ABOUT ITALY

Before we show you the best that Monza has in store for you, let's take a look at Italy itself. 

Check out practical information about the country so you can appreciateyour stay at the Formula 1 Italy Grand Prix in Monza without any worries and enjoy your stay to the fullest.

Entrance to Italy

Italy is part of the Schengen Area, which means citizens from other European countries can enter with a valid identity card. Travellers from countries such as the UK, USA, Canada and Australia need a passport that is valid for at least three months after leaving Italy, although six months’ validity is usually recommended. Most visitors from these countries do not need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Border officers may ask for proof of accommodation, return travel, travel insurance, or enough funds to cover your stay. From 2025, non-EU visitors will also need an ETIAS travel authorisation before arrival, and their entry and exit will be recorded electronically.

Currency

In Italy, you pay in euros. Most merchants now routinely accept all payment cards from the world's key card associations. However, if you plan to rent a car, for example, carry a credit card, not just a regular credit card. It may not be enough.

There is a very dense network of ATMs in all cities. However, we recommend that you only withdraw money from those operated by banks. If you come across ATMs operated by other operators, such as Euronet, you are likely to be charged a withdrawal fee, which can be up to €10, or 10 per cent of the transaction. 

Health

If you need medicine while in Milan or Monza, there are many pharmacies, called a “farmacia.” They take turns staying open late, so you can usually find one nearby at any time. If you are visiting from another European country, you can use your EHIC card to get medical help. Even so, it is still wise to buy travel insurance before your trip, so you are covered in case of an emergency.

Safety

Milan and Monza are both safe cities, and violent crime is very uncommon. The main problem for visitors is pickpocketing, which happens mostly in busy places such as Milan’s central train station and on crowded buses or trains. Keep your belongings safe and do not leave valuables in your car if you are driving to the race.

Electricity

In Italy, 230 V AC with a frequency of 5 Hz is common, as it is throughout continental Europe. But beware of the type of sockets. Specific sockets are used here, which have only two pins with a smaller diameter. Mobile phone chargers are not a problem, but larger appliances, such as laptops, can be difficult to charge. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a reducer with you. This is also available in many Italian shops or at petrol stations. 

Mobile services

There are three main mobile operators in Italy. These are Wind, Vodafone, and TIM. European Union citizens pay the standard tariff that applies in their home country. However, data charges may vary. 
If you're travelling from outside the EU, it's worth getting a prepaid card, which you can buy at petrol stations or newsagents. WIND's tariff is usually the best value.

Important telephone numbers

The Italian international dialling code is +39
Gendarmes (police responsible for security in small towns and villages): 112
Police: 113
Rescue service: 118
Firefighters: 115
Towing service: 116
English-speaking assistance: 170

Interesting facts about Italy

Italy is the fifth most populous country in Europe and was one of the founding members of the EU. There are two other independent states within Italy. These are San Marino and the Vatican City.

Italy is home to the world's oldest university, the University of Bologna, founded in 1088. Dante Alighieri, the famous poet and author of the Divine Comedy, and Giorgio Napolitano, former President of Italy (2006-2015), studied here. Italy is also home to the largest university in Europe. It is the University of Rome and is attended by 150,000 students. 

Italy has a total of 55 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, more than any other country. These include cultural sites such as the Colosseum in Rome and the archaeological site of Pompeii. Natural wonders such as the Dolomites and the Cinque Terre. 

Italy is the world's largest producer of wine, with more than 48 million hectolitres produced annually. The history of winemaking dates back to ancient Rome.

In the town of Caldari di Ortona, there is a fountain from which wine flows all year round and can be drunk for free.

At the beginning of the 18th century, Italian inventor Giovanni Branca built the first steam engine, laying the foundations for the Industrial Revolution.

The world's first violin also comes from Italy. They appeared here around 1500 and were built by Andrea Amati. Amati was a member of a family of musical instrument makers, his work laid the foundation for the modern violin, and his instruments are still in great demand today.

Italy has a strong tradition in motorsport and has produced some of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history, including Alberto Ascari, Massimiliano "Max" Papis and Andrea de Cesaris.