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Today
4:55 am
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Weather in Italy
Italy
18°
Slight rain showers
Wed
6
18
Thu
7
13
Fri
6
13
Sat
7
19
Sun
6
20
SPF level in Italy
Recommended: SPF 50
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 50
Autumn
SPF 30
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Italy
Language in Italy
Tipping in Italy
Tipping is customary in Italy, but not mandatory. Service charges are sometimes included in restaurant bills (check for 'servizio incluso').
Restaurant
5-10% if service is not included. Rounding up is also common.
Bar/Café
Rounding up to the nearest Euro or leaving small change is appreciated.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is customary.
Hotel Porter
€1-€2 per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-€2 per day, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
€5-€10 per person for a good tour.
Safety in Italy
Tips for British travellers
Italy is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry photo ID with you at all times, as police can stop you for identity checks.
Be vigilant for pickpocketing and bag-snatching in city centres, at tourist sites, and on public transport.
Do not take drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended to avoid drink spiking.
Always validate your public transport ticket before starting your journey to avoid an on-the-spot fine.
It is illegal to remove sand, shells, or pebbles from coastal areas, and you could face a large fine.
Bonus tips:
When driving, avoid entering historic city centres marked with ZTL signs without a pass to avoid a fine.
Many hotels in major cities charge a tourist tax, which you may need to pay in cash upon arrival.
Driving in Italy
A valid UK driving license is accepted. An International Driving Permit is recommended, but not always required, especially for short stays.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
130 km/h (may be lower during rain or for inexperienced drivers)
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Italy drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
113
Ambulance
118
Fire
115
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Italy
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type F, Type L
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Italy uses 230V, 50Hz electricity with Type C, F, and L plugs. British travelers will need an adapter.
Cards & payments
Widely accepted in larger establishments, hotels, and restaurants. Smaller shops and businesses may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1-303-967-1094
ATMs in Italy
Widely available in cities and tourist areas. More limited in rural areas.
Local name
Bancomat
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are readily available, especially in urban centers. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. Be aware of potential foreign transaction fees from your bank.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the EU's 'Roam Like at Home' regulation no longer automatically applies to UK mobile users. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Italy. Some providers may still offer free roaming as part of their plans, but this is not guaranteed. Consider purchasing a local SIM card if you plan to use a lot of data.
Local SIM data package
20 GB for 30 EUR (~£26)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Vodafone Italia, TIM, WindTre
WiFi & internet
Widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas in cities. Coverage can be spotty in rural areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Wi-Fi is readily accessible in most tourist areas. Many hotels and cafes offer free Wi-Fi to customers. Mobile data is also a viable option, but check roaming charges or consider a local SIM card.
Health & vaccinations in Italy
As a UK resident, you can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for state healthcare in Italy. However, it's still recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover costs not covered by GHIC/EHIC, such as repatriation or private healthcare.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for Italy. Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Tap water is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available. Be aware of mosquito-borne diseases, especially during summer months, and take precautions to avoid bites.
Calling Italy
Country code
+39
To call Italy from the UK, dial 00 39 followed by the Italian number (without the initial zero if there is one).
To call a Rome number 06 1234 5678 from the UK, you would dial 00 39 06 1234 5678.
The country code for Italy is 39. The exit code to dial out of the UK is 00.
UK Embassy in Italy
British Embassy Rome
Via XX Settembre, 80a, 00187 Rome, Italy
Airports in Italy
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.