Travel Information
Train Travel in Italy
Information offices are available at stations throughout Italy with details regarding national and European destinations.
The Italian rail system is operated by TRENITALIA (www.trenitalia.com). The rail network is well developed and widespread, especially between major urban centres and tourist areas. The fastest trains operate on the networks between the major cities while regional trains usually stop at all stations. You will find that rail travel in Italy is cheap and efficient. There is 1st and 2nd class.
Train classifications
ETR (also known as Eurostar): very fast trains stopping only at major cities. Booking is compulsory and a supplement is payable.
INTERCITY (IC): fast trains stopping at major cities. Booking recommended. Supplement payable.
INTER-REGIONALI: trains stopping at many towns
REGIONALI: local trains stopping a virtually every town within the same region. Normally 2nd class only.
SLEEPER trains operate between major Italian cities and to foreign countries.
RAIL PASSES & TICKETS can be purchased on the internet or from your local travel agent.
Once you have purchased a ticket it must be validated before boarding the train at the special yellow machines that can be found along the platforms. Failure to do so will result in a fine.
Useful transport links
Ferry Travel
www.traghettionline.it and www.traghetti.com
www.autostrade.it for highway information
www.quattroruote.it/infotrafic/index.cfm for general car travel
Ferries & Hydrofoils
There are many services linking the islands by sea to the mainland. The main links are by car ferries and hydrofoils. In addition, ships from all the countries around the Mediterranean are moored in the well-equipped Italian ports. The main Italian ports for embarking for the islands of Sicily and Sardinia are Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples and Villa San Giovanni.
Driving in Italy
Italians drive on the right and overtake on the left. The roads in Italy are quite good and Italy has a fine network of motorways (autostrade). Although the motorway network is quite extensive, there is also a good network of state roads (strade statali indicated with the initials SS followed by a number) to get around. These state roads are often just as good. As a tourist you may find that avoiding motorways is a good idea. The provincial roads (strade provinciali) will bring you into the real Italian countryside. Seatbelts are compulsory and cars must carry an emergency triangle at all times.
Tolls on Highways can be paid
• By cash
• With prepaid Viacard which can be purchased at tobaccomists, ACI offices and Punto Blue Autostrade toll stations
• Credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Diners are widely accepted
Driving Licence
Australian and New Zealand drivers licence holders wishing to drive in Italy have two options:
1. Obtain an International Driving Permit from your local automobile club
2. Obtain a valid translation of your drivers licence from an accredited translator.
Your original licence must also be carried.
Vaccinations and Water
No vaccinations are required to enter Italy. Tap water is safe to drink. Water from drinking fountains is safe unless there is a sign “acqua non potabile”. You may see this sign in trains and camping sites etc.
Currency
The Euro has been the official currency of Italy since January 2002. Notes are issued for Euro 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500. Coins are divided into Eurocents as follows: E. 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, 0.50, 1. 2 and 5.
Time Zone
Italy is in the Central European time zone (CET) and equals GMT plus 1 hour. Summer time (+ 1 hour) is in force from the end of March until the end of September.
Visa Requirements
Australian, New Zealand and American visitors traveling on a valid passport are able to enter Italy without a visa, for tourism, for a maximum period of 90 days; however, the passport must be current when returning from Italy. Visitors are required to register with the Foreigners Bureau of the nearest Police Station (Questura) within eight working days from the date of your arrival to obtain a permit of stay (Permesso di Soggiorno).
Credit Cards
All major credit cards are widely accepted in Italy.
Tax
Under European Union (EU) Law non –EU residents can obtain a refund from the sales tax (IVA) already included in the price of the good purchased in Italy. The goods must be for personal use and exported, unused, when exiting the country. The total value of the goods purchased must exceed the value of Euro 155. To obtain the refund you must purchase from outlets that offer ‘duty free’ facilities. Before leaving the store, make sure you have the appropriate document required for a sales tax refund, which includes details of the purchase./ The document must be kept together with the receipt. If you are leaving Italy headed for a country outside the EU, you must obtain a stamp on the above mentioned document at the Italian Customs Office (Dogana – Ufficio Viaggiatori) located either at the airport or at the border if you are traveling by car or train, or at the sea port, by presenting the relevant goods (still unused) and the passport. The stamp by Customs is to certify that the goods are being exported, so do not use the goods before showing them to the Customs office.
Shopping
Opening hours of shops vary from region to region. In general shops are open from 09.00 to 12.30/13.00 and from 15.30/16.00 to 19.30 from Monday to Saturday. They are usually closed on Monday morning. Department stores and shops in tourist locations may remain open all day and, sometimes, until late in the evening.
Smoking
Smoking is not allowed in places that can generally be defined as ‘public’ (airports, post office, banks, hospitals, cinemas, theatres, shops, museums etc). Smoking is not allowed in restaurants and bars unless they have a separate allocated area for smokers. Anyone smoking in the prohibited zone risks a fine between Euro 25 to Euro 250.
Electrical Appliances
The electrical current in Italy is AC, the cycle is 50HZ and the voltage is 220. Check the local voltage before using it. Plugs have two round-pronged plugs making an adapter necessary. These can be found at travel goods stores or electrical/electronic stores.
Useful telephone numbers
Emergency aid service 113 (police) or 112 (carabinieri). Fire brigade 115. Health emergency 118.
Australian Embassy in Rome 06 852 721
New Zealand Embassy in Rome 06 441 7171
Post Offices and Stamps
Post Offices are generally open from 8.00/8.30 – 13.30/14.00 from Monday to Friday; Saturday from 8.00/8.30 – 12.00/13.00.
Stamps (francobolli) can be purchased at any post office and any authorized tobacconist.