Passport
Visitors entering Italy must be in possession of a valid national passport. In case of loss or theft, report to the embassy or consulate and the local police.

Driving
Nationals of EU countries require a valid national driving license with an Italian translation. For the vehicle, it is necessary to have the car registration papers, and a nationality plate of the approved size.

Insurance
Insurance cover is compulsory, and international Insurance Certificate (Green Card), although no longer a legal requirements, is the most effective prrof of insurance cover and is internationally recognised by the police and other authorities.

Mail
Italian post offices are open from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm (12.00 on saturdays and the last day of month). Stamps are also sold at tobacconists.

Transfers
We suggest the shuttle train leaving every hour from Leonardo da Vinci airport (about 20 km distance from Rome). As of today, the ticket costs € 9 per person and this is the only way to reach central Rome by public transportation. The other way is getting a taxi or hiring a private car with driver.

Telephone
Public phones use phone cards, which can be bought from post office, tobacconists and newsagents. In Italy, phone calls are cheaper after 6.30 pm. The country code for Italy is 39. To make an international call from Italy, dial, 00
= country code
= area code (without any preceding zeros)
= correspondent's numbers.

Useful telephone number

• 12 Information
• 15 Reverse - charge
• 112 Carabinieri Police (in emergencies only)
• 113 Police, Red Cross, Emergency First Aid (in emergency only)
• 115 Fire Brigades
• 116 ACI (Italian Automobile Club) vehicle breakdown service.

Currency - Exchange
In Italy, the currency is the Euro (€). There are no restrictions on the amount of currency visitors are allowed to take into Italy. If exporting currency in foreign bank notes in excess of the given allocation, visitors are advised to complete a currency declaration from (V2) on arrival.

Banks
Banks are generally open from 8.30 to 13.30 and from 15.00 to 16.00 and closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Money can also be changed at the Post Office (except travellers' cheques) and in exchange officies. A Commission is always charged. Most banks have cash dispenser which accept international credit card.

Credit Cards
American Express, Visa (barclaycard), Diners Club and Eurocard (Mastercard/Access) are widely accepted in shops, hotels and restaurants.

Hotels
All hotels contained in the catalogue have been carefully selected. Many of them are part of international chains and they are all listed in the best hotel guides.