FAQs about Bologna

Practical travel information from A to Z

Find all the answers to frequently asked questions on this page

 BEFORE YOUR TRIP

• Accomodation

What accommodation facilities in the city?

Browse our list of accommodation of hotels, residences, B&Bs and other facilities.

• Airport - FAQ

I need clarification regarding arrival at the airport. What should I do?

Before your flight, check the FAQ section of Guglielmo Marconi Airport here. 

• Airport - VAT refund

Who should I turn to for a VAT refund?

Before boarding the plane, report to the Customs Agency office next to the arrivals area at Bologna Airport. More VAT refund information click here. 

• Credit Card

What payment methods are accepted? 

Payment by Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and Bancomat cards is accepted almost everywhere. American Express and Discover may not be accepted. Taxis generally accept payment by debit and credit card, but you may be required to pay cash. It is advisable to travel with cash in any eventuality. 

• Currency

Where can I exchange currency?

Our currency is Euro. In Bologna you may exchange currency at Forexchange at the Central Railway Station or at the Airport, Arrivals and Departures areas. Where possible, it is advisable to reserve the amount of currency to be exchanged in advance. Alternatively, you may withdraw local currency via 24-hour currency exchange machines. Transactions are subject to bank commission charges. You can review the exchange rates on the official website of the Bank of Italy at any time.

• Disabled people

I am a disabled visitor. Where do I get information?

Should you be planning a trip to Bologna, you can find some practical information in the Accessible Tourism page. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further assistance. 

• Maps & Brochure

I'm looking for a city map and information brochures. Where can I find them?

You can download the city map and other information brochures yourself in the Download page on our website. We do not ship paper materials; of course, you may also collect your hard copy from our information points once you arrive in the city. 

• Tips

What about tips?

In Italy, tipping is not compulsory, yet it is very much appreciated. Restaurants usually include "coperto" or "service" in the final bill, calculated based on the number of diners at the table. In Italy, we generally round up the bill without asking for change so as to leave a tip. 

• Socket Adapter

Am I going to need a socket adapter?

Italian sockets are round and often come with two or three holes. Electricity in Italy and Europe is supplied through 220V sockets, with a frequency of 50 Hz.  You will need an adapter if you come from a country outside Europe. You may purchase it online or at any electronics shop in town.

 ALREADY IN TOWN?

• Luggage Deposit Store

Where can I leave my luggage?

A baggage deposit service at the airport is not available. However, you may deposit your luggage in the city centre at the BO4U automated storage facility in Via Montegrappa, a 5-minute walk from Piazza Maggiore (Monday-Sunday: 8-22). Alternatively, you may turn to the Kipoint desk at the central railway station within the west concourse (platform 7), a service available online or on site charged by the hour and accessible 365 days a year.
Check all the baggage deposits here. 

• Heating system

What time does the heating system come on?

From 22 October 2024 until 7 April 2025, heating systems may be switched on for a maximum of 13 hours per day, between 5 am and 11 pm.
During operation, the weighted average air temperature shall not exceed:

- 17°C for premises used for industrial, craft and comparable activities;

- 19°C for all other premises

More information here

• Restaurants

Where can I dine in Bologna?

Check out our list of restaurants, trattorias, clubs, pizzerias and more. 

• Sim Card

Where can I buy a sim card?

You can buy a sim card at mobile phone shops throughout the city centre. 
At the airport, however, you can buy a sim card at:

- Forexchange in the Arrivals 0 floor and on the 1st floor next to the escalators

• Tourist Information Office

Who should I turn to for tourist information?

The city's tourist information desks can be found in Piazza Maggiore in the historic centre, few minutes far from Central Station. Outdoor experience enthusiasts should definitely visit eXtraBO, our new information desk dedicated to outdoor activities within the territory. 

• Tourist tax

To whom should I pay the tourist tax?

Tourist tax is levied on a single overnight stay per person and is payable for a maximum of five consecutive nights. The fee is charged by accommodation facilities and is not subject to VAT. Disabled visitors and their carers are exempt from the tourist tax. 

• Toilets

Are there any public restrooms?

Check out our list of public toilets in the city. Restroom facilities for wheelchair users are signposted.  

• WiFi

Where can I access an internet connection? 

In Bologna, Wi-Fi access is free of charge. All you need is connect to the BolognaWiFi network, available 24 hours a day in outdoor areas. No authentication required. Indoor connection is subject to the facilities' opening hours. 

Check out the map of WiFi points 

See the list of internet points on our website 

 NEED HELP?

• Embassy or Consulate

I need to find my country's embassy or consulate

Find the seat of your home country's embassy or consulate here. 

• Emergencies

I need to find a doctor. What should I do?

You may contact the emergency room of the hospital closest to your location. Check out the list of hospitals and pharmacies in Bologna.

In case of dental emergencies, you may report to the Ambulatorio Beretta Outpatient Clinic (largo Bartolo Nigrisoli 2) Mon-Fri 7:30am, Sun and holidays 8:30am-1pm.

• Security

Thefts, lost items, emergencies

Bologna is a generally safe city, yet we recommend being sensible and taking care of your personal belongings on public transport and in the streets.

In case of need, you can call: 

• 112 Carabinieri (European Emergency Number)
• 113 State Police
• 118 Health Emergency
• 114 Child Emergency
• 115 Fire Brigade

By April 2025, the Single European Emergency Number 112 will be active throughout the Emilia Romagna region. By calling 112, in fact, it will be possible to request the intervention of the Police, Carabinieri, Fire Brigade, Medical Rescue and Sea Rescue. 

In case of theft, please refer to the Police Headquarters of Bologna in Piazza Galileo Galilei 1, +39 0516401111.

If you have lost an item, you need to schedule a compulsory follow-up with the designated office in Piazza Liber Paradisus 8, by writing to ufficiooggettirinvenuti@comune.bologna.it. 

Click here for a list of security services in Bologna

Didn't find what you need?

Email us at info@bolognawelcome.it