Car Rental Florence, Italy
Florence, Italy is the capital of the region of Tuscany, and has a population of around half a million inhabitants. The city is located on the banks of the Arno, between the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian seas, almost in the middle of the Italian peninsula. The city is filled with industry and craft, commerce and culture, art and science. The Chianti area, between Florence and Siena, is one of the most beautiful country sides in Italy and a famous wine production area. A visit to Italy is like a lesson in living well. Open-air vegetable and fruit markets, neighborhood bakeries, fresh cheese made daily, clean laundry hung on a line, a leisurely stroll or passeggiata with a gelato in hand, a discussion with a neighbor in the piazza. The climate tends to be temperate but variable, with breezy winters and hot summers.
The Money
The new currency used in Italy is the Euro which is divided into bills of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and coins of 1, 2, 5, 10 Euros, 20 and 50 cents. Most places will accept traveler checks. The rate of exchange is calculated on the daily rate of exchange shown on the newspapers. Most shops will also accept major credit cards. Those establishments accepting credit cards will post the logos in their front windows.
Driving in Italy
The minimum age to drive in Italy is 18 years. Children under the age of 4 must be seated in a special restraint. The use of seat belts is mandatory both for front and rear seat passengers. Non European licenses and old-style green European licenses must be accompanied by an International Driving Permit.
Fines
Police have the right to revoke your license and to collect fines on the spot. For foreign-registered vehicles, police can collect one-fourth of the maximum fine on the spot. If you contest the fine, you must deposit half the maximum amount in cash for insurance.
Tolls
Tolls are charged on the autostrade. Tickets are obtained upon entry to the expressway system and paid upon exiting.
HolidayCity Florence Hotels and Accommodation
Reservation for Florence hotels, accommodation and apartments at discounted rates.
Speed Limits
| Area |
Limit |
| Expressways |
130 KPH |
| Main Roads Outside City |
110 KM/H |
| Outside the City |
90 KM/H |
| In the City |
50 KM/H |
Expressway speeds are reduced to 110 kph (68 mph) during Saturday and Sunday, the Thursday before Easter through the Wednesday after, midweek national holidays, 20 December to 7 January, and from the Saturday before the second Sunday in July through the first Sunday in September.
Drinking and Driving in Italy
The legal blood alcohol limit is 80 mg in all of Italy.
Parking in Florence
Parking is on the right side of the road. Blue Zone or Zona Disco parking has a limited time periods. When parking in these zones from 9am to 2.30pm and 4pm-8pm Mon-Sat (except holidays) your vehicle must display a parking disc. These parking spaces are usually limited to one hour. In Florence, all vehicles are banned from the city centre from 7.30am to 6.30pm on weekdays. Visitors may enter the centre in their vehicle during these times to load or unload but must then move on to park outside the centre.
Visitor Centers
Tourist Information Office
APT Firenze
Provincia di Firenze, Via Cavour 1r
Tel: 055 290832
Helpful Contact Numbers
Here are some telephone numbers you may find useful during your trip in Florence.
- Police: 113
- Carabinieri (Military Police): 112
- Questura (Police Headquarters): 055 49771
- Fire Brigade: 115
- Urban police Emergency calls: 055 328 333
- ACI car breakdown service: 116
- Medical emergency service: 118
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