| Continent: | Europe |
| Population: | 58.9 Mio. inhabitants |
| Area: | 302'073 km² |
| Capital City: | Rome |
| Currency: | EUR |
| Language: | Italian |
| Time zone: | UTC +1 (CET) UTC +2 (CEST) |
| Calling code: | +39 |
Italy, the heart of the Mediterranean, captivates with a fascinating blend of history, art, and gastronomy. From the historic ruins of Rome and the stunning architecture of Venice to the charming landscapes of Tuscany and the vibrant atmosphere of Naples—Italy offers something for every taste. The majestic Alps in the north, the sunny beaches of the Amalfi Coast in the south, and elegant cities like Florence and Milan attract visitors from around the world. Enjoy the world-famous Italian cuisine, from pasta and pizza to fine wines and relaxed cafés. Italy is a feast for the senses, where each region presents its own unique history and culture.
Entry
You are obliged to be able to always identify yourself with your passport or identity card.
Safety
Italy is considered as a safe country to travel to but beware of bag snatching or trick thieves who distract tourists at ATMs and so on. Also beware of deliberately causing minor accidents or damage, such as breaking off the side rear-view mirrors of your car.
Important phone numbers
112 - police
118 - ambulance
115 - fire department
Language
Italian is the official language in Italy. In South Tyrol many people speak German.
Currency and means of payment
In Italy you pay in Euro (EUR). You can pay everywhere with credit cards. It is accepted as a means of payment in all shops, Restaurant or Hotels.
Tip
If no cover is included, it is usually to give five to ten per cent tip of the restaurant amount - otherwise not. Cover means on the bill there is the word: Coperto. In Italian bars is no tip expected. When driving a taxi, you round up.
Transport and Infrastructure
The roads in Italy are basically good. However, sometimes the traffic is a bit chaotic. My tip, if you rent a car, be sure to take out insurance. Most of the time you will have parking damage.
Risk due to nature
Italy is in an earthquake zone and has several active volcanoes. In summer there is a risk of forest fires, especially in the south.
National holiday
2. June - celebrate the founding of the republic Italy.