Italy
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 58.9 million people live in Italy, on 302,068 km². The capital is Rome.
- Capital
- Rome
- Population
- 58,915,656
- Area
- 302,068 km²
- Official languages
- Italian
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Italy?
Sockets take plug type C/F/L, at 230 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Italy?
Call 112 for police, ambulance and fire.
Do you tip in Italy?
Round up, or leave small change.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Italy?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Italy?
Prices are in Euro (EUR).
What language do they speak in Italy?
Official languages: Italian.
How do I call a number in Italy from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +39.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
