Useful Information

Before your visit to Rome, it's helpful to know some key details about the city. This section covers practical information — local customs, essential travel tips, and everyday conveniences. From currency and tipping to business hours and emergency contacts, these insights will help you navigate Rome with confidence and make the most of your stay.

What to Eat
Rome has a distinctive culinary tradition built on simple, robust dishes. Look for the city's classic pastas — cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana and gricia — alongside Roman specialities like saltimbocca, carciofi alla romana (artichokes) and supplì (fried rice balls). The city is also known for thin-crust Roman pizza, and for gelato and espresso taken standing at the bar, as the locals do.

Paris in Numbers
Area: 1,287 km²
Population: 2.7 million

Language
Italian is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but a few basic phrases are appreciated — "buongiorno" (good morning), "grazie" (thank you) and "per favore" (please).

Currency
The currency is the Euro (EUR). Most establishments accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and ATMs are widely available throughout the city.

Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Italy and service is generally not calculated as a percentage. Many restaurants apply a fixed cover charge (coperto) per person, shown on the menu. Rounding up the bill or leaving a euro or two for good service is common and appreciated, but not obligatory.

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited inside restaurants, bars and public buildings. Outdoor areas, including many restaurant terraces, are generally where smoking is permitted.

Emergency Contacts
The single European emergency number for police, ambulance and fire is 112.

Shopping and Business Hours
Most shops open from around 9am to 7:30pm, Monday to Saturday. Some smaller businesses still close for a break in the early afternoon. Many shops open on Sundays in central and tourist areas, though hours can be shorter.

VAT (Value Added Tax)
The standard VAT rate in Italy is 22%. Visitors resident outside the EU can request a tax refund on eligible purchases above a minimum threshold when leaving the EU.

Electricity
Italy uses a 230-volt supply. Plugs are European-style with two or three round pins — bring an adapter if needed.

Telephone
The international calling code for Italy is +39.

Time Zone
Rome operates on Central European Time (CET), shifting to Central European Summer Time (CEST) from spring to autumn.

Climate
In September, temperatures in Rome typically range from around 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F) — warm and well suited to outdoor sightseeing.

Visa Information
Visitors from outside the EU/Schengen Area may need a visa or ETIAS authorisation to travel to Italy. Visa letters and support for international delegates can be obtained from the Congress Secretariat.