Rome Tourist Offices
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ENIT
Enit, Italy’s national tourist office, is well-intentioned but is often of little help for specific needs. There are branches in most major capital cities.
Rome Tourist Offices
Rome has three main tourist offices across the city (see Rome Tourist Offices). There are also 10 privately run information kiosks at tourist locations around the city, although their material is less detailed than at the tourist offices. A tourist infoline 060608 operates daily 9am–10:30pm.
The Internet
Rome’s official website is www.romaturismo.com; the Vatican’s is www.vatican.va. Search engines such as www.google.com and www.yahoo.com have detailed travel and regional sub-menus linking useful private websites.
Customs and Immigration
Citizens of the UK, Eire, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand need only a valid passport to visit Italy for up to 90 days. You may bring into Italy personal items with the following quirky limits: 400 cigarettes (or 550 grams of tobacco), 2 cameras, 10 rolls of film, a pair of skis, two tennis racquets and a litre of alcohol.
Business Hours
Most businesses, churches and some museums open at 8 or 9am, shut for riposo from 12:30 or 1pm until 3 or 4pm, and close around 6 or 8pm.
Electricity
Italy is on 220V/50 cycles. To operate a 110V device you need an adaptor (most laptops and camcorders have this built in). You will also need an adaptor if your equipment has pronged plugs rather than Europe’s two round pins.
TV and Newspapers
Most 3-star hotels and above have satellite TV with CNN and BBC news. English-language newspapers such as the International Herald Tribune, USA Today, New York Times and magazines are sold at most newsstands. The weekly Roma C’è (“This is Rome”) beats the tourist office’s handout for events, entertainment listings, plus sightseeing information and special tours (section in English).
Various newspapers
When to Go
Rome has a temperate climate. August heat is oppressive; February snow flurries are possible. Spring’s middle ground keeps hotels booked; autumn is less crowded, but prone to downpours. High season is Easter to July and September to October. Rome is deserted much of August as residents head to the beaches or mountains to escape the heat and most of the city’s shops and restaurants are closed.
Public Holidays
Public holidays include 1 and 6 January, Easter Sunday and Monday, 25 April, 1 May, 15 August, 1 November and 8, 25 and 26 December.
What to Pack
Italians dress well so try to bring one nice outfit. Few restaurants, however, require jacket and tie. Many churches do not allow you to enter with bare knees or shoulders (no shorts, miniskirts or vests) so make sure you have something to cover yourself up.
50.17.63.57