Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping
Always try to book your accommodation in advance. This is especially important in
spring, summer and autumn (fall), when good hotel and
agriturismi
(farm stay accom-
modation) rooms can be hard to find. See
Click here
for more accommodation informa-
tion.
»
Agriturismi
Accommodation on working farm or wine estates; a fantastic option if you
have a car and especially if you are travelling with children.
»
Boutique Hotels
Trending in Tuscany as we write, and the option of choice for cashed-
up travellers visiting Tuscan towns and cities.
»
B&Bs
Often old-fashioned, inevitably comfortable and well priced.
Money
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Visa and MasterCard are the most popular op-
tions; American Express is only accepted by international chain hotels, luxury boutiques
and major department stores, and few places take Diners Club and JCB. Always check if
restaurants take cards before you order; most bars and cafes do not. Chip-and-pin is the
norm for card transactions.
Bancomats
(ATMs) are everywhere; most offer withdrawal from overseas savings ac-
counts and cash advances on credit cards. Both transactions will incur international trans-
action fees. If you don't want to rely on plastic, you can usually change cash and travellers
cheques at a bank, post office or
cambio
(exchange office).
For more information,
Click here
.
Bargaining
Tuscans don't bargain, so neither should you.
Tipping
»
Taxis
Round the fare up to the nearest euro.
»
Restaurants
Many locals don't tip waiters, but most visitors leave 10% to 15% if
there's no service charge.
