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| General Information
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Venice (in Italian: Venezia) is located in the northern part of Italy and has a population of 271,250 people. The city stretches across one hundred and seventeen small islands and holds one hundred and fifty canals.
Unlike some of the other most frequently visited cities in Europe, Venice is best explored on foot and getting lost around its many canals and bridges for a day is the best way to absorb its unique character.
Venice is one of the busiest tourist attractions in Europe all year round. The stunning combination of land, water, long history, inspiring architecture and art make it one of the special cities in the world.
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| Weather
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Venice becomes extremely hot in July and August. Outside the summer months the weather is not too excessive. The most pleasant time of year to visit is late March into May, with clear spring days. Venice suffers from frequent thunderstorms and rain showers and flooding may occur in November and December.
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| Language
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The official language in Venice is Italian, but English is well understood at the touristy sights.
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| Religion
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Most of the people in Italy are Roman Catholic. In Venice there are some Jewish, Muslim and Protestant minorities as well.
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| Currency
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The Euro is the official currency of Italy. 1 Euro = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of EUR: 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of 2, 1EUR and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
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| Tipping
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Service charges are usually included on all bar or restaurant bills at a cost of 10 to 15 percent. It is expected to tip a small amount of money, usually to round up to the next euro. It is not common to tip taxi drivers in Italy, but in Vanice boat drivers have to carry heavy bags, so it is common to tip 5-10EUR per couple.
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| Taxes
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The VAT can be reclaimed by visitors from outside the EU as long as the purchase exceeds 154,94 EUR (VAT included) and was purchased at one store on the same day. In order to do that, you have to ask in the store for an invoice containing the description of goods, the personal data of the non European resident as well as the particulars of his passport or of any such equivalent document. At the airport your purchased items need to be taken to the customs clearance. In order to get the VAT refund, the Invoice should be sent back to the seller within four months. Refund will be sent in the method of your choice. Should the seller not receive the invoice in time, he shall be hold responsible by the state for the payment of VAT initially deducted from the purchase, therefore, please do not forget this last act. The invoice doesn't need postage; all you need to do is drop it in a mailbox at the airport.
Customs Information Line: +39 06 50246061
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| Telephone
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To call Venice from abroad, first dial +39 for Italy and then 041 for Venice.
There can be high charges on calls made from hotels and it is generally cheaper to use a calling card. Public telephone boxes take phone cards (carta telefonica) for local and international calls, which can be bought from tobacconit's, post office, newsstands and some bars. Telephones that take coins have become very rare in Italy and Venice.
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| Internet
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There is a number of Internet cafes around Venice, mainly at the area of the train station. Some good Internet cafes are Csanova Disco internet Point on Lista di Spanga, Net House Internet cafe on San Marco 2958 and Logic Internet Point on Dorsoduro 2799.
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| Emergency numbers
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Emergency police help: 113
Fire department: 115
Medical emergencies: 118
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| Opening times
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Banks are usually open Monday through Friday from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm. In the afternoon, the opening hours change from bank to bank but they are usually open from 2.30 pm/3 pm to 4 pm/4.30 pm. Some banks are open non-stop from 8.30 am to 4 pm and/or on Saturday mornings.
Post offices are open Monday through Friday from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm, and on Saturday mornings from 8.30 am to 11.45 am.
Many major museums are closed on Mondays, and on the days they are open, some close their doors by early afternoon. Most churches close at midday for a long lunch break and reopen at 3 or 4 p.m.
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| Public holidays
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* January 1 New Year's Day
* January 6 Epiphany
* April Easter
* April 25 Liberatin Day
* May 1 Labor Day
* June Anniversary of the Republic
* June 29 Feast Day of St. Peter
* August 15 Assumption
* November 1 All Saints Day
* December 8 Immaculate Conception
* December 25 Christmas
* December 26 St. Stephen's Day
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| Safety
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Venice is one of the safest cities in Italy, however it is suggested to take care of personal belongings in crowded areas and on the public waterbuses as to pick pockets activity.
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