General Information about Rome
European Citizens whose countries are in the Schengen Area can enter Italy on a valid identity card or passport. Citizens from all other countries must show their passports and, where a visa is required, this must be presented to the border authorities, indicating the length of the holder's stay and his or her destination. Visa applications - specifying the reason for the trip - must be obtained at the Italian Consulate in the applicant's country of residence and are generally issued 90 days after the application has been made. There are no limits to what may be brought or carried on trips within the European Union, provided such purchases are for the traveller's own personal use.
Climate and Clothing
Rome enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate. June should be hot and dry with temperatures. The average low and high temperature in the second week of June is 18-29o C . Light clothing is suitable for day time, and a light jacket may be useful for the evenings.
Language
In Italy, you are likely to find lots of people who speak English and are eager to practice with you.
Shopping hours
Shopping hours are generally Monday from 16.00-19.30pm, and Tuesday to Saturday from 09.30-19.30. Shops located within the city centre and in shopping malls may be open on Sunday. Local markets are full of character being an integral part of local life. Their goods include fresh vegetables, flowers, antiques and handicrafts. They are held in many districts of the city and are open in the morning from around 07.00-14.00
Money
The Italian currency is the Euro. Notes come in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euros. Coins are in denominations of 2 and 1 euros, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. You can change your money in banks, at post offices or at a cambio (exchange office). There are exchange booths at Stazione Termini and at Fiumicino and Ciampino airports. Always make sure you have your passport, or some form of photo ID, at hand when exchanging money.
ATMs
ATMs (known in Italy as bancomat) are widely available in Rome and most will accept cards ties into the Visa, Amex, MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro systems. Almost all ATMs have a language key to enable you to read the instructions in English. Remember that every time you withdraw cash, there will be a transaction surcharge. Find out from your bank the exact amount. Bank opening hours are 08.30-13.30 and 14.45-15.45 Monday to Friday.
Credit Cards
Major cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard, Cirrus, Amex and Eurocheques are widely accepted.
Travellers cheques
Travellers cheques are accepted almost everywhere. Those in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars are the easiest to cash.
Taxes and Refunds
A value-added tax of around 20%, known as IVA (Imposta di Valore Aggiunto), is included in the price of just about everything in Italy. If you are a non-EU resident and you spend more than 155 euros on a purchase, you can claim a refund when you leave the EU. The refund only applied to purchases from affiliated retail outlets that display a 'Tax Free for Tourists' logo.
Tipping
In Italy a service charge of around 1-3 euros is automatically added to your bill in restaurants, and should be visible on the menu. There is therefore no need to tip. However, it is normal practise to round up the bill by a few euros. Tipping in the more expensive restaurants is expected, with around 5-10% being the usual amount. Taxi drivers do not have to be tipped even if a tip is welcome. Hotel staff, such as luggage handlers, happily accepts small tips. Generally, no other public service workers expect tips. Also remembers to take your receipt, even if paying cash as it is required by law that you must be able to prove that you paid, and the owner rang it in for tax purposes.
Electricity
Electricity appliances in Italy work with 220 volts, frequency 50 Hz with plugs conforming to the European system of round pins with two holes. Plug types you may find in Italy are: C, F & L. However, type L plugs/sockets may have different pin spacing.
Enjoying Rome with your children
Your children will like this city as much as you will. Rome offers many spaces and events that are children-friendly, especially over the weekend as well as many parks where they can run and play safely with other children.
Smoking Regulations
Smoking is not permitted indoors in public buildings and other places open to the public. This also includes restaurants, bars and clubs. In some places there are designated smoking zones.
Useful facts
Population: 2.8 million inhabitants
Time: GMT/UTC + 1 hour (+2 hours in summer)
Telephone area code: +39(06)
Emergency numbers: Dial 112 for Police, 118 for Ambulance, and 115 for Fire
Water: Tap water is safe everwhere. In addition there are public fountains all over the city which provide fresh drinkable water.
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