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Accommodations
Umfulana uses guesthouses, B&Bs and small, privately owned hotels. Breakfast is usually included in the price of the room. It is common practice to leave the room in the morning so it can be cleaned.
Arrival
You can approach Italy by Air, Rail, Car and Ferry.
Italy’s numerous islands are connected to the mainland by a dense network of ferries. During the main season seats need to be booked early. Ferries to Sardinia and Sicily depart from Genoa, Livorno and Naples (among other places). For information on routes visit www.mobylines.it.
Bargains
Be wary of “bargains” that appear too good to be true: the purchase of counterfeit goods bearing fake brand names is illegal and subject to large fines.
Breakdown/accident
An emergency telephone number will be included in the documents you receive from Avis. Emergency phone calls can be made free of charge from any public telephone. Emergency phone numbers are:
- Police: 113
- Medical emergency: 112
- Italian Automobile Club (ACI):
800 116 800 (in case of breakdown)
Cash
ATMs are widely available. All common international credit cards are accepted. Be careful not to select donazioni or donatio, which means “donation”. It’s best to look for an ATM with English instructions.
We recommend keeping the receipts after paying for shopping items or meals in restaurants.
Check-In
The check-in time is normally between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. unless otherwise stated in your travel documents. Earlier arrival can be arranged with your hosts. Please notify your hosts if you will be arriving after 8 p.m.
Climate
Italy has a Mediteranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. The farther south you go, the warmer the climate. Some warm clothing should be included on trips taken between October and mid-May.
Directions
Although brief directions are included in your travel documents, we recommend buying a good road atlas.
Driving
Headlights must be turned on at all times when driving on roadways outside of city limits.
Speed limits:
Within city limits: 50 km/h (30 mph)
On expressways: 130 km/h (80 mph)
On highways: 110km/h (70 mph)
Most highways (autostrada) in Italy are toll roads (peddagio). The charge can be paid in cash, by credit card or by Viacard, a special card that can be purchased for travel on tollways. Viacards can be purchased at most service areas along the motorways for 20, 50 or 75 euros and are a good way to avoid long lines at the tollgates. Expressways (superstrade) are toll-free.
Parking: When visiting the historical city centers you should park outside of the old city walls. Many downtown areas are open only to limited traffic.
When looking for a parking space always observe the markings along the side of the street. White stripes mean parking is allowed free of charge, blue stripes mean parking is allowed for a fee, and yellow and black strips mean parking is prohibited.
All passengers must wear seatbelts in Italy, including passengers in the backseat.
A driver whose blood alcohol level exceeds 0.5 will be considered legally intoxicated.
Electricity
Most outlets in Italy are 220 volt, although you will occasionally find 110-125 volt outlets. Most
appliances will require adapters, which can be purchased at airports and locally.
Fuel
The main choices are super senza (super unleaded, can be used in all cars that burn regular gas) and gasolio (diesel). It is important to note that gasolio does not mean “gasoline”. Filling stations farther removed from the main motorways tend to be closed over the noon hour.
Health insurance
Check to make sure your health insurance covers travel abroad. If not, you would be wise to take out travel insurance.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings, offices and restaurants. It is permitted outdoors and in designated areas.
Stamps
Stamps can be purchasased in all post offices and kiosks (indicated by a “T” for “tobacco”).
Time zone
Italy is located in the Central European Time Zone. European Summer Time is used between the end of March and the end of October, meaning clocks are moved forward an hour during that period.
Time differences:
UK: - 1 hour
Canada/USA
East coast: - 6 hours
West coast: - 9 hours
Tipping
A cover fee called coperto is added to restaurant checks. Nevertheless, it is common to leave a few extra euros as a tip, depending on the service. Always request a receipt (ricevuta fiscale) after paying for a meal.
Using the telephone
Most public phones require telephone cards, which can be purchased at tabacci shops. The perforated corner of the card must be torn off before use.
Country codes for calls placed from Italy:
UK: 00 44 + phone number
USA/Canada: 00 1 + phone number
Country codes for placing calls to Italy:
UK: 00 39 + phone number
USA/Canada: 011 39 + phone number
Weights and measures
Long distances are measured in kilometres in Italy. A kilometre equals about 2/3 mile.
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Shorter distances are measured in metres. A metre is 3.28 feet (1.09 yards).
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Weights are measured in kilos. One kilo equals 2.20 pounds.
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