Italy is well served by airports, especially in the central-north. The main international hubs are Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa. Other airports near the major tourist resorts are often very busy. Travelling by train can also prove to be a comforable way of reaching Italy. You can book train travel all across Europe in one transaction on the RailEurope website.

Car rentals can be arranged at airports and train stations, but it is best to do it online in advance. You will have to travel via alpine passes and mountain tunnels if you approach Italy from the north by car. The designation of freeways consists of the letter A followed by a number, and most are toll roads. There may be congestion at toll booths at busy times of the year and on weekends. Secondary roads are either called Nazionale (N) or Strade Statale (SS).

The most important national ports are Brindisi, Genoa, Naples, Palermo, and Venice. The islands can be reached by ferries from the main ports, or by international flights.

More travel information:
Airports
Ferries
Freeways
State Railways

Check before you travel that Italian GSM (GSM World) frequencies are compatible with those of your provider, and take a look at their fees to avoid any unpleasand surprises on your bill. If you know that you'll need to make quite a few phone calls while abroad, consider buying a SIM card from an Italian operator, to use the local network and save money. Make sure in advance that your handset has been "unlocked".

If you have a digital camera, you will have no problems buying memory cards or equipment for your camera. To make sure that your precious memories are safe, and to free up space on your memory card, it's worth joining a free online media-hosting site such as Photobucket or Imageshack to which you can upload pictures and videos as you travel. If you use a traditional camera, you may not find it easy to buy film or equipment, so bring all that you need with you. There are no restrictions on taking photos outdoors, but it is not always permissable to take pictures inside churches, museums, or archaeological sites. A notice at these entrances will give details.

It is recommended that you apply to your own bank to exchange your local currency for euros or to puchase travelers' checks. Check exchange rates carefully before you decide to travel.

In Italy, exchange commission rates can vary widely, tourist resorts have bureaux de change, as do major arrival points such as airports and stations. However, they often charge a higher rate of commission than the banks. To get immediate access to cash, make use of an ATM known in Italy as a bancomat. These can be found outside many banks. Most have instructions in several languages.

The easiest way to make purchases or other payments, such as hotel bills, is with a credit card. The majority of commercial outlets accept the main international cards, such as American Express, MasterCard, and Visa. You may have more difficulty paying by credit card in regions where tourists are less common.

Learn more about Italian currency

Italy is a relatively safe country for travelers, and crimes of violence are extremely rare. However, in large cities especially, keep a close guard on your possessions when traveling on public transportation, sightseeing, or when on the beach. Never leave your belongings unattended, or visible in a rental car. Take photocopies of your passport and any other important documents and carry the copies with you. Lost or stolen items must be reported as soon as possible at the nearest police station, and a copy of the report (or denuncia) is obtained. If you lose your passport or identity card, apply to your nearest consulate or embassy with a copy of the denuncia. The emergency police phone number is 113.

Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and EU nationals, do not need a visa for stays of less than three months. Most EU visitors need only a valid identity document, but visitors from the UK, Ireland, and Denmark must have a passport. For almost everyone else, a visa as well as a valid passport are required, giving the name of your destination and the length of your stay. Visas can be obtained from Italian consulates in your country of origin and are usually issued 90 days after submitting an application. You must specify the reason for your visit. Visitors staying in hotels or similar accomodations will be automatically registered with the police.

Learn more about Visas