Useful Information

MONEY EXCHANGE/BANKING

The Euro has been the currency in Italy since 2002. The euro notes come in denominations of Euro 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5, in different colours and size. Euro coins are in denominations of Euro 2 and 1, 50 c, 20 c, 10 c, 5 c, 2 c and 1c. Each participating state decorates the reverse side of the coins with it’s own designs, but all Euro coins can be used anywhere that accepts Euros.

You can exchange money in banks, at post offices or in currency-exchange booths and sometimes even your hotel can exchange money. The post office and banks are reliable. You’ll find most of the main banks in the area around Rialto and S. Mark. Keep a sharp eye on commissions at Bureaux de Change which sometimes exceed 10% on traveller’s cheques. Major cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Maestro and Cirrus are accepted throughout Italy. They can be used in many hotels, restaurants and shops.

Banks are usually open between 8.30 am and 1.30 pm, Monday to Friday. Most also open for an hour in the afternoon from about 2.35 pm until 3.35 pm. They close weekends and for public holidays, and they also close early the day before a major holiday. Most banks have cash machines/ATM’s that are open 24 hrs in front of their offices and are multi-lingual friendly.

A recommended website for current exchange rates is: www.Oanda.com.

PHARMACIES AND HOSPITALS

Most pharmacies in Venice are open 9.00 am to 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm to 7.30 pm. They are closed on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. When closed, pharmacies are required to display a list of other pharmacies in the area that are open (on rotation) for extended hours. You must go to the pharmacy for anything from aspirin, bandaids ‘cerotti’, creams, contact lens supplies to basic over the counter medicines and prescription drugs.

Visitors from the EU are entitled to reciprocal state medical care in Italy. Before you travel, pick up form E111 from the post office which covers you for emergency medical treatment. Visitors from outside the EU should take out a comprehensive insurance policy covering emergency medical treatment.

If you are in need of urgent medical attention, go to the Pronto Soccorso (First Aid) department of the Ospedale Civile. Should you require a consultation with a doctor, ask the advice of your hotel or look in the yellow pages of the telephone directory under medici.

Emergency numbers:
Carabinieri 112
Police 113
Fire 115
Ambulance 118
International operator 170

HELPFUL TIPS FOR CHILDREN

There aren’t too many places specifically designed for children in mind in the city, but if your little ones are itching to play, then try taking them to the park at Giardini. Here they can play on swings, slides, etc...with other children too and burn all that energy they never seem to lose. Another option is in the squares Campo Stefano and Campo Santa Maria Formosa where you will find the churches have se