Money

1. Currency Exchange

The official currency of Sicily is the Euro (EUR) and is divided into 100 cents. Most of the banks in Sicily exchange foreign currencies. Tourists can also exchange currencies through ATMs and currency exchange bureaus (bureaux de exchange). ATMs and banks can be found all over the country. Tourists may also exchange traveler's checks in all the major cities. However, this facility may not be easily available in the small towns. All upscale hotels, restaurants and stores usually accept credit cards. Banks operate only on weekdays and are closed during weekends. Nevertheless, they offer the best rates while exchanging foreign currencies.

2. What A Dollar Will Buy You

A variety of food items, drinks, household products, utility goods and beverages are available in pretty cheap rates. Milk chocolates, biscuits, bananas, lettuces, potatoes, coffee and local beer are some of the food and drink items available within a range of $1.11 to $1.92. Utility products include three-minute phone calls costing around a little more than $1. Some of the household items include soap bars (150 gm) and dishwashing liquids (500 ml) costing between $1.20 and $1.92.

3. Telecommunications

The country code of Sicily, Italy is +93. In order to use the Sicilian telephone service you would require Italian coins or phone cards. These phone cards are available in the tobacco stores. Rates are usually higher for long distance calls. Some of the major companies serving Sicily at present are AT&T and MCI and BT. The companies provide both telephone and credit card services. Applying for these cards before leaving US would be helpful. An overseas call may cost a dollar or a little more per minute. It is advisable to make long distance domestic calls between 6.30pm and 8.00am on the weekdays and after 2.00pm on Saturdays to avail of low rates. Calls on Sundays also cost very less.

4. Cab Fares

A ride from the main terminal of Palermo to the city center costs around 64 USD.

5. Currency Exchange Rates

EUR 1.00 = USD 1.26

GBP 0.69

CAD 1.41

AUD 1.66

ZAR 7.60

NZD 1.98

6. Taxes

A 14% tax is charged on renting cars at the airports. Taxes are also imposed on alcohol. Most restaurants and hotels include a service tax that is charged on the total bill.

7. Tipping

Tipping is not compulsory. Most of the hotels and restaurants include a service charge of 12 to 15% on the total bill price. In case the service charge is not included in the bill, the visitors would have to pay this charge and may choose not to tip additionally. However, if the service quality has been really good or satisfactory, tourists may leave a small change amount as tip. Visitors may check the menu card or ask the waiter to find out whether the service charge has been already added.