Accredia / EA General Assembly 2019 / Useful information

Useful information

Welcome to Rome!

A heady mix of haunting ruins, awe-inspiring art and vibrant street life, Italy’s hot-blooded capital is one of the world’s most romantic and inspiring cities.

The result of 3000 years of urban development, Rome’s cityscape is an exhilarating spectacle. Ancient icons such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon recall the city’s golden age as caput mundi, while its many monumental basilicas testify to its historical role as seat of the Catholic Church. Few cities can rival Rome’s astonishing artistic heritage. A trip to Rome is as much about lapping up the dolce vita lifestyle as gorging on art and culture. Idling around picturesque streets, whiling away hours at streetside cafes, people-watching on pretty piazzas. Eating out is one of Rome’s great pleasures and the combination of romantic alfresco settings and superlative food is a guarantee of good times.

For further information visit the official tourist website www.turismoroma.it.

Entry and exit formalities

Passport and Visas

  • Italy is one of the 26 European countries to make up the Schengen area. There are no customs controls when travelling between Schengen countries, so the visa rules that apply to Italy apply to all Schengen countries.
  • EU citizens do not need a visa to enter Italy – a valid ID card or passport is sufficient.
  • Nationals of some other countries, including Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland and the USA, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
  • Nationals of other countries will need a Schengen tourist visa – to check requirements see www.schengenvisainfo.com/tourist-schengen-visa.
  • All non-EU and non-Schengen nationals entering Italy for more than 90 days or for any reason other than tourism (such as study or work) may need a specific visa. Check http://vistoperitalia.esteri.it for details.

Invitation letter for Visa

  • Those who need an invitation letter for visa, should check the data and the format required by the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their country and send to Accredia the useful information in order to obtain the invitation letter (usually these data are: Company/Accreditation Body name and address; Name and Surname; Position; Place and date of birth; Nationality; Passport No., hotel reservation).
  • Should you need any assistance in obtaining the visa, please contact as soon as possible Mrs. Marica Bianchi by phone +39 06 84409920 or by e-mail comunicazione@accredia.it.

Customs Regulations

  • Entering Italy from another EU country you can bring, duty-free: 10L spirits, 90L wine and 800 cigarettes.
  • If arriving from a non-EU country, the limits are 1L spirits (or 2L fortified wine), 4L still wine, 60ml perfume, 16L beer, 200 cigarettes and other goods up to a value of €300/430 (travelling by land/sea); anything over this must be declared on arrival and the duty paid.
  • On leaving the EU, non-EU residents can reclaim value-added tax (VAT) on expensive purchases.

Weather

May makes an excellent time of the year to visit Rome, Italy. Spring is now in full swing and the weather gradually shifts towards the summer months. Temperatures normally hover between 15 and 20 degrees celsius, compared to June’s weather, which has an average temperature of 20°C. It’s unlikely that you’ll experience any extremes of hot and cold during this period.

Rome is generally a dry place during May, with an average of 48mm of rainfall across a typical 10-day period.

During this time of the year daylight hours start to increase, and Rome typically receives 12 hours of sunshine per day. Make the most of the good weather and longer days by sitting outdoors at the numerous restaurant terraces and piazzas of the city.

You can check the forecast here.

Time zone

Italy has only 1 time zone. Central European Time (CET) is used as standard time, while Central European Summer Time (CEST) is observed when Daylight Saving Time (DST) is in force.
Currently Central Eurpean Time (CET), UTC+1.
Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2 starts 31 March 2019.

Currency

The local currency is euro (€).

ATMs are widespread. Major credit cards are widely accepted but some smaller shops, trattorias and hotels might not take them.

You can change your money in banks, at post offices or at a cambio (exchange office). There are exchange booths at Stazione Termini and at Fiumicino and Ciampino airports.
Take your passport or photo ID when exchanging money.

Check the exchange rates on www.travelex.com/rates.

Electricity

Electricity in Italy conforms to the European standard of 220V to 230V, with a frequency of 50Hz. Wall outlets typically accommodate plugs with two or three round pins (the latter grounded, the former not). For Italy there are three associated plug types, types C, F and L. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side and plug type L is the plug type which has three round pins. Italy operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.

Useful and emergency numbers

  • NUE – Emergency Telephone Number    112
  • Traffic wardens    +39 06 67691
  • Finance Police    117
  • Central Police Station    +39 06 46861
  • Lost property on bus or tram    +39 06 67693214