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General Information: Language Italian is the official language of Italy; however, staff and guides on tours speak English. Passport Regulations Valid passports are required. A visa is not required for a U.S. or Canadian citizen holding a valid passport unless he expects to stay in Italy more than 90 days. Weather In late April you can expect daytime high temperatures around 69 degrees and nighttime lows around 50 degrees. These are average temperatures, for updated forecasts, log on to www.weather.com. Electrical Appliances The standard electricity supply in Italy is 220 volts. You will need a transformer and plug adaptor. A plug adaptor is necessary to convert American 2-pin plugs in European 3-pin plugs. A in-room hair dryer is provided in both hotels. Currency The Euro is the accepted currency along with major credit cards and traveler's checks. What is the exchange rate? Please note that the currency rate fluctuates. For current information, please lot onto www.oanda.com or www.xe.net/currency. Tourists reaching Italy without foreign currency can obtain Euros through any bank, ATM machines, or exchange office. Since traveler's checks and major U.S. credit cards provide protection against loss or theft, they are your best bet when traveling and most reputable establishments will accept major credit cards.. Do not carry large amounts of cash. Those establishments accepting credit cards will post the logos in their front windows, just as they do in the USA and Canada. The ATM in Italy are known as Bancomat. There are many to be found in the large cities and even in small towns. The machines operate just as they do here; at the beginning of the transaction, it prompts the user for the preferred language. Customs, VAT and Tax Refunds You will be required to clear U.S. Customs at your first point of entry in the United States. U.S. visitors can take home $800 worth of goods per person including one liter of alcoholic beverages. If, as an individual, you exceed the $800 exemption, the United States government will tax the amount that is over the limit. These limitations are mandated by U.S. law and subject to change. For detailed information, please visit the official U.S. Customs website at www.customs.ustreas.gov. VAT is charged on almost everything, but remember that refunds only apply to goods being taken out of the country, not services. More information is available at www.italiantourism.com. Free entry is allowed for personal effects: clothing (new and used), books, camping and household equipment, fishing tackle, 1 pair of skis, 2 tennis racquets, computer, CD player with 10 CD's, tape recorder or Dictaphone, baby carriage, 2 still cameras with 10 rolls of film for each camera, 1 movie camera, binoculars, personal jewelry, portable radio set (subject to a small license fee), 400 cigarettes and a quantity of cigars or pipe tobacco not exceeding 500 grams (1.1 lb). All items mentioned above may be imported duty-free only on condition that they are for personal use and are not be sold, given away or traded. Attire Information The following are recommendations for your trip. Casual attire will be appropriate for all group day time and and smart attire for evening functions. Please note that entrance into some churches on tours requires appropriate attire - no shorts, mini skirts or uncovered shoulders. Travel attire should be comfortable and casual clothing. Pack one or two outfits with you in your carry-on luggage in case of luggage delay. Telephone Charges Long distance phone charges can be surprisingly expensive. For mobile phones, only digital phones with GSM subscriptions and a roaming agreement will work in Italy. Pre-paid phone cards are recommended, and they are widely available, convenient and cost effective to use. Be a Safe Traveler: As in all big cities around the world it is better to be safe than sorry. Below are some helpful hints to keep in mind while you are traveling. Do not take irreplaceable or expensive items on your trip. Keep your money and travel documents in a safe place at all times. It may be a good idea to buy a small travelers' bag that straps around your waist. Always keep your eyes on your belongings. When you sit in a cafe or restaurant, don't leave your bag or purse on the ground or hanging over the back of your chair. Be prepared for contingencies. Carry a separate photocopy of your credit cards, identification and traveler's checks could greatly speed replacement if they are lost or stolen. In obvious tourist places like airports and train stations, be wary of anyone who approaches you. Thieves often operate in pairs. Somewhat unique to Italy is tourists being swarmed by young children. If you see a group of kids clearly heading your way don't be afraid to shout at them loudly "Go Away!" Of course, there's no need to be paranoid. Just be wary and keep your eyes open. Traveling comfortably in an airplane: Chewing gum, yawning or sucking on hard candies can help to relieve the pressure that builds up in your ears as the airplane ascends and descends. If you have a cold, talk to your doctor about using a decongestant or nasal spray before boarding to help relieve the pressure. Drink plenty of water while onboard the aircraft to avoid becoming dehydrated during the flight. Do light stretching exercises in your seat and walk through the cabin frequently (when safe to do so). Consult your physician if you suffer from airsickness; he or she may be able to prescribe medication for this. The relatively low humidity in the cabin can make allergy or asthma symptoms worse; take preventative measures as necessary. Combating Jet Lag Try a few of these techniques for a natural way to reset your internal clock: Reset your watch to the destination's time as soon as you get on the plane. If it's daytime at your destination, try to stay awake during the flight. Walking around the cabin may help keep you alert. If it's nighttime, try to sleep. You may find it helpful to use earplugs and a sleeping mask to block out distractions on the plane. Eat before you get on the plane so that hunger does not prevent you from sleeping during the flight. Inform the flight attendant that you will not be eating so that you are not awakened for a meal. If you're using a blanket, buckle your seat belt over the blanket so that you are not awakened by a flight attendant checking seat belts. If it's daytime when you arrive but nighttime at home, don't sleep. Instead, try doing some light exercise like walking to help revive your body and stop it from producing sleep-inducing hormones.