Environmental sticker
Many Italian cities have established environmental zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato,ZTL) The rules are complicated and vary from city to city. For some cities you can buy an environmental sticker, for others, you can only enter with a special permit or within certain times. So keep a close eye on this, the fines are high!

Toll roads
On most motorways in Italy, you pay tolls. Find the current toll rates here! You can pay in cash or by credit card (toll gate Carte) or sometimes with an Irish debit card, without PIN code. You can also buy a toll badge, which is valid in 4 countries: Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal. This can also be bought online at tolltickets.com/en  Can't pay? Then the toll gate will open anyway, and you will receive a ticket and have to pay afterward at, for example, a manned toll gate further down the road or online. 

Fuel
Fuel prices are similar to UK prices. Filling up along the motorway in Italy is also often more expensive than along normal roads. Current fuel prices can be found here.

Charging stations
Italy has greatly expanded its charging station network in recent years. Along motorways and in villages and towns, you can always find a charging station. Still, it is good to check your route in advance. Charging points along the way can be found on this route planner: https://abetterrouteplanner.com/ of chargemap.com 

It is compulsory to have a warning triangle and a safety vest in the car.

Weather in Lake Garda
Summers at Lake Garda are warm to hot and in winter temperatures rarely fall below zero degrees. In April, the first summer day often begins with at least 25 degrees, but around April and May it can also rain and storm at Lake Garda. In summer, temperatures are around 25 to 30 degrees and the lake also has a pleasant temperature by now. The northern part, such as Riva del Garda, has a bit more wind, so it is often cooler there.

Tap water
Tap water in Italy is generally safe to drink. If it says Acque non potabile (no drinking water), go for bottled water.

Cuisine in Lake Garda 
Italian cuisine is a favourite of many. So a holiday to Italy certainly means a holiday full of good food. From delicious pasta and fresh pizzas to a cappuccino at breakfast and a gelato anytime. That's something to look forward to!

Restaurant and shop opening hours are not regulated by law in Italy. Bakers and butchers open early, somewhere between 07.00 and 08.00. In many Italian towns, there is still a lunch break so some shops are closed for a while in the afternoon. The big supermarkets are open every day and often until late in the evening. Well-known supermarkets are Esselunga, Ipercoop, Eurospin, and Conad, but you will also find Lidl and Aldi in Italy.

Dinner in Italy starts later than you may be used to in the UK. Before 20.00, there is often no one in the restaurant. If you stay at the campsite for dinner, however, you can go early. If the menu says 'Servizio', the tip is already included in the price. Coperto' is the amount the restaurant charges for the use of crockery, table linen, bread, etc. If there is nothing on the bill, a tip of 5 to 10 percent is usual.

Winter in Italy
Travelling to Italy in winter? Bear in mind that winter tyres are compulsory in mountain areas. Don't have winter tyres? Then make sure you have snow chains with you.

By plane

As Lake Garda doesn't have an airport, the nearest airport to fly to is Verona. You could also consider flying to Milan Bergamo or Milan Linate, both of which are under two hours drive from most towns on the lake.  You can hire a car at the airport to drive further to your holiday destination. The larger campsites often also offer a shuttle service from the airport. Inform directly with the campsite for the possibilities.

Public transport
Public transport is a good option for travelling in Italy. Major cities have excellent train connections. Buses also run to popular destinations. Taxis are also available in Italy through well-known apps like Uber.  Click here for a helpful website to research possible options. 

Health care
Healthcare in Italy is good. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to necessary medical care while on holiday in Italy. Pharmacies in Italy are easily recognised by the Green Cross. As everywhere in the EU, the European emergency number 112 applies.

Money matters
In Italy, you pay with the Euro. There are plenty of ATMs and debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

Sockets
The voltage found in the UK and Italy is the same (230V and 50Hz).
You will not need a transformer/converter but you should bring a travel adaptor as there are three associated plug types, types C, F and L.  Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins (most common), plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side and plug type L is the plug type which has three round pins.   

Travelling with the dog
Italy is an animal-friendly country, but there are some rules for travelling with dogs. For example, your dog must have a microchip, a valid dog passport, and be up-to-date with vaccinations, including rabies. See all rules here.