Organize your stay Sicily
Money Sicily
Currency. In Italy, as in France, you pay in euros.
Credit cards. As Italy (and therefore Sicily) is part of the euro zone, you can make withdrawals and payments by bank card (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) free of charge, just as you would in France. There's no need to carry large amounts of cash.
Budget & Tips Sicily
Small budget. approx. €50-60/day: €20 for camping or a youth hostel, €25-30 for two meals on the go and €5-10 for a visit or bus trip.
Medium budget. €90-100/day: €50 for a room in a B&B, €30-35 for a meal in a trattoria and another on the go, and €6-10 for a visit.
Big budget. 200 €/day or more. You don't need an example for a big budget: the big hotels are legion, and so are the big restaurants...
The cost of living, for the same quality, is lower than here, but higher in eastern Sicily: Catania, around Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, but also the Baroque towns of Ragusa, Noto and Modica. However, even in these regions, prices drop as soon as you move away from the tourist centers and the high season.
Passport and visas Sicily
European Union citizens and Swiss citizens. For stays of less than 3 months: identity card or passport valid for boarding a plane.
Driver's license Sicily
The French or European license is valid of course.
Health Sicily
Nothing special, the European health card works in Italy.
Security Sicily
Find out about the state of Etna and Stromboli, which are currently experiencing repeated eruptions. Safety instructions in the towns are respected, but do not climb the flanks of an angry volcano without a guide - it is strictly forbidden and dangerous.
For the latest information on local safety, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs). Be aware, however, that the site provides an exhaustive list of potential dangers, which sometimes gives a rather alarmist picture of the real situation in the country.
In the event of an emergency, if you don't speak Italian, it may be a good idea to seek out a Sicilian who does speak a little French before making your first call, so that you can explain the situation to them and they can make the call themselves. Because, as in France and elsewhere, the emergency services don't necessarily speak your language, and this handicap can be very inconvenient depending on the situation.
Time difference Sicily
No time difference with France, just a different notion of time!
Spoken languages Sicily
Sicilian. Learning the language: there are different ways to learn some basics of the language and the offer for self-study can be done on different supports: CDs, workbooks or even directly on the Internet or your phone. As far as Sicilian is concerned, enjoy its sound but it is difficult, even for Italians from other regions, to learn more than a few words.
Sicilians speak Italian. Italian is the official language on the island, although Sicilian is spoken. French being relatively close languages, since of Latin origin, you can always try to make yourself understood by adding here and there some "a" in the feminine, "o" in the masculine or other "i" in the plural and "e" for the feminine gender... But this may not be enough, even with the help of your hands.
Electricity and measurements Sicily
Sicily is connected to 220 volts like the rest of continental Europe. However, the plugs are sometimes different (the old ones have three holes) but this is becoming less common. You will also find mixed plugs adapted to both ends. Sicilians, like Italians and us French, measure in meters and kilometers, and weigh in grams and kilograms.
Luggage Sicily
Sicilians are very elegant. Dressing well is a sign of respect and decorum, so be sure to pack accordingly. If you're climbing Mount Etna or other volcanoes, you'll need hiking boots with thick soles (and a fleece pullover for Etna). Otherwise, it goes without saying that swimsuits, beach hats and sunglasses are more than advisable in the sun. And don't forget sunscreen to protect your skin. A mask and snorkel may also be useful for exploring the bottom of the transparent waters.
