Italy

Italian is the official language spoken in Italy.

As Italy is a top European tourist destination, it is common for locals to speak English, especially in large cities and at most restaurants, hotels, and airports.

Language learning prior to departure: As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources, such as Duolingo to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

U.S. students studying abroad in Italy for the fall or spring semester will need to get a student visa. U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to study in Italy over the summer (less than 90 days), but many non-U.S. passport holders will need a visa for the summer.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page on the Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange website.

Cell phones

• • Check with your service provider about purchasing an international plan, though a local number may be useful for safety and communications purposes.

  • Pay-as-you-go SIM cards might be the most affordable option for longer stays and will be available for purchase once you arrive in Italy. These no-contract plans are commonly used in Italy by locals. Most pay-as-you-go plans will have data options for internet use.

  • Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet usage

• • Internet infrastructure in Italy is well developed, and you will likely have internet access through your housing and on campus.

  • WiFi service is widely available throughout the country in bars, restaurants, and hotels. It may not be available for free in as many locations as U.S. students are accustomed to.

Electricity

• • Italy uses the plug types C, F and L, but mainly type C (pictured below on the left). You will need to purchase an adapter for type C or a universal adapter (pictured on the right).

  • While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

The Euro is the official currency of Italy.

Payment Methods

• • Credit/debit cards are the preferred payment method for many young Italians, and both are widely accepted. Cash is also common and can be used anywhere.

  • Many U.S. banks will allow you to exchange dollars for Euros before departure at little to no cost. It is recommended that you travel to Italy with enough Euros to last you several days, or exchange dollars for Euros directly at the airport upon arrival as an emergency back-up option if you have issues with your card(s).

  • While paying with a card, choose to keep your payment in the local currency, rather than USD, to prevent extra costs.

  • If you plan to use a U.S. credit or debit card while in Italy, be sure to notify your bank that you will be using it abroad and find out how much of an international surcharge will be added for each card swipe.

Banking Tips

• • Try to avoid using ATMs that are part of a store, for security and fee purposes. It is better to use an ATM at a bank, even if the ATM is inside the bank and you have to swipe your card to enter the building.

  • Internet banking/bank transfers are the most common payment method for regular bill payments.

Student Voices on Money

• • I would say if you can, get a credit card just in case there are large expenditures that you don't anticipate. For example, when I got to Italy we were informed we needed to spend $175 on a "permit of stay" that I hadn't known about previously. I couldn't have paid for that instantly on my debit card. Also make sure you inform your bank that you're going to be traveling and spending somewhat irregularly. Try to get a debit card that won't charge you too much to take out cash/make foreign transactions (if at all).

  • I spent way more than I expected studying abroad. Not only was my money spent on traveling, but the books and fees that my Institute required me to pay was unbelievable. For 2 of my classes, I had to put a 100+ Euro fee just because I was taking the course even though I was already paying for the tuition. (LDM Student)

  • Always have cash on hand, it's the easiest way to pay. If not, have an international credit card so you don't get charged fees with each transaction.

  • Get a Charles Schwab card or another one that has no foreign transaction or ATM fees.

  • (To save money) Learn to cook. Take advantage of public transportation.

  • Definitely saved money by purchasing most of my traveling tickets and accommodations in advance.

Geography

• • Italy is a member of the European Union and is bordered by France, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland and the enclave micro-states of Vatican City and San Marino. Much of it borders the Mediterranean Sea.

Climate

• • Italy has a Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

Packing

• • Light T-shirts and cotton clothes are recommended for the summer, while warmer clothes are necessary for the winter.

  • For more packing tips, visit the Pre-Departure Checklist page.

Traveling in Italy

• • Within Italy, you should take advantage of the excellent public railway system to get from city to city. All trains are part of the national rail line: Trenitalia. You can use Italia Rail to purchase train tickets in advance to save money

  • There is no national bus network, but buses can be useful to get to towns in the countryside between the big city centers.

Trains

• • Regionale/interregionale: Slow and often cheaper, stopping at all or most stations.

  • InterCity (IC): Faster services operating between major cities. Their international counterparts are called Eurocity (EC).

  • Alta Velocità (AV): State-of-the-art, high-velocity trains, including Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca and Italo trains, with speeds of up to 300km/h and connections to the major cities. Marginally more expensive than some InterCity express trains, but journey times are cut by almost half.

Airports

• • Bologna: one medium-sized airport

  • Florence: one small airport

  • Rome has two airports: one large (Fiumicino) and one medium (Ciampino)

  • Milan has three airports: one large (Malpensa) and two medium (Bergamo-Orio al Serio and Linate)

  • Pisa: one medium-sized airport

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. Note that how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process:

• • Visit the Department of State website.

  • Look into the Diversity Abroad Resources available on our study abroad website.

Student Voices on Identity & Inclusion

• • Being a Latinx woman in predominately white country I felt a little uncomfortable at first. My classes were also predominately white, therefore those who were brown and black in those classes came together to build a small community in Italy. I don't regret going to Italy despite people telling me I was going to feel out of place sometimes. I was ready for what was coming. Being in that situation allowed me to break out of my shell and call out those who made ignorant comments in front of me.

  • I think Milan is very diverse. There were people of all races speaking Italian fluently. I didn't see many openly queer people or LGBT oriented places, where as in Dublin and Berlin I did, but I definitely didn't feel like there was much homophobia. There is a decent amount of consideration for ability, but not all metro stations have elevators so that's something to be aware of. I think the biggest thing to understand is the language barrier. Ideally you'd want to know basic Italian. It's definitely possible to get by without it, but it will make things a lot easier especially when you first get to Milan, to orient yourself and get your basic necessities.

The Illinois Safety & Security page gives important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with it.

Also, check out the U.S. Embassy page. and the Department of State website.

If your host provider or university doesn't automatically enroll you, consider enrolling yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.