Money

1. Currency

Venice is in Italy, which is a member of the European Union. Hence, the Euro is the official currency here. 100 cents or centimes form one Euro. Euro coins are available in many different denominations like 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 centimes, and 1 and 2 euros. The 1, 2 and 5-centime coins are copper-colored; 10, 20, and 50- centime coins are golden colored; coins of 1 and 2 euro denomination are a mix of gold-and-silver colors. Different denomination Euro notes such as 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 are in vogue. The coins really come in handy when paying for parking meters, launderettes, etc. There are a lot of ATMs in Venice so that even if you run out of cash you can always withdraw easily. But having a credit card can save you the trouble of carrying a lot of cash with you. However, some small places, certain trattorie and pizzerias do not accept credit cards, for which you will have to carry cash.

The best bet for changing travelers' checks are banks and post offices. They generally offer the best rates; but you will have to look around for the lowest commission deals. But the exchange rate on credit cards is better than that for travelers' checks or for cash.

2. What a dollar will buy you

At present exchange rates, a Euro equals 1.27 U.S. dollars. Italy is relatively expensive for people who are on a tight budget. If you are looking for cheaper alternatives to stay for the night, opt for the various hostels scattered over the city. An hour in an Internet café can put you back by about $9. Restaurants and cafés are relatively expensive in Venice as compared to those in other places. A one-liter bottle of mineral water will cost you about $2, a 33cl bottle of beer about $2.5, a city center bus ticket costs about $6, the charge of an adult football match ticket starts from $20 and a three course meal would cost you approximately $32.

3. Telecommunications

Telephone

Italy has a very good and reliable phone system. However, you ought to keep two things in mind here: firstly, phone numbers can vary in length, i.e. they can be anywhere from four to seven digits long and secondly, you have to include the entire area code along with the number even when you want to call up a local number.

There are public pay phones, which accept coins, but to use many of these you require a ‘carta telefonica' (phone card), which can be purchased at tobacconist stalls, bars, and newsstands. There are two types of cards: national and international, and are available in different denominations. In case of national or local cards, you have to tear off the corner of the card, insert the ripped portion in the slot, and see its value being displayed in the window when you dial. The card is returned the minute you end the call and hang up. As far as international calling cards are concerned, you have to first call a toll-free number. Then you have to dial a code number that is printed on the back of the card followed by the number you want to get connected to.

The international country code for Italy is 39. Venice has the area code 041. As noted earlier, while making any calls including local ones, you must dial the regional area code first and then the number. If you are calling from overseas, the number must be preceded by 39, followed by the area code and zero. For example, when making a call to Venice from New York, you would dial 011 + 39 + 041 + local phone number. When making a call within Venice itself, you would require to dial 041 + local phone number. When dialing from another Italian city such as Rome to Venice, dial 041 + local phone number.

To getting general information on the phone in English, you can dial 4176. In order to make international telephone calls with operator's assistance, dial 170.

Hotels tend to charge pretty high service charges for allowing international calls. Hence, the best way to make international calls is by using telephone cards. Collect calls can be placed from any phone by dialing 170. The calling rates are low between 10pm and 8am time period from Monday through Saturday and the entire day on Sundays. Even calling long distance within Italy itself is cheaper after 7pm or 8pm in the evening and before 9am.

Mobile Phones

Italians really love their cell phones, so much so that they leave it on while in restaurants, museums, and even in theaters. This may account for the fewer number of public pay phones. Tourists too could buy or rent a cell phone while in Italy. If there are a lot of calls to be made, buying or renting a cell phone might make sense. Cell phone rentals cost about EUR20 per week excluding the cost of a calling card. You also have to place a deposit of about EUR100 when renting a cell phone.

4. Cab Fares

Taking a taxi in Venice can turn out to be very expensive, though also extremely convenient. The taximeters have a fixed charge on start of the journey and then proceed to charge according to the distance traveled. You are charged extra for luggage and airport journeys, and there is an extra charge during the time period between 10pm and 7am, also on public holidays and weekends.

Traveling by water taxi is very expensive with a minimum charge of $19 for a traveling time of seven minutes. A journey along the Grand Canal costs you about $88.

5. Currency Exchange Rates

The official currency of Venice is the Euro.

1 EUR = 1.27 USD

1 USD = 0.78 EUR

6. Taxes

Prices of various goods and services in Italy include value added tax. Travelers from countries not included in the European Union have the right to claim a refund on this tax if they purchased the items for personal use. You can also ask the storeowner for details regarding these refunds.

7. Tipping

Tipping is to be done at your discretion in Venice. It is not mandatory to tip anything over and above the restaurant service charges. Even so, people do leave small tips for the staff. However, if you are not charged for the service, you might want to leave a 10% tip. Small change will do for tips in bars. You should tip hotel staff such as porters at big hotels.