Page 14 - DK Eyewitness: Back Roads Northern and Central Italy (Travel Guide)

12 BACK ROADS NORTHERN AND CENTRAL ITALY

Practical Information

There is relatively little red tape involved in visiting Italy, especially
for nationals of other European Union countries. Once you are
there, the systems work reasonably well, even if at times they can
be rather bureaucratic. Things tend to be more efficiently run in
the north of the country than in the south, but it is still advisable
to sort out your paperwork before leaving home. If you find
yourself needing to visit a bank, the police or a doctor, make Above The green neon sign of an
sure you have a photo ID, a good book and plenty of patience. Italian pharmacy
Passports and Visas and delayed or cancelled flights. of a local hospital is often the quickest
European Union (EU) nationals can Check that the per­article limit covers way to get reliable treatment – but be
enter Italy and stay indefinitely with your most valuable items. You will aware that this can cost you around
a valid passport or identity card. need to take out special cover if you €30 a visit plus prescription charges.
Citizens of the United States, Canada, are intending to take part in sports, If you are taking prescription medi­
Australia, New Zealand and some or in any activ ities that are considered cines, it is a good idea to bring the
other countries (for example, Brunei hazardous, including skiing, wind­ packaging with you in case you run
and Barbados) can stay for up to three surfing and mountaineering. Most out. Many pharmacists will be happy
months on production of a passport, insurance policies also include legal to sell you a replacement for drugs
but will need to apply for a visa at their cover up to a specified amount, as such as anti­inflammatories, antibiotics
local Italian embassy in advance if they do comprehensive motor policies. and blood pressure medications
wish to stay longer. Citizens of some without requiring a prescription.
countries (for example, Bahrain and Health Phar macies are also a good source
Bolivia) will need a visa from the As a member of the European Union, of advice on minor ailments. They are
outset – for details, visit the website Italy has reciprocal health agreements signalled by a green cross, and if the
of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the other member states. All EU one you go to is closed, there will be
(www.vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home/en). nationals are therefore entitled to the a notice on display telling you where
same treatment as Italian nationals to find the nearest open one.
Travel Safety Advice – at the same price – in Italy’s public If you are involved in an accident,
Visitors can get up­to­date travel health care system. To be eligible you call 112 or 118 or go to the pronto
safety information from the Foreign must produce a European Health soccorso department of the nearest
and Commonwealth Office in the UK, Insurance Card (in the UK, forms are hospital. If you are in a major town
the State Department in the US and available at most post offices or you or city, it may be possible to find an
the Department of Foreign Affairs can apply online at the website of the English­speaking doctor – or, at least,
and Trade in Australia. UK Department of Health). The card someone who can translate for you.
is free and is valid for five years. In Medicare Australia has a reciprocal
Travel Insurance holiday areas there may be a guardia agreement with Italy. All other non­
All travellers should consider getting medica – a kind of minor ailments and EU citizens should make sure that
travel insurance. A policy will usually emergencies clinic – designed to deal the terms of their health insurance
cover you for loss or theft of luggage with the sort of accidents that befall policies cover all eventualities.
and other property (such as pass­ tourists; all non­residents will be asked No inoculations are required
ports and money), and for personal to pay a flat fee, usually around €15. for Italy, but mosquito repellent
accident, repatriation in case of Otherwise, visiting the pronto soccorso is useful in the summer months.
severe illness, third­party damage (accident and emergency) department In recent years, there has been a

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