Organize your stay Sicily
Covid-19 : current situation Sicily
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, entry and travel restrictions may apply Sicily. Remember to visit the site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you leave for the latest information
Money Sicily
Currency. Since January 2002, Sicilians have been using the euro like most Europeans. You will not have any more problems of exchange or conversion, and you will not get lost with the many zeros of the old lira!
Exchange rates. For non-Europeans, there are exchange points(cambio) on almost every street corner in the major cities. The exchange rates do not vary much from one point to another; on the other hand, the commissions charged vary from one to the other (so avoid changing your money at the hotel) and can be fixed or variable (sometimes more than 5%), which modifies the tactics (changing a larger sum is preferable if the commission is fixed). For security reasons, large banks are preferable to small offices.
Banks. Banks generally operate the following hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 3 pm to 4 pm (the afternoon opening may vary by a quarter of an hour). They are usually closed on Saturdays and Sundays, but some open on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Credit card. Since Italy (and therefore Sicily) is part of the euro zone, you can make withdrawals and payments by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) as you would in France. There is no need to carry large amounts of cash.
Budget & Tips Sicily
The most important budget will be devoted to accommodation; the cost of transportation is much lower than in France (a few euros are enough by train or by bus to connect most cities. For example: a little more than 10 € for the train between Palermo and Catania); the price of fuel is approximately the same as in France; finally, restaurants and visits are cheaper.
Small budget. about 50-60 €/day: 20 € for camping or a youth hostel, 25-30 € for two meals on the run and 5-10 € for a visit or a bus ride.
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 and more. No need for an example for a big budget: big hotels are legion and big restaurants too...
Museums. Generally, the entrance fee varies between 2 and 10 €. There are discounts for under 18s from all over the European Union, over 65s and students. In addition, since October 2015, most museums are taking part, gradually, in the ministerial initiative #DomenicalMuseo, which offers free access to museums (but also to archaeological parks, monuments, galleries and gardens) every first Sunday of the month. An initiative that is intended to be extended to the whole territory (and, hopefully, to private foundations and museums).
Public transportation is cheap, while renting a car, although more convenient, can be relatively expensive... and more dangerous, if you don't feel comfortable on the roads right away.
The cost of living is significantly higher in the eastern part of Sicily: in this part of the island there are major points of interest such as Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, but also the baroque cities of Ragusa, Noto and Modica. However, even in these areas, prices decrease as soon as you move away from the main tourist centers and the high tourist season. Apart from gasoline and nice hotel rooms, which are more numerous than in France and seem a little more expensive, the cost of living is, for the same quality, significantly cheaper than in France. The notion of "equal quality" is of course subjective, but, for example, one never eats poorly in a restaurant, even under 20 €.
Passport and visas Sicily
Citizens of the European Union and Swiss citizens. For a stay of less than 3 months: identity card or passport expired within the last 5 years. But be careful, on some airlines, you can only get your boarding pass by presenting a valid ID! After 3 months, the Questura (prefecture) must issue you with a permesso di soggiorno (residence permit), which is valid for a period of 5 years.
Canadian citizens. For a stay of less than 3 months: valid passport. No visa is required. For stays longer than 3 months, ask for a visa at the nearest Italian embassy or consulate, or have the Questura issue you a 3-month extension (rarely issued).
Driver's license Sicily
The French or European license is valid of course.
Health Sicily
Nothing special, the European health card works in Italy.
Security Sicily
No more or less than in France, you should not walk around Palermo with your bag open. In the evening, no more than in France or Germany, you will not walk the deserted streets of the shady neighborhoods without a little apprehension.
As for the mafia, it is a fact that they do not joke with business and that, on a daily basis, in a suburb, in the back room of a café or even in the middle of the street, as can happen in Marseille, Paris or Bastia, people shoot at each other. This is not very reassuring, of course, but do you really feel concerned by the settling of scores between mobsters when they occur in France, and do you avoid a particular neighborhood or city because a mini-sponsor has picked up a prune there? In conclusion, as soon as you arrive on the island, you will appreciate the kindness, the thoughtfulness and the availability of the people towards the tourist. In all objectivity, you will very rarely have bad feelings or a sudden distrust of the situation. So, for the small moments of slight stress, justified or not, which will be no more numerous than at the door of your home, we recommend you not to worry too much and to make the most of your vacation.
However, we recommend that you find out about the state of Etna and Stromboli, which are currently very active and have repeated eruptions. Safety instructions in the cities are respected, but do not climb without a guide on the slopes of an angry volcano, it is strictly forbidden and dangerous.
For the latest information on safety in the country, consult the "Advice to travelers" section of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.diplomatie. gouv.fr/voyageurs). Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers and that it sometimes gives a somewhat alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.
In case of emergency, if you do not speak Italian, it can be very useful to look for a Sicilian who speaks a little French before making your first call, in order to explain the situation to him or her so that he or she can call. Because, as in France or elsewhere, the emergency services do not necessarily speak your language (and will not systematically make the effort to try to understand your gibberish), and this handicap can prove to be very embarrassing depending on the situation. Moreover, Sicilians are by nature very generous with their time: take advantage of it when needed!
Time difference Sicily
No time difference with France, just a different notion of time!
Spoken languages Sicily
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 Sicily
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 Sicily
Here are some useful tips when packing your suitcase. And keep in mind that Sicilians are very elegant. Dressing well is a sign of respect and propriety, in any case much more than coquetry: plan clothes accordingly. If you want to climb Mount Etna or other volcanoes, bring walking shoes with thick soles (and a polar sweater for Etna). Otherwise, it goes without saying that a bathing suit, a beach hat and sunglasses are more than recommended to face the sun. Also remember to bring sunscreen to protect your skin. A mask and a snorkel can be useful for those who like to explore the bottom of the transparent waters.
