In Italy (and Europe in general), the frequency of electricity is 220 volts while in the U.S. it is 110 volts. The sockets are also a different size. For devices like your cell phone or computer, you may just need a plug adapter. An adapter doesn’t change voltage but allows a dual-voltage appliance to be plugged into the wall outlet of another country. You want to make sure with the manufacturer that your device is indeed dual-voltage. If not, you will need a bulkier transformer to actually transform the voltage. And leave your hair dryer at home. Nearly every hotel or villa rental has an Italian one you can use.
For the current conversion rate between the dollar and the euro you can check a currency exchange Web site such as www.xe.com Even if you are traveling on a fully inclusive tour, you’ll want to have euros for extras such as a cup of coffee or souvenirs. The best way to get cash in Italy is to use your ATM card. Many travelers wonder about bringing travelers checks with them and it simply isn’t a good idea anymore. You’ll pay a fee for the checks at home, will need to find a bank (banks are usually open for a few hours in the morning and a few hours in the afternoon on week days) when it is open, wait in line and pay another service fee when receiving euros. Credit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa and MasterCard. If you travel with American Express, we strongly recommend bringing a Visa or MasterCard as backup. Be sure to check foreign transaction fees with your bank before traveling.
The taxi Rank is directly outside the arrivals area of the terminal building at the airport. More information on the fares are available at this link https://www.6878.it/ You can also use the UBER app in Palermo Phone number: +39 331 4296956
Gratuity and tips ARE NOT mandatory, if desired, they should be paid in local currency (euro). Please use your discretion based on the number of hours and quality of service you have received. The below are only suggestions. e.g. Airport Transfer Euro 10 Half Day Local Guides Euro 20/30 Full Day Local Guides Euro 40/50 Half Day Drivers Euro 20/30 Full Day Drivers Euro 40/50 This rates are considered Total per family group and not per person
Tap water in Sicily is generally considered safe in most cities and towns. However, we do not recommend drinking it regularly, especially for visitors who are not used to the local water system and mineral composition. For this reason, most locals prefer bottled mineral water, which is inexpensive and widely available everywhere, including hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and cafés. You will usually find two options: Naturale = still water Frizzante = sparkling water Especially during the summer months, we highly recommend staying hydrated due to the hot Sicilian temperatures.
During the summer months, especially in coastal areas, countryside locations, vineyards, gardens, or near the water, mosquitoes can be quite common in the evening hours, particularly around sunset. For this reason, we highly recommend bringing or purchasing insect repellent during your stay in Sicily. Lightweight long sleeves or pants for outdoor dinners and sunset experiences can also be helpful if you are particularly sensitive to mosquito bites. Most hotels and restaurants are prepared for this during the summer season, but it is always better to come prepared, especially for outdoor experiences such as winery dinners, boat tours, beach clubs, or countryside stays.
Dining in Italy is usually a slower and more relaxed experience compared to the United States. Water and bread are generally not complimentary and will often appear on the final bill. You may also notice a small charge called: “Coperto” = cover charge/service fee This is a normal fee in Italy and usually covers table service and bread. Unlike in the U.S., tipping is not mandatory, although leaving a small extra tip for excellent service is always appreciated. Another cultural difference is that waiters will usually not rush you or automatically bring the check. In Italy, this is considered polite and respectful, allowing guests to enjoy the meal at their own pace. When you are ready to pay, simply ask: “Il conto, per favore” = “The check, please.”
Traffic in Sicily can feel much more chaotic and less predictable compared to the United States, especially in larger cities such as Palermo or Catania. Even at pedestrian crossings, drivers may not stop immediately, so always cross carefully and make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street. Scooters and small vehicles often move quickly through traffic and may appear unexpectedly. We strongly recommend staying alert, avoiding distractions such as phones while crossing
Many Sicilian cities have restricted traffic zones called ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) monitored by cameras. Unauthorized access can result in expensive fines, sometimes received months later. If renting a car, always follow hotel or parking garage instructions carefully. In historic centers, walking is often the easiest option. Parking can be challenging in cities like Palermo, Catania, Taormina, and Ortigia, especially during summer. Driving in Sicily may feel chaotic compared to the U.S. Roads can be narrow and scooters often move quickly between cars. Patience and extra attention are important. Parking line colors: White: usually free parking Blue: paid parking (1 euro per hour) You can use the machine in the street or the "EasyPark" app. Yellow: reserved parking only (risk of fines/towing) or for disables
In Italy, it is important to always ask for and keep your receipt (“scontrino”) after making a purchase, especially in cafés, restaurants, bars, and shops. By law, businesses must provide a receipt and, in some situations, authorities may perform checks outside stores or restaurants. Technically, customers can also receive fines if they leave without proof of purchase. For this reason, we recommend keeping receipts with you at least until you leave the establishment.
Buongiorno = Good morning / Good afternoon Buonasera = Good evening Ciao = Hi / Bye Arrivederci = Bye Grazie = Thank you Prego = You’re welcome Per favore = Please Scusi = Excuse me Parli inglese? = Do you speak English? Il conto, per favore = The check, please Dov’è il bagno? = Where is the bathroom? Caffè = Espresso coffee Posso avere lo Scontrino? = Can I get the Receipt Biglietto = Ticket Farmacia = Pharmacy Quanto costa? = How much does it cost? Non capisco = I don’t understand Può aiutarmi? = Can you help me? Parli più lentamente, per favore = Please speak more slowly Dove si trova…? = Where is…? Un tavolo per due, per favore = A table for two, please Posso pagare con carta? = Can I pay by credit card? Solo contanti = Cash only Salute! = Cheers! Buon appetito! = Enjoy your meal! Delizioso! = Delicious! Sono allergico/a a… = I am allergic to… Vegetariano / Vegano = Vegetarian / Vegan Quanto tempo ci vuole? = How long does it take? Andiamo! = Let’s go!