CLIMATE
The climate in Rome is generally Mediterranean, with hot sunny summers and briskly cold winter, although it’s rarely grey and gloomy. Due to Rome’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea the city is fortunate to have an extended summer either side of June and August. It’s not uncommon to have fine beach weather from the beginning of May right until the middle of October. On average, July is the hottest and driest month, rain is scarce and there are maximum temperatures around 33°C and minimum of about 17°C. In July you can enjoy the seaside sunbathing and swimming.
We recommend light clothes, a shawl or a jacket for the evening and a swimsuit for the beach.
TIME DIFFERENCE: GMT +1.00
ELECTRICITY
The normal electric current in Italy is 220 volts AC in 50 cycles.
PASSPORT AND/OR VISA
For EU citizen a valid ID card is required to enter Italy, a valid passport is necessary for non-EU citizens. Participants from some countries may require a visa to enter Italy. Please check with your local Italian Consulate or Embassy.
The travel agency issuing the airline ticket is responsible for visa-information.
SMOKING
Italy has a strict non-smoking policy and smoking is prohibited inside public places such as restaurants, hotels and bars. Some places offer a special room for smokers, otherwise smoking is only allowed outdoors.
BADGE/ACCESS/SECURITY
For security reasons, identification badges are mandatory for Participants and Accompanying Persons and will be required for admission to all sessions, social events and tour programme. Badges and tickets will be checked at entrances to sessions and events. Please do not leave any of your personal belongings unattended during the Congress.
CURRENCY
The monetary unit in Italy is the Euro. Currency can be exchanged in any bank or exchange office. Major credit card (VISA and MasterCard) are widely accepted, but cash is preferred for small amounts.
ATM machines are located throughout the city.
EMERGENCIES
First aid service will be available throughout the Congress.
Emergencies telephone numbers:
- Police 113
- Carabinieri 112
- Medical Emergency
- First Aid 118
INSURANCE
It is strongly recommended that Participants purchase adequate coverage for health, travel and private liability insurance before departing their home countries.
The organizers will not accept responsibility for personal injury, loss or damage to private, personal property of Congress Participants and/or Accompanying Persons.
LOST PROPERTY
All Participants are kindly requested to report any lost or unattended items immediately to the Congress staff. Should you lose anything while at the University of Rome La Sapienza, please enquire at the Congress Registration Desk where any lost property will be held.
MOBILE PHONES
In Italy, mobile phones use the following frequency bands: GSM-900/1800 and 3G 2100.
An overview of the available networks can be found at:
www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_it.shtml
TAXES
Like most other European countries, Italy imposes a value added tax (VAT) on most goods and services purchased in the country. This tax is known as IVA.
It is normally included in the price of most goods and services. The rate stands at 21%, 10% for catering services.
TIPPING
Service is included in the bill in bars and restaurants. Tipping is not mandatory but is welcomed. Most of the time a service charge (servizio) is included in your restaurant bill. This should not be confused with the cover charge (coperto), which is a charge for bread and table settings.