🇮🇹

Europe · Destination guide

Italy

Capital: Rome

Currency€ EUR

LanguageItalian

Drive on➡ Right

Plug typeType F · 230V

🛂Visa requirements

🇬🇧 UKVisa-free · 90d

🇺🇸 USVisa-free · 90d

🇦🇺 AUVisa-free · 90d

🇦🇪 UAEVisa-free · 90d

Check your specific passport on the visa checker

💳Money & payments

Cards: Cards widely accepted in cities. Smaller towns and trattorias often prefer cash — always carry some euros.

ATMs: Poste Italiane and UniCredit ATMs are reliable. Avoid standalone ATMs in tourist areas with high fees.

Tipping

Not expected. A coperto (cover charge) of €1–3 per person is common in restaurants and is legal. Rounding up slightly or leaving small change is appreciated.

💬Language

Italian

Good in Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. Limited in rural areas and small towns.

Useful phrases

·Grazie — Thank you
·Prego — You're welcome
·Il conto, per favore — The bill, please
·Dov'è il bagno? — Where is the toilet?

🔌Electricity & plugs

Voltage230V

Plug typeType F (round 2 pins) / Type L (three round pins in a row — Italian standard)

Italy uses the unusual Type L plug in older buildings. Most new sockets are hybrid C/F/L. Bring a universal adapter.

🤝Local customs & etiquette

1.Do not enter churches in shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing. Many carry plastic covers to lend to inappropriately dressed visitors.
2.Coffee culture is specific: a cappuccino after 11am marks you as a tourist. Espresso at the bar is cheaper than sitting down.
3.Validate your train ticket before boarding — forgetting to stamp (obliterare) it results in a fine even if you have a valid ticket.
4.Coperto (cover charge) is not a scam — it is a legal per-person charge for bread and table service.
5.Sunday lunch is a serious family occasion — many restaurants and shops close or have limited hours.

📶SIM cards & connectivity

eSIM supportedGet an eSIM for Italy

Local SIM: TIM, Vodafone Italy, and WindTre are the main operators. SIMs available at airport, phone shops, and tabacchi (tobacconists).

WiFi: Good in hotels and major cafés. Some tourist areas have free public WiFi.

🛡️Safety

Generally safe. Pickpockets operate around the Colosseum, Vatican, and Trevi Fountain. Wear bags across your body and be aware on the Rome Metro.

💉Health

No vaccinations required. Tap water safe (look for 'acqua potabile' signs). EU visitors: EHIC/GHIC valid.

🚨Emergency numbers

police

113

carabinieri

112

ambulance

118

fire

115

🚗Driving

Traffic side➡ Drive on the right

LicenceEU licence valid. ZTL (restricted traffic zones) in city centres are strictly enforced by cameras — check before driving into any Italian city.

🚆 Getting to the circuit in Italy

Train, shuttle, and race day transport guide

View guide

Explore Italy

Itineraries in Italy Events in Italy Visa checker

💳Money & payments

Cards: Cards widely accepted in cities. Smaller towns and trattorias often prefer cash — always carry some euros.

ATMs: Poste Italiane and UniCredit ATMs are reliable. Avoid standalone ATMs in tourist areas with high fees.

Tipping

Not expected. A coperto (cover charge) of €1–3 per person is common in restaurants and is legal. Rounding up slightly or leaving small change is appreciated.

🤝Local customs & etiquette

1.Do not enter churches in shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing. Many carry plastic covers to lend to inappropriately dressed visitors.

2.Coffee culture is specific: a cappuccino after 11am marks you as a tourist. Espresso at the bar is cheaper than sitting down.

3.Validate your train ticket before boarding — forgetting to stamp (obliterare) it results in a fine even if you have a valid ticket.

4.Coperto (cover charge) is not a scam — it is a legal per-person charge for bread and table service.

5.Sunday lunch is a serious family occasion — many restaurants and shops close or have limited hours.