Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Internet Access
If you plan to carry your notebook or palmtop computer, consider bringing a grounded power strip - it will allow you to
plug in more appliances and protect your computer from the power fluctuations that can occur in Venice's older build-
ings.
Internet Cafes
There are internet cafes throughout Venice, though their numbers are slowly dwindling. Connections are generally fast,
but prices are high: expect to pay €4 to €6 per hour.
Wi-Fi
Wi-fi access is widely available in midrange and top-end accommodation, and increasingly even in budget sleeps - plus
some cafes and restaurants, though less than in other parts of Europe. Another option is to buy a PCMCIA card pack
with one of the Italian mobile-phone operators, which gives wireless access through the mobile telephone network.
These are usually prepaid services that you can top up as you go.
CITYWIDE WI-FI ACCESS
Since 2009, Venice has had a
citywide wi-fi access plan
(
www.veniceconnected.com;
per day/72hr/week €8/20/
30) , providing access at 20 to 100 megabits per second - free to residents and €8 per day for visitors. In reality,
the quality of connection varies dramatically depending on time of day and location: the signals have trouble pen-
etrating thick old stone walls. Note that you can get a discount of about 30% if you sign up online in advance, but
it is probably best to find out first if it will actually work where you need it to.
To purchase a connection once in Venice, select one of the //venice>connected network connections in among
the available wi-fi networks and then open a browser window, which should take you straight to the welcome
page, where you can purchase a plan that works immediately.
Medical Services
All foreigners have the same right as Italians to free emergency medical treatment in a public hospital in Venice.
However, other medical care is not necessarily covered.
EU, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland
Citizens are entitled to the full range of health-care services in public hospitals
free of charge upon presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Australia
Thanks to a reciprocal arrangement with Italy, Australian citizens are entitled to free public health care -
carry your Medicare card.
New Zealand, the USA and Canada
Citizens of these and other countries have to pay for anything other than emer-
gency treatment. Most travel- insurance policies include medical coverage.
Emergency Clinics
Opening hours of medical services vary, though most are open 8am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday, and some open for a
couple of hours on weekday afternoons and Saturday morning.
