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General Information for Amalfi Coast
General Information for Amalfi Coast

Currency, Language, Time Zone, Electricity Standard, Shopping, Tipping, Transportation, Amalfi Coast Facts

Updated over a week ago

Amalfi Coast Tips and Facts

Location - The Amalfi Coast is a 50-kilometer stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, in the Campania region. It’s a popular holiday destination, with sheer cliffs and a rugged shoreline dotted with small beaches and pastel-colored fishing villages. The coastal road between the port city of Salerno and clifftop Sorrento winds past grand villas, terraced vineyards and cliffside lemon groves.

Coordinates - 43.2548° N, 6.6379° E

Language - Italian, although English is common in the tourist areas

Population - 5,600

Time Zone - Amalfi Coast is two hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1), but from late March until late October, summer time (GMT+2) applies.

Currency - Euros - ATMs are available in many parts of Amalfi Coast ensure you inform your bank before travelling abroad, and be aware you may be charged for cash withdrawals. It is advisable to exchange some cash before arriving in Amalfi Coast. VAT is currently at 20%. There are reduced rates of 10% (restaurant food, books, public transport, cleaning services) and 5.5% (essential foodstuffs).

Electrical Current - 220 volts. Sockets accept three-round-pin style plugs, so an adaptor is needed for most non-continental appliances and a transformer for appliances.

Telephone code - Italy Country Code is + 39
US to Italy= international dialing format: 011+ 39 + area code (2-4 digits) then the number
Europe dialing format for mobile:+39 then number 

Amalfi Coast Security and Health

Amalfi Coast is known for the safety and lack of crime. However, we still encourage our guests to be smart. Lock up valuables in your safe, keep the villa locked and do not leave valuables in the car.

Drugs - Prescription and non-prescription drugs and medicines are available from pharmacies, distinguished by a large a green cross. They are able to dispense many drugs that would only be available on prescription in other countries. Medical Insurance - Nationals of EU and certain other countries can get medical treatment in Italy with the relevant documentation, although private medical insurance is still advised and is essential for all other visitors.

Amalfi Coast Shopping - Shops (excluding grocery stores) usually open at 10:00 am and close at 1:30 pm for morning hours, then open again at 4:30 pm and remain open until 8:00 pm for the afternoon and evening. In the summer, many remain open until 10:00 pm. In general, pharmacies, banks and shops close on Sundays.

Dining - Restaurants generally serve lunch from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm, and dinner from 7:30 pm to 11.30 pm (or later in the summer). Keep in mind that locals generally eat lunch at 1:30 pm and dinner at 9:00 pm.

It's always a good idea to make reservations at restaurants, especially those in the fine dining category. Reservations are required for Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch, and for a table with a view at restaurants overlooking the coast or Mediterranean. Usually, a day or even a few hours in advance will suffice.

WiFi/Computers - Most villas and resorts offer WiFi internet, however you will find spotty cellular coverage along the coast.

Transportation – A private transfer directly from the airport to your villa is by far the most stress-free way to reach the Amalfi Coast, without connections for transportation changes.

The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples' Capodichino airport, though most international flights arrive at Rome Fiumicino.

Public Transportation vs. Car rental - This depends upon when you are visiting the coast and your comfort in driving. During the months of July and August, we do not recommend driving due to heavy traffic. During the other months, you can rent a car if you feel up the twisting, narrow roads along the coast.

 Restaurant Tips - Tipping is not mandatory and should be done only if the service warrants compensation.Many restaurants will add a 10% - 15% service charge (servizio incluso) and this will show as a separate entry in the bill. If the service is exceptional, it is okay to give a good tip, although this is never expected.

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