Organize your stay Emilia-Romagna
Money Emilia-Romagna
As in most countries belonging to the European Union, the currency is the euro.
Budget & Tips Emilia-Romagna
The cost of living is about the same as in France or Belgium. The price of food is slightly lower. However, gasoline is expensive in Italy.
Hotels. Average rates for a double room with bathroom; 2 stars: between 65 and 120 € - 3 stars: between 80 and 150 € - 4 stars: between 125 and 200 € - 5 stars: between 165 and 300 €. Price variations are expected between high and low season.
Shopping. Prices in stores usually include VAT (in Italian IVA, Imposta sul Valore Aggiunto). VAT on clothing: 17%. VAT for other products and services: 22%.
Indicative prices: here is a list of average prices charged by cafés and restaurants: between 3 and 7 € for a well-stocked panino - between 1.50 and 4 € for a bottle of water - about 9 € for a pizza and 20 € for a fixed-price menu (including VAT) - between 20 and 35 € in a typical medium-sized restaurant - more than 40 € in a good restaurant.
Passport and visas Emilia-Romagna
Italy is part of the European Union and the Schengen area, so the formalities to go there are reduced.
EU citizens and Swiss citizens. Identity card or passport expired within the last 5 years.
Canadian citizens. Valid passport. No visa is required.
Driver's license Emilia-Romagna
French, Belgian and Swiss driver's licenses are accepted in Italy. The Canadian driver's license must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) which can be obtained from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).
Health Emilia-Romagna
There is no particular health risk in Emilia Romagna.
Mandatory vaccination Emilia-Romagna
There is no particular health risk in Emilia Romagna.
Security Emilia-Romagna
Safety conditions in Emilia-Romagna are equivalent to those in other parts of Europe. Cities are safer than Paris or other major French, Belgian, Swiss or Canadian cities, provided that you respect the usual safety rules: do not leave your belongings unattended, make sure you keep your bag securely closed. There are no special precautions to take if you are a traveller alone.
Time difference Emilia-Romagna
Italy belongs to the same time zone as France, Switzerland and Belgium. In April, the time zone is advanced by one hour and at the end of October it is set back by one hour. The time difference between Quebec and Italy is 6 hours.
Spoken languages Emilia-Romagna
The language spoken is Italian. Two dialects are also spoken in Emilia-Romagna: Emiliano and Romagnolo. They belong to the group of Romance languages of Northern Italy, and more precisely to the group of Gallo-Italian languages. Although the two dialects are quite similar, they present a series of territorial variants: for example, Emiliano Bolognese (itself branched in Bolognese from the city, the plain and the Apennines) can be distinguished from Modenese and Parmigiano and Romagnolo from Ravenna, Rimini and San Marino.
Communication Emilia-Romagna
With the exception of some remote areas of the Apennines, telephone coverage is excellent throughout the region, as is the wifi connection. Most hotels offer free wifi access, as do many bars.
Electricity and measurements Emilia-Romagna
Italy is connected to 220 volts like the rest of continental Europe. However, the type of plug can vary (from 2 to 3 branches). It is therefore recommended to have an adapter, especially for telephone and laptop plugs.
Luggage Emilia-Romagna
Choose sober and practical clothes for the day and a few more stylish pieces for going out in the evening because, as they say in Italy, " anche l'occhio vuole la sua parte " (literally: "the eye also asks for its share"). Don't forget to bring an umbrella in the spring and fall because the continental climate is often rainy. In the summer, pack some nice sunglasses, obviously branded if you want to blend in with the chic Italians of Northern Italy, to wear whenever there is a bit of sunshine. Don't forget the high protection sun cream to face the solleone (heat wave) and a good assortment of swimsuits for your sunbathing by the sea. If you visit the region in winter, take warm clothes as temperatures can approach 0°C. In summer, avoid entering churches with uncovered shoulders and legs.
