Money

1. Currency Exchange

The official currency of Italy was the Lira. However, since Italy became a member of the European Union, the Euro is the official and commonly accepted currency over there. So all the rates and prices will be displayed in Euros. Though the old currency is no longer acceptable, one can still get it converted to Euros in central banks. Tourists may look around before converting currency or cashing travelers checks - in general major financial institutions will generally provide better exchange rates than the smaller booths at airports, train stations or hotels.

Alternatively, you could use credit cards, which are now widely accepted around the world. You can also take cash out of ATM's using credit cards, but using this facility generally results in a high interest rate. It is also important to note that if you intend to use your credit card abroad, it is worth informing the credit card company as the company itself may deactivate it as a security measure.

2. What A Dollar Will Buy You

When in Milan, you can get a drink and an assortment of snacks like minipizzas, Parmesan cheese chunks or meatballs for $7.45 at $1.24 to the euro. Lodging is available for fewer than 100 dollars a night. A visit to the museum at the Sforza Castle which includes a glimpse of a ceiling decorated by Leonardo, and a statue of the Madonna and Christ that Michelangelo was working on at when he died. You can have a glimpse of excellent examples of Milanese culture ranging from Lombard paintings to an ensemble of musical instruments. This whole package costs just about $4. Traveling by bus is probably the cheapest way with day tickets costing about $4 and lasting for 24 hours, and 48-hour tickets costing about $7.

3. Telecommunications

Telephone

Telecom Italia, the state-run telecommunications service, is the country's largest telecom organization. There are several public payphones run by Telecom Italia scattered across Milan. For easy distinguishibility, they are orange in color. Local calls are charged by the minute, and there is an off-peak rate 18:30 to 08:00 weekdays, after 13:00 on Saturdays and all day Sunday. Alternatively, you could opt for buying phonecards, available from Telecom Italia use them to make calls from private phones too. These cards are available at post offices, newspaper stands, tobacconists, and vending machines at train stations and in Telecom offices. Some payphones also provide the facility to send faxes.

At airports and train stations, you will find public telephones operated by other telecommunications service providers. But, to use these phones you need to have either the phone cards of the respective service provider, which are again easily available at tobacconists and newspaper stands.

The country code or calling code (also called the prefix and the routing code) for calling Italy is +39. To make a phone call direct to Italy from America, dial 011 + 39 + (City Code) + (Number). But calling directly costs a lot of money. It is better to use prepaid phone services that are very easy to come by.

Mobile Phone

Italy has four GSM mobile-phone networks. They offer a wide variety of deals, both monthly subscriptions and package deals, between them. You cannot rent a phone in Italy. However, all the four major service providers sell SIM cards, which you can buy and use within Italy itself. This will give you better calling rates and can be recharged with prepaid cards. This also means that you will have an Italian mobile-phone number. There are a few exceptions like the business center at Malpensa airport and a couple of top-end hotels in Milan, which give out mobile phones as a perk to guests.

You can easily buys SIM cards from any network, simply by producing your passport or identity card and an address in Italy, even a hotel address will suffice.

3. Cab Fares

In Milan, it is difficult to flag down a taxi off the street. Normally, you would have to go to a taxi stand or call a cab. It helps a lot to keep the telephone number of the nearest taxi stands handy. It is really hard to find taxis during the rains and also during periods when the expo center, Fiera Milano hosts events. So, a waiting period is almost mandatory. Keep in mind that when you are calling a radio taxi, the meter will start running as soon as the driver gets your call. Also make sure that you pronounce your address and telephone number clearly, because many dispatchers don't speak English. So, it is better to learn a few choice Italian words and pronounce them clearly. Here are some important phone numbers of taxi companies in Milan: Radio Taxi 02 8585 / 02 6767 / 02 5353 / 02 8383 / 02 3100. Remember that the international calling code for Italy is +39. 02 is the city code for Milan.

One great way of traveling in the city is by taxi. Taxis in Milan are white in color. The prices are reasonable and you also get a front row seat to experience the driving culture of the city. You can travel from one end of the city to another for as less as $13 and it is the done thing to pay a 10% tip to the drivers. Taxis in Milan are neither too cheap, nor too expensive. The only thing that costs most is the starting fare, which is 3, 10 euros in the day. This fare doubles in the evening after 19:00. Once you are in, it does not cost too much. But here, like in any other country, you have to be wary of drivers tricking you when its time to pay the fare.

4. Currency Exchange Rates

The euro is accepted as the official currency in Milan, like the rest of Italy. The currency exchange rates in Italy are:

1 Euro = 1.27035 US Dollars

1 US Dollar = 0.787 Euros

5. Taxes

VAT (IVA) is always included in the prices of purchases. You don't get refunds in Italy. But tourists from countries outside of the European Union can claim a refund on this tax if they purchased an item for personal use and it cost more than a certain amount. For the exact details and rates, you may ask the shopkeepers.

6. Tipping

Tipping in Milan is something you are expected to do at your own discretion. But, it is a good idea to give small tips to taxi drivers and you are expected to tip porters at top-of-the-line hotels. Restaurants have service charges, which are stated on the menus, so it is not mandatory to tip the staff. If there are no service charges in a restaurant, you might want to consider leaving a 10% tip. You should pay tips in cash to ensure that the person for whom it is intended gets its full benefit.

You may follow these guidelines for tipping in major cities in Italy:

In restaurants, a 15% service charge is usually included, but it's customary to tip another 5% to 10% for good service.

In bars too, a service charge is included, but you are expected to leave EUR50 for a coffee standing at a bar. The prices will be higher if you sit at a table, again a 15% tip is expected.

Hotel housekeeping are expected to be tipped EUR1 per night and room service 15 %.

Parking attendants / valets are expected to be tipped EUR0 0.50

E. Weather

Milan experiences a sub continental climate for the better part of the year. Though the mountains shield the city from the worst of the Northern European winter, the season can be quite cold with temperatures dipping below freezing point. Summers, which last from May till September are hot and muggy for the most part. The average temperature in winters is around 2°C (35°F), which can go down to -10/-15°C (5/10°F), with about 40 cm (15 inches) of snow each year. Average summer temperature is 23°C, but it can rise up to 35°C (95°F). Humidity is also quite high throughout the year. Annual rainfall averages 1000 mm (40 in). In August, most of the city escapes to the beaches to avoid the 30°C-plus (86°F-plus) heat, which is highly recommended.

1. Best Times to Go

You could visit Milan at anytime in the year and enjoy the experience. The calm of the city more than compensates for any discomfort caused by the varying temperatures.

2. What to Wear

Dress casually when in Milan except for the occasions when you frequent restaurants, which require a dress code.