Naples Tourist Information

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When visiting a new destination it is always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the practical information concerning the country itself and any local customs that may affect your stay. For example in Naples, you are not expected to tip on top of any service charge that is already included in the bill, however, if there is no service charge then it is customary to leave between 10 and 20%. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected but you should tip the porters at the top hotels.

Making yourself aware can only improve your enjoyment and provide you with confidence. Naples has a reputation of danger, born from a turf war between Camorra gangs. It is unlikely to affect your trip but does not hurt to be vigilant. Petty crime can be rife with pickpockets and scooter snatchers in the main tourist areas and visitors should take care alone in certain areas at night. Much of the information provided is obvious and goes without saying but it does not hurt to be prepared.

Useful information

Tourist Office: The local tourist office can be found at Stazione Centrale, 8am-8pm Mon-Sat, 9am-2pm Sunday

Embassies and consulates: Via dei Mille, 40.80.121 Napoli

Language: The main language of Italy is Italian with many regional variations. The people of Naples speak Neapolitan, the dialect of southern Italy.

Passport and Visas: UK visitors only need a valid passport to stay in Italy, no Visa's are required.

Insurance: You should buy full health and travel insurance before your trip and make a note of their 24hour helpline number. EU citizens are entitled to reduced cost emergency care as long as they have the relevant documentation. For Britons this is the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Customs: EU nationals do not have to declare goods imported for their own use, although you may be questioned by custom officials if you have a large amount of certain items. The limits for non-EU visitors are 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1 litre of alcohol (over 22 percent alcohol) or 2 litres of wine; 50g of perfume.

Visitors with Disabilities: For those travelling to Naples, assistance can be found at the Associations for the handicapped at Centro A.I.A.S. - Via Provinciale, 90

Money Matters: Italy uses the Euro as its national currency. The Euro is broken up in to 100 cents (1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cent coins and 1 and 2 euro coins) and 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 euro notes. You can change money in banks, at post offices or in a cambio (exchange office).

Lost Property: If you loose your passport you should report it to the local police station and then to the nearest embassy or consulate. Keep a separate note of any travellers cheque numbers as you will need them to make a claim if lost.

Medicines and Medical Treatment: Citizens from the EU are entitled to free or reduced-cost NHS (National Health Service) treatment, including dental treatment - bring the EHIC card from your home country. Full health and travel insurance is still advised.

Electricity: Italy runs on 220 volts AC, using two-pin plugs. The current is fine for most British equipment, but American visitors will need a transformer.

Smoking: Recent legislation ensures Italian bars, restaurants and nightclubs are smokefree without exemptions

Emergency Numbers: