Passports, Visas and Consideration for Minors
Passports, Visas and Consideration for Minors
United States citizens need a passport to visit Italy and to re-enter the United States. We recommend that you keep a photocopy of the photo page of your passport in a separate place in case of an emergency.
Visas and other entry requirements, such as vaccinations, vary for individual countries. We recommend that you check the up-to-date travel rules prior to travel here.
When traveling with your child, but without the child’s co-parent, we recommend preparing a notarized letter from the non-present parent authorizing the child’s travel. Without this authorization, the child may be held at security and unable to travel. This letter is highly recommended for any international destination (airlines include Hawaii in this case), and suggested for travel within the continental United States.
General Weather Conditions
In practical terms, the climate in Florence is very mild with little difference between the provinces. However, the coast and valleys are hotter in summer than the hilly areas. Usually summers in Florence are hot with little or no rain. Spring (April and May) and autumn (October and November) are milder and rainier, but there are still plenty of dry, sunny days. Winter can still have some sunny days but is usually wetter and colder, especially at night. July and August are the hottest months. January is the coldest month.
Spring can be one of the most rewarding times to visit, average temperatures are warm and comfortable. It can however, be one of the wettest seasons, but normally by May, rain is rare and the days are longer with up to 10 hours of daylight.
Summer is usually hot and sunny with pleasant warm evenings for al fresco dining. Humidity levels can get high, especially in the cities.
Autumn, like spring can be a good time to visit, with warm average temperatures into October and sometimes later.
Winter rarely gets really severe weather, a day or two of snow with wetter weather and lower temperatures is the norm. However, it’s usually mixed with crisp bright days and clear, blue skies.
It’s quite warm all over Italy in summer and it can be very hot in Florence; particularly in August. The high temperatures can begin in early June and last until late September. Winters can be cold, with rain and very little snow, with lows averaging in the 40’s.
Annual Average Temperatures
Annual Average High: 72; Annual Average Low: 40
Currency
The Euro is the official currency of Italy however you may still run into prices quoted in both Euros and lire. A bank is the best place to exchange currency or traveler’s checks. You will receive a better rate for traveler’s checks than cash and these may be exchanged at the airport and some travel agencies such as American Express. A currency exchange website can be found at www.markets.ft.com. ATMs are the most convenient way to change money, simply because you needn’t trade cash for cash. Rates are almost always lower at ATMs than anywhere else.
Time Zone
Florence is in the Central European Time Zone, which is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. Noon in Italy is 6:00 a.m. in New York. Florence practices Daylight Saving Time, which begins in May (one hour forward) and goes until late September or October (one hour back).
Voltage
Electricity in Italy is 220 volts, 50 cycles alternating current (AC). For comparison, in the United States it is 110 volts, 60 cycle AC current.
If you plan on using your own 110-volt appliances, you will need a voltage converter, unless your appliance is designed to also work with 220 volt electricity (dual voltage).
Tipping Guide
In Italy, jobs with tip-based wages do not exist. Waiters, bartenders and others earn full salaries so tips are not required to complete their wage, but they are always appreciated. Most Italians do not tip at all, because it is a different system and they are not accustomed to it. To complement good service, for instance, at a restaurant you can tip 5 to 10 percent. Be aware ahead of time that tips cannot be added to a credit card total, so they must be left in cash, meaning Euro, not dollars.
- Taxi Drivers: €1 to €2, if the service was particularly friendly and helpful
- Baggage Porters: €1 to €5, or more if the service was particularly friendly and helpful
- Restaurants: 5 to 10 percent
- Tours, Tour Guides and Wine Tasting: 10 to 15 percent, at your discretion, based upon your experience
- In Home Chef: 18 to 20 percent, or gratuity may be included in your final bill
- Housekeeping: Your housekeeping team may be tipped at your discretion, based upon your experience. A general guideline is €8 or more per night based upon your travel party size and in-residence activities.
- Destination Host: Your Destination Host may be tipped at your discretion, based upon the amount of travel planning you required and your overall in-residence experience.
Traveling with Prescription Medicine
If you are traveling with prescription medicines, carry them in their original containers and bring a copy of your prescription. If you buy medications abroad, be aware that they may not be FDA-approved or allowed into the United States. For more information on customs rules and regulations, please contact 202.354.1000 or visit www.cbp.gov.
