Organize your stay Genoa
Money Genoa
Currency. French citizens of the European Union will have no trouble exchanging their euros. Swiss and Canadians, on the other hand, will have to make a few calculations between euros, Swiss francs and Canadian dollars.
Banking. Banks are generally open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. (afternoon opening may vary by a quarter of an hour). Almost all offer a currency exchange service.
ATMs. If you have a Visa® bank card, there's no need to carry large sums of cash. In Genoa, and more generally in Italy, ATMs are easy to find. However, make sure they bear the CartaSi sign, i.e. Visa® affiliated. Please note that the most important network, Bancomat, does not allow withdrawals with a Visa® card.
Tips. Gratuities are not obligatory, but they are always appreciated, especially when given by French people, who are generally considered by Italians to be "tight-fisted" tourists. We advise you to leave a tip of around 5-10% of the price of your drink if you are particularly satisfied with the service.
Taxes. Sales prices generally include VAT(IVA: imposta sul valore aggiunto). It varies according to the products purchased (from 4 to 22%). Please note that you will need to add the cost of cutlery (around €2 per person) to the restaurant bill and a few euros per night per person for the tourist tax.
Passport and visas Genoa
EU citizens and Swiss citizens. For a stay of less than three months: valid identity card or passport (or expired within the last five years). For stays longer than three months, you must apply to the Questura (Prefecture) for a Permesso di soggiorno (residence permit), valid for five years.
Canadian citizens. For a stay of less than three months: valid passport; no visa required. For stays longer than three months, you must apply for a visa at the Italian embassy or consulate, or try to obtain a three-month extension at the Questura (rarely issued...).
Driver's license Genoa
Of course, if you want to rent a car to visit Liguria, you'll need a "B" driving license.
Health Genoa
As in France, emergency services are well organized and cell phones work well everywhere, enabling rapid intervention in the event of a problem. In the event of an accident, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Security Genoa
As everywhere, beware of pickpockets on beaches, in crowded areas and around major tourist attractions. If you're a single woman, avoid evening strolls around Via di Prè and Principe station. If you are the victim of a robbery or assault, report it to the nearest police station.
Time difference Genoa
Italy belongs to the same time zone as France, Belgium and Switzerland. March is one hour ahead, October one hour behind. The time difference with Montreal is +6 hours.
Spoken languages Genoa
Italian is one of the most melodious of Latin languages. However, each region of the boot has retained its own particular intention, embellished with regional formulas and turns of phrase. Genoese is a dialect that is still spoken by all generations, and many of its words and turns of phrase are used in everyday dialogues.
Communication Genoa
Italians generally speak English rather than French. Generally speaking, as Liguria is a very touristy region close to the French border, many Ligurians are able to express themselves in French (and often understand it very well...).
Electricity and measurements Genoa
Italy is connected to 220 volts, like the rest of continental Europe. But in northern Italy, some sockets still have three prongs (L-type sockets). You'll need an adapter or travel plug to recharge your electrical appliances, as French plugs are of the C type, with two prongs. Available from electricians and supermarkets, but your hotel will often be able to lend you an adattatore. We use the same units of weight and measure as in mainland France.
Luggage Genoa
Prefer practical clothes for the day and sightseeing, and a few dressier pieces for going out in the evening, because in Liguria, as in the rest of Italy: anche l'occhio vuole la sua parte (literally: "the eye also wants its share"), especially if you're planning to hit the bars and clubs around Portofino. Don't forget to bring good walking shoes if you're going hiking, and a waterproof jacket to protect you from the wind and rain in spring and autumn. In summer (but not only!), pack the essential sun cream and a pair of sunglasses to wear at the first sign of sunshine... if you want to adapt to local customs.
