Banks: 08:30 to 13:30 and 15:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 18:30, Monday to Saturday
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 19:00, Monday to Saturday (many choosing not to close for lunch). Supermarkets invariably open 09:00 to 21:00.
Museums: hours vary, check with individual venues.
Business Offices: 08:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday

By and by, Pisa is a safe city to visit with no threats of terrorism, little in the way of natural disaster possibilities and relatively low levels of petty crime. From a visitor’s perspective, the ubiquitous pickpocket is perhaps the greatest threat. Just as in any big city, miscreants of this nature operate and predominantly in and around the popular tourist areas, often choosing crowded situations in which to make use of their ‘talents’. Visitors can help reduce their chances of being targeted by keeping cash and items of value in hard to reach places. Bags should always be worn with the strap over the head and not left unattended for even a second. Be wary of venturing into sparsely populated areas at night and if you are a lone female traveller then think twice about travelling on public transportation if it’s especially late.

Electricity: 230 volts AC, 50Hz

Pisa presents no serious threats to the health of visitors, being a modern, developed city with good sanitation and nothing in the way of viral epidemics. Visitors choosing, regular, non-sexual forms of contact with locals; run no higher risks of taking sick than they might in any developed, First World country. Chances of illness from bacterial sources are also low with high standards of hygiene in bars, restaurants and similar establishments. Tap water is considered safe to drink but some may find it unpalatable and instead opt for bottled water which is readily available. 

The standard of healthcare in Pisa’s hospitals and local doctor surgeries is high and those visitors unfortunate enough to require treatment can rest easy that they are in safe hands. Hospitals invariably employ English speaking doctors and for those that don’t, an interpreter can be requested. Visitors from EU countries will qualify for free treatment provided their home country maintains a reciprocal agreement with Italy and they are in possession of the relevant certificate. All other visitors and those wishing to avail themselves of private medical services; would be wise to take out holiday insurance with adequate medical cover.

Pisa Hospital:
Ospedale "Le Scotte"
Via Bonanno
Tel: +39 055 992300

Citizens of Pisa speak Italian with a Tuscan dialect although the country’s main dialect is understandable by most. English speakers are fairly common, especially in tourist areas, hotels and at the airport.

Pisa uses the Euro as its official currency, in line with the rest of the country. Euros are comprised of 100 Eurocents and are issued in paper form in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros. Coins meanwhile are issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Eurocents.

Cash and travellers cheques can be exchanged at the majority of the city’s banks (invariably at the best rates) as well as at bureau de change desks across the city and in some hotels also. ATMs accept most foreign cards but it’s wise to ensure yours is provided or endorsed by one of the big international credit firms such as AMEX, Diner’s Club, Visa or Electron.

The import and export of both domestic and foreign currency is unlimited however, amounts exceeding €12,500 in value are required to be declared both on entry to and exit of the country. For movement between EU member states, there is no duty to be paid on goods provided they are in reasonable volumes. Visitors carrying excessive amounts will be required to prove that they are for personal use only else pay the required duty. For non-EU visitors, the following amounts are applicable: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco; 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of spirits (2 litres of fortified or sparkling wine); 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette and gifts not exceeding €89.96.

Visitors should be aware that good appearance is of great significance in Italy with locals going to great efforts to appear well turned-out irrespective of their social status. If you hope to be treated with respect and with equal standing to Pisans then you should avoid displaying a scruffy or dishevelled appearance, taking into account that beach and poolside clothing is appropriate at those venues only and not in cafés, bars, restaurants and museums. Catholicism is Italy’s primary religion and Pisans take their faith as seriously as fellow nationals hence visitors should give respect to beliefs where appropriate and avoid behaviour likely to cause offence. Alcohol is an integral part of life in Pisa, especially with Tuscany being such a major wine producing region. Attitudes to drinking are however, highly responsible and displays of drunken and aberrant behaviour are rare and not well tolerated by the locals so visitors should be wary of excessive consumption if they are unable to curb their tendencies towards irresponsible and anti-social behaviour.

Dining Etiquette
Table manners in Pisa are continental in nature and anyone with knowledge of basic dining etiquette will invariably avoid embarrassment of his/herself or upsetting or insulting others by conforming to common norms and prerequisites. It’s considered polite to bring a gift for your host or hostess which would normally be flowers, chocolates or something specific from your home country. With local vintages of such a high quality; bringing wine as a gift is probably inappropriate unless it’s an unusual flavour or blend.

Visitors from countries covered by the Schengen agreement may enter the country for stays of up to 90 days on nothing more than a valid passport. Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are subject to the same requirements while South African visitors require a Schengen visa. All other visitors must have a visitor’s visa which can be applied for at an Italian embassy in the country of origin.

Tourist Information office Pisa: +39 050 56 04 64