Florence Travel Tips
Ponte Vecchio Bridge at night; (c) Xavier Mejorada/UNSPLASH
Facts
Official Language: Italian
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: Central European Time (6 Hours ahead of EST); 24-hour Military Time
Population: 385,000
Travel Tips
Major credit cards are accepted by most establishments.
Before leaving America, find out if your health insurance covers an unexpected visit to the doctor in Florence and the locations of the hospitals covered by your health insurance.
Make sure you have Euro change to use public restrooms.
The Central Post Office is located on Via Pellicceria. Post office hours are 8:15 am-7 pm (Monday-Saturday).
Banks are open Monday-Friday. ATMs are plentiful and the most convenient way to get Euros. Some ATMs may only accept a PIN with 4 digits.
Large stores open 4 pm-7:30 pm (Monday), 10 am-1 pm, and 4 pm-7:30 pm (Tuesday-Saturday).
A violinist performing in a Florence plaza; (c) Alejandro Aznar/PEXELS
Electricity is different than the U.S., so bring an adapter or purchase one at the airport.
The major holidays in Florence are New Year’s Day, Easter, Easter Monday, Liberation Day, Labor Day, Assumption Day, All Saints’ Day, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Christmas, and Santo Stefano.
Bring an Italian Phrasebook with you. You will use the Italian equivalent for the following English words/phrases often, so memorize their Italian pronunciation before your trip: Sir, Madame, Hello, Please, Thank You, Excuse Me, Goodbye, I don’t understand, Where is?, How much?, Do you speak English?
Charm and good manners are appreciated by Italians. Greet small shop owners and elderly people as Sir, Madame, Hello, Please, Thank You, Excuse Me) for more help.
Start every interaction in Italian, then follow with English using a pleasant voice and slowly.
Bring at least one debit card and a credit card from the U.S. Use the debit card to get Euros, since they usually have a better rate than many currency exchange offices. Your debit card should have a code of 4 digits.
Cash is more commonly accepted than credit cards at many small businesses.
Exchange dollars into small bills (5 Euros, 10 Euros, and coins), since you need small change when out and about.
If you choose to wear a money belt, you stand out as a foreign tourist. Place your money in hidden pockets or deep inside your bag, so that it’s hard for pickpockets.
When walking around Florence, carry little cash, a credit card, a driver’s license, and a copy of your passport with you for identification.
Store your passport, extra money, plane ticket, list of credit card/debit card customer service phone numbers, and other valuables in the locked hotel safe.
Pack a compact umbrella, a magnifier for reading maps, and an expandable bag for souvenirs.
When dining in a mixed party of men & women, men are usually addressed first.
Tipping in restaurants is typically 10-15%, but often the service is included. Ask your waiter beforehand if paying by credit card, because they have to add it to the bill.
You may notice a large number of sisters dating European men.
Public display of affection among couples is more common than in the U.S.