Italy Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Rome
- Currency
- EUR (Euro)
- Best time to visit
- April–June and September–October.
Visa requirements
EU citizens travel freely. Non-EU visitors can stay up to 90 days in the Schengen Area without a visa.
Getting around
Italy's high-speed trains (Trenitalia's Frecce and Italo) link Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice in a few hours, with regional trains and buses covering smaller towns. Cities have metros (Rome, Milan, Naples), trams and buses on validated tickets, and taxis are metered; ride-hailing is limited mostly to Uber Black in big cities.
Safety
Italy is very safe. Pickpocketing is the main concern in major tourist areas.
Tipping customs
Tipping is modest and optional, as a 'coperto' (cover charge) and sometimes 'servizio' often appear on restaurant bills. Round up or leave a few euros for good service, round up taxi fares, and leave a euro or two for hotel porters and housekeeping.
Travel tips
Validate train tickets before boarding. Many museums require advance booking.