Italy Volunteer Vacation FAQs
Global Volunteers began working in Italy in 1995. Working in partnership with local people on long-term community service work projects is foundational to our relationship with host organizations worldwide. Our investments of volunteer service, financial support and international recognition are hallmarks of our commitment to this partnership.GETTING THERE
When should I arrive in and depart from the host country?
Plan your arrival in Brindisi, Italy (airport code BDS), before 6:30 PM on the first day of your service program, and your departure for after 6:00 AM on the final day of your service program. This coordinated schedule will assist in assembling the team for transportation to the host community. Global Volunteers' service program officially commences on the first Saturday of the schedule with the evening meal.
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes, provided you send your flight itinerary to Global Volunteers at least two weeks in advance of the service program arrival date. A Global Volunteers staff person or representative holding a Global Volunteers sign will meet you in the public area outside Customs. You'll travel with your teammates to your lodging.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Please notify Global Volunteers as soon as you confirm your new arrival plans so your team leader can arrange your transportation to the host community. If you make last-minute changes to your itinerary, or if you don't inform us of your flight plans, you must arrange your own transportation to the hotel or host community.
How late can I arrive in the host community?
Our orientation sessions are a critical component of the preparation for your assignments. If circumstances beyond your control prevent you from reaching the program on the opening day of the program, we require that you arrive no later than 9:00 AM on the following day so you can join your team for these sessions.
What should I do if I arrive before the scheduled arrival date?
If you choose to spend time in-country before the service program begins, please plan to meet your team at the designated airport within the specified arrival window on the first day of the program in order to be transported to the host community. We ask that you don't travel to the host community without the team leader without making prior arrangements.
FOOD AND LODGING
What type of lodging is provided?
You and your teammates will stay in a comfortable tourist-class hotel. Rooms are double occupancy, with private bathrooms with hot and cold running water, telephones and television. The hotel also features a centrally located TV sitting room. Single rooms are available for an extra fee.
What are the laundry arrangements?
Limited laundry facilities are available in town, but volunteers are able to wash many of their items by hand in their bathroom sinks and hang them out to dry. Because of the temperatures, most clothing dries quickly.
What is the electrical power?
The current in Italy is 220V. You should bring a converter (to 220V) and an adapter (the large round double-pronged version used throughout Europe) for your electrical appliances unless they are dual voltage.
What is the local cuisine?
A light breakfast of fruit, cereal, rolls, cheese, yogurt, juice and tea or coffee is provided at your hotel. Lunch and dinner is also at your hotel or area restaurants. A typical meal includes bread, a salad or soup, two small main courses, and fruit. Southern Italian food is legendary for its taste and nutritious composition. Our teams enjoy great Italian fare.
Can special diets be accommodated?
Avoiding meat is not a problem. Volunteers with such strict requirements will eat mostly pasta, bread, and vegetables, although egg and butter are used in many such recipes. Consider bringing familiar foods to supplement your diet if you have especially restrictive needs.
Will potable drinking water be provided?
The tap water in southern Italy is generally safe, although bottled water is readily available.
HEALTH TIPS
What are the principal health risks?
Sunburn can occur during outdoor activities, so be prepared with a hat, sunglasses and sunblock.
What health precautions should I take?
For general recommendations, consult the following sources:
Centers for Disease Control
Health Canada Online
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Travel Health Online
Is the water safe to drink?
We recommend that you obtain a water bottle, and keep it filled with bottled water that will be provided to you by the team leader.
Is it safe to eat food purchased from street vendors?
We strongly recommend that you do not purchase food from street vendors.
What type of insurance do you recommend?
We strongly recommend medical insurance that covers you while you are outside your home country, and trip cancellation insurance. Your travel agent can refer you to travel insurance providers. Global Volunteers will provide you with emergency medical evacuation insurance.
MONEY MATTERS
What is the local currency?
The local currency is the euro.
What is the current exchange rate?
For currency conversion information, refer to the following website: FXConverter
Where do I exchange money?
We recommend that you change money in Rome or Milan if you have a layover. In the host community, various banks are able to exchange money, but do charge high exchange fees. There are many ATM machines in town.
Can I use cash, credit cards or checks?
A debit or credit card can be used to get cash 24 hours a day at several outside ATM machines. Credit cards are not accepted at most stores in the Puglia region. While traveler's checks are convenient to use in some places, banks and stores are not accustomed to them in the Pulia region. Volunteers serving in Italy are advised not to bring traveler's checks. The US$100 bill is the one most commonly exchanged, however volunteers have had no problems exchanging US$20 and US$50 bills. Bring only new, clean bills as old or torn bills likely won't be accepted.
How much money should I bring with me?
How much money you bring depends on your free-time plans, personal spending and shopping habits. Weekend trips can cost between US$100 - US$300, depending on transportation and accommodations used. Your souvenir budget is discretionary.
COMMUNICATIONS
How can my family contact me while I am in Italy?
You will receive an emergency contact sheet prior to your departure for Italy that includes phone numbers for the hotel, our hosts, and Global Volunteers' business and after hours phones. Be sure to leave a copy with anyone who will need to reach you.
Can I make international phone calls?
There are phones and faxes locally available for you to use for international communication. However, using locally purchased phone cards is usually cheaper than calling directly through the hotel.
Is internet service available?
The internet cafes are available after work hours. The hotel is sometimes able to provide computers with internet access for occasional volunteer use, but you should not depend on this being available during your stay.