ISO/TC Useful information

Welcome to Rome!

A heady mix of haunting ruins, awe-inspiring art and vibrant street life, Italy’s hot-blooded capital is one of the world’s most romantic and inspiring cities.

The result of 3000 years of urban development, Rome’s cityscape is an exhilarating spectacle. Ancient icons such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon recall the city’s golden age as caput mundi, while its many monumental basilicas testify to its historical role as seat of the Catholic Church. Few cities can rival Rome’s astonishing artistic heritage. A trip to Rome is as much about lapping up the dolce vita lifestyle as gorging on art and culture. Idling around picturesque streets, whiling away hours at streetside cafes, people-watching on pretty piazzas. Eating out is one of Rome’s great pleasures and the combination of romantic alfresco settings and superlative food is a guarantee of good times.

For further information visit the official tourist website www.turismoroma.it.

Entry and exit formalities

Passport and Visas

Italy is one of the 26 European countries to make up the Schengen area. There are no customs controls when travelling between Schengen countries, so the visa rules that apply to Italy apply to all Schengen countries.
EU citizens do not need a visa to enter Italy – a valid ID card or passport is sufficient.
Nationals of some other countries, including Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland and the USA, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Nationals of other countries will need a Schengen tourist visa – to check requirements see www.schengenvisainfo.com/tourist-schengen-visa.
All non-EU and non-Schengen nationals entering Italy for more than 90 days or for any reason other than tourism (such as study or work) may need a specific visa. Check http://vistoperitalia.esteri.it for details.
For Visa invitation letters please refer to the relevant information page.

Customs Regulations

Entering Italy from another EU country you can bring, duty-free: 10L spirits, 90L wine and 800 cigarettes.
If arriving from a non-EU country, the limits are 1L spirits (or 2L fortified wine), 4L still wine, 60ml perfume, 16L beer, 200 cigarettes and other goods up to a value of €300/430 (travelling by land/sea); anything over this must be declared on arrival and the duty paid.
On leaving the EU, non-EU residents can reclaim value-added tax (VAT) on expensive purchases.

Weather

If you love the sun but aren’t a fan of intense heat, October is the perfect time to visit Rome. The sun is always shining and temperatures have lowered to more comfortable levels whilst still remaining warm and pleasant.

The average temperature in Rome in October is around 19°C that steadily lowers towards the end of the month to around 15°C. There are eight hours of sunshine per day, which is enough time to shop in the city centre and enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing and exploring. On average, it’ll rain on 12 days of the month with an expected rainfall of around 94mm.

Time zone

Italy has only 1 time zone. Central European Time (CET) is used as standard time, while Central European Summer Time (CEST) is observed when Daylight Saving Time (DST) is in force.
Currently Central Eurpean Time (CET), UTC+1.
Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2 starts 31 March 2019.

Currency

The local currency is euro (€).

ATMs are widespread. Major credit cards are widely accepted but some smaller shops, trattorias and hotels might not take them.

You can change your money in banks, at post offices or at a cambio (exchange office). There are exchange booths at Stazione Termini and at Fiumicino and Ciampino airports.
Take your passport or photo ID when exchanging money.

Check the exchange rates on www.travelex.com/rates.

Electricity

Electricity in Italy conforms to the European standard of 220V to 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz. Wall outlets typically accommodate plugs with two or three round pins (the latter grounded, the former not). For Italy there are three associated plug types, types C, F and L. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side and plug type L is the plug type which has three round pins. Italy operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Useful and emergency numbers

NUE – Emergency Telephone Number 112
Traffic wardens +39 06 67691
Finance Police 117
Central Police Station +39 06 46861
Lost property on bus or tram +39 06 67693214