10:33 pm
+1h from you
Weather in Italy
Italy
14°
Light drizzle
Sun
7
14
Mon
7
11
Tue
6
14
Wed
7
15
Thu
8
15
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.
Transportation in Italy
Language in Italy
Tipping in Italy
Tipping is not mandatory in Italy, but it is appreciated for good service. It's common to leave a small tip in certain situations.
Restaurant
5-10% for exceptional service. Often, 'coperto' (cover charge) is already included.
Bar/Café
Rounding up the bill or leaving a small change is common.
Taxi
Rounding up the fare is appreciated.
Hotel Porter
1-2 EUR per bag.
Hotel Housekeeper
1-2 EUR per night if you are very satisfied with the service.
Tour Guide
5-10 EUR for a good tour.
Safety & security in Italy
Tips for British travellers
Italy is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Be vigilant against pickpockets and bag-snatchers, especially in city centres, tourist attractions, and on public transport.
Avoid leaving luggage in your car, even out of sight in the boot, as theft from parked cars is common.
Do not take drinks from strangers or leave your drinks unattended to avoid spiking and subsequent robbery or assault.
Validate your public transport ticket before starting your journey to avoid an on-the-spot fine.
Be aware that many Italian cities have specific laws against littering, eating near monuments, or bathing in public fountains, which can result in fines.
Bonus tips:
Carry photo ID with you at all times as police can stop you for identity checks.
Make sure your travel insurance covers all your planned activities, including any sports or adventure tourism.
Driving in Italy
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
130 km/h (110 km/h in wet weather or specific signs indicate otherwise)
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
Cards & payments
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Italy, especially in larger establishments in cities and tourist areas. Smaller shops and restaurants may prefer cash.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1096
ATMs in Italy
ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas.
Local name
Bancomat
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
Using ATMs is a convenient way to obtain Euros. Ensure your card is chip and PIN enabled. Be aware of potential transaction fees from your bank.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, EU roaming agreements no longer automatically apply. Check with your mobile provider for roaming charges in Italy. You may need to purchase a roaming add-on or consider a local SIM card for better rates.
Local SIM data package
20GB for 25 EUR (~£21)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
TIM, Vodafone Italia, WindTre
WiFi & internet
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in urban areas.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Free WiFi is often available, but the quality can vary. Paid WiFi services may offer more reliable connections. Mobile data is a viable alternative.
Health & vaccinations
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 for medical emergencies, repatriation, and other unforeseen events not covered by GHIC/EHIC.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for entry into Italy from the UK. The NHS and WHO recommend being up-to-date on routine vaccinations. Tap water is generally safe to drink but bottled water is widely available.
Calling Italy
Country code
+39
To call Italy from the UK, dial 00 39 followed by the Italian phone number (including the area code).
To call the British Embassy in Rome, dial 00 39 06 4220 0001.
The country code for Italy is 39. The international access code from Italy is 00.
UK Embassy in Italy
British Embassy Rome
Via XX Settembre 80a, 00187 Rome, Italy
Airports in Italy
Frequently asked questions about Italy
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.