PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the EU can use their national identity cards to enter Italy. Visitors from outside the EU need a valid passport to enter the country. Travellers from the US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Japan do not need a visa for stays of up to three months as long as the passport is valid for six months beyond the date of entry. For longer stays, a visa is necessary and can be obtained at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before arrival, and once in Italy you should apply at the local questura (police station) for a permesso di soggiorno.

Other nationalities should check entry details at their local embassy or consulate. Italian consulates in your home country can be good sources for detailed information, including tourism, employment, and residency in Italy.

Travel Safety Advice

Visitors can get up-to-date travel safety information from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK, the State Department in the US, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Australia.

Customs Regulations

Italian customs is run by the Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli. Their “Traveller’s Customs Charter” gives details of the import and export regulations.

There are no limits for EU citizens on most goods carried in or out of Italy as long as they are for personal use. Travellers can import from EU countries: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 1kg (2.2 lb) of smoking tobacco, 10 litres of spirits over 22 per cent proof, 20 litres of alcoholic beverages under 22 per cent, 90 litres of wine (no more than 60 litres of sparkling wine) and 110 litres of beer. Travellers from non-EU countries can import 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250 gr of smoking tobacco, 1 litre of spirits over 22 per cent proof, 2 litres of alcoholic beverages under 22 per cent, 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer.

Non-EU residents can claim a VAT refund on EU purchases (for further details see Shopping).

Travel Insurance

All travellers are advised to buy insurance against theft or loss, accidents, illness and travel delays or cancellations. Italy has a reciprocal health agreement with other EU countries, and EU citizens are automatically entitled to medical care in Italy if they have a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU visitors should check if their country has reciprocal arrangements with Italy.

Emergency Services

For emergencies, there are dedicated numbers for the Carabinieri (police), State Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance.

Health

Italy does not require any vaccinations, and there are few health hazards. Tap water is potable; however, many Italians prefer to drink bottled water.

For minor ailments, look for the green or red cross sign indicating a farmacia (pharmacy). Pharmacists in Italy are highly trained and can serve as surrogate doctors, and they can usually prescribe just the right thing if your symptoms are clear. Often, drugs that would require a prescription in your home country can be sold without one in Italy. If you need to fill a specific prescription, it’s important to know the actual chemical in question and not just its brand name, as it may be different in Italy. Pharmacies keep regular shop hours, but there will always be at least one in the area that is open outside normal hours. Look for the list posted next to the door of any farmacia, which will show the schedule of off-hour openings nearby.

There are hospitals covering most of the Amalfi Coast that provide 24-hour emergency care. If you would prefer an English-speaking doctor, contact your country’s consulate in Naples for recommended doctors.

Personal Security

Naples’ reputation as an unsafe city has improved drastically. However, like any large city it is best to be cautious. Leave all valuables, including your passport, in a hotel safety deposit box. Pickpockets are not uncommon in crowded parts of Naples, particularly on public transport. Keep your valuables tucked away in unreachable places. Carry wallets in front pockets and ensure bags are strapped across your front. In restaurants and cafés, keep your personal belongings on your lap or tied to your person. Losses or thefts should be reported to the nearest police station.

Though petty thievery is part of the scene in Naples, violent crimes are quite rare. Such things generally occur only in the underworld of organized crime far from the regular tourist spots.

Compared to Northern Europe, attitudes towards women travellers can be quite macho in the Naples area. Still, women generally do not encounter excessive harassment and can travel alone without a problem, especially on the Sorrentine Peninsula and the islands. Naturally, it is best for women to exercise normal care, especially after dark. Women shouldn’t stay around Naples’ central train station if travelling on their own.

Travellers with Disabilities

Getting around in a wheelchair in Naples and the Amalfi Coast area is a near impossibility without assistance. The larger museums and sights are making some headway at providing easier access. Although prog-ress is slow, things are improving gradually, as more and more places try to upgrade in order to conform to EU standards. Disabled visitors will, without a doubt, require help from travelling companions at every stage of their journey.

Many older buildings, which are normally refurbished medieval structures, are often without facilities for wheelchair users – there are endless stairways and levels to contend with, sometimes even within a single room. The only reliable option is to stay in the newest hotel you can find, where lifts will probably be big enough and bathroom sizes will all comply with EU laws. Double-check the facilities on offer before booking anything.

Currency and Banking

Italy uses the euro (€), which is divided into 100 cents. Paper notes are in denominations of €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5. Coins are €2, €1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c.

ATMs (called bancomats in Italy) are the easiest and safest way to get cash while travelling and are also a good way to beat commission charges at bureaux de change. Italian ATMs charge no transaction fee; you’ll only have your own bank’s fee to pay for using a non-branch machine and possibly a foreign transaction fee. If you withdraw the maximum each time (usually €300) the fee will likely be only about 1 per cent. Banks also normally offer better exchange and commission rates than bureaux de change or hotels, although rates can vary from bank to bank.

Credit cards are widely accepted in most large places. Only restaurants and smaller businesses may find it a problem, because of the 2–4 per cent commission that card companies charge them. Be aware that your own bank may charge you a 2 per cent currency conversion fee for every card purchase you make. If your credit card is lost or stolen, inform the local police and your credit card company immediately.

Telephone and Internet

The dialling code for Italy is 39, and when calling any number in Italy you must include the area code that starts with a zero. To call outside Italy, dial 00 then the country code, area code and number.

Most mobile phones will work in Italy, but it is advisable to check with your provider before departure. Consider buying a local SIM card to avoid high roaming charges. SIM cards are inexpensive and readily available from Italy’s largest cell phone providers: TIM, Wind, Vodafone and Tre.

Free Wi-Fi is available at many hotels, cafés and restaurants. However, smaller hotels may still charge for internet or only provide it in the lobby.

Postal Services

Main branches of Italy’s Poste Italiane post offices are open 8:30am–7pm Monday to Friday and 8:30am–noon on Saturdays. In smaller branches, rural towns or villages the post offices will often be open only 8:30am–1pm from Monday to Saturday. Mailboxes are red and have two slots – one “per la città” (local) and one “per tutte le altre destin-azioni” (everywhere else).

Stamps (francobolli) are on sale at post offices and tobacconists (tabacchi), and often (unofficially) at any shop selling postcards.

TV, Radio and Newspapers

Most hotels will have satellite TV and the inter-national news channels that come with it. Many programs on Sky satellite TV channels can be switched to the original language. The popular local radio station in the Naples area is Radio Kiss Kiss (95.9FM).

Newsstands and bookshops sell a selection of Italian and international press. USA Today and the International Herald Tribune are generally available in tourist areas, along with most major British, German and French newspapers. The local newspaper published in Naples is Il Mattino, while the online newspaper The Local covers Italian news in English. For events in and around Naples, pick up a copy of the free monthly magazine Qui Napoli.

Opening Hours

Post office hours are generally 9am–6pm Monday to Friday, although during August many businesses close mid-afternoon or entirely.

Shops are usually open from 9am–2pm and 4–8pm, except in popular tourist areas where they will likely remain open through the lunch riposo.

Many shops, hotels and restaurants close for part or all of the holiday season, especially on the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Ischia. Banks generally open 8:30am–1:30pm and 3–4pm from Monday to Friday.

Museums and galleries have their own opening hours, which may change with the season, especially in coastal areas and the islands. Museums and historic sites will often close one day per week, even in high season. It is best to check their websites before you visit.

Nearly all banks, shops and businesses are closed on public holidays: New Year’s Day, Epiphany (6 Jan), Easter, Easter Monday, Liberation Day (25 Apr), Labour Day (1 May), Republic Day (2 Jun), Ferragosto (15 Aug), All Saints Day (1 Nov), Immaculate Conception (8 Dec), Christmas Day (25 Dec) and the Feast of St Stephen (26 Dec).

Time Difference

Italy is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 6 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time (EST). The clock moves forward 1 hour for daylight saving time from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October.

Electrical Appliances

Italy uses plugs with two or three round pins and an electrical voltage and frequency of 220V/50Hz. Devices from other countries will require adapters and may need voltage converters.

Visitor Information

Naples has two main Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno (ASST) offices in the historic centre, one near Galleria Umberto I and the other at Piazza del Gesù. Free maps, brochures and information on events and attractions are available here in multiple languages. You can also contact the Italian Tourist Board in your home country for such information before your departure.

Along the Amalfi Coast, tourist information offices are located in Amalfi, Positano and Ravello. Sorrento and the islands of Capri and Ischia also have official information offices.

A number of websites can help you research exactly which parts and how much of the fascinating area you want to cover during your visit. A notable example is the Napoli Unplugged website, which has detailed information in English on transport, history, events and things to see and do in Naples.

Useful apps include Google Maps, Google Translate, TripAdvisor for restaurant reviews, and Travelmar for purchasing tickets for ferries along the Amalfi Coast, all available for Android and iOS devices.

Weather

The climate is typically Mediterranean, with warm summers and cool winters. July and August are very hot and humid, with temperatures around 30°–40° C (85°–105° F). The best weather is generally found in spring and autumn. March, April and September tend to be the rainiest months. Winter is cold, dark and rainy, but can offer dramatic views of Vesuvius’s peak dusted with snow.

For culture, visit Naples in the winter, when you’ll get a real feel for local life and fewer crowds at the popular sites. For swimming, it’s difficult to avoid the hot months but to side-step the crowds, June or September are a better bet than July and August, which is when most of Italy will be on holiday with you. To appreciate the beauty of the natural setting and the quality of life, any time of year is ideal. Most hotels and restaurants on the Amalfi Coast and islands close for a period or the entire winter.

Trips and Tours

With a wealth of history and culture, there are many different ways to enjoy a visit Naples. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the city, especially in the historic centre. Get a good introduction to Naples on a walking tour by Free Walking Tour Napoli.

A visit to Naples isn’t complete without delving deeper into the local cuisine. From making your own Neapolitan pizza to sampling the best sweets, Eat in Italy provide cooking lessons and food tours led by experienced locals.

For a more in-depth look at Naples’ rich archaeological sites, world-class museums and distinctive culture, Context Travel offers unique and highly informative tours led by local historians and academics.

You will see another side of Naples by going underground with Napoli Sotterranea. Tours lead far underground and back through history, from Greek-Roman aqueducts to areas used as shelters during World War II.

For local tours in Naples and guided excursions to Pompeii, Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, try the family-run company Rimonti Tours.

In summer, there is no better way to see the coastline than by boat. Local family-run company Gennaro e Salvatore operate personalized tours to admire the beautiful caves and bays, stopping to take a dip here and there.

Shopping

Naples is an excellent shopping destination, with all the big Italian brands represented as well as a large selection of boutiques for designer fashion, accessories and home decor. For upmarket shopping, the Chiaia neighbourhood has the finest selection of designer boutiques. Men’s fashion is especially refined in Naples. For more popular brand name shopping, Via Toledo, Galleria Umberto I and the historic centre are the best bet.

While exploring the Sorrento Peninsula and islands, great buys include locally made ceramics, handmade paper in Amalfi, hand- carved cameos or handmade leather sandals. You’ll also find local wines, cheeses, and the popular limoncello liqueur. Check for any restrictions on importing foodstuffs into your home country before you buy.

There are two main sales periods per year that are determined by the Italian government for each region. Summer sales usually start at the beginning of July and run for 60 days. Winter sales begin around Epiphany (6 Jan) and run until March.

Prices include VAT (IVA in Italian), which currently stands at 22 per cent on most purchases. For non-EU residents, VAT refunds are available for purchases over €155 that will be taken outside the EU. You will need to ask the sales clerk for a form or card at the time of purchase (note that not all shops participate in VAT returns). VAT can be redeemed at the customs counter in the airport at your last point of departure from the EU.

Where to Eat

Famous as the birthplace of pizza and many Italian favourites, Neapolitan cuisine is loved around the world. Restaurants in Naples and the surrounding area are primarily dedicated to Neapolitan cooking, and international cuisine options are hard to find. Yet with such a delightful variety of options, from seafood to delicious meat recipes, it’s rarely a problem to find something for every taste. With an endless variety of traditional Neapolitan vegetable recipes, there is never a shortage of choices on the menu for vegetarians and vegans.

Restaurants usually open from 1–3pm for lunch and 7–10:30pm for dinner. Italians generally eat dinner from 8–9:30pm, so expect to find the best atmosphere around that time. In popular tourist areas some restaurants may serve continuously. Cafés are often open for light meals throughout the day.

Restaurants rarely have children’s menus available, but are usually happy to prepare special pasta dishes for customers. Few restaurants have high chairs, or perhaps just one or two for the entire establishment.

Where to Stay

There is something for all tastes and budgets in the Naples and Amalfi Coast area, whether you’re looking for five-star luxury, a charming villa rental in a secluded spot or a budget-friendly hostel. In Naples, the most convenient places to stay are in the centre of the city, making them accessible to all the main sights. Naples is also a good base for exploring Pompeii, Vesuvius and the islands (for further details see Zeus Camping, Pompeii).

The Amalfi Coast and Capri have long held a reputation for being expensive, with many luxurious hotels having taken advantage of the spectacular landscape. You will get what you pay for, however, as service and facilities are of a very high standard. Cheaper alternatives can be found in smaller towns, such as Praiano, but even Positano and Ravello offer some budget accommodation.

Sorrento’s reputation as a luxury resort is well founded, although there is no shortage of cheaper hotels – you will just find yourself further from the centre of things and with less breathtaking views (for further details see Hotel Caruso, Ravello).

Rates are the highest during peak season in the summer and during Easter and Christmas. Booking well in advance is recommended for the period from Easter through to October, especially for the Amalfi Coast, Capri and Sorrento. Low season specials are abundant in Naples and shoulder season bargains are sometimes available along the coastal areas and islands. Contrary to the high season rates and crowds in the Amalfi Coast, August can be quieter in Naples with some hotels offering lower tariffs.

Most hotels and hostels now have online booking or subscribe to major booking websites. Airbnb, Booking.com and Hotels.com have extensive listings for Naples and the surrounding areas. It is always worth checking prices at the establishment itself as they often feature offers that are not available on booking websites. Hostels of Naples provides information about the best hostels in Naples, Capri, Ischia, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast. Summer in Italy specializes in holiday villa rentals in Capri, Sorrento and on the Amalfi Coast. If you are looking to stay with private families, Rent a Bed offers a range of choices and areas in Naples and on the coast.