Going to en Italie: Formalities and administrative steps

Organize your stay en Italie

Money en Italie

The euro is in force in Italy. You can usually pay with your credit card, but cash is still very common.

Budget & Tips en Italie

Thanks to the various forni and pizza shops , it is always possible to eat on the go for a few euros in Italy. At the restaurant, the bill increases quickly, but the quality-price ratio is often good. On the other hand, accommodation can increase the budget. In the big cities, to save money, go to slightly outlying areas. Many cities offer passes that allow access to several monuments and public transportation, which can sometimes be interesting if you plan to stay several days. In museums, reduced rates can be applied (children, seniors...) and, on the first Sunday of the month, admission to national museums is free.

Passport and visas en Italie

For citizens of the European Union, there are no special entry formalities. You must present your identity card or valid passport.

Driver's license en Italie

A driving license issued by one of the EU countries allows you to drive in Italy.

Health en Italie

No particular health problems. The health and hospital infrastructures are of good quality. Remember to get the European Health Insurance Card before your departure.

Security en Italie

Italy is a safe country and its large cities are rather quiet. But, as everywhere, be careful with your personal belongings, especially on public transport or in tourist places.

Time difference en Italie

Same time zone as France, Belgium or Switzerland. There is no time difference if you are traveling from these countries.

Spoken languages en Italie

Italian, of course. You will also hear many dialects, depending on the region and the city you visit. French is sometimes spoken in the most touristic sites but, as everywhere, English is the most important.

Communication en Italie

Italy has excellent phone coverage and many wifi points are available in public places. Of course, the network may be a little weaker in rural areas. Roaming charges have been abolished in the European Union, so your operator will send you a message to remind you of the conditions of your plan when you arrive in the country.

Electricity and measurements en Italie

The Italian voltage is the same as in France, i.e. 220 volts. However, the sockets are sometimes different, with three holes (an adapter is then necessary).

Luggage en Italie

Practical clothing for the day and for the visits - in particular, bring a stole to cover yourself when visiting the churches. In the summer, remember to bring sun protection (sunscreen, hat...). An anti-mosquito product is also particularly recommended, especially if you are traveling near the Po Valley.

Daily life en Italie

Hello? en Italie

The telephone code for Italy is +39. If you want to call a French number, you have to add +33 and dial the number of your correspondent without the initial 0.

Accessibility en Italie

Public transportation in large cities, as well as most tourist establishments, are increasingly accessible and are equipped for wheelchair and stroller accessibility: elevators, ramps, inclined planes... On the other hand, traffic can be much more complicated in cobbled historic centers and villages.

Health en Italie

No particular health risks in Italy. The health and hospital infrastructures are of high quality. Remember to obtain the European Health Insurance Card before your departure.

Emergency numbers en Italie

Throughout the European Union, 112 is the emergency number to contact an ambulance, the fire department or the police. This number is free and available 24 hours a day.

Securty en Italie

Italy is a safe country and its large cities are rather quiet. But, as everywhere, be careful with your personal belongings, especially on public transportation or in tourist sites. In case of theft, you can go to the police station to file a complaint .

LGBTQ en Italie

The country adopted civil unions in 2016, but marriage and adoption are still not allowed for same-sex couples.

Embassies and consulates en Italie

The French Embassy in Italy (https://it.ambafrance.org/) is located in Rome, at the Palazzo Farnese. For any problem concerning identity papers, you should go to the consulate. France has consulates in Rome, Naples and Milan. You will find their addresses on the website of the French Embassy. For information: the French Embassy to the Holy See does not deal with consular affairs of French citizens traveling or residing in Rome.

Mail en Italie

A stamp to send a letter or postcard from Italy to Europe costs 1.25 €. The Vatican Post Office charges the same prices, only the stamps are different. You can buy them in post offices or tobacco shops marked with a white "T" on a black background. The delivery time of a postcard is at least one week.

Local media en Italie

Press. There are two major national newspapers: Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica, but each region publishes a daily edition of the local newspaper. La Gazzetta dello Sport is the sports newspaper. At newsstands in major cities, you will also find a small selection of the main French press titles.

Radio. Rai(Radio Audiozione Italiana) is the first national station, but there are many other stations like Radio 105, Radio Kiss Kiss or Radio DJ . They will accompany you during your stay to the sound of the latest music hits.

Television. Rai is the main Italian audiovisual group, Rai 1, Rai 2 and Rai 3 are among the most watched channels in the country, alternating news, entertainment and documentary programs. The private Mediaset group manages the channels Canale 5, Italia 1 and Rete 4, which are as successful as their public competitors.

Internet sites

The Italian National Tourism Agency(www.enit.it) provides a lot of information on how to prepare a trip to Italy.

The site of the Italian Ministry of Culture(www.beniculturali.it) provides information on all the major events in the country.

A good summary of what all Italian museums offer: www.museionline.info