Hi all.

Here is the place to post your country research. eg...

* Car papers ie carne passage (spelling?), signage (AA);
* Car requirements ie warning vests, 2x triangles, etc;
* Border crossings ie times, etc;
* Customs regulations ie booze, perfume, cigs, food, cash, etc - what not to take ie pepper spray, medical drugs;
* Vaccinations needed?;
* Dress code, local customs/habits/behaviour;
* Local history, culture, food, languages (dictionary of basic conversation);
* Time zones;
* Drivers licence, which side of road to drive;
* Currency;
* Tourist attractions, accommodation;
* Identify Embassy;
* Travel distances;
* Climate/seasons/rainfall;
* Maps;
* Banking.........

Hefty fines are imposed on Tourists purchasing counterfeit goods while visiting Italy
The Italian Government Tourist Board strongly recommends that tourists do not, under any circumstances, attempt to purchase any counterfeit items, as this may end up costing them well more than an authentic product.

Legislation was implemented (which carries fines of up to 10,000 Euros for people caught purchasing counterfeit products, and criminal charges for anyone caught selling counterfeit goods.) It aims at a national wide crackdown on the sellers and buyers of counterfeit items, i.e. purses, sunglasses, watches, belts, etc bearing luxury labels such as Prada, Gucci, Fendi only to name a few.

No vaccinations are required to enter Italy

For Medical Emergency dial 118

Banks in Italy are open Monday through Friday from 8:35 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. and from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
It is advisable to keep receipts of currency exchanged in case it be necessary to reconvert euros back into dollars before leaving the country.

The electrical current in Italy is AC - the cycle is 50Hz 220 V. A tourist carrying electrical appliances to Italy should have a transformer.Plugs have round prongs, not flat, therefore an European Plug Adapter (round pin) is needed.

How to Avoid Upsetting the Locals :

* If you need to use the toilet, buy something at the closest shop, and then ask to use the bathroom: "Mi scusi signore, dov'è il bagno?" (Mister, where is the bathroom?). If you don't buy anything, they might say no.

* Learn some Italian
*Don't be loud and vulgar, especially in english.
*Dress appropriate. Wear sensible and most important clean clothing. Italians hate dirty looking people and avoid them.
*Acknowledge people.  When you go into a shop or bar, say “buongiorno” (good morning) or “buona sera” (good evening).
Show RESPECT
*Never put your feet or shoes on a table or a chair.Keep your shoes and shirt on at all times while in public.  And please don't burp or fart in public.
*Steer clear of politics and don’t mention the war.

Important frases:

Parla Inglese? -Do you speak English?


Puo' parlare piu' piano?-Can you speak slower?
 


Grazie - Thank You

Per Favore / Per Piacere - Please
Prego - You are welcome

Buon Giorno - Good Morning / Good afternoon

Buona Sera
 -Good Evening

 Ciao/ Arrivederci -Hello / Goodbye

Goodbye

Come sta? (singular)  -How are you?

Come state? (plural) - How are you?

Mi scusi  -Excuse me

 
Quanto costa?  -How much does it cost?

   
Dov'è ....? - Where is ...?
Gabinetto  - Lavatory/Toilet
Mangiare  -To eat (verb)

Stazione  -Train station

ristorante  -restaurant
francobollo  -stamp
busta  -envelope
cartolina  -postcard
spiaggia  -beach

More Tips:

Any prescrïption drugs should be clearly marked, and you should carry a copy of the prescrïption with you.

Registration for Tourists
The formality of registering with the police within 3 days of a tourist's arrival in Italy is attended to by the hotels one stays with. If staying with friends or in a private home, the visitor has to register in person at the nearest police station within a 3-day period.

Beware of gypsies almost everywhere, theft is very common, especially in Naples and Rome.

*Cars - beware driving in downtown areas of cities such as Milan and Bologna.  In order to reduce pollution, heavy fines are imposed via camera for those without eco passes. Won't receive fine until home from vacation, with stiff late penalty payments. Best to stay away from the inner area and walk in.

*Every restaurant is required to give you a receipted bill (receipt) and be sure to carry this with you after you leave the restaurant because sometimes an Inland Revenue Official will come up and ask to see it to make sure you have paid.  This usually happens within 165 feet of the restaurant – if you cannot produce it, you can be fined.

Shopping:   The Street Markets are the very best places to find the bargains and negotiation is welcomed and expected.   They are also great entertainment, but again – watch your purse.  Good buys are leather goods and jewelry.  KEEP ALL RECEIPTS (see info about restaurants – same rules apply).  Watch “bargains” on gold and silver jewelry, as the assay marks may be a fake.

TAKE WITH!:

* Euros
* A debit card that's going to work--since credit cards are not widely accepted.
* A cable-style bicycle lock, to lock your bags if you are commuting with public transport.
*An extension cord or 3-way splitter-the number of gadgets that need recharging can multiply quickly.
*An extra outlet adapter
*Italian-English dictionary
*Patience-Italians aren't in a hurry. A sit down meal can take up to 2hours!