CURRENCY

The lira was made the official currency of Italy in 1861 after the Italian unification, however stopped being used in 2002. The Euro coinage system entered circulation in Italy in 2002 and is currently the official currency.

POWER OUTLETS

In Italy the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Italy, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa).

MEDICATIONS

Open pharmacies display a green neon cross out front, making them easy to recognize, even from a distance. The number and opening hours of Italian Pharmacies are regulated by law. Pharmacies operate on a “rota”, or rolling system designed to ensure an open pharmacy (or one which can be opened in a medical emergency) in each general area at night, holidays and Sundays. Each farmacia displays a card with its own opening hours, emergency telephone number, and where to go outside of those opening hours for emergency services.

WATER TRANSPORT

The history of Milan is closely connected with the creation of the Navigli, which pass as water network the whole city. Milan hasn’t a direct river connection. To ensure the water supply and to create transport routes, just in the antique ages was begun with the construction of artificial waterways, fed by the rivers of the hinterland (Ticino, Lambro, Adda). Thanks of the connection of artificial waterways from the rivers Ticino and Adda towards the Po River, Milan is practically connected to the Adriatic Sea.On the banks of the Naviglio formerly lived workers and artisans.Today, the area of the Naviglio is a romantic area to stroll. Artists’ studios, original shops, romantic pubs, flea markets, and summer concerts make the area the Naviglio is a unique venue. Outside Milan the water network serves for the irrigation of the fertile Padana fields Po Valley (the Europe’s largest plane extended from Milan to the hills).

ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORT

If you arrive to Milan by airplane, you are going to land at one of the following airports: Malpensa International Airport, Linate Airport and Bergamo Orio Al Serio Airport. There are several services (public and private) that connect the Milan city center with the Milan Airports.

TRAIN TRAVEL

Milano Centrale is one of the main railway stations of the city of Milan, in Italy. The station is located on the northeastern part of Milan. The station is served by trains operating on the high speed lines to Bologna. Trains heading to major Italian cities like Bologna, Rome, Napoli, Turin, and Venice depart from Milano Centrale. More than 300,000 passengers use the Milano Centrale daily. Aside from national trains, there are also International trains which connect major European cities like Bern, Paris, Geneva, Barcelona and Munich. From the station, travellers can reach the Milan-Malpensa Airport through the Malpensa Express train service. Milano Centrale is connected to the Milan metro system (line M2 and M3). Trains operating in and from this station: High speed trains (TGV, Le Frecce), Regional trains (Trenitalia), City Night Line

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Between the Milan subway, bus, and tram, public transport in Milan can seem daunting! But it is possible to get around the city with ease… even when you don’t want to shell out for a cab, and when you can’t possibly take one more step.Milan’s public transportation system connects across the city center, making it easy to get around the city’s most popular attractions. Opting for public transportation is a great “green” way to travel. It’ll also save you lots of time and money (if you don’t take cabs, you can avoid traffic and dropping lots of cash)… which means more to spend on shopping!

AIR TRAVEL

Also in Milan are these popular transportation services:

  • Mytaxi
  • Uber
  • RadioTaxi Milano
  • Taxiblu
  • Taxi Milano
  • Taxi Freccia
  • MilanoTaxi

BIKES

If you live in a large city, such as Milan you have to face a serious problem of automotive congestion in the downtown areas. Many people in Milan use a bicycle to solve the problem: to go for a ride or to get to work. It is easier to go by bike in Milan and you will not get stuck in traffic.

  1. Rent a bike with “Noleggio biciclette AWS”
  2. Bike Sharing in Milan

VISA AND ENTRY

Italy is a member of the European Union (EU) and part of the Schengen Convention; therefore, the same conditions apply in Italy as in other EU member state. Below you’ll find information on the necessary documentation to travel to Rome and other parts of Italy: American citizens do not require a visa to enter Italy if they plan to stay under 90 days. However, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned departure date. Australian citizens planning on staying in Italy or any other EU member country for less than 90 days do not require a visa. As citizens of the European Union and European Economic Area, you will not need a visa to enter the country. Citizens of countries not previously mentioned will need to get a Schengen (short-stay) visa to enter Italy or any other EU country. For more information, we recommend visiting the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy: Ministero degli Affari Esteri