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| General Information
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Naples is a dynamic city, full of contrasts and activity. It is the largest city in southern Italy and the capital of the Campania region, situated on the northern edge of the beautiful Bay of Naples. From the bay one can see great views of the nearby Capri and Ischia Islands. There is also the infamous Mount Vesuvius looming in the background, the only active volcano on the continent of Europe. The volcano hasn’t erupted since 1944, but its presence through the centuries has had its effect on the culture of the Neapolitans. Some say its menace is a reason behind some of the charming and quirky superstitions of the people.
Naples has a flourishing cultural life and a wide array of breathtaking sights, but also a grittier, more chaotic side than cities such as Rome or Florence. Its contrasts make it a compelling place and the people of Naples give the impression of living life to the fullest, adding vibrancy to their city life.
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| Weather
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Naples is in the south of Italy and it is usually fairly warm. The winters can get fairly cold, however, with typical temperatures between 39-55°F/4-13°C. The ideal time to visit in terms of the weather is from early spring to mid-summer. The temperature is usually between 70-80°F/21-27°C, and it tends to rain less during this season. By late summer the heat can be overwhelming and it also becomes quite humid. The fall season is often pleasantly warm, but usually has more rainfall than the spring and summer.
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| Language
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The main language of Naples is Italian. There is also a Neapolitan dialect spoken through much of southern Italy.
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| Religion
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Most of the people in Italy are Roman Catholic, and Naples is a particularly Catholic city. There are some Jewish, Muslim and Protestant minorities as well.
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| Currency
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The currency used in Italy is the Euro. Notes come in denominations of €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5, and the coins in use are €2, €1, € 0.50, € 0.20, € 0.10, € 0.05, € 0.02 and € 0.01.
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| Tipping
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Restaurants in Naples often include a service charge, usually 15%, added to the check. The menu may also state that the service charge is included in the prices. Either way, a tip for the waiter is still expected, usually between 5-10%, depending on the service. Taxi drivers are also customarily given a tip of between 5-10%. For hotel service, a tip of 0.50 or 1 Euro per day is typical, and about double this at an expensive hotel.
For other people providing services, such as parking, checkroom, and restroom attendants, a small tip of between 0.25 and 1 Euro is normally given.
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| Taxes
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Tax is included in the price of all goods in Italy. For items purchased over € 155, tourists from outside of the EU can get the tax reimbursed. This can be done by filling in a form in the shop and then presenting it to the customs officials at major airports or border crossings.
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| Telephone
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Public telephones are readily available throughout the city of Naples. Most of them will now only accept phone cards, which can be purchased from newsstands, vending machines and tobacco shops. Some public phones require tokens instead of cards, and these can be bought at the same places. The country code of Italy is 39 and the local area code for Naples is 081. To dial Naples from abroad, dial 00 39 81, followed by the local number.
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| Internet
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Internet connections can be found at the airport and in every bigger hotel. There are also some public places with internet connection and internet cafés in Naples: BLUBLU.IT: Via Sorrento, ClicNet Internet Café: Via Toledo 393, City Hall Café: Corso V. Emanuelle 137 a (www.cityhallcafe.it), Internet bar by Tightrope: Piazza Bellini 74 (www.internetbarnapoli.it)
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| Emergency Numbers
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Carabinieri Tel.: 112
Emergency Police Help Number (also ambulance and fire) Tel.: 113
Fire Department Tel.: 115
Medical Emergencies Tel.: 118
A.C.I. (Italian Automobile Club) road assistance Tel.: 116
Telephone Directory Assistance Number: Tel.: 12
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| Opening Times
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Shops and museums are generally open from 9 am -1 pm and from 3.30 pm – 7 pm, Monday through Saturday. During the early afternoon, most businesses in Naples shut down completely. The times that they reopen vary, and some are closed until 4 pm or 5 pm. Most shops are closed on Sunday, and museums are closed on Sunday and Monday.
Banks have more limited opening times than other businesses, usually Monday-Friday from 8.30 am - 1.30 pm and 3 pm - 4 pm.
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| Public Holidays
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The following holidays in Italy are days when most businesses close and transportation may be more limited.
1st January, New Years Day
6th January, Epiphany
Good Friday/Easter Sunday and Monday, late March or early April
25th April, Liberation Day
1st May, Labour Day
15th August, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
1st November, All Souls Day
8th December, Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
25th December, Christmas
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| Safety
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Naples is the third largest city in Italy and is to be said to be a “safe” place. However It is possible that there are some pick pockets and swindlers present. Watch out for all your belongings such as bags, wallets and jewellery, especially at touristy places and the main train stations. Be also attentive when taking public transport and at crowded locations like the shopping streets and markets.
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