Page 616 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

614  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Ask any Italian and they will almost certainly public offices and banks are nearly always
tell you that Italy is the most beau tiful crippled by long queues and bureaucracy;
country in the world. They may not be far and the postal service is renowned for
wrong. However, the charm and allure of its inefficiency. This section, together
Italy may help to veil some of her numerous with some forward planning and a little
practical problems. Getting any kind of patience, should help you cope with some
information is rarely straightforward; of Italy’s idiosyncrasies.

police station. In some cases
you can obtain a kit containing
the necessary application form
from main post offices. You
must apply for the correct
permit, either a permit to work
(lavoro) or a permit to study
(studio). The necessary
documentation is listed on the
Questura website (see p617).
To apply for a study permit,
it is necessary to get a letter
from the relevant school or
university at which you intend
to study. This then has to be
Tourists crossing the Ponte della Paglia in Venice (see p113) sent to the Italian consulate in
your own country of origin to
obtain an official covering letter,
When to Visit especially in the north, and or declaration.
The northern part of Italy is December to March is the You will also need some
generally more temperate time of year for skiing in the form of guarantee that your
than the south, which has a high-altitude resorts of the medical bills will be paid if you
Mediterranean climate. From Italian Alps. become ill or have an accident
June to September the weather where you require medical
is hot throughout the country treatment. A comprehensive
and, in peak summer, also Visas and Permesso di insurance policy for the length
Soggiorno
humid. Seaside resorts tend of your stay (see p619) will
to get very busy. Spring and European Union nationals and usually be sufficient.
autumn are ideal for visiting citizens of the US, Canada,
cities as temperatures are Australia and New Zealand Travel Safety
milder, making sightseeing do not need visas for stays
much more comfortable. of up to three months. Most Visitors can get up-to-date travel
Italy’s towns and historic sites European Union (EU) visitors safety information from the
are popular attractions and it is need only a valid passport. Foreign and Commonwealth
worth considering this when All visitors should check Office in the UK, the State
planning your trip. Most sights requirements with the Italian Department in the US and the
are open all year, except on embassy before travelling and, Department of Foreign Affairs
some public holidays (see p73), officially, declare themselves to and Trade in Australia.
and most close one day a week. the Italian police within eight
Rome, Florence and Venice are days of arrival. If you are staying
all crowded from spring to in a hotel or camp site, this will
October and it is advisable to be done for you by the staff;
book a hotel well in advance. otherwise you will need to
In August the cities are generally contact the local police station
slightly less busy, abandoned yourself. Anyone wishing to stay
by their inhabitants for the in Italy for more than three
summer holidays. months will have to obtain a
In February, Venice triples its permit to stay or residence
population during Carn evale permit. Non-EU citizens must
(see p73) and at Easter, Rome is apply for one within eight days
overrun by pilgrims and tourists. of arrival. You can apply for a Rome’s renowned Tazza d’Oro café, an ideal
Winter can be bitterly cold, residence permit at any main rest stop after sightseeing
The wonderful view from the A22 road that carves through the mountains and vineyards that surround Bolzano

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