Business Offices: 09:00-5:00, Monday to Friday
Banks: Italian banks are open on weekdays from 08:30 to 13:30 and 14:45 to 16:15.
Post Offices: 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

Venice is a very safe city and crime is rarely a problem. However, visitors should still exercise caution when they go out. Most of the crimes in the city are theft-related, so take extra care to safeguard your valuables. Always use common sense when traveling. 

Venice's streets and plazas usually flood several times a year, during which time the city deploys temporary raised walkways. Special warning sirens will alert you if flooding becomes dangerous.

The Euro is the official currency in Venice 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, and 50 cents. 

Banks are not open as many hours as you may be used to. They 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 throughout the city, at the airports and the main train station, but banks generally offer a better rate. ATMs are also widely available throughout the city. Although most businesses in Venice 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 fishing tackle, a pair of skis, two tennis racquets, a baby carriage, 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.

Venice gets extremely hot in the summer months, so it is advisable that you wear light cotton clothing if at all possible during the hot season. Dress smart for business meetings. Although air conditioning is likely to exist in the majority of business environments, it is not necessarily available everywhere.

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.

Greetings are enthusiastic yet rather formal. The usual handshake and a smile will suffice between strangers. 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. If invited to an Italian house, make sure that you bring a small gift such as wine or chocolates.

220V, all plugs are two-pin type

Medical facilities in Venice 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 Venice. 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 can speak English. If you simply feel ill, there are pharmacies located throughout the city, some of which are open 24 hours. 

Emergency services: For police and general emergencies, call 133

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

Public telephones accept Euro coins, tokens and phone cards.

In terms of standard time zones, Italy is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the United States. Daylight Savings Time goes into effect in Italy each year from the end of March to the end of September.

The government-run APT offices are found throughout Venice. Tourist Information as well as free maps of Venice are always available.

APT Venezia
Province of Venezia A.P.T. N. 15
Tourist Board of Venice Main Offices
Castello 4421 I-30122 Venice
Phone: +39-041-5298711
Fax: +39-041-5230399

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. 

To read travel articles about Venice, please visit the Tangent Archive.