Going to en Sicile: Formalities and administrative steps

Organize your stay en Sicile

Money Money en Sicile

Currency. In Italy, as in France, you pay in euros.

Credit cards. As Italy (and therefore Sicily) is part of the euro zone, you can make withdrawals and payments by bank card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) free of charge, just as you would in France. There's no need to carry large amounts of cash.

Budget & Tips Budget & Tips en Sicile

Small budget. approx. €50-60/day: €20 for camping or a youth hostel, €25-30 for two meals on the go and €5-10 for a visit or bus trip.

Medium budget. €90-100/day: €50 for a room in a B&B, €30-35 for a meal in a trattoria and another on the go, and €6-10 for a visit.

Big budget. 200 €/day or more. You don't need an example for a big budget: the big hotels are legion, and so are the big restaurants...

The cost of living, for the same quality, is lower than here, but higher in eastern Sicily: Catania, around Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, but also the Baroque towns of Ragusa, Noto and Modica. However, even in these regions, prices drop as soon as you move away from the tourist centers and the high season.

Passport and visas Passport and visas en Sicile

European Union citizens and Swiss citizens. For stays of less than 3 months: identity card or passport valid for boarding a plane.

Driver's license Driver's license en Sicile

The French or European license is valid of course.

Health Health en Sicile

Nothing special, the European health card works in Italy.

Security Security en Sicile

Find out about the state of Etna and Stromboli, which are currently experiencing repeated eruptions. Safety instructions in the towns are respected, but do not climb the flanks of an angry volcano without a guide - it is strictly forbidden and dangerous.

For the latest information on local safety, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs). Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, which sometimes gives a rather alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.

In the event of an emergency, if you don't speak Italian, it may be a good idea to seek out a Sicilian who does speak a little French before making your first call, so that you can explain the situation to them and they can make the call themselves. Because, as in France and elsewhere, the emergency services don't necessarily speak your language, and this handicap can be very inconvenient depending on the situation.

Time difference Time difference en Sicile

No time difference with France, just a different notion of time!

Spoken languages Spoken languages en Sicile

Sicilian. Learning the language: there are different ways to learn some basics of the language and the offer for self-study can be done on different supports: CDs, workbooks or even directly on the Internet or your phone. As far as Sicilian is concerned, enjoy its sound but it is difficult, even for Italians from other regions, to learn more than a few words.

Sicilians speak Italian. Italian is the official language on the island, although Sicilian is spoken. French being relatively close languages, since of Latin origin, you can always try to make yourself understood by adding here and there some "a" in the feminine, "o" in the masculine or other "i" in the plural and "e" for the feminine gender... But this may not be enough, even with the help of your hands.

Electricity and measurements Electricity and measurements en Sicile

Sicily is connected to 220 volts like the rest of continental Europe. However, the plugs are sometimes different (the old ones have three holes) but this is becoming less common. You will also find mixed plugs adapted to both ends. Sicilians, like Italians and us French, measure in meters and kilometers, and weigh in grams and kilograms.

Luggage Luggage en Sicile

Sicilians are very elegant. Dressing well is a sign of respect and decorum, so be sure to pack accordingly. If you're climbing Mount Etna or other volcanoes, you'll need hiking boots with thick soles (and a fleece pullover for Etna). Otherwise, it goes without saying that swimsuits, beach hats and sunglasses are more than advisable in the sun. And don't forget sunscreen to protect your skin. A mask and snorkel may also be useful for exploring the bottom of the transparent waters.

Daily life en Sicile

Hello? Hello? en Sicile

To call from Italy to France, dial +33 followed by your correspondent's number without the 0.

To call from France to Italy, dial +39 before the full number.

To call from one province to another, dial the full province code followed by your correspondent's number. Capital city codes: Palermo: 091 - Agrigento: 0922 - Ragusa: 0932 - Syracuse: 0931 - Enna: 0935 - Catania: 095 - Taormina: 0942 - Messina and Aeolian Islands: 090.

European nomad package. As in the rest of Europe, French cell phone companies offer you a nomad package included in your package, usually 25 GB of free Internet data in Europe. You can also make free calls within France. Only calls to Italy will be charged.

Accessibility Accessibility en Sicile

Sicily has a steep terrain, with historic centers that are difficult to reach on foot. It's best to opt for larger hotels with elevators and parking facilities.

Health Health en Sicile

Sicily presents no major health risks. No vaccinations are recommended. You should, however, be careful in the sun.

Emergency numbers Emergency numbers en Sicile

Unless you really need to, it's best to avoid using the emergency services in Italy. Waiting times are often quite long. For a consultation at the Guardia Medica (doctor on call), expect to pay at least €30. The two most important hospitals are in Palermo and Catania. This is where helicopters go in the event of serious accidents.

Securty Securty en Sicile

No more or less than in France, there's no point in walking around Palermo with your bag open. Watch out for pickpockets, of whom there are many, especially in summer. At night, no more than in France, you won't be strolling the deserted streets of Palermo's or Catania's seedy neighborhoods. As for the mafia, they don't mess around with business, but tourists don't see them and don't feel their presence in terms of insecurity. The settling of scores doesn't take place in the street.

LGBTQ LGBTQ en Sicile

Gay travelers keep a low profile in Sicily, as homosexuality remains a deep-rooted taboo. However, Palermo now hosts a gay pride parade. It is possible to stay with members of the community through various networks.

Embassies and consulates Embassies and consulates en Sicile

There are three French consulates in Italy: Rome, Milan and Naples. Sicily comes under the Naples consulate (86, Via Crispi, +39 08 15 98 07 11). Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. Further information at www.it.ambafrance.org

Mail Mail en Sicile

A postcard sent from Italy to France takes less than a week to reach its recipient. Ask for a " posta prioritaria " stamp. Post offices are usually only open in the morning.

Local media Local media en Sicile

Press. Il Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica are among the major Italian newspapers, with Il Giornale di Sicilia the main regional daily. There's also La Sicilia in Catania and, in the southwest, La Gazzetta del Sud in Messina.

Radio. RAI (Radio audizioni italiane), Italy's public service broadcaster, broadcasts on five frequencies, including a news station and a classical music station. Radio 24 is the leading all-news station, while Radio Deejay is the leading music station.