Italy was not unified as a single political entity until 1870, and even today there is tremendous diversity between the different regions of the country. This variety makes Italy an even more desirable tourist destination. From the art treasures of Florence to the beauty of Venice, the fashion of Milan to the antiquities of Rome...this is a resplendent country.
To contact Auto Europe from Italy, dial 00-800-223-5555-5.

Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Italy for visits of less than three months. Pets are allowed to enter the country as long as they have valid vaccination and health certificates. Owners must provide proof of vacination no less than 20 days and no more than 11 months prior to entry. Tourists must register with the local police NO MORE than 3 days after arrival. This precautionary measure will generally be provided by your hotel, but tourists staying in private homes or villas will need to go to the local police office to register.

Local Times
Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the United States and Canada. 7 hours between March and October when Daylight Savings in observed here in North America.

Languages
Many Italians in the major cities understand at least a little English, but away from the heavy tourist attractions and facilities knowledge of Italian is indeed helpful.

Electricity
Current may be either 220 or 125 volts AC. The Continental two-round-pin plug is standard.

Local Tourist Information
Provincial Tourism Office (EPT)
Via Parigi 5
Rome, Italy
Phone (+39) 06-488-3748
National Tourist Board (ENIT)
Via Marghera 2
Rome, Italy
Phone (+39) 06-497-1293
Dial the numbers in parentheses (long-distance access code 0 plus city code) only if calling from Italian locations outside the city. In Rome, other EPT booths are at Fiumicino Airport, Termini Station. White-painted municipal tourist information booths are located near major attractions.

Customs
Travelers are not required to pay duty on an appropriate amount of items for their personal use during their visit. In addition, the following duty-free allowances apply: no more than 750 ml of liquor and 2 liters of wine; and 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 500 grams of tobacco.

Currency Exchange
Banks, which tend to offer the best exchange rates, are open from 8 or 8:30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. and 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. weekdays. A few banks are also open Saturday mornings. Foreign exchange bureaus operate at airports, railway stations, major hotels and popular tourist resorts. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Italy.

Tipping
Italian tipping customs are complex, and vary by region. The following guidelines will give you some idea, but remember that tips may be increased by 50-100% in higher end establishments. Although a service charge is added to restaurant bills, it is customary to leave another 5% for your waiter. Hotel staff can be recognized as follows: maids, €.50-€1 per day at the end of your stay; bellhops, valets and room-service waiters, €.50-€1 per service rendered; breakfast waiters, €.25-€.50 per table per day offered at the end of your stay. Tipping the concierge 15 % of the total bill and doormen €.50 for hailing your cab. Tip theater ushers €.50, taxi drivers 5-10%, helpful gas station attendants €.50-€1, guides €1 for a half-day tour, and add €.50 to a porter's usual fee per bag if he is very helpful. Leave a €.50 if you've had your espresso at a counter, and go as high as €1 if you've used a table. Tipping is always at your discretion, but premium establishments and services should most certainly be recognized accordingly.

General Business Hours
Museums: National museums are generally open from 9 a.m. to 1 or 2 p.m. and are closed on Mondays. Post and telegraph offices: Generally open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 weekdays and 8:30 to 12:00 pm on Saturdays. Watch for shorter hours at the end of the month or on special occasions. Some counters (e.g., registered mail, telegrams) have different hours and in the main cities may also open in the afternoon. Restaurants: Lunch in Rome is from 1 to 3 p.m. and dinner is served from 8 to 10 p.m. Mealtimes tend to be earlier in the north and later in the far south. Shopping: Hours vary by region. Typical times are 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 or 4 p.m. until 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Shops are usually closed Monday mornings and are always closed on Sunday. Department stores and shops in tourist centers may stay open all day and sometimes into the evening.

Value Added Tax
20%