Fast Facts for Venice
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Climate
Venice is extremely hot in July and August, but outside these months the weather is not too excessive and is quite often pleasant. However, bear in mind that Venice, suffers from frequent thunderstorms and rain showers due to its location on the Adriatic coast. High water (“acqua alta”) occurs regularly because of the tidal flow of the Adriatic that pushes water into the Venice Lagoon. This happens between September and April, though it’s not unheard of at other times. It is advisable to wear boots when the flooding occurs, also it does not happen everyday and is temporary (lasting a couple hours per day).
When not to go
Venice is always crowded with tourists, particularly in summer (from June to early October). To avoid the crowd, the quietest season is winter, excluding the Christmas holidays and New Year’s Eve and the two weeks of Carnival. Unless you are fascinated by high water avoid November as it has the highest flooding.
Currency
The national currency is Euro (€). Banking Hours are Monday – Friday 8.30 am - 1.30 pm and 2.45 pm - 3.45 pm. There are also plenty of money exchange offices.
Language
Italian. The locally spoken “Veneziano”, characterized by a hard "g" or "z," normally not heard in Italian, is more than a dialect: nearly another language itself. It is easy to find someone who will speak English.
Voltage Guide: 220V, 50Hz. Standard European two pin plugs.
Country dialling code: +39
City dialling code: 041
Visa Requirements
British, New Zealand, Australian and United States passport holders will not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Vaccinations
None required.
Tipping
There are no formal rules (waiters are on salary). In restaurants leave 5-10% in cash, and for bell boys at the hotel a couple of euros.
Public Holidays 2009
1 January: New Year’s Day
6 January: Epiphany
12 April: Easter Sunday
13 April: Easter Monday
25 April: Liberation Day, Feast of St Mark (local holiday)
1 May: Labour Day
2 June: Anniversary of the Republic
24 June: St John's Day
29 June: St Peter’s Day (Rome only)
11 July: St Rosalia Day
15 August: Assumption
1 November: All Saints’ Day
4 December: St Nicholas Day
7 December: St Ambrose Day (Milan only)
8 December: Immaculate Conception
25 December: Christmas Day
26 December: St Stephen’s Day
Shopping
Shops are usually open in the morning from 9 am to 12.30 pm, and from 4 pm to 7.30 pm.
Most Churches open from Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday 1pm to 5 pm. Most museums open daily from 9.30/10 am to 5/7 pm.
Some places may be closed on Mondays.
Travel cards
The Venice Card, can be purchased online and gives free access to public transport to some museums and churches, plus reductions in many other museums, churches, exhibitions and cultural events.
The card is quite expensive and only worth it if one is planning to visit a great number of places. Tourists aged 14-29 can buy the Rolling Venice Card, which costs €4 and entitles the holder to discounts on the travel card and other savings.
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