Sicilian holiday Tips - Important Advice for Sicily
Information for holidays in Sicily- Emergency Numbers Sicily
Important tips and useful advice for your Sicilian holidays.
Sicily's Emergency Numbers
Police: 113
Emergency Doctor: 118
Fire Department: 115
Carabineri: 112
Calling in Sicily- the dialling codes
For Sicily, it is necessary to use the country code of Italy: 0039 Unlike when in Germany, 0 will need to be dialled with the following area codes.
Traffic in Sicily
In Sicily, there dominates a typical southern European type of traffic. It is unfortunately chaotic, even at low speeds. When driving, you should not be too rigid and insist on the proper rights of way.
Instead one should use a lot of foresight and remain calm while navigating through the traffic. There are many old and some very battered cars on Sicily's streets. In general, they place less value on the condition of their vehicles. This is especially seen within the larger cities.
Even when it seems to be dangerous to some extent, serious accidents rarely occur within the city. When driving, always concentrate and pay special attention to the many moped drivers and motorcyclists.
The two wheelers switch lanes unexpectedly, going left and right amidst the vehicles.
Motorways in Sicily- Tolls / Road Charges in Sicily
In Sicily, like on the Italian mainland motorways, the highways are supported by tolls. The net of motorways in Sicily are still relatively thin but the largest and most important cities are all connected by the motorways.
The longest motorway is the A19 Palermo- Catania and is also the only motorway that is completely toll free. This motorway leads directly through the island's interior via Enna.
But in any case, the quality of the motorway leaves something to be desired. The motorway A 18 Catania- Messina and the motorway A 20 Messina - Palermo are in good condition. However, both of these motorways have a toll. 100 kilometers costs between 4 and 5 euros.
Important Tip!! When entering or exiting out of a tollway, never use the yellow lane marked for Telepass, instead use the lanes that have toll stations. Telepass is only for residents who frequently use the tollway. They can pay without cash through this system. Tourists must pay the tolls every time with cash.
Maximum Speed in Sicily
Within a small town: 50 km/h
Outside of town's parameters: 110km/h
Motorway: 130km/h
Currency, Money, and Payment in Sicily
Since 2002, Sicily, like Germany uses the Euro as its currency. Whoever likes to pay without cash, can generally pay everywhere with the EC- Card or a credit card.
Only in very small shops, small guest houses or with private landlords will a credit card often not be accepted.
Opening Times in Sicily
Businesses: 09:00 - 13:00 o'clock and 17:00 - 20:00 o'clock
Supermarkets: 09:00 - 13:00 o'clock and 17:00 - 20:00 o'clock (large supermarkets are often open 24 hours and the opening times can often be considerably longer, including the weekend)
Gas Stations: 08:00 - 13:00 o'clock and 16:30 - 20:00 o'clock (many gas stations have partly automated pumps where you can pay with cash or with the EC- Card, allowing you to easily refill outside of service hours). Gas stations on the motorway are usually open 24-7.
Banks: Mo - Th 08:30 - 12:30 o'clock and 15:00 - 16:00 o'clock, Friday only in the morning (these times can vary from bank to bank).
Restaurants: 12:30 - 15:00 o'clock and 19:30 - 24:00 o'clock
Bars: 07:00 - 24:00 o'clock and constantly open
Electricity, energy, outlets in Sicily
Voltage: 230 V at 50 Hz In Sicily, there are many different types of outlets. For the German plug type to be used in Sicily, an adapter must be used.
This adapter can be purchased in almost all supermarkets and also in many small stores.
Bars in Sicily
In Sicily there are many small bars where one can take a short break and drink a coffee or have a little something to eat (tavola calda). There are some bars that have a blue T on the door where tobacco products can also be bought.
Many bars also offer pastries (dolci) and ice cream (gelato). One should also take note, that bars with an outdoor seating area, such as chairs and tables outside, generally have a surcharge for everything on their menu when eating, sitting at one of the tables.
In smaller, populated centers, the bar is often the central anchor point where most events take place.
Restaurants in Sicily
In Sicily, there are a countless number of restaurants. Most can be classified as good to very good. As in the rest of Sicily, there is also the "Coperto" in Sicily, which must be paid within every restaurant.
The "Coperto" is a service fee for the seating and the bread basket typical to Italy that is served with the food.
This fee is charged per person and is dependent on the price level of the restaurant. It states in the menu how much the "Coperto" is. In general, the "Coperto" costs between .80 euro and 2 euros.
Restaurants in Sicily are often specialized, predominantly it will be a fish or meat dish or pizza that is prepared. One should decide what they feel like and decide nd then research different choices of where to go.
Safety in Sicily
Sicily is not safer or less safe then any other south European holidays spot. In bigger cities, which contain large crowds, be on guard for pick pockets.
It is best to keep valuables, such as a purse, close to the body and under your clothing. Parked cars should not have valuables left in clear sight.
Whoever drives by car through big cities such as Palermo or Catania, one should not leave their handbags and the like on the seat, back seat, or on the dashboard.
It is better if the bag is left on the foot area of the front passenger's seat. This gives no opportunity to the thieves, specifically those on mopeds to steal the valuables.
The language in Sicily- Italian or Sicilian?
Whoever speaks Italian, can understand the people within every part of Italy. Only older people
