Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Swiss Consulate
(
02 777 91 61;
www.eda.admin.ch/mi
lano; Via Palestro 2;
Turati)
UK Consulate
(
06 4220 2431; Via San Paolo 7;
San Babila)
US Consulate
(
02 29 03 51;
http://milan.usconsulate.gov
; Via Principe Amedeo 2/10;
Turati)
Gay & Lesbian Travellers
Homosexuality is legal in Italy and well tolerated in Milan, but a little less so in other towns. Overt displays of affection
by homosexual couples could attract a negative response in smaller towns. There are gay clubs in Milan but otherwise
pickings are slim. The useful
Gay.it
(
www.gay.it
)
website lists gay bars and hotels across the country. Also check out
the English-language
GayFriendlyItalia.com
(
www.gayfriendlyitaly.com
)
, produced by
Gay.it
; it has information on
everything from hotels to homophobia issues and the law.
Insurance
A travel-insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is a good idea. It may also cover you for cancellation
or delays to your travel arrangements. Paying for your ticket with a credit card can often provide limited travel accident
insurance and you may be able to reclaim the payment if the operator doesn't deliver. Ask your credit-card company
what it will cover.
If you're an EU citizen (or from Switzerland, Norway or Iceland), a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers
you for most medical care in public hospitals in both countries free of charge, but not for emergency repatriation home
or non- emergencies. The card is available from health centres and (in the UK) post offices.
Citizens from other countries should find out if there is a reciprocal arrangement for free medical care between their
country and Italy or Switzerland (Australia, for instance, has such an agreement with Italy; carry your Medicare card).
If you do need health insurance, make sure you get a policy that covers you for the worst possible scenario, such as an
accident requiring an emergency flight home. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to
providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures.
Worldwide travel insurance is available at
www.lonelyplanet.com/travel_services
.
You can buy, extend and claim on-
line anytime - even if you're already on the road.
Internet Access
Wireless internet access is widespread in most hotels and some cafes and restaurants - access is usually (but not always)
free. Tourist offices have information about local hotspots. Another option is to buy a SIM card with one of the Italian
mobile phone operators, which provides wireless access through the mobile telephone network. These are usually pre-
pay services that you can top up as you go.
