Italy, important visitor information

Climate
The temperature varies depending on the part of the city you are in. In the Alps, expect snow as early as middle of September and winters tend to be very long. Storms arrive during spring and autumn. Summer is the wettest. The northern regions have summers that tend to be hot as well as chilly winters. The southern regions experience milder climate compared with the regions in the north.

Currency
Euro (EUR)

Tipping
A tip of 10% of the bill is acceptable. Hotels already add service charge to bills but tipping extra is appreciated.

Time
GMT +1

Language
The national language is . The people in the major Italian cities can speak and understand English.

Cuisine
Italian food in Italy is not what is served outside the country. Sandwiches are usually small, flat, and with very few fillings. An Italian meal is divided into several sections: antipasto, primi, secondi , and dolci. Antipasto is the appetizer, usually just marinated vegetables or bread with tomato and herbs. Primi is either a rice, or a pasta dish. Secondi is a meat dish, and it usually comes with a salad. Dolci is dessert.

Food in Southern Italy uses pasta and olive oil heavily, while the food in the northern part of the country usually contains rice and butter. In Naples, food and liquor has citrus as well as other fresh fruit. Fish is a popular ingredient in the food in Venice.

The , arancini, and polenta are traditional Italian specialties. Risotto is a creamy sauteed rice dish cooked in stock. Arancini is a specialty in the southern regions and is ball of deep-fried rice with tomato sauce, cheese, and eggs. Polenta is either fried or roasted creamy yellow corn meal cooked in stock.

Italian breakfasts are usually small. Unlike the big hearty American breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast, in Italy , breakfast can be just coffee with bread and cheese.

Safety
Tourists should always take extra care and caution. There are pick-pockets and muggers in the bigger cities.

Phone
+39