Key facts
Italy is a member state of the European Union located in Southern Europe. There are 6 countries (Austria, France, San Marino, Slovenia, Switzerland, Vatican City) that Italy shares its borders with. The official language of Italy is Italian. Unfortunately, if you speak English, it might be problematic to communicate fluently unless you know Italian.
In the EF English Competency Index (EF EPI), which assesses the language proficiency of non-native speaking countries, Italy was ranked 35th out of 100 countries in 2021.
The national currency in Italy is Euro (EUR). The euro (€) is subdivided into 100 cent (c).
Italian
Banknotes
€5€10€20€50€100€200€500
Italian
Coins
€1€25c10c20c50c1c2c
Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.
Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in Italy is 199.92 Mbps and mobile is 97.7 Mbs.The global average is 187.01 Mbps and 128.37 Mbps respectively.
ATM Density Italy has more ATMs than most other countries.88.47 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.49.
SIM Registration In order to purchase a SIM card in Italy, a passport or ID is required as identification.
Socket types
There are 3 socket types used in Italy. Type C is a popular socket type throughout Europe (except the United Kingdom), Russia, and certain Asian countries. Type L is not very common around the world, so it might be a good idea to check if your electronics need an adapter.
The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).
Public holidays
In the year 2024, Italy will celebrate 12 national public holidays. The next one International Workers Day will take place on May 1.
| Date | Holiday name | |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2024 | New Year’s DayCapodanno | |
| January 6, 2024 | EpiphanyEpifania | |
| March 31, 2024Moving holiday | Easter SundayPasqua | |
| April 1, 2024Moving holiday | Easter MondayLunedì dell’Angelo | |
| April 25, 2024 | Liberation DayFesta della Liberazione | |
| May 1, 2024 | International Workers DayFesta del Lavoro | |
| June 2, 2024 | Republic DayFesta della Repubblica | |
| August 15, 2024 | Assumption DayFerragosto o Assunzione | |
| November 1, 2024 | All Saints DayTutti i santi | |
| December 8, 2024 | Immaculate ConceptionImmacolata Concezione | |
| December 25, 2024 | Christmas DayNatale | |
| December 26, 2024 | St. Stephen’s DaySanto Stefano |
Sources
- EF English Proficiency Index (EF Education First)
- Speedtest Global Index® (Ookla®)
- Automated teller machines (ATMs) (per 100,000 adults) (The World Bank Group)
- Registration Policies Per Country (Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki)
Tourism
What hotel chains are present in Italy?
There are Mariott hotels in 2 cities: Milan and Rome.
The Hilton hotel chain operates in Italy.
The IHG hotel chain operates in Italy.
The Best Western hotel chain operates in Italy.
There are Radisson hotels in 8 cities.
The Accor hotel chain operates in Italy.
What fast food chains are present in Italy?
The McDonald’s chain operates in Italy.
The KFC chain operates in Italy.
The Burger King chain operates in Italy.
The Subway chain operates in Italy.
The Domino’s Pizza chain does not operate in Italy.
The Starbucks chain does not operate in Italy.
Sources
- Country by National Dish (Samson Daniel)
Weather
What is the weather like in Rome?
Weather data for Rome (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com
Transport
Railways There are passenger trains , and some of them are high-speed trains.
Subway Systems The subway system is available in 7 cities.
Sources
- List of high-speed railway lines (Wikipedia)
- List of metro systems (Wikipedia)
- Left- and right-hand traffic (Wikipedia)
- The Global Enabling Trade Report 2016: Road connectivity (World Economic Forum)
Safety
Emergency phones in Italy
Sources
- Italy Travel Advisory (United States: Department of State)
- Travel Advice for Italy (United Kingdom: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
- Mortality caused by road traffic injury (The World Bank Group)
- Corruption & Economic Crime (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)
Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking ban Smoking is forbidden in all public indoor locations, with limited exceptions.
Cananbis legality Recreational usage is decriminalized, and medical use is legal.
The products are only for your own use or consumption, or as a present for members of your household. They may not be imported for commercial purposes under any circumstances.
Alcohol allowance
Travellers from EU countries:
- 90L of still wine (60L of sparkling wine)
- 110L of beer
- 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22%
- 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.
Travellers from non-EU countries:
- 4L of wine
- 16L of beer
- 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume
Tobacco allowance
Travellers from EU countries:
- 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco
Travellers from non-EU countries:
- 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
Sources
- Customs – Rights for Tourists (Italian National Tourist Board)
- List of smoking bans (Wikipedia)
- Legality of cannabis (Wikipedia)