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 About Italy |
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Italy is perhaps the European country that is hardest to classify. On the one hand, it is a modern, industrialized nation, with a heightened sense and output of style and design. On the other hand, it is a bustling Mediterranean country, with all that that implies. Agricultural land covers much of the country, a lot of it, especially in the south, still owned under almost feudal conditions. In towns and villages all over the country, life grinds to a halt in the middle of the day for a siesta, and is strongly family-oriented, with an emphasis on the traditions and rituals of the Catholic Church.
Italy is part of the European Union and the Euro-Zone. It has the world's fifth largest industrial economy, whose largest industries are tourism, machinery, iron and steel, chemicals, food processing, textiles, clothing, footwear, and ceramics. Following corruption scandals in the early 1990s, Italy is working through economic and political changes that are intended to stimulate economic growth and political stability.
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Visas |
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If you’re a resident of an EU country, you just need some valid ID. People with American or UN passports can travel freely too, as can Australians, Canadians and New Zealanders, unless they plan to stay longer then 3 months. Otherwise an Italian visa from an embassy in your country of origin will be needed. |
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Education |
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Education is free and compulsory between the ages of 6 and 14. Thereafter, children can undertake specialized training in a trade or prepare for exams. According to a recent estimate, a total of 7.5 million students were enrolled in primary and secondary schools.
Higher college and university education is given a lot of importance and attention in Italy. In 1995, almost 2 million college students were undertaking higher studies.
Important centres of higher education are Rome, Bologna, Milan, Bari, Padua and Siena. Bologna can boast of having the oldest university in Europe.
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Money and Costs |
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On the 1st of January, 2002, Italy introduced the Euro. The Euro is divided into 100 cents. Currency bills are available in 7 different colours and sizes, in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500, and in coins of EUR 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Banks & Money Changers
You can get your best deal of exchange rates at a bank. Travellers Cheques are also easy to cash. Always count your change. You can get short-changed if you are not used to the currency. Preferably carry smaller denomination change for purchases of odds and ends. Banks are open on weekdays from 08:30 to 15:45 hours with a lunch break in the afternoon from 13:30 to 14:45 hours. Italy has a two-day weekend, Saturday and Sunday.
Credit cards are not a problem in shops and hotels, but are often met with a frown at restaurants. Leave your tip in cash.
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Health |
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There are no compulsory immunizations to enter Italy. The water is mostly safe and there aren’t any apparent health hazards. The medical facilities in the cities are good, but the hospitals in rural areas are not really equipped to deal with big crises. |
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Weights & Measures |
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The official system in the Italy is the metric system, measuring weight and mass in kilos and grams, and distance and length in kilometers and centimeters. |
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Electricity |
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The electricity used in the Italy is a 240-v AC (50-60HZ), so you will need a converter when traveling from the US. |
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