Banks: 08:30 to 13:30 then 15:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:30 to 18:30, Monday to Saturday
Government Offices: 08:30 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 08:30 to 13:00 the 15:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 13:00, Saturday

Sorrento has its fair share of pickpockets so visitors should stay alert at all times, particularly in crowded locations, and be sure that cash and valuable items are well hidden and secure about their person. It’s unwise to carry valuable items or flash jewellery in public places.

Women may experience the unwanted attentions of the local male population. For this reason, female visitors are advised against travelling alone at night, while in the daytime they are wise to stick to well-populated areas. Avoiding eye contact with local males is sensible and discourages attention.

220V, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard; however, prong sizes vary depending on the appliance and sockets vary according to the location.

Health risks are low in Sorrento, with standards of hygiene strictly monitored in public eateries and levels of diseases no higher than in any developed EU city. The standard of medical care in the city’s hospitals is very good, but you should ensure you have medical insurance to safeguard against any hospital bills in the event of an emergency.

Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital: +39 81 533 11 12
Emergency services: 112

Locals in Sorrento speak Italian with the Neapolitan dialect, which is the most recognised form of the language.

Italy uses the euro, with €1.00 equal to 100 cents.

EU citizens are not subject to duty payments on any goods bought within the EU, provided that they are intended for personal use only and not for resale or use as payment. Excessively large volumes will attract the attention of Italian customs officers.

Visitors arriving from outside of the EU may bring the following into Italy without incurring duty charges: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250gms of loose tobacco; one litre of spirits, two litres of wine and two litres of fortified wine; 60ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; and gifts and souvenirs up to a value of €200.

Appearance is given great significance in Italy, so visitors should dress well if they wish to gain the respect of or make a good impression on the locals. Dressing for dinner is especially important and many restaurants may refuse you service if you are inappropriately attired.

Strangers typically greet one another with a handshake, while those already acquainted usually perform the traditional continental exchange of kisses. Honorary titles are considered important and visitors should use them when addressing locals until it’s indicated that first name usage is more appropriate.

Visas are not necessary for anyone holding a valid passport from an EU country that’s part of the Schengen Agreement or for visitors from the US, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. The majority of other visitors require a tourist visa, which can be obtained from an Italian embassy in a major city in their home country.

Azienda Autonoma di Soggiorno Sorrento is the city’s chief tourist office and is located on Via Luigi De Maio. It can be contacted on: +39 081 8074033.