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European Union citizens interested to spend a vacation on the shore of Lake Garda, in Italy, will only need their valid national identity card in order to enter the country. However, it is advisable for tourists to carry their passport, the driving license and a credit card (in case they need to rent a car).

Language

Italian is the official language of Italy. However, in north Italy there are many people who speak German, whereas, as a rule, in tourist areas like Lake Garda visitors can always expect to meet people who do speak English. Most of the locals here will speak English at least at a decent level. Nonetheless, visitors are advised to buy an Italian language guide, and to know common Italian expressions when they go shopping, to a restaurant or to their hotel.

Money and credit cards

Since Italy belongs to the Common European Market and European Union, the currency is Euro. Visitors should make sure they have a credit or a debit card while at Lake Garda, as most hotels, restaurants and shops accept Maestro, Mastercard or VISA as means of payment. Banks are open Monday to Friday, between 8:30am and 1:30pm and in the afternoon, from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. ATMs accept most debit or credit cards and operate 24/7.

Customs regulations

The customs laws and regulations in force in Italy are similar to those of any other European Union state. Limits refer to the amount of goods brought in or brought off the country: 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of alcohol, 50 milliliters of perfume. There are no limits with respect to the amount of money brought in or out of Italy.

Useful phone numbers

Ambulance

Name:
Ambulance
Telephone:
118

Police

Name:
Police
Telephone:
113

Carabinieri

Name:
Carabinieri
Telephone:
112

Fire department

Name:
Fire department
Telephone:
115

Tourist information offices

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, which means the tourist area described by this lake is, geographically speaking, pretty generous. In order to orient better, as well as for advised indications related to the most significant attractions in the area, visitors are recommended to resort to the numerous tourist information offices which can be spotted here. Virtually each resort on the lake shore benefits from the activity of an office of this kind, which is reassuring at least for newcomers who need support in orientation.

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