EURO €
The monetary currency is the Euro which is divided as follows: 
bills of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 - coins of 1, 2, 5, 10,  20 and 50 cents 
  
How to Get Euro 
Tourists without foreign currency can obtain Euros through any bank, ATM machines, or exchange office at airports, seaports and  train stations in the main cities. 
It is advisable to keep receipts of currency exchanged in case you want to reconvert euros back into dollars before leaving the country.

ATM
The ATM in Italy are called Bancomat. There are many ATM and you can find them in the large cities and even in small towns. The machines operate in this way; at the beginning of the transaction, it prompts the user for the preferred language.
Using a credit card, or even better, a debit card or your local bank ATM card it is very easy. One must first locate either the Cirrus or BankMate symbol (on the Bancomat and on your card) to insure the card is usable on that particular unit. Cirrus and BankMate are the two most popular and widespread banking systems in the world so they are the best to have. If you are unsure about the compatibility or the banking systems, contact your credit card company or local bank.
  
Banking Hours 
Banks in Italy are open Monday through Friday from 8:35 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. and from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m.; and closed all day on Saturday and Sunday and on national holidays. The afternoon one hour opening may change from city to city. Travellers checks can be exchanged in Euro at most hotels and shops and at the foreign exchange offices in main railway stations and at the airports.  

SHOPPING
Shops are open from 9,30 am to 12,30 pm and 3:30/4 pm to 7:30/ 8 pm.
In large cities and tourist areas there is a tendency to stay open from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm with possible variations from town to town. Shops are generally closed on Sundays in Italy but in major tourist areas especially during high season many shops stay open.
Some excellent purchase options are: dresses, shoes, gloves, silk ties, shirts for men & women ; lacework, jewellery, leather goods (handbags, cases, boxes, luggage), ceramics, gold and silver items, alabaster, woodwork, straw, embroidery, glass and crystal ware.

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
The electrical current in Italy is AC - the cycle is 50Hz 220 V. A tourist carrying electrical appliances to Italy should have a transformer, either obtained before leaving your country or bought at an electrical appliance shop in Italy. Plugs have round prongs, not flat, therefore an European Plug Adapter (round pin) is needed. 

LONG DISTANCE CALLS
Both local and long distance calls require the area code before dialling the number.
For example:
To call Rome from Florence : 06 + phone number - to call Florence from Rome : 055 + phone number.
To call USA or Canada from Italy: 001+area code+ phone number. 
  
  
Emergency Telephone Numbers 
113 for Emergency Police Help 
115 for the Fire Department 
118 for Medical Emergencies 
176 International Inquires

TIPS
Tips are customary in Italy, but not essential.
 
Hotels 
Only as a guideline, and depending on the category of your hotel, the following tips are suggested:  concierge 5.00 € additional tip for extra services; bellhop or porter: 5.00 €; doorman (for calling a cab) 3.00 €; room service waiter 2.00 € minimum; more depending on amount of bill; valet service 5.00 € minimum; hotel bar: 10%  
 
Restaurants 
A service charge of approximately 15% is added to all restaurant bills.  
It is customary, however to leave a small tip for good service as follows: waiter from  5% to 10% of check.  
 
Cafes and Bars 
12% if you are sitting at a table and the bill does not already include service charge.  
 
Railroad stations and Airports 
Porters at railroad stations and airports charge a fixed rate per suitcase, tip an additional 2.00 € per person, more if the porter has been very helpful. 
 
Sightseeing guide and driver 
For half day walking tour:  30 / 35 € 
For full day walking tour:   50 / 55 € 
For full day driver / guide: 60 / 70 € 
 
Taxis 
Taxi drivers 5%-10%