First Time - The Italian Lakes - page 24

» Hotels Hotels range from one- to three-star pensione (guesthouses) through to grand
lakeside villas. At three-stars and above expect good standards and ensuite rooms.
» B&Bs Often the best value accommodation and a good way to meet the locals. More
luxurious versions border on boutique hotels.
» Agriturismi (farmstays) These are working farms offering accommodation in the
farmhouse.
» Rifugi (mountain huts) Mountain huts in the Alps are open from July to September
and offer basic accommodation in dormitories.
» Camping Campgrounds cluster around the lakes and offer spots for caravans as well as
campers.
Money
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. Visa, MasterCard and Cirrus are the most pop-
ular options; American Express is only accepted by international hotel chains, luxury
boutiques and major department stores; a few places take Diners Club. Always check if
restaurants take cards before you order; most bars and cafes do not. Chip-and-pin is the
norm for card transactions - few places accept signatures as an alternative.
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. You can change cash and travellers cheques at a bank, post office or cambio
(exchange office).
For more information, Click here .
Bargaining
Gentle haggling is common in flea markets and antiques markets; in all other instances
you're expected to pay the stated price.
Tipping
» Restaurants Tips of 10% are standard - though check to see that a tip hasn't already
been added to your bill or included in the flat coperto (cover) charge. Change is often left
on the counter at cafes.