Sassi di Matera

Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Italy page at Yoogo.

Italy uses the euro (EUR). Cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and larger restaurants. It is worth carrying some cash for smaller establishments, markets, and rural areas where card readers may not be available.

Italy is generally safe. Petty theft and pickpocketing occur in busy tourist areas and on public transport, so keep an eye on your belongings. Be alert to common tourist scams around major sights, and observe standard road safety rules when driving.

Italy has an extensive rail network connecting most cities; always validate your ticket before boarding. Urban buses require a pre-purchased ticket. For intercity travel, Flixbus and regional coaches cover routes not served by trains. In major cities, Uber, AppTaxi, and FreeNow are available. If driving, note the restricted ZTL zones in city centres and the 0.50 g/L alcohol limit.

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds. July and August are hot and very busy, particularly in coastal and popular tourist areas. Northern winters are cold and damp, while the south stays mild and sunny.

Italian is the official language. English is spoken by shopkeepers and tour operators in most tourist areas, and younger Italians are generally more comfortable with it than older generations. German is co-official in South Tyrol and French in the Valle d'Aosta.

No specific vaccinations are required for standard travel to Italy. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. It is sensible to ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before any international trip.

A service charge (coperto) is often included in restaurant bills. Additional tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount at a cafe or restaurant is a common and welcome gesture.

Mobile coverage is good across Italy, with major providers including TIM, Vodafone, and Wind. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and tourist areas. EU travellers can use their home data allowances without roaming charges; others may want to pick up a local SIM on arrival.

Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites: cover your shoulders and knees. Lunch is typically served between 12:30 and 15:30, and many smaller businesses close in the afternoon. Respect Catholic traditions and note that Vatican City operates as a separate state with its own entry etiquette.