Business Offices: 09:00-5:00, Monday to Friday
Banks: 09:00-13:30, 15:00-16:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: Via Cordusio is open from 08:00 to 19:00 from Monday to Friday and from 08:30 to 19:00 on Saturday.
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00-18:00, every day
Museums: check individual museums for opening times

Florence is a very safe city, but as with any city visitors are advised to use caution and common sense when they are traveling and should also be cognizant of surroundings. Also, keep control of your personal items. While waiting in line, keep your luggage close to your person, or put the luggage straps through your arm or one of your legs to keep control of your personal belongings. 

All authorized taxis are yellow or white and have meters - take only these taxis. Do not use a private unlicensed car service.

The Euro is the official currency in Italy and is available in seven different bills and eight separate coins. The bills are available in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 denominations. The coins are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents also 1 and 2 Euros.

Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 16:00 but are closed at lunch time between the hours of 13:30 to 15:00. Currency exchange booths can be found near the Duomo, the airports and the main train station, but banks generally offer a better rate. 

Although most businesses in Florence accept credit cards and bank debit cards these days, it is still advised that you keep some cash on hand.

Foreign visitors can bring along most items for personal use duty-free, including two hand cameras with 10 rolls of film, and 400 cigarettes or a quantity of cigars or pipe tobacco not exceeding 500 grams (1.1 lb.). There are strict limits on importing alcoholic beverages. However, for alcohol bought tax-paid, limits are much more liberal than in other countries of the European Union.

There are no restrictions on the amount of local currency you can bring into Italy, although you should declare the amount. Your declaration proves to the Italian Customs office that the currency came from outside the country, and, therefore, you can take out the same amount or less. Foreign currency taken into or out of Italy may not exceed 12,500€ ($14,375). No declaration is needed up to this amount

220V, all plugs are two-pin type

Greetings are enthusiastic yet rather formal. The usual handshake and a smile will suffice between strangers. Air-kissing on both cheeks, starting with the left is often added as well as a pat on the back between men. Wait until invited to move to a first name basis. A polite way to acknowledge an Italian is to say, “buongiorno” (good morning) or “buona sera” (good evening). 

Refrain from loud or noisy behavior. Although Italians like to socialize and have fun, they frown on rude behavior, tourists are regarded as guests, and expected to behave politely. You should also dress appropriately. Wandering around town dressed for the beach or running track is regarded as quite sloppy.

Italians love eating out because it is a real social occasion. Eating in company is a social rite, a custom and way of life. It is extremely common to see a large group of people dining together and rarely do you see a diner eating alone in a restaurant. Families, friends and colleagues from work, get together around a large table and thoroughly enjoying themselves. 

Smoking has been banned in all enclosed public places that do not offer sealed off rooms equipped with smoke extractors. Heavy fines will be issued to those who are caught smoking in restricted areas.

Medical facilities in Florence are adequate for any emergencies that may arise. All public hospitals are operated by the National Health Service. Medical facilities are available, but may be limited outside urban areas. Public hospitals sometimes do not maintain the same standards as many international hospitals, so travelers are encouraged to obtain insurance that would cover a stay in a private Italian hospital or clinic.

No specific vaccinations are required to visit Florence. However, it’s best to make sure you are up to date with your basic inoculations such as tetanus and hepatitis.

Many of the staff and doctors are bilingual and may speak English. If you simply feel ill, there are pharmacies located all over the city, many of which are open 24 hours. Pharmacists (farmacia) are qualified to give advice on minor ailments and to dispense prescriptions.

Hospital: Ospedale S. Maria Nuova, Piazza S. Maria Nuova, 1 Tel: 055 27581

Emergency services: 133
Police: 112
Fire: 115

Italian is the official language in Florence, but English is widely spoken in the tourist areas.

The main tourist office is at Via Cavour 1r; open 8.30-6.30 Mon-Sat, and 8.30-1.30 Sun. Tel 055.290.832

Visitor visas are not necessary for citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada or Australia who are staying less than 90 days. Visitors from other countries, consult your local embassy for visa information.