Discover essential practical information about Italy, including key facts about its geography, population, language, and currency. Learn about transportation options, major cities, healthcare, climate, and cultural tips. Find out about local cuisine, festivals, safety, shopping, accommodation, cost of living, visas, education, working conditions, sports, and more. This guide provides everything you need to know for a smooth transition to living in Italy.
Geography
- Country: Italy
- Capital: Rome
- Area: 301,340 km²
- Regions: 20
Population
- Total Population: ~60 million
- Population Density: ~200 people/km²
- Major Ethnic Groups: Italians
Language
- Official Language: Italian
- Regional Languages: German (Trentino-Alto Adige), French (Valle d’Aosta), Slovene (Friuli Venezia Giulia)
Currency
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Exchange Rate: 1 Euro = 1.10 USD (as of May 2024)
Transportation
- Major Airports: Rome Fiumicino (FCO), Milan Malpensa (MXP), Venice Marco Polo (VCE)
- Main Railway Operators: Trenitalia, Italo
- Public Transport: Buses, Trams, Metro (in major cities)
Major Cities
- Rome, Milan, Naples, Turin, Palermo, Genoa, Bologna, Florence, Bari, Catania
Key Tourist Attractions
- Colosseum (Rome)
- Vatican City (Rome)
- Leaning Tower of Pisa (Pisa)
- Venice Canals (Venice)
- Amalfi Coast (Amalfi)
- Uffizi Gallery (Florence)
- Lake Como (Lombardy)
- Pompeii Ruins (Pompeii)
- Cinque Terre (Liguria)
- Mount Etna (Sicily)
Public Holidays
- New Year’s Day: January 1
- Liberation Day: April 25
- Labour Day: May 1
- Republic Day: June 2
- Assumption of Mary: August 15
- All Saints’ Day: November 1
- Christmas: December 25
- St. Stephen’s Day: December 26
Emergency Contacts
- Police: 112
- Ambulance: 118
- Fire Brigade: 115
Healthcare
- Healthcare System: Universal healthcare
- Emergency Services: Available to everyone
- Pharmacies: Widely available, marked with a green cross
Climate
- Mediterranean Climate: Hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters
- Average Temperature (Summer): 25-30°C
- Average Temperature (Winter): 5-10°C
Business Hours
- Typical Business Hours: 9 AM – 1 PM, 3 PM – 7 PM (Mon-Fri)
- Banks: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM, 3 PM – 4:30 PM (Mon-Fri)
- Shops: Often closed on Sunday afternoons
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Cultural Tips
- Greeting: Handshakes, kisses on the cheek for friends
- Dining: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory
- Dress Code: Casual but stylish; formal in churches and high-end restaurants
Cuisine
- Popular Dishes: Pizza, Pasta, Risotto
- Famous Beverages: Espresso, Wine
- Desserts: Gelato, Tiramisu, Cannoli
- Dining Etiquette: Meals are social events, late dinners (8 PM onwards)
Communication
- Internet Availability: Widely available, free Wi-Fi in many public places
- Mobile Networks: TIM, Vodafone, Wind Tre, Iliad
- Country Code: +39
Utilities
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz, plug types C, F, L
- Water: Safe to drink tap water in most areas
Tipping
- Restaurants: Typically leave a small tip, rounding up the bill
- Taxis: Round up to the nearest Euro
- Hotels: Small tips for housekeeping and porters
Accommodation
- Types: Hotels, Hostels, Bed and Breakfasts, Vacation Rentals
- Booking Tips: Book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons
- Average Prices: Vary widely by city and season
Shopping
- Popular Items: Fashion, Leather Goods, Wine, Cheese
- Famous Shopping Streets: Via del Corso (Rome), Via Montenapoleone (Milan)
- Market Days: Each city/town has specific market days
Transportation Tips
- Driving: Drive on the right, many narrow streets in historic centers
- Public Transport Passes: Available in major cities for buses, trams, metro
- Biking: Bike-sharing programs in many cities
Cultural Highlights
- Festivals: Venice Carnival, Palio di Siena, Verona Opera Festival
- Museums: Uffizi Gallery (Florence), Vatican Museums (Rome), Galleria Borghese (Rome)
- Historic Sites: Pompeii, Colosseum, Pantheon
Festivals and Events
- Venice Carnival: February, famous for masks and parades
- Milan Fashion Week: February and September
- Umbria Jazz Festival: July, held in Perugia
Education
- School System: Free public education, private schools available
- Higher Education: Renowned universities include University of Bologna, Sapienza University of Rome
- Language of Instruction: Italian, with some programs in English
Working in Italy
- Work Permits: Required for non-EU citizens
- Job Market: Sectors with high demand include tourism, fashion, and technology
- Working Hours: Standard is 40 hours per week, often with a long lunch break
Sports and Recreation
- Popular Sports: Football (soccer), Cycling, Tennis
- Outdoor Activities: Hiking in the Alps, Beach activities on the coast
- Sports Events: Serie A (football), Giro d’Italia (cycling)
Local Laws and Customs
- Smoking: Banned in public indoor spaces
- Alcohol: Legal drinking age is 18, public intoxication frowned upon
- Respect for Heritage: Strict laws against defacing historic sites
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Banking and Finance
- Major Banks: UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena
- ATMs: Widely available, can use international cards
- Credit Cards: Accepted in most places, but small businesses may prefer cash
Internet and Communication
- Internet Speeds: Average speeds around 30 Mbps
- SIM Cards: Readily available, major providers include TIM, Vodafone, Wind Tre
- Postal Services: Poste Italiane, various private couriers
- Average Monthly Rent: €800-€1,500 in major cities
- Grocery Costs: Moderate, with a mix of local markets and supermarkets
- Dining Out: Varies, budget meals around €10-€20, mid-range meals €25-€50
Green Spaces and Nature
- National Parks: Gran Paradiso, Stelvio, Cinque Terre
- Urban Parks: Villa Borghese (Rome), Parco Sempione (Milan)
- Beaches: Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, Sicily
Religious Sites
- Major Cathedrals: St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City), Duomo di Milano, Florence Cathedral
- Religious Festivals: Easter, Christmas, Ferragosto (Assumption Day)
- Pilgrimage Sites: Assisi, Loreto, San Giovanni Rotondo
Technology and Apps
- Useful Apps: MyCicero (public transport), TheFork (restaurant reservations), Google Maps (navigation)
- E-Payments: Contactless payments widely accepted
- Roaming: EU roaming regulations apply, check with your provider for specific details