Practical info Milan, Italy
Getting around the city
ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi) operates Milan's metro, bus, tram and trolley services, which have the advantage of being integrated. Tickets, available from shops displaying the ATM logo, are validated on-board and then have a time limit of 75 minutes travel on any of the transport options, or one ride on the metro. The city's metro is particularly inexpensive and user-friendly. Linea 1 covers the most important tourist areas near the Duomo. Taxis are freely available but have to be hired at marked stands. Expect extra charges for luggage, night fares, or Sunday travel. Renting a car and driving yourself is not a fun experience in Milan and is best avoided. The historic area around the cathedral is good for pedestrians and a number of attractions can be reached on foot.
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).
Electricity
Electrical current in Italy is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the European-style two-pin plug.
Currency
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. Those arriving in Italy with foreign currency can obtain Euros through any bank, ATM or bureau de change. ATMs are widespread. Credit cards are accepted in upmarket establishments and shops around the cities. Banks are closed on weekends, but tend to have better rates than foreign exchange houses.
Communication
The international access code for Italy is +39. City/area codes are in use, e.g. 02 for Milan and 06 for Rome. There can be high surcharges on calls made from hotels. Public telephone boxes take phone cards for local and international calls, which can be bought from newsagents. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Emergency number
112 (General Emergencies), 113 (Police), 118 (Ambulance)
Travel documents and health
Milan Malpensa Airport
Getting to the city
The Train Station is located in Terminal 1 on level 1. The Malpensa Express runs from around 5am until just before midnight and links Malpensa airport with the centre of Milan. There are also several buses that run from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to Milan's Central Station, as well as the Malpensa Shuttle which connects each 20-30 minutes from both terminals to Milan's Central Station.
Car rental
Car rental companies at Malpensa Airport include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Maggiore/National, and Thrifty.
Airport taxi's
Various taxi companies provide service at Malpensa airport. They are located at Arrivals on the ground floor at both terminals 1 and 2.
Transfer between terminals
Malpensa Airport provides a free shuttle service for passengers transferring between terminals.
Facilities
Facilities at the airport include ATMs, VIP business lounges, lost property, currency exchange, a post office, left luggage and baggage wrapping, a pharmacy and first aid station, and an information desk. Duty-free shopping is available, and dining options range from fast food joints to good restaurants.
Parking
There are both short and long-term parking options available at the airport. Short-term parking is only minutes away from terminal 1 and payment is calculated according to a parking meter. Long-term parking is low cost and is just a four minute walk to terminal 1.
Internet
Free wifi is available.