Travel information
Airports
The airport service in Sicily has improved greatly in the last few years.
Besides the main airports of Palermo Falcone & Borsellino Punta Raisi and Catania Fontanarossa Bellini, recently there has been an increase in flights to regional airports like Trapani Birgi in the west of the island and Comiso Magliocco in the south east area.
The enormous influx of tourists over the whole year, a below standard road structure and an inefficient public transport system makes transfers with Sicily Airport Transfer a comfortable and effective way to arrive at your destination.
Follow this link to discover more information
Business hours
- Banks
These are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am-1:00pm.
Most banks also open for a few hours in the afternoon from about 3:00-4:30 pm.
Since 2002, currency is the Euro. On average, the exchange rate is US $ 1 is ⬠1.130.
You will get a better exchange rate at major banks. Large hotels, airports and railways stations also provide currency exchange services, but the rates will be lower than in the banks.
- Churches
Most are Catholic and open only for services, which generally take place in the morning or in the evening between 5 and 7 pm.
Church-museums open according to official opening times.
- Museums
Usually these are open every day, from 9:00 to 1:00pm and in the afternoon, from 3:00 to 6:30pm.
On Sundays most of them close in the afternoon.
- Post offices
Open Monday to Friday, 8:15am -1:15pm. On Saturday and the last days of the month, they are open 8:15am- 12:30pm.
They are always closed on Sundays.
Stamps are available at post offices and authorized tobacco shops. Postcards and letters to USA cost 0.80 eurocent
- Restaurants
Sicilians have their meals rather late. Restaurants usually serve from 12:30-2:30pm and again from 7:30-11:00pm.
Bars and cafés close earlier than restaurants, but not all of them.
Most restaurants accept credit cards.
- Shops
Most shops are open 9:00-1:00pm and again in the afternoon 4:00-8:00pm.
They are usually closed on Sundays, while there are some that also stay open during the " siesta time".
-
- CITY TAX
- Some Italian Municipalities could apply City Taxes .These city taxes will have to be paid directly from final client on the spot .
-
- Time
The time in Sicily is one hour ahead of London, six hours ahead of New York and nine hours ahead of Los Angeles.
- Electricity
The electrical current almost everywhere in Sicily is 220 volts.
Bring along with you an adapter for electrical appliances such as hair dryers and portable irons.
- Language
In most hotels and restaurants there is someone who can speak English.
Young people tend to use it more nowadays and like trying out their skills.
If you want to try your Italian, Sicilians will appreciate your efforts and regard it as a sign of respect.
- Tipping
Tipping or "mancia " is always welcome.
In a bar is customary to pay the cashier first, then present your receipt at the counter to receive your order.
You are not expected to tip, but you can eventually leave an extra coin.
In a restaurant, if you are satisfied, certainly leave a tip over and above the service, which is almost always included in the bill.
If there is no service charge, the customer might consider leaving a 10-15% tip. But do not feel obliged to do so.
In a hotel, a porter or doorman , if he calls a taxi for you, will expect a tip.
If you take a taxi, round off the fare shown on the meter. It is customary to tip the guides, drivers and tour leaders.
