Fast facts for Rome
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Climate
Weather-wise the nicest months to visit Rome are May, June and September when the days are warm but not too hot. July and August can be extremely hot and humid with temperatures often exceeding 35ºC. These months are also the most crowded - you will find that many Romans close their businesses in August and take their holidays in cooler areas, so you will be primarily surrounded by other tourists. The quietest times to visit are April (excluding Easter) and October, although the end of October and November usually see a lot of rain. There is a lot to be said for visiting in the winter as the city is quieter and the weather generally mild. The average temperature in December hovers around 13ºC and snow is rare, although obviously cold snaps and rainy days can never be ruled out.
Currency
The currency is the Euro (€). The exchange rate is approximately €1.32 to £1. 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 which are open all day, every day.
Language
Whilst Italian is the language of Rome it is spoken with a strong dialect. Most professionals will speak English but a phrase book would be a good investment.
Voltage Guide: 220V, 50Hz. Standard European two pin plugs.
Country dialling code: +39
City dialling code: 06. Public phones accept coins and local/international phonecards which can be purchased at newsagents and bars.
Visa Requirements
British passport holders will not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
Vaccinations
None required
Tipping
There are no formal rules for tipping in Rome. In restaurants it is usual to leave 5-10% in cash if the service has been good, for bell boys in your hotel a couple of euros for each piece of luggage and you can round up taxi fares to the nearest €5.
Public Holidays 2009
1 January: New Year’s Day
6 January: Epiphany
12 April: Easter Sunday
13 April: Easter Monday
25 April: Liberation Day
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
Traditional shop opening hours are Monday – Saturday 9 am – 1 pm and 4 pm – 7.30 pm. You will find that clothes shops in particular don’t open until lunchtime on Mondays. Some of the larger stores will open all day but just about all shops will be shut Sundays.
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