Know Before You Go to the Amalfi Coast: Money, Driving, Health and Local Laws

The U.S. State Department notes that a passport ever reported lost or stolen, or one that is expired, can lead Italian authorities to deny entry and return you immediately to the United States.

At a glance

• Entry papers: valid passport, no tourist or business visa for stays up to 90 days
• Passport validity: at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area, 6 months recommended, 2 blank pages
• Vaccinations: no vaccination requirements
• Cash at the border: 10,000 euros limit on entry and on exit, or equivalent
• Health insurance: U.S. Medicare and Medicaid don’t work abroad
• Emergency number: 112

Is the Amalfi Coast safe for travelers?

Petty crime is common, especially in popular tourist locations and on public transportation, including trains. Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching, pickpocketing and car break-ins. Italy has a moderate rate of crime, and although there are incidents of theft, violent crimes are rare. Thieves on motor scooters regularly snatch purses or bags off pedestrians, and resisting can be dangerous.

Never leave baggage unattended in a car, including in a closed trunk. Break-ins of rented vehicles are common throughout the country, so empty the car before you walk away from it. Demonstrations can be unpredictable, so avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Strikes often affect airlines, airports, trains and buses. If you’re traveling during a strike, reconfirm your reservations and check with your carrier.

Does your health insurance work on the Amalfi Coast?

U.S. Medicare or Medicaid don’t work abroad. Make sure your insurance plan works abroad before you leave, and ask your insurer how it handles claims from Italy.

Hospitals and doctors often require payment up front prior to service or admission. Keep a card with room on it for a medical bill.

The State Department strongly recommends supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Ambulance services are widely available.

The Ministry of Health says foreigners can bring up to 30 days’ worth of personal medications into Italy. Bring a copy of your prescription.

Can you drive on the Amalfi Coast with a U.S. license?

Seat belt use is mandatory. When driving outside of cities, you must always use headlights. Authorities fine drivers without the proper permits in historic downtown areas of cities and towns across Italy. Cameras take pictures of license plates, and the fines are sent to the driver’s home in the United States. Before you book a rental car, ask whether your hotel or the town center sits in a restricted area.

Rural roads are generally narrow and often have no guardrails and inconsistent speed limits. In autumn and winter, you must have winter tires or snow chains on certain roads, especially in mountainous regions. If authorities stop you driving a car registered abroad, you may have to pay the ticket immediately, so be prepared to pay in cash in local currency.

Which local laws surprise visitors on the Amalfi Coast?

Tourists can be fined or detained for buying counterfeit goods (usually fashion accessories), defacing historic monuments and using aerial drones. Many cities in Italy have rules for fountains and monuments that ban activities like eating, drinking, sitting or bathing. There are also restrictions on drinking alcohol after certain hours.

Before boarding a train, bus or metro, you must validate your ticket at a machine, usually near the entrance. If you don’t, an inspector may fine you, and if you don’t pay right away the fine doubles and is sent to your home address. Buy tickets at tobacco stores and kiosks, or through apps or SMS. Some buses and trams accept contactless bank cards on board.

Should you use cash or cards on the Amalfi Coast?

Food comes to about 45 euros a day, and transport about 26 euros. Listed prices already include Italian VAT. Accommodation runs noticeably higher from June to September, so book early for those months.

Italy sets a 10,000 euro currency limit on entry and on exit, or equivalent. A one-way ferry ticket from Maiori to Sorrento costs 29.50 euros for adults. If you drive a car registered abroad, a roadside fine may have to be paid in cash in local currency.

What are the emergency numbers on the Amalfi Coast?

• Single emergency number: 112, free and dialable without any prefix
• State Police: 113 (accidents, thefts)
• Fire brigade: 115 (fires, weather emergencies)
• Medical emergencies: 118, also relevant for mountain or cave rescue
• Roadside assistance, Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI), at all hours: 803.116
• U.S. Embassy Rome, Via Vittorio Veneto, 121, 00187 Rome: +39-06-4674-1, main and after-hours emergency line