Page 211 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italian Riviera

PR A C TIC AL INFORM A TION  209

can also be used to withdraw cash
(though the latter transaction is
not usually good value for
money). VISA, American Express,
MasterCard and Diners Club are
the most commonly used cards.

The Euro
Since January 2002 the euro has
been the sole official currency
in all participating states of the
European Union. This means
that euro notes and coins are
Entrance to one of the larger banks in Liguria valid throughout the so-called
“eurozone”, including Italy.
Banks and Exchange has cashpoint/ATM machines
Currency can be changed in (known as bancomat), where it DIRECTORY
various ways. You will find is possible to withdraw money
bureaux de change in the larger using a debit or credit card. General Emergencies
airports and towns, and it is also These can normally be used Tel 113.
possible to change money in 24 hours a day. Carabinieri (Police)
hotels and travel agencies. As a Despite these options, you Tel 112.
general rule, however, the banks are still advised to arrive in Fire Service
offer the best exchange rates. Liguria with at least a few euros Tel 115.
Banks in Italy usually open from for immediate use, particularly if
8:30am to 1:30pm, and from you are due to arrive late in the Breakdown Service
Tel 116.
3pm to 4pm, Monday to day or at a weekend. Remember
Friday. Note that the banks that for all types of transaction Ambulance
often close early the day before you will need to show some Tel 118.
a public holiday. Opening hours form of identification. Coastguard
of bureaux de change are more Credit cards are widely Tel 15 30.
variable. Every town in Liguria accepted for purchases and
Banknotes and Coins
E Banknotes are available in seven
L
I denominations. The 5-euro note is grey, the
M 10-euro is pink, the 20 is blue, the 50 orange,
I the 100 green, the 200 yellow and the 500
S
C purple. There are eight different coins. The 1-
A 5 euros and 2-euro coins are silver and gold, those
F
worth 50, 20 and 10 cents are gold, while
10 euros L E those worth 5, 2 and 1 cent are bronze.
I
M
I
S
C
A 20 euros
F
E 2 euros 1 euro
50 euros I L
M
I
S
C
A
F 100 euros
E 50 cents 20 cents 10 cents
L
I
M
200 euros I
S
C
A
500 euros F 5 cents 2 cents 1 cent
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