Banks: 08.30 to 13.30 and 15.30 to 16.30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08.30 to 18.30, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 08130 to 13.00 and 15.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 08.30 to 13.00 and 15.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09.00 to 13.00, 15.30 to 19.30, Monday to Saturday

Bologna is a safe tourist destination with relatively little to concern travellers. Pick pocketing and other forms of petty theft pose the greatest threat, particularly in crowded areas such as bus or train stations or the Piazza Maggiore. Be sure to guard your belongings, carrying minimal amounts of cash and depositing valuables in the hotel safe. Furthermore, when travelling outdoors after dark, try to travel in groups and stick to well-lit areas.

230V AC, 50 hertz; round two-pin plug

Bologna boasts adequate healthcare infrastructure capable of addressing the needs of most visitors. The highest quality treatment is found in private clinics. EU citizens from neighbouring countries can qualify for discounted medical treatment by showing their European Health Insurance Card. Tourists from outside of the EU are wise to take out a travel insurance plan. For minor ailments, a consultation at the local pharmacy is likely all that's needed.

Emergency services: 118
Villalba Hospital: +39 51 644 3011

Italy's national language is Italian, with varying regional dialects across the peninsula.

Italy has adopted the euro (EUR) for day-to-day transactions. The euro is divided into 100 cents.

Duty-free sales are no longer offered between EU nations. However, those arriving from outside of the EU may import the following without paying duty: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes; two litres of wine; one litre of spirits; 60 millilitres of perfume; and miscellaneous merchandise that does no exceed €175 in total value.

The concept of bella forma plays a central role in Italian social exchange. Italians can deduce a great deal about a person based on their posture, dress and overall demeanour. For this reason, first impressions have a strong bearing on future interactions. Greetings are simple: typically a smile and a firm handshake.

Bear in mind that Catholicism is deeply ingrained into Italian society and even those who do not regularly attend church will demonstrate a great deal of reverence at religious sites. Many of Bologna's key tourist attractions are religious in nature.

Nationals of EU countries do not need a visa to enter Italy. Citizens of many other Western nations will be issued a visa upon arrival, while those who do not qualify for the visa waiver must apply for a tourist visa at an Italian embassy or consulate before travelling.

Visitors will find the Bologna tourist information office within the Palazzo Comunale building. The staff can offer pamphlets on local attractions as well as information on public transportation and help with booking arrangements. Phone: +39 51 239 660