BANK and MONEY

CALLING from ITALY

 - Capital

  - Climate

ECONOMY

FOOD in Calabria

MAINS VOLTAGE

 - Motoring in Italy

NIGHTLIFE

PASSPORTS and VISA

TIME

Bank and Money

- Italy´s currency is the Euro (€)

- Almost all hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets

  accept credit cards

- Banks are open Monday till Friday 8.30 a.m. - 13.30 p.m.

  and 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Calling from Italy

- In all calls within Italy, even local calls, the area code 

  including 0 has to be dialed

- Country calling codes from Italy...

...to USA: 001

...to Australia: 0061

...to UK: 0044

...to the Netherlands: 0031

...to France: 0033

...to Spain: 0034

...to Germany: 0049

...to the Irish Republic: 00353

...to Denmark: 0045

- There are only few phone boxes, that one can use with coins.

  You mostly need telephone cards (scheda telefonica),

  which one can buy in bars or tobacco shops (tabacchi), post offices, and newsagents.

Capital

The Capital of the region Calabria is Catanzaro. The old town was built over three hills

(St. Trifone or St. Rocco Hill; Episcopate's Hill; St. John's Hill) in Byzantine times.

Catanzaro has been the lace capital of the world since the 11th century with a large silkworm breedin,

it produced all the laces and linens used in the Vatican and supplied merchants that came

from all over Europe to buy the silk in the port of Reggio Calabria soon before Pentecost day.

A devastating earthquake in 1782 wiped away churches. palaces and a large part of the population,

and a second in 1832 completed the destruction of most ancient historical buildings.

Climate

The Calabrian climate is decidedly Mediterranean. The Ionian coast is warmer and dryer than the

Tyrrenean coast, infact it is the hottest area on the peninsula. Heading inland towards the Sila

mountains one finds various microclimates that prompt a wild diversity of vegetation.

Monthly minimum and maximum temperatures
( Celsius - C º )

Economy

Calabria is fortunate to have a great deal of forested land and as a result most industry is developed

around construction and building. Textile, clothing, and chemical industries are also present in the region.

A substantial portion of the regions economic resources stem from the production and sale of handicrafts

by individuals and very small family businesses. Tourism, which is increasing, also plays a major part in the

Calabrian economy and is the motive behind some of the regions most recent technological advancements.

Calabria has a beautiful coastline which was under distress due to pollution caused by improper waste

disposal and annual flooding. Recently the government of Calabria, in an effort to preserve and protect

its valuable coastline, has taken steps to create the most efficient and well designed water treatment

system in all of Italy. Calabria now boasts one of the cleanest, nicest coastlines in on the peninsula.

Food in Calabria

The food of Calabria is simple: pastas and vegetables, complimented by olive oil and sausages. Think

of various shapes of dried pasta like spaghetti or penne topped with colorful sauces with combinations

of tomatoes, eggplant and peppers. Combine that with spicy dried salame or other sausages such as

pork sopressata or smoked capocollo and you pretty much sum up the cuisine of Calabria. All these

ingredients frequently make their way into hearty soups.

Mains Voltage

The Italian mains supply is at 220 V, 50 Hz. Adapters are still needed for the plugs (most Italian sockets

have 2-3 holes) and North American citizens will need a transformer. Please be aware that in some older

properties, the electrical supply can trip if it is overloaded. It is necessary to consider this when using

several high voltage appliances at once. In the event of the electrics tripping, it is necessary to flip the

mains trip switch that can be located in the external mains box found by the main door or gate of most properties.

Motoring in Italy

A full driving licence is required by EC Nationals. Non EC Nationals should contact the Italian Consulate for advice.

Nobody under the age of 18 may drive a car in Italy even if they hold a valid license in a foreign nation. Driving in

Italy is “interesting” and certainly not for the nervous driver because everything is possible. If you remember that

the rules of the road are dubiously maintained and always expect the unexpected, you will manage fine. It is fairly

easy to get about, as road signs are relatively simple and clear. Laws have been enforced whereby it is necessary

to wear a seatbelt at all times and to turn your lights on when traveling on a dual carriageway or motorway.

Nightlife

Also at night Calabria has a lot to offer. Lots of restaurants, discotheques and pubs. Together with your friends

you can spend unforgettable nights under the mediterranean sky.

Passports and Visa

British tourists will need a full 10-year passport when visiting Italy. No particular visas are required for European

Union Nationals in possession of valid passports wishing to stay for up to three months. Other nationals should

contact their local Italian Embassy to confirm visa requirements.

Time

Calabria is on Central European Time (CET) which is GMT + 1.

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