Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the end of March to the end of September).

 

Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz. There are a variety of plugs used, including the European two-pin plug.

 

Language: The official language is Italian but English is understood in the larger cities.

 

Safety Information: Expats living in Italy must be aware of safety issues in public areas; there is a threat from both international and domestic terrorism. Pick-pocketing and muggings are common in the larger cities, particularly on public transport and in crowded areas. Transport workers often go on strike in Italy, causing transport delays.

 

Local Customs: In Florence it is an offence to sit in courtyards or steps near public buildings, while eating and drinking in these areas should also be avoided. Casual clothes such as shorts and vests should not be worn in Italian churches.

 

Business: While Italian businessmen can be conventional, they are also quite warm and friendly and this extends to business relations. Personal interaction is preferable to phone and email communications. In business, expats should have a stylish, formal appearance and remember that first impressions are very important in Italy. A firm handshake is the norm when greeting or being introduced to someone, and business cards are exchanged. Italian people are known for their gesticulating and interruptions, and often talk over each other. Deals can be slow to come to fruition. The usual business hours are from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but this is not a given.

 

Communications: The international access code for Italy is +39. The code for calls out of Italy is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 44 for the United Kingdom). All local numbers (except mobile phone numbers), whether dialled internally or from abroad, must be preceded by 0. There are city and area codes in use (e.g. 02 for Milan, 06 for Rome). It is generally cheaper to make calls from a private line or using a calling card. Most public phones take phone cards (available at newsagents) for local and international calls. Local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and there are roaming agreements in place with most international operators. There are Internet cafés and personal broadband available in most Italian towns and cities.

 

Emergencies: Dial 113 for police, and 118 for an ambulance.

 

Climate: Expats in Italy will experience a temperate climate which varies regionally. In summer, northern Italy is warm with occasional rain showers, the central region is very humid and the south is extremely hot and dry. Milan, Turin and Venice are characterised by cold, damp and foggy winters, while Tuscany's temperatures are near freezing. Winter temperatures in the south of Italy are more moderate. The best time of year in Italy tends to be spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October).