Florence, Italy: Pre-Departure Planning Guide
🇮🇹

Florence, Italy: Pre-Departure Planning Guide

Preparing you for your trip

This document is to aid you in planning your trip to Florence. On our first full day together in Florence you will participate in a comprehensive orientation to living in Florence with our Community Managers. This is simply to provide you with some basic information in advance of departure.
 

Event schedule: find your program dates

Your program schedule will be updated 60 days before departure. This is a high level program schedule for our upcoming groups. It also includes optional activities and tours you might be interested in. Program details with exact locations and times will be presented upon arrival. Schedule is subject to change.
 
 
 

Pre-departure

Packing

  • Packing Considerations
    • Consider the Season: Florence has distinct seasons. Pack light, breathable fabrics for summer and warm layers for winter. Spring and fall can be mild, so pack clothes that can be layered. A rain jacket is might also come in handy
    • Walking Shoes: Florence is a walkable city, so comfortable shoes are essential. Opt for closed-toe shoes with good tread for navigating cobblestone streets.
    • Neutral Colors: Italians tend to favor neutral or muted colored clothing. Neutral pieces are easier to mix and match, allowing for more outfit combinations with less luggage.
    • Luggage: Navigating the cobblestone streets of Florence with a large suitcase can be difficult, try to pack as light as possible since you will have the advantage of washing your clothes while you’re here.
  • Non-Obvious Things to Pack
    • Respectful Attire: For visits to churches and religious sites, pack clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. A light scarf can be handy for quick cover-ups.
    • Travel Adapter: Italy uses a two-pronged plug different from the US. Pack a travel adapter to charge your electronics.
    • Small Umbrella: Rain showers can happen any time. A small, foldable umbrella can be a lifesaver.
    • Medications: Pack an adequate supply of any medications you take regularly. Bring a doctor's note for prescriptions in case you need refills.
 

Important Phone Numbers

  • Florence Community Manager: Martina Arezzini: +393382881720
  • Florence Community Manager: Giacomo Piccardi: +393314656368
 

In-country

Arrival Day

  • The Florence airport is very small, the easiest way to reach the apartments from the airport is by taxi, exit the airport terminal and turn right. At the end of the building is the taxi stand. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
  • If you arrive by train you can get a taxi at the train station, but sometimes there might be long lines due to a recent taxi shortage. We hope this situation will improve soon.
  • Once you drop off your luggage at your apartment, you’ll likely never need a taxi again in Florence, everything is walkable.
 

Getting Around

  • Taxi Service
    • Your community managers will explain how to get a taxi while you’re in Florence
  • Public transportation
    • Florence is a walkable city, but if your feet get tired, don't worry! They have a convenient public transit system with orange or white/purple buses running throughout the city.
    • Bus tickets can be bought at newsstands and cafes, and ”tabaccheria” (tobacconist) shops.
    • Instead of tickets, you can also download the TabNet app and use your phone as a digital bus pass.
    • There's also a tram line for an alternative way to get around the outskirts of the city (including to the airport).
    • Your Community Manager will teach you how to use local public transport; you’ll be getting around like a local in no time!
  • Car rental
    • Consider if you really need a car: Florence is a walkable city with great public transportation, so a car might not be necessary. If you plan on exploring the Tuscan countryside or nearby towns, then a car becomes more helpful, but buses and trains connect the country quite well. It is important to note that if you want to rent a car in Italy, you will need to apply for an International Driver’s License.
    • Rental Location: You can pick up a car at the Florence Airport or near the Santa Maria Novella train station. Renting outside the city center might be slightly cheaper and avoid ZTL (limited traffic areas) hassles.
    • Insurance: Rental car insurance can be expensive, so check your existing car insurance and credit card coverage to see if they provide rental car protection in Italy.
    • Tolls: Most highways in Italy have tolls. Rental companies often offer toll payment options like prepaid boxes or post-trip billing.
  • Parking
    • Driving in Florence: Driving in Florence can be challenging. There are narrow streets, one-way roads, and ZTL zones (limited traffic areas) where cars aren't allowed. Familiarize yourself with traffic regulations and ZTL zones before hitting the road.
    • Parking: Parking in Florence can be tricky and expensive. Look for designated parking areas or garages, and avoid leaving your car on the street for long periods.
 

Money

  • Cash vs. Credit Card: While credit cards are widely accepted in Florence, it's always a good idea to carry some euros in cash for smaller purchases or emergencies.
  • ATMs are called Bancomats: ATMs in Italy are called Bancomats. They are widely available throughout Florence, especially near tourist areas and banks.
  • Look for Major Banks: Opt for ATMs affiliated with major Italian banks like Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, or Bancomat S.p.A. These might offer better exchange rates and lower fees compared to independent ATM providers.
  • Avoid Euronet ATMs: While convenient, Euronet ATMs are known for higher fees and potentially less favorable exchange rates. Try to avoid them if possible.
  • Check Fees Before Withdrawing: Always check the ATM screen for any withdrawal fees before you confirm the transaction. Your home bank may also charge additional foreign transaction fees.
  • Inform Your Bank: Let your bank know you'll be traveling to Italy to avoid any issues with using your card abroad.
  • Carry Some Euros: It's always a good idea to carry some euros in cash before you arrive in Florence. This will help you cover any immediate expenses in case you have trouble finding an ATM or your card doesn't work.
 

Communication

  • Cell phone
    • We recommend using Truely eSIM which allows you to easily and cheaply connect to the local cell network wherever you travel - and avoid roaming charges. Truely specifically offers an option that includes all of Europe and the UK, and only costs about $10.  Click here to see how it works. 
    • Check with your carrier about international roaming plans for Italy and what is included and not included.
    • You can purchase a local SIM card in Italy. This requires an unlocked GSM phone.
  • Messaging
    • We encourage you to use Whatsapp for text messaging, this is what people in Europe use commonly. You can also use it for making calls on wifi.
  • Wi-Fi
    • Public wifi: Many cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer free wifi. This is a great option for basic tasks such as email and text messaging.
    • Apartment wifi: Your apartment will have high speed wifi that you can use for FaceTime and other messaging apps such as Whatsapp, iMessage, Zoom.
    • Download Offline Maps and Apps: Having offline maps and apps like Google Translate downloaded can be helpful if you lose signal or wifi access.
  • Local calls
    • You may need to call local businesses or people in Italy. We recommend that you use Whatsapp to make local calls, and to avoid incurring international calling charges
 

Dining Out

  • Tipping
    • Not Mandatory: Unlike the US, tipping in Florence is not expected or mandatory. It's seen as a way to show appreciation for exceptional service.
    • Small Gestures: If you had a great experience, a small tip of a few euros (1-2 euros per person) or rounding up the bill is perfectly acceptable.
    • Check for Service Charge: Some restaurants might include a service charge ("coperto" or "servizio incluso") on the bill. Look for this before leaving an additional tip.
  • Restaurant Reservations
    • Fine Dining & Popular Spots: For Michelin-starred restaurants or highly-rated establishments, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner. These places can fill up quickly, particularly during peak tourist season (March-November).
    • Casual Eateries: Reservations are generally less necessary at casual trattorias and pizzerias. However, if you have a large group (more than 4 people) or are visiting during a busy time (weekends, evenings), it might be helpful to call ahead and secure a table.
    • Making Reservations: The most common apps for making reservations are Open Table and TheFork, however, many restaurants still take reservations the old fashioned way - with a phone call!
    • Many restaurants in Florence have websites where you can book a table online.
    • For tips on where to eat, you can check out the website, https://www.elizabethminchilli.com/category/florence-restaurants/. While her Eat Italy apps are no longer available, Elizabeth has listed some places that may not be included in the above apps, along with a brief description and contact information.
 

Fitness & Health

  • Gym
    • Florence Fitness is a gym located just behind Piazza Santa Maria Novella and around the corner from the boutiques in Via Tornabuoni
    • The exact address is Via Dei Fossi 56r
    • The cost is 95 Euros for one month membership. This includes use of machines and entry into any and all classes.
    • Swan Gymnastic Center is a gym located near Piazza di Santa Croce
    • The exact address is Via dei Pepi, 28
    • The cost is 80 euros for the month, but they also have weekly rates for 45 euros, or a daily rate of 15 euros.
  • Pharmacies
    • Many pharmacies in Florence have staff that speak some English. Here are two nearby that cater towards international visitors.
      • Farmacia Internazionale - Piazza della Repubblica, 23, 50123 Firenze FI
      • Farmacia Molteni: Via dei Calzaiuoli 7/r - Palazzo Vecchio and near Galleria degli Uffizi.
      • Open every day, holidays included, from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM.
 

Community Manager

  • Hours of Availability
    • Our Community Managers are there to support your experience. They will be physically present at community events, and that is a great time to talk to them.
    • Outside of community events, Community Managers are available via Whatsapp from 9am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. As they have families and other obligations, we ask that you respect these hours for regular messages.
 

Emergencies

  • In the event of an emergency, you may call or text the Community Manager at any time via Whatsapp.
 
 
More to come…
On our first full day together, we will have a full group orientation with our Community Managers, and we will cover much more information specific to living in Florence.