Frequently Asked Questions

How and where should I get lire?

The best way to get dollars changed to lire is simply to withdraw lire from a bancomat (automatic teller) in Italy, using your usual bank card. You'll get the full value of the current exchange rate, without any of the commission that's charged for changing dollar bills or travellers cheques.

However, you should bring some dollars or travellers cheques with you in case you ever run into a situation in which bancomats aren't working. You'll also want to get some lire as soon as you arrive at the airport--from a bancomat if you can find one, or else by changing bills or cheques.

For much of January 2000, the exchange rate was around 1,900 lire to one dollar; but 1,830 to one was an average rate in the past year.

How do public phones work?

As soon as you can, buy a prepaid 5,000 or 10,000 lire phone card from a tabaccheria, a store selling tobacco and newspapers, usually marked by a big T outside its door. Most public phones also accept coins, but the cards are usually more convenient (before you can use a phone card, remember to break off the corner of the card that says "strapare qui"). With this card, you can call us to let us know when you're arriving. Whether you're near or far, always dial the area code (055) before the number.

What's the weather like? What clothes should I bring?

In February, the daytime temperature is seldom above 55F, while at night it dips close to freezing. Not until May does the average daytime high rise above 70F. Although our house has central heating, its high ceilings assure that the temperature inside never gets very comfortable. So bring warm thermal layers (polartec, wool, etc.)--even in May, you'll want something warm at night; thick socks; good walking shoes that can handle a little mud; a rain jacket. But you'll also want to bring a bathing suit--if it's not warm enough for the beach, there's always a chance that you'll want to try a hot spring. Time Out's online guide to Florence includes a weather link.

Are there laundry facilities at the house?

There is a washing machine, but no dryer. So as long as we're not in a water crisis (which is unlikely outside of late summer), you're welcome to wash clothes here. But do so at least a couple days before you leave--Tuscany can be damp and the line-drying method rather slow.