The Laurin Small & Charming

Capital:

The capital is Rome.

Language:

The official language is Italian.

Time:

There is a time difference of +1hour.

Currencies:

The official currency in Italy is the euro.

Voltage:

The voltage is 230 volts.

Travel documents:

You must be in possession of a valid passport or valid proof of identity.

Talk on the phone:

A British mobile phone also works in Italy. To call to Italy from the UK, first dial the country code 0039 and then the area code without zero and then the subscriber number. The country code 0044 is from Italy to the UK.

Emergency number:

The national emergency number is 112.

Traveling by car:

The national roads are well passable. Pas Piccolo San Bernardo is closed throughout the winter season (November to June).

Keep in mind that the highways require a toll. If you travel via the Austrian motorways, you must be in possession of a toll sticker. For some motorways, tunnels and roads in Austria there is no vignette requirement, but a separate toll must be paid, such as the A13 from Innsbruck-Süd to the Italian border.

There is no general obligation in Italy for winter tyres. Winter equipment (chains or winter tyres) may be mandatory on mountain roads. This is indicated with a traffic sign. Not using winter tires in winter conditions can lead to (joint) liability in the event of accidents and also have criminal consequences. In Austria and Germany, winter tires are required in winter conditions.

In case of breakdown or an accident, it is mandatory that all road users wear a reflective vest.

If you travel via France:

Please note: in some cities it is mandatory to have an environmental sticker from 1 July 2017. If you drive over the Paris ring road, the Boulevard Périphérique, you will also need an environmental sticker in many cases. The vignette can not be obtained along the way, but can only be ordered online. The French police advise to print out the application form and the confirmation and to take it with you if the vignette is not delivered in time by post. The order form can be found on this website: https://www.certificat-air.gouv.fr/en/demande-ext/cgu

Future environmental zones can be found on this website: http://en.france.fr/nl/tips/milieuzones-france-ecovignet-credit

Food and drink:

Italy is known for pizzas, pastas and risottos. It is not recommended to drink tap water.

Tips:

It is customary in Italy to give a tip of around 10% in bars, restaurants and hotels.

Opening hours:

In general, the shops are closed between 13.00 and 16.00. This is the siesta. After 16.00 hours the shops will open again until about 19.00 hours.

Safety:

In Italy, a ski helmet is mandatory for children up to and including 14 years of age. A ski helmet is recommended for adults. In a ski class, wearing a helmet is often required.

Swimming pool

In Italy you are generally required to wear a swimming cap in swimming pools. This is for both public swimming pools and swimming pools that belong to hotels.