extra charges are made for luggage, night travel,
service on Sunday and Public Holidays, and journeys to and from the airports.
TIP: Some city airports have a controlled taxi fare into the centre. Check on arrival.
Banks
Banks are open in the morning between 08.30 and 13.30, and in the afternoon between 14.45 and
15.45. The afternoon opening times may vary from city to city, so please check first. You
will also find electronic exchange machines at the airports, main railway stations and outside banks.
Cash points can be found everywhere.
Credit Cards
Credit Cards are widely accepted throughout Italy. However, cash is normally used in rural villages,
particularly in restaurants and bars.
Health Service and Medical Cover
Private hospitals in Italy are excellent but expensive if you do not have medical insurance. The
public health system is managed provincially by ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale). They can provide
information regarding your nearest hospital, clinic or any other medical service.
Pronto Soccorso is a First Aid Service you can find at airports, ports, railway stations and hospitals.
If you need an ambulance, dial 118 from anywhere in Italy.
Citizens of EU countries are covered for emergency medical treatment on presentation of an E111 form
which you can obtain from your post office or local health service. This form, however, does not
cover you in private hospitals.
We recommend all our clients have travel insurance that includes medical cover.
Language
You will not always find people who speak English. However, the local people are generally very kind
and helpful especially if they see you are endeavouring to communicate using an Italian phrase book.
Personal effects and security
Please leave property in a secure state, closing all shutters, etc. Avoid leaving personal effects in
your parked car. Some of our properties are equipped with safes for your use.
Insects and animals
Most of the properties are either on the coast or in the countryside and animals and insects are inevitable.
Ants looking for food are normally treated with an insect powder. However, the most
efficient way would be to ensure no crumbs of food are left lying about and food also be kept in containers
which will also avoid attracting little country mice.
Mosquitos can be eliminated with insect repellent. However, the presence of insects and small country
animals is due to climatic factors.
