Traveler’s Checks and Credit Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) also work for cards linked to an international network (Bancomat, Postomat, EC, Cirrus, Plus, Maestro etc.). MasterCard and Visa (with PIN) may be used to withdraw cash from ATM’s. Cash from ATM's is received in Euros. Daily limits apply.

Italy uses a 220 Volts/AC system. Additionally, wall sockets and plugs may differ from those in your home country. Be sure to get information about the possible need for an adapter before departure.

When exchanging large amounts of money it is usually best to do it in Italy. We recommend, however, that you bring cash for the first few days (taxis, tips and incidentals). We suggest you avoid changing money in change offices as they charge a higher commission. Banks offer the best rates. For stays lasting more than three months, consider opening a bank account. For details, please speak to a member of our staff.

Faxes can be sent from the post office, most stationer’s shops (cartoleria) and copy shops. Schools receive faxes free of charge and send them (for a fee).

Internet centers are available in town and in many hotels. Fees applied.

Italy’s unit of currency is the Euro. We suggest exchanging large amounts of money upon arriving in Italy. We also recommend, however, that you bring cash for the first few days (taxis, tips and incidentals). We suggest you avoid changing money in change offices as they charge a higher commission. Banks offer the best rates. For stays lasting more than three months, consider opening a bank account. For details, please speak to a member of our staff.

Tourists requiring urgent medical care should go to the nearest hospital or emergency room. Airports and many train stations have medical teams and facilities on site. Travelers with serious illnesses or allergies should always carry a doctor’s note detailing information on treatments and (potentially) necessary procedure. Pharmacies (Farmacia) generally follow store hours (approx. 8:30 - 12.30 and 3:00 – 7:00 Monday - Saturday. 

In larger cities, many pharmacia are open throughout the day. Night time service is provided on a shift basis. Business hours and night shifts are displayed outside each pharmacia and are published in local papers. Visitors are advised to bring proof of insurance.

January 6th (Epiphany, called "Befana"), Easter Monday, April 25th (National Holiday), May 1st (Labour Day), June 2nd (Republic Day), June 24th (Saint John, Florence only), June 29th (Saint Peter and Paul, Rome only), August 15th (Assumption Day, called "Ferragosto"), November 1st (All Saints), December 8th (Immaculate Conception).

International telephone calls can be made from public telephones. 
The country code for Italy is "39": 
'Land phone': The country code must always be followed by the "0" before the area code.
'Mobile phone': There is no need for a "0" before the number.

EuroCity is an international train service within the European inter-city rail network. The EC makes connections in Italy day and night. Connect to Siena via Florence or Rome by bus or train. Discounts are available for passengers 26 and under. Reservations for sleeping car (couchettes) are recommended.

Parking is not allowed in the old city centers. In all other districts, parking is free unless otherwise noted. Paid parking in garages is usually available.

Italy operates on Middle-European-Time (MET): Rome: ±0; London: -1; New York: -6; Los Angeles: -9; Tokyo: +8. From the end of March to the end of October the clocks in Italy are turned ahead one hour.