PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Currency
According to the Monetary Union, the official currency is the Euro.

Bank and exchange
Banks are open from Monday to Friday, from 8.30 to 13.30 hrs. and some of them again in the afternoon from 14.45 to 15.45 hrs. (afternoon opening may vary depending on the bank).
Banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Many banks have automatic currency exchange machines that also take credit cards. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept foreign currency and major credit cards.

Post offices
The opening of the post offices are:
Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 15.30 hrs., Saturday from 08.30 to 12.00 hrs.

Weather
December weather in Rome is generally cold. Rain is also possible.
The temperature doesn’t rise over 10°.

Electricity
Voltage in Italy is mostly 220 volts - 50 Hz.
Foreign appliances could require an adapter.

Tipping
Service is usually included in the bill in bars and restaurants, but tips are welcome.

Shopping
The streets of the historical centre of Rome, like the Spanish Steps area - Via Borgognona - and the tree-lined Via Veneto, host the Ateliers of Italy’s foremost and world renowned fashion creators along with glamorous shops offering marvellous products, all bearing the unmistakable stamp of“made-in-Italy”. The city centre abounds also in privately owned artists’ studios and restoration workshops, as well as jewellers’ shops.
Galleries can be found almost everywhere in the bordering streets, like Via Margutta and Via dei Coronari, one of the most picturesque streets in Rome, which contains numerous antique dealers. Other shopping areas are: Via del Corso, Via del Tritone, Via Nazionale, Via Cola di Rienzo.
Shops are open from 9.30 to 13.00 hrs. and from 15.30 to 19.30 hrs. Major credit cards are accepted by hotels, restaurants an most shops.

Local colour
> Porta Portese flea market every Sunday morning
> Via Sannio casual and old clothes street market on week days
> Borghetto Flaminio garage sale every Sunday hunting for antiques?

Hunting for antiques?
Via Margutta - Via Borgognona , Via dei Coronari.

Exclusive shopping
Via Condotti, Via Borgognona and around the Spanish Steps.

Useful links

www.romaturismo.it
www.metroroma.it
www.adr.it
www.rome.info
www.liveinrome.com