Practical info
MILAN,
GENERAL AND USEFUL INFORMATION
» Climate and weather conditions
At the begin of October, Milan has a pleasant climate, with temperatures of about 12°/16°C degree during the day.
» Bank and exchange
The official currency in Italy is Euro (€). Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 13.30 hrs. and again from 14.45 to 16.15 hrs. Banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Many banks have automatic currency exchange machines that also take credit cards.
Exchange offices at airports and main railway stations are normally open 06.00 - 22.00 hrs.
All major credit cards (VISA, American Express, Diners, Mastercard) are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, shops and outlets.
Please beware, however, that taxis and few smaller businesses may not accept credit card payment and you are advised to check prior to purchase.
Service is usually included in the bill in bars and restaurants, but tips are welcome.
Travellers cheques are best exchanged at an exchange office ("Cambio") as they are not accepted as payment in general stores, restaurants and hotels. Banks also often decline to change travellers cheques.
» Post Offices
The opening times of the post offices are: Monday to Friday from 08.30 to 15.30 hrs; Saturday from 08.30 to 12.00 hrs.
VISA Requirements
European Community passport holders do not need a visa to visit Italy. Many other nationalities are also exempt for stays of up to 3 months, however, if in doubt we advise you to check before travelling with your local Italian embassy or consulate for Visa Requirements.
» Electricity
The electrical power supply in italy is 220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs have two or three round pins. Some foreign voltage could require an adapter.
» Restaurants
From a quick snack to a gourmet meal at a fine restaurant – the choices for eating out in Milan are endlessly varied, from traditional Milanese and different Italian regions cooking to international, ethnical and fusion cuisine.
» Shopping
Milan is a temple of high fashion and the so-called Quadrilateral (Quadrilatero della Moda) of fashion, formed by Via Montenapoleone, Via Sant'Andrea, Via Manzoni, Via della Spiga is top of the list. But in the historic centre and outside the historic centre many beautiful department stores and special areas are able to move into even bigger premises: Corso Buenos Aires (North), Corso Vercelli (West) and Corso XXII Marzo (East) are runners up for fashion shopping.
Most shops open 09.30-13.00 hrs and 15.30-19.30 hrs, although the bigger stores stay open all day.
For furniture and design, a good bet is the district around Brera.
The area is also popular with antique dealers. Antique fairs are also popular at the weekends around the Naviglio Grande, along the banks of the canal.
» Public Transport and Taxi
The cost of the over-ground and underground transport is the same: to use public transport only one ticket (one euro)is needed, which is valid for 75 minutes after stamping on the bus, tram and metro network . Special tickets give unlimited use of all public transport for one whole day.
Tickets can be bought from bars, kiosks and from automatic ticket machines, but not in buses.
Public transport runs from 6.00 hrs. to midnigth, plus night buses.
The taxi in Milan are white, and park in ranks supplied with a telephone.
Useful radiotaxi numbers: 028585; 024040.
» Useful phone numbers
Emergency: 118
Police: 113
Fire: 115
Pharmacy: 800801185
Emegency doctor: 0234567
» Milan online
For more information you can easily connect to the following website pages:
www.turismo.comune.milano.it
www.provincia.milano.it
» Where to stay & Cheap Accommodations
For more information about:
- Youth Hostels
- Campsites
- Rooms-to-rent
- Private Houses and Apartment-to-rent
- Holiday Homes
- Specially for disabled
You can easily connect to the following website pages:
www.visitamilano.it
www.ostellomilano.it
www.bed-and-breakfast.it
www.only-apartments.com
www.italytravelescape.com
www.holidaycityeurope.com
Milan can also you in finding cheap accommodatione, some structures are able to accommodate a small number of guests; for that reason, You are invited to visit their website and make your own reservation directly.
HOW TO REACH MILANO
» By Plane
Aeroporto Intercontinentale Malpensa MXP - (45 Km from Milan)
Aeroporto Internazionale Civile “Forlanini” di Linate LIN – (7 Km from Milan)
Information:
SEA – Aeroporti Milano
Tel. +39-02.74.85.22.00, www.sea-aeroportimilano.it
Aeroporto Internazionale Orio al Serio–Bergamo BGY - (50 Km from Milan)
Information:
Aeroporto Orio al Serio – Bergamo
Tel. +39-035.32.63.23, www.orioalserio.it
» By Train
Stazione Centrale
Piazza Duca d’Aosta (M2, M3 – Centrale FS)
Stazione Garibaldi
Piazza Freud (M2 - Garibaldi)
Information:
TRENITALIA
Tel. 89.20.21 (from Italy only), www.trenitalia.com
Stazione Cadorna FNM – Ferrovie NORD
Piazzale Cadorna (M1, M2 – Cadorna - Triennale)
Information:
LeNord
Tel. 199.151.152 (from Italy only), www.lenord.it |
