Banks: 09:30 to 15:30, Monday to Friday; until 16:30 on Thursdays
Post Offices: 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday; Saturday mornings
Department Stores and Shops: 09:00 to 17:00/17:30, Monday to Saturday
Museums: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Saturday
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday

Rimini is considered to be a safe travel destination, but as with all cities there is a level of petty crime to be aware of. It’s best to avoid wearing obviously expensive jewellery and to keep purses and wallets well protected. Pickpockets typically operate around busy tourist attractions, transportation centres and on public transport.

It is recommended that you keep important documents, larger amounts of cash and other valuable items in a hotel safe, if at all possible, and to carry photocopies of travel documents, including your passport and visa. 

Electricity:220 volts AC, 50Hz; plugs having either two or three round pins are in use.

Tap water in the area is safe to drink, but most people choose to drink bottled water, which is readily available. Normal cautions should be exercised with food, remembering that uncooked or undercooked fish, seafood and meat can cause health hazards.

Immunizations are not required for entering Italy, and there are no particular health concerns for visitors. Health care is available in Rimini and other parts of the Riviera, and although standards are generally good, they can vary by facility. For emergency treatment, it’s recommended that you go directly to a hospital’s ‘pronto soccorso’ (casualty) section, where emergency dental treatment is also provided. Pharmacists in Rimini are able to provide helpful advice and over-the-counter medications for ailments that are minor in nature.


Ambulance: 118
Police: 113

Italian is the country’s official language, and in Rimini you will find that locals involved in the tourist industry understand and speak English, French and German to some degree.

Italy’s official currency, as a member country of the EU, is the euro (€). Bank notes are found in the following denominations: €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5. Coins of the following denominations are found in circulation: €2 and €1; and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, post offices, and ‘cambios’, which are found in city centres and at airports. Banks typically offer the best exchange rates. Exchange fees are generally incurred with traveller’s cheques, so using cheques issued in euros is the best option as these can be cashed directly.

Most international ATM cards, credit cards and debit cards can be used at ATMs throughout the region. Credit cards are also widely accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants, but you are advised that many smaller establishments will accept only cash.

Visitors entering Italy from outside the EU are allowed to bring in the following items duty-free: 200 cigarettes or the equivalent in cigars or loose tobacco, 1 litre of spirits, 2 litres of table wine and 60ml of perfume. Visitors entering Italy from other EU countries are allowed to bring in these items in larger quantities as long as the purpose is for their own use, and not for resale.

Italians generally greet each other with enthusiasm, and often with handshakes or hugs and kisses. It doesn’t matter if it’s a friend or casual acquaintance, same sex or opposite that’s the object of the greeting. Foreign visitors aren’t expected to participate as enthusiastically, and a handshake will suffice. In business greetings, handshaking is the standard form of greeting.

Smart dress is expected at business meetings and functions, as Italians take fashion seriously. Men and women normally wear business suits at work. Casual clothing is acceptable dress outside the office, but neatness and style are expected even in informal situations. You’ll notice that the majority of Italians tend to dress well most of the time.

Dining Etiquette
If you receive an invitation to someone’s house for dinner and it indicates that dress is informal, it means a jacket and a tie for the men and a stylish dress for the women. Punctuality is not expected, as Italians tend to socialise for extended periods, and the actual start and ending times for events is somewhat fluid. It’s acceptable to arrive 15 minutes later than the indicated time for dinner, and up to 30 minutes later for a larger party. A gift for the host is an appropriate gesture, and gift-wrapped chocolates or wine would be appreciated. Flowers are also a good idea, and are typically sent in advance, earlier on the same day.

You will most likely be shown to a particular seat, so it’s a good idea to remain standing until you are invited to sit down. Table manners in Italy follow the continental style, meaning that the fork is held in the left hand while eating, and the knife in the right. The host will offer the first toast, and it’s appropriate for guests to offer toasts later during the meal. It’s best to take small amounts of food at first offer so that you are able to accept a second portion when it is offered later on. When you have finished eating, it is acceptable to leave a small amount uneaten. If you do not want to be served additional wine, it is best to leave your glass nearly full.

EU nationals are not required to show a passport for entry into Italy, but only a valid national ID card. Nationals of other countries must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least three months longer than the intended length of stay in the country.

Nationals of the following countries do not require a visa for tourist visits of 90 days or less: Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland and the US. All other nationalities are required to obtain a visa in advance, from an Italian embassy or consulate abroad.

The local tourist information office is located in Rimini Marina Centro on Piazzale Fellini (phone: +39 541 56902). There’s also an office that’s next to the rail station in the city centre and one at the Rimini International Airport. At the various tourist offices, there’s information available on local events, attractions and points of interest, and also staff on hand that can help with directions, accommodation and dining information and booking tours.