ABOUT ITALY

Italy, with its ancient roots and religious significance, is a country steeped in history and culture. Renowned for its art, Italy produced Renaissance masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, whose works are celebrated globally. The country's cuisine, featuring dishes like pasta, pizza, and an array of regional specialties, is beloved worldwide.

Geographically diverse, Italy boasts the scenic Amalfi Coast, the Alps in the north, and the rolling hills of Tuscany. Venice, famous for its canals and unique architecture, is a major tourist destination. Milan stands as a global fashion capital, renowned for its high-end shopping and the impressive Duomo Cathedral. Italy's wine regions, including Tuscany and Piedmont, produce some of the world's finest wines, such as Chianti and Barolo.

Italy's contribution to music is significant, being the birthplace of opera and home to composers like Verdi and Puccini. The country is also a leader in the automotive industry, with luxury brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati and the same applies to motorcycles: Ducati is one of the most valuable motorcycle manufacturers. The Italian way of life, emphasising family, food, and leisure, attracts millions of tourists each year, making it one of the most visited countries globally.

Quick facts about Italy

• Area: Covers 301,340 square kilometres (116,350 square miles).
• Population: Around 60 million residents.
• Capital: Rome.
• Geographical Features: The country includes the Alps to the north, the Apennine Mountains stretching down its length, and a long coastline along the Mediterranean Sea.
• Major Rivers: Includes the Po, Adige, Tiber, Arno, and Piave.
• Largest Islands: Sicily and Sardinia.
• Climate: Mainly Mediterranean, with northern regions experiencing a more continental climate and southern areas being more arid.
• Languages: Italian is the official language, with regional languages such as German, French, and Ladin spoken.
• Currency: Euro (€).
• Government: Operates as a parliamentary representative democratic republic.

Entry into Italy

If you're a citizen of an EU country, travelling to Italy is straightforward. Italy is within the Schengen Area, which means you can enter without any restrictions or visas, using only your national ID card. No passport is required for travel between Schengen member countries.
If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, check visa requirements based on your nationality - a Schengen visa may be necessary (you can check visa requirements here).

Currency

In Italy, the official currency is the euro (€). Payment cards from all major global card associations are widely accepted by most merchants. However, when renting a car, it's important to have a credit card as many rental services do not accept debit cards. ATMs are plentiful in cities across Italy. It's recommended to use ATMs operated by banks to avoid additional fees. ATMs managed by independent operators like Euronet can charge significant fees, sometimes up to 10 EUR or 10% of the withdrawal amount.

Electricity

In Italy, 230 V AC with a frequency of 5 Hz is standard, as it is throughout continental Europe. Type C plug (two round pins) is widely used in Italy.

Mobile services

Italy has several major mobile phone service providers, including TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile), Vodafone Italy, Wind Tre, and Iliad Italy. SIM cards can be easily obtained at airports, mobile stores, and kiosks with a valid ID. Prepaid SIM cards are a popular choice, offering various packages for data, calls, and texts. Roaming is seamless for EU/EEA citizens due to the "Roam Like at Home" regulations, allowing them to use their home plans without additional charges. Non-EU/EEA citizens should check international roaming options with their home providers or consider a local SIM card for better rates.

Mobile network coverage is generally excellent in cities and along major transportation routes, though some rural or mountainous areas may experience weaker signals. Data plans come in different options, ranging from daily to monthly, and often include combinations of data, calls, and SMS. Unlimited data plans are available but tend to be more expensive. Mobile internet is widely accessible with 4G LTE, and 5G is gradually being introduced in major cities.

However, if you don't have an EU number and need mobile data, we recommend apps like Airalo.

Important telephone numbers

There are several important phone numbers in Italy that residents and visitors should know for emergencies and basic services. Here are some of the most important ones:

International Dialing Code: +39
Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 112
Police (Carabinieri): 112
Fire Brigade (Vigili del Fuoco): 115
Medical Emergencies/Ambulance (Emergenza Sanitaria): 118

Interesting facts about Italy

Home to the Smallest Country
Italy entirely surrounds the smallest independent state in the world, Vatican City, which is only 44 hectares (110 acres) in size. The Vatican serves as the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church and is the residence of the Pope.

Birthplace of Opera
Italy is the birthplace of opera, with the first opera, "Dafne," written by Jacopo Peri in 1598. Italian composers like Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini are some of the most celebrated in the history of opera.

Inventor of the Thermometer
The modern thermometer was invented by the Italian scientist Galileo Galilei in the early 17th century. This invention played a crucial role in the development of physics and various scientific disciplines.

Over 3,000 Museums
Italy boasts more than 3,000 museums, which house an incredible array of art, history, and culture. Notable museums include the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the Vatican Museums in Rome, and the Museo Egizio in Turin, which contains one of the largest collections of Egyptian antiquities.

Volcanic Landscape
Italy is home to three active volcanoes: Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius, and Stromboli. Mount Etna, located in Sicily, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Mount Vesuvius famously erupted in 79 AD, burying the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under ash and pumice.

Oldest Republic
San Marino, completely surrounded by Italy, claims to be the world's oldest republic, founded on September 3, 301 AD, by a stonemason named Marinus. It is also one of the smallest countries in the world, covering just over 61 square kilometres (24 square miles). San Marino, while not hosting its own MotoGP event, is closely associated with the San Marino and Rimini Riviera Grand Prix, held at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.