In order to make the best of their stay in Pisa, tourists should keep in mid certain information in the absence of which their traveling and getting around may become an issue.

Money

Currency: similar to many of the European states and cities, Pisa too has adopted the unique currency of the European Union, namely, the Euro. People not used with this currency should keep in mind that notes refer to 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euro bills, whereas coins consist of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 eurocent coins and 1 and 2 euro coins.

Currency exchange: there is a wide range of currency exchange opportunities in Pisa, but banks remain the most advisable establishments to offer this kind of services, since they put forward the most convenient rates. Most banks are located in the center of Pisa, though a branch of the Cassa di Risparmio di Pisa can be found at the Galileo Galilei Airport, and their general opening hours range between 08.30am and about 04.00pm, with a lunch break of approximately one hour between 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Exchange desks can also be found in the main tourist hotspots, such as the airport, bus and train stations, restaurants and hotels, though the rates they offer are not as advantageous as the ones of the banks.

Bank cards: Pisa is replete with ATMs, most of these accepting an extremely wide range of cards, though, in order to rest assured they will not run out of cash, tourists should always hold cards endorsed by the most renowned card companies.

Communications and Internet

Internet access: virtually all establishments offering accommodation solutions provide access to the Internet, either wireless (WIFI) or not, but other alternatives as to this way of staying up to date and in touch with other people in the world are yielded by the plethora of Internet coffee shops and shopping centers, as well as by other tourism related establishments.

Post offices: post offices may occasionally prove to be a solution at hand in case other ways of communication fail or are not adequate for certain deliveries. Thus, the main post office of Pisa is located in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 7, 9, whereas another useful establishment of this kind can be found at the Galileo Galilei Airport, in the terminal building in the arrivals hall.

Emergencies

Health emergencies can be dealt with at the Pisa Hospital, located in Via Bonanno, emergencies being signaled at 0039 (0)55 992 300. Another number to deal with medical emergencies is 118. However, tourists must be up to date with the latest medical insurances policies so they don’t encounter difficulties. Pharmacies are also an alternative for less serious health-related issues. The fire department in Pisa can be reached at 115, whereas the carabinieri answer at 112.

Another useful department is the so-called Office for the Protection of Tourists Rights. It is located in Agenzia per il Turismo di Pisa, Via Matteucci-Galleria Gerace 14, Pisa, fax: 0039 (0)50 929 764. This institution deals with tourists complaints related to the various issues they come across when visiting Pisa.

Miscellaneous

Spoken language: the official language is Italian. Yet, most tourism-related establishments have staves trained to understand and to communicate at least in English, if not in German, French and Spanish too. However, Italian literate tourists have an enhanced chance of getting around easier in Pisa and in the nearby localities. Certain knowledge of Latin is also advisable in view of being able to understand the many inscriptions on most of the tourist objectives in the city.

Time zone: GMT 1 hour.

Tourist Information Offices

The main tourist information offices are located in the Field of Miracles area (Piazza Arcivescovado 8, Pisa, Italy, telephone number: 0039 (0)50 42291, fax: 0039 (0)50 504 067), the Galileo Galilei Airport (arrivals hall, Pisa, Italy, telephone number: 0039 (0)50 502 518), the central train station area (Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, 16, Pisa, Italy, telephone number: 0039 (0)50 42291, fax: 0039 (0)50 504 067) and in the Ponte di Mezzo area (Piazza XX Settembre angolo Lungarno Galilei, telephone number: 0039 (0)50 910 350, fax: 0039 (0)50 910 933).

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