Faqs

Do you have hotel blocks for guests?

• Yes! For more information, please see the “Accommodations” Tab

What are travel essentials I should bring?

• We recommend purchasing an adapter for all your electronics. 
• If you are packing toiletries in a carry-on pack any liquids in a clear bag to expedite airport security checks!

VISA

• U.S. citizens can travel to Italy visa-free for tourism, business, or family visits under the Schengen Agreement in case of short visits (up to 90 days).
• The EU will implement the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). U.S. travelers must apply online before departure (similar to the ESTA for the U.S.).
• You can enter Italy with your passport valid for at least six months after the date of departure from the Schengen area. More informations here.

CURRENCY

• Italy uses the Euro (€), you can exchange currency at the airport but the best option is to withdraw euros at your bank in America. 
• Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for small businesses, markets, taxis and rural areas. Tips are not mandatory here but well accepted.
• American Express is generally accepted but it’s not always accepted, be sure to have another payment method. 

MOBILE PHONE AND DATA

• Most U.S. carriers offer international roaming plans.
• Consider buying an Italian SIM card or a digital one (TIM, Vodafone, Airalo) for cheaper data and calls. Wi-fi in public areas is usually free but not always.

HEALTH

• Bring any prescription medications, always check if they are allowed in Italy.
• Pharmacies (Farmacie) are well-equipped and marked with a green cross.
• In case of any unfortunate emergency, basic healthcare is always provided for free in public hospitals.

TRANSPORTATION

• Trains are the best way to travel between main cities (Milan, Venice, Rome, Florence, Naples). Use Trenitalia or Italo for high-speed trains. Do not rely on buses, expect delays.
• To travel between small cities and towns (especially in Tuscany) it is highly suggested to rent a car.
• Do not rely on UBER or similar. In big cities you can find taxis but they are not always available and can be hard to find in small cities. You can find Uber only in some main cities such as Milan, Rome, Florence.

RESTAURANTS

• In some of the major cities restaurants could be always open. In small cities you can find restaurants open for lunch from 12AM to 2:30PM and for dinner from 7PM to 9.30PM.
• In Italy you can’t order tap water but only bottled water (still or sparkling).

EMERGENCIES

• Dial 112 for all emergencies.
• Dial 118 for health emergencies.

DRIVING 

Driver’s License Requirements:

• If you have a license issued by a foreign country outside the European Community, you need a certified translation of the license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their U.S. driver’s license to rent a car in Italy. These can be obtained in a AAA Location.
• Please check your Rental’s policy before departing for more information.

Minimum Age:

• Many of the renting companies require a minimum age of 21 years to rent a car. Though some agencies may have a minimum age of 18 years old.
• Drivers under 26 may face a young driver surcharge.
• Please check your Rental’s policy before departing for more information.

Insurance:

• Basic insurance is usually included, but it’s important to check the details. 
• Be aware that some coverage options have excess (a deductible), so check the terms carefully. You can purchase additional coverage to reduce the excess.
• Usually they will require a deposit as warranty (or a block on the credit card), once you return the car with no damages you will have the deposit back. 
• Please check your Rental’s policy before departing for more information.

Rental Car Pickup and Drop-off:

• Rental cars are available at airports, train stations, and city locations. Be sure to clarify if there are any additional fees for picking up and dropping off the car at different locations.
• Main companies in Italy are: Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Sixt (each of them have different policies)
• You’ll need to present your driver’s license, IDP, and a credit card (not debit card) when picking up the car.
• Please check your Rental’s policy before departing for more information.

Driving in Italy:

• Speed limits: On highways (autostrade) – 130 km/h (81 mph), in urban areas – 50 km/h (31 mph), and in residential zones – 30 km/h (19 mph).
• Fuel: Gas stations are widely available, but pay attention to whether the station requires you to prepay or if you can pay after fueling.
• Tolls: Many highways (autostrade) are toll roads. You can pay tolls with cash or credit cards. 
• Alcohol: The general legal limit of alcohol in the blood of drivers is 0.5 g/l (0.05%). A special limit of 0.00% applies for newly licensed drivers having held their driving license for less than 3 years, young drivers up to 21, as well as for professional drivers.

Restricted Zones (ZTL):

• Most major Italian cities have Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL), especially in historical city centers (e.g., Milan, Florence, Rome). These areas restrict vehicle access, and if you enter without permission, you may be fined.
• Ensure you are aware of the ZTL locations and plan your route accordingly. Avoid entering these zones unless you are staying at a hotel that provides access permits.

Parking:

• Parking can be challenging in cities. Look for blue lines for paid parking and white lines for free parking. Yellow lines are for people with disabilities and special permissions. 
• Parking garages are available in city centers but can be expensive. Alternatively, park outside the city center and use public transportation.

Navigating the Roads:

• GPS or Navigation Apps like Google Maps or Waze are highly recommended to help you navigate, especially in rural areas where road signs may be less clear.