Common Questions

Question

Italy's Currency

Answer

The Euro is the standard for Italy and the surrounding areas: France, Solvenia, Austria but not Switzerland. Instead of using currency exchanges in airports or local banks to buy Euros prior to the trip, our suggestion is to wait till you have a layover in an Euro country or upon Milan landing and go to a ATM to withdrawal Euros from your bank account. Converting US dollars to Euros at a bank or currency exchange could cost you 15% of the dollar's value; however, by using the ATM and withdrawing Euros your bank may charge you a withdrawal fee (like any ATM in the US) and a currency transaction fee normally around 3-4%. Contact your bank to find out how much you can withdraw daily. Websites will indicate bank airport ATMs for use. Some bank ATMs might not work if they don't have an international banking agreement, but just locate another ATM since there are many others. Most tourists places will accept credit cards-check for credit card foreign transaction fees prior to leaving!

Question

Difference in time

Answer

Italy's time zone is 6 hours ahead of EST. While you are eating lunch with wine in Como, others in the US are just waking up to orange juice! Divertiti!!!

Question

Is there transportation to and from the hotels to the service and reception?

Answer

Due to the venues' location, we are asking all parties to say in the general area of Bellagio, Lenno, Tremezzo and Menaggio. There will be general transportation whether it be by taxi transfer or private boat from a general point at these locations which we will inform you later.

Question

Do most people speak English?

Answer

Yes, most hotels, restaurants & shops speak English especially in the Lake Como area. Try to learn the basis commands and greetings in Italian, it will go a long way-download Google Translate on your cell phone just in case. https://ielanguages.com/italianphrases.html Ciao!

Question

What is VAT?

Answer

The Value Added Tax, or VAT, in the European Union is a general, broadly based consumption tax assessed on the value added to goods and services. It applies more or less to all goods and services that are bought and sold for use or consumption in the European Union. The tax is a whopping 22%! First, you cannot get a refund on the tax on accommodations or food in Italy, but you can obtain a partial refund on other purchases. Keep in mind that there's a minimum amount required in order to claim an IVA/VAT refund--currently in Italy the minimum purchase amount to submit a VAT refund is €154.94--all spent in one store at one time. You need to fill out this VAT refund and have it stamped usually prior to checking into the airport and then deposit it after you pass through security. Look up this link at Milan's Malpensa Airport: https://www.airportmalpensa.com/tax-refund.php

Question

Interesting Facts about Lake Como

Answer

Lake Como is a mountain lake, formed during the last Ice Age. Because of the way that the lake was formed, it’s one of the deepest mountain lakes in Europe. At its deepest point, Lake Como measures over 425 meters from surface to bottom. Despite its extremely deep inner sections, most of the lake is slightly more than 150 meters from top to bottom. Lake Como’s depth is one reason for its remarkably blue water, which has made it one of Italy’s most picturesque natural destinations. Lake Como’s lush vegetation and beautiful towns have made it a popular filming location for Hollywood blockbusters. The lake was a filming location for the 2004 film Ocean’s Twelve, which starred Lake Como resident George Clooney. Other famous films to have been shot near the lake include James Bond film Casino Royale, which was released in 2006, and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, released in 2002 filmed at Villa Balbianello.

Question

If you have any questions regarding the wedding weekend events or locations while you are in Italy-we would recommend contacting our wedding planner.

Answer

Alessandra Fabi +39 345 0662389 Alessandrafabi@gmail.com