Things to Know Before Going to Italy: Passport, Visa, and More

Author’s Note: I travel to Italy every year and I’m certified by the Italian National Tourism Organization as an Italy destination specialist – so if you have any questions about planning a trip to Italy – just ask!

Visiting Italy will be much easier and more relaxing once you’re certain that you have all the basic documents, electrical adapters, emergency numbers, and telecommunications sorted.

In this article I’ll cover all the practical things to know before visiting Italy, beginning with passports and tackling money, time zones, taxis, and tipping.

So read on as you’ll be an Italy travel pro in no time!

Passport and Visa Requirements

Checking your passport is an important first step in planning a trip abroad.

Cute yellow Fiat 500 parked in the street
Cute Fiat outside my hotel in Milan, Italy

Your passport must be valid for 6 months on the day you enter Italy and must have 3 months of validity from the date you plan to leave the Schengen area.

On the day you enter Italy, you must have two blank pages in your passport. If you have less than that, you need a new passport before you travel.

I’ve read that you also need to blank pages in your passport and this is the case in neighboring countries, so it’s a good idea to make sure you have a few pages free for stamps.

For 2024, a visa is not required to visit Italy:

  1. If you are from an EU country, the U.S., Canada, Australia, or one of the other almost 90 countries on the Visa exemption list
  2. AND if you will be staying in Italy for no more than 90 days within a 180-day period.

Check here to see if you need a visa to enter Italy: https://www.handyvisas.com/visa-policy/italy/

ETIAS

Visa exemption is however changing from 2025 when passport holders from countries not requiring a visa – will now need an ESTIAS!

People enjoying Jamaica Beach, Sirmione, Lake Garda, Italy on a sunny day.
Jamaica Beach, Sirmione, Lake Garda

ESIAS stands for European Travel Information and Authorization System. It is a European visa waiver for all travelers coming from outside the Schengen Zone.

ETIAS is an electronic document linked to your passport and it is valid for 3 years once approved. The paperwork is an online form.

You must have 3 months of validity on your passport to apply for an ETIAS and it doesn’t change the 90-day rule.

Other Documents

Whilst you may never be asked for all of these, you can be asked for:

  1. Valid passport or travel document
  2. Completed visa application form (if applicable)
  3. Proof of accommodation in Italy
  4. Evidence of sufficient funds for your stay

Dealing in Euros: Cash and ATMs

Italy operates on the Euro. Italy’s many ATMs are known locally as Bancomats. These machines are everywhere, be it piazzas or airports, and the good news is, they all work with international debit cards.

Purchasing octopus in euros at an Italian market
Buying octopus with euros at an Italian market

Your bank may charge a foreign transaction fee, so it’s a good idea to withdraw larger amounts at once. 

  • Beware of the DCC: Dynamic Currency Conversion can prove to be an unwanted surprise when using your cards abroad. Always choose to be charged in the local currency to avoid inflated exchange rates.
  • Carry Cash: Quite a few Euros in your pocket can come in handy! Countless little cafes, stores, or even some restaurants may only accept hard cash. Taxis are a case in point, especially outside the major cities. It’s also useful to have some Euros on hand to spend on tips and when you need to pay to use a toilet.

It’s a good idea to check with your bank before you leave to make sure your card will work in Italy. I have to tell my bank where I’m going and when I’m away or it blocks and sometimes cancels my card!

Keep Connected: SIM Cards and VPNs

I buy online SIM cards and delete them once I’ve left Europe. You can buy Italy-only SIM cards or Europe-wide e-sims.

Using the Iliad SIM card in Italy
Iliad SIM card in Italy

They’re very easy to use – there’s only one trap – be sure to check that you are purchasing data and calls and texts. These are the two I’ve been using in Italy and Europe:

If you’d rather purchase a local SIM card once you’ve arrived in Italy, all you need is your passport and a pinch of patience. The main players are TIM, Vodafone, and Windtre.

However, check out ILIAD, a relative newcomer offering some great deals. Moreover, remember to pack a VPN! This will come in handy should you need to access any geo-restricted content or secure your data when connecting to public Wi-Fi. 

If, hypothetically, you’re a diehard Newcastle United fan, a VPN will allow you to watch English Premiere League games while traveling.

Google Maps

Someone told me in Sicily that the sooner I ditch Google Maps, the easier it will be to know when things are open! It is, however, a lifesaver on country roads if you don’t have SatNav.

Whilst Google Maps is good for showing how to get somewhere, especially on foot, it’s useless at telling you when something is open.

Venice is probably the most egregious example of Google getting opening times and days wrong for everything from grocery stores to restaurants and museums.

Italian Taxis

Italian taxis are highly regulated by law, ensuring a certain level of standard and quality.

Taxis parked near St. Peter's Square, Vatican, Italy
Taxis near Vatican’s St. Peter’s Square

They are generally white or yellow and display a “taxi” sign on their roof.

Taxis usually wait at official stands, which you can occasionally locate in cities and towns. 

This might come as a surprise, but Italian taxis aren’t known for driving around seeking fares. Instead, they must be hailed through an official dispatch system or directly at an official taxi stand.

Waving down a taxi in the middle of the street, as you may be accustomed to doing elsewhere, often won’t yield results. 

The Italian lakes are some of the worst places to try and get a taxi. My advice is to call your hotel when you arrive at the Lake and ask them to call a taxi for you and give them your name.

Decoding Italian Taxi Fares

In Italy, taxi fares are metered and the initial fare, known as ‘l’inizio della corsa’, is displayed on the meter as soon as you get in.

Looking for a taxi in Milan
It’s not difficult to find a taxi in Milan

Be aware that certain factors can cause the fare to increase, like traveling at night, on public holidays, or traveling with large bags.

A ticket receipt is supposed to be provided at the end of your journey which outlines the fare breakdown. I need receipts but I often have to ask for them.

Uber in Italy: A Modern but Restricted Alternative

Initially embroiled in controversy, Uber has found firm footing in the Italian urban transportation scene, albeit with some limitations.

Primarily, you can find Uber services in large cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence, but they may be limited or non-existent in smaller towns and rural areas. 

Due to local regulations, only Uber Black (luxury vehicles), Uber Lux, and Uber Van services are available in Italy—and these can be considerably more expensive than standard taxi services. 

Tipping

Ah, tipping! The culturally contingent habit that varies wildly from country to country, often leading to those awkward moments of indecision: to tip or not to tip? Well, in Italy, it’s a bit simpler than you might expect. 

Accessing Michelin-starred restaurants in Sirmione, Italy
It’s customary to tip at Michelin-starred restaurants in Sirmione, Italy

In Italy, tipping is not mandatory. Indeed, it isn’t the national expectation, nor is it culturally ingrained as it is in say, the United States.

Here, gratuities are seen as a kindness or a bonus rather than a necessity.

That being said, Italians appreciate this gesture of goodwill, and it’s often a charming way to express your satisfaction with the service provided. 

Restaurants and Cafés

You will typically see a line item on your bill for ‘coperto’ or cover charge. This is essentially a service fee and somewhat replaces the necessity for a gratuity.

However, you are certainly welcome to leave a little extra. A loose rule of thumb is to round up to the nearest Euro or leave 1-2 Euros per person in a cafe and a little more in a restaurant.

Taxi Drivers and Hotel Staff

What about taxis and hotels? As with restaurants, tipping is never mandatory but always appreciated. For taxi drivers, it is common to round up to the nearest Euro.

For hotel staff, a Euro or two for porters and housekeeping is a thoughtful expression of gratitude. 

Guided Tours

As for those guided tours at tourist attractions or whole-day tours, the rules here are slightly different.

Tour guides often have specialized knowledge and provide a unique, personalized experience that enhances your adventure. A tip of 10 Euros per person on a private tour or 5 Euros on a group tour is customary. 

Ordering Food in Italy

Ordering Italian food and drinks is not too different from other countries. Here a some articles to help you order food and enjoy the aperitivo hour – an authentic Italian experience!

Electrical Plugs and Voltage: What You Need to Know

In Italy, you need a Type F  electrical plug– a round, two-pin plug, and Type L – a round, three-pin plug.

Electrical Plug Type F for Italy
Electrical Plug Type F

Electricity is 220 volts, at a frequency of 50 Hz in Italy. (As opposed to 110 volts, 60 Hz in the U.S.) 

If you are visiting Italy from a country that doesn’t have 220 Volts and 50 Hz, look for the words ‘110 – 220 volts’ or ‘multi-voltage’ on your device before plugging it in.

Powering Your Electronics in Italy

 The standard voltage in Italy is 230 V, while the standard frequency is 50 Hz. 

Type F and Type L Plugs: The Details 

 In Italy, the Type F plug, also known as Schuko, is two round pins with two grounding clips on the sides. This type of plug is common in Europe and can be used in any country that has Schuko sockets. 

The Type L plug is peculiarly Italian. It has three round pins in a line, with the grounding pin being slightly larger. While it’s less common, it still exists, and you might find such outlets in older buildings or rural areas. 

Picking the Right Adapter 

A universal travel adapter is the best solution when traveling. It is all-encompassing, and designed to accommodate a variety of plug types, including the Type F and Type L plugs used in Italy.

Do remember, though, that a travel adapter doesn’t change the voltage.

So be sure to check if your devices can handle the 230 V standard in Italy—this information is usually printed on the device’s charger or in its manual. If your device isn’t compatible, you’ll need a voltage converter along with your adapter. 

Tips for Keeping Your Devices Powered

  • Carry a portable power bank: This can be a lifesaver, especially if you plan to travel through remote areas where access to power might be limited.
  • Invest in a universal travel adapter with multiple USB ports: It allows you to charge more than one device at a time.

Time Zone Differences: Adjusting to Italian Time

Italy operates on the Central European Time (CET), meaning it’s commonly 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) and 9 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time (PST), but this can vary with the observation of daylight saving times in different countries. 

Old Roman clock in black and white
Roman clock

Italy practices Daylight Saving Time. On the last Sunday in March and October, Italians turn their clocks forward by one hour.

On the last Sunday in October, they reclaim that hour by setting the clock back. This could impact your travel schedule by an hour, so it’s worth noting! 

Time Zone Transition: Tips and Tricks 

The shift in time zones could be jarring, especially for first-time travelers or those with a packed schedule.

Here are some tips and tricks to help ease this transition: 

  • Reset your watch: As soon as you board the plane, switch your watch and other electronics to Italian time. This subtle psychological trick can help your mind and body start adjusting to the new time zone.
  • Embrace the sunshine: Spend time outdoors in natural sunlight upon arrival to help reset your internal body clock.
  • Avoid napping when you arrive: This could make jet lag symptoms worse. Try to stay awake until the local bedtime.
  • Hydrate: Dehydration can worsen feelings of jet lag, so make sure to drink plenty of water during your journey and once you arrive.

In Case of Emergency: Important Numbers to Know in Italy

If you fall off your Vespa after your second winery visit in Tuscany, you might need to call for help.

These emergency numbers are good to have on hand as you travel in Italy, even though I hope you’ll never need to use them.

  • 112: An All-Rounder Emergency Number 
  • Handle Health Emergencies with 118
  • National Police and Carabinieri: 113 and 112

Keep Planning Your Trip to Italy

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