Palermo feels old for a reason. It is. Nearly 3,000 years have passed since Phoenician, Carthaginian and Greek merchants docked here. What began as a little depot soon grew into a city of strategic and cultural importance. It became Panormus: the port. The city’s role as a crossroads between East and West has resulted in an intoxicating cross-cultural mix of art, architecture and food.

Telephone
Country code: +39

Mobile telephony and Internet
Since June 2017, EU citizens traveling within the EU, and also in Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein have been able to use their cell phones and surf the Net without incurring any extra charges: In other words, customers pay the same price for phone calls, text messages and data volume as they do at home. Restrictions do apply to the constant use of SIM cards abroad, however, and caps may be set on data packages. For full details, contact your mobile telephony provider in your country. Travelers using a SIM card from a non-EU state do not benefit from the new arrangement.

Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.

Key Areas

All the smart shops are located along Viale della Libertà and streets running off it. Via Roma and Corso Vittorio Emanuele are more popular, the latter bisected by Via Maqueda, which has some independent boutiques. Art and ceramic shops are found on Corso Alberto Amedeo and on Via Nicolò Gallo.

Markets

Palermo has four main markets, the busiest of which is Capo-Ballarò where everyone goes for groceries. Otherwise, La Vucciria, between Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Roma, sells seafood, souvenirs and handicrafts. Further afield are Borgo Vecchio and Piazza Peranni, which sells antiques.

Social conventions

The Roman Catholic church still plays an important role in Italy and has a strong influence on the country’s social structures. Family ties tend to be much stronger here than in many other European countries.

Casual clothing is common, but beachwear belongs on the beach. Appropriate clothing is expected when entering a church. Written invitations generally indicate whether a suit or a tuxedo/evening gown is required.

Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings and on public transportation in Italy, as well as in movie theaters, restaurants and bars. Bars and restaurants are permitted to set up smoking areas, however.

Tipping is not common in restaurants. Service charges, VAT and tourist tax are included in hotel bills. However, a tip of around €5 per week for chambermaids is customary. Restaurant bills generally include a standard charge for the tableware and bread (pane e coperto). Particularly satisfied customers are welcome to leave an additional tip on the table. Tipping is not expected in taxis, either.

Main emergency number: 112

Food & Drink

Tap water is generally safe to drink. Bottled water is available. The inscription ‘Acqua Non Potabile’ means water is not drinkable. Milk is generally pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Past outbreaks of brucellosis in southern regions means unpasteurised buffalo mozzarella is best avoided. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are considered safe to eat.

IATA Travel Centre

The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.

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