TELEPHONE

Since some public phone booths do not accept money, the easiest way to place a call in Italy from a pay phone is by using a carta telefonica (phone card), which can be bought at most coffee shops, tobacco shops or newsstands. Phone cards are often a cheaper alternative as well. To use a phone card, first rip the marked corner off and insert it into the appropriate slot.

Emergency Numbers
12 Directory Assistance
112 for Carabinieri's (military police) service
113 Emergency Police Help
115 Fire Department
116 ACI (Italian Automobile Club for roadside assistance)
118 Medical Emergencies
176 International Inquiries

To make a local or long distance call from Italy requires an area code number to be dialed before the phone number. For example, to make a local call from Florence, the caller must dial 055 (the Florence city code), then the number. To make a call to Florence from Naples, the caller must again dial the area code for Florence. If you need to make a call to Rome from Florence, however, dial 06 (Rome's city code) and then the number. Italian phone numbers range from four to eight digits. For local calls expect to pay about €0.10 for a three to six minute call.

City Area Codes

To place an International call from Italy dial 00 + country code + city code/area code + phone number. For example, to place a call to:

Canada and the USA - 00 + 1 + area code/city code + phone number.
United Kingdom - 00 + 44 + city code + phone number
France - 00 + 33 + city code + phone number
New Zealand - 00 + 64 + city code + phone number

For those planning to make a lot of international calls from Italy, it is best to pick up a calling card before heading to the country to ensure the best rates. Rates calling from public phones are high - close to €1 per minute. Private phone companies can be found throughout the most of the major cities. These manned phone centres allow visitors to place their call and pay for it afterwards. These centres offer cheaper rates than regular public phones.

Cellular Phones
Cell phones are more popular in Italy than most other countries throughout the world, most likely because the rates are often better than with a land line. For those who already have a GSM phone, there are a few local companies who offer pre-paid or temporary accounts. Mobile phones must support GSM 900/1800 mHz, the system used in Italy.

POST

By far the most efficient way to mail a parcel within Italy is through air mail or priority post, otherwise it could take up to four months for the package to reach an international destination. Post office hours are limited, but the post (poste) in larger cities often have extended hours. Post office hours are genrally from 8am to 1:30 or 2 pm, Monday to Friday. On Saturday, expect the post office to be open in the morning only--probably from about 8 to 11:45am. As aforementioned, some of the larger cities may have extended hours. Tobbacco shops (tobacchi) - recognizable with a white T on a black background, also provide postal service, but they cannot weigh packages. Instead, they will often make an estimate of the cost.

To recieve mail in Italy, have the mail sent to general delivery (or Fermo Posta) in the city or town you wish the package to be sent. For Example:

John Doe
Fermo Posta
32131, Rome
Italy