European Small Claims Procedure

EU Regulation no. 861/2007 established a “Small Claims Procedure” which is applicable in all EU Member States except Denmark. The European Small Claims Procedure intends “to improve access to justice by simplifying cross-border small claims litigation in civil and commercial matters (thefts, debt collection, etc., e.n.) and reducing costs. “Small claims” are cases concerning sums under EUR 2,000 (…). Judgments delivered under this procedure are recognized and enforceable in the other Member States without the need for a declaration of

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Buying and drinking alcohol in Italy

In general it is lawful to sell (under license)/buy or drink alcohol, even outdoors. However, it is forbidden to sell alcohol to minors and (in some specific cases) during night hours. Minors do not incur in any administrative penalty or criminal charges for drinking alcoholic beverages at home or in public, unless they are drunk. This rule also applies to foreigners visiting the Italian peninsula for any reason. 1) Minors (under the age of eighteen) buying and drinking alcohol in

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How to pay in Italy. Payment instruments; limits to the use of cash and checks; credit/debit/rechargeable cards and wire transfers; extinguishing a debt under Italian law

In Italy, there are many common payment instruments (cash, bank/postal check, cashier’s check, bank/wire transfer, credit/debit/rechargeable cards, postal or bank order). It is possible to pay in cash sums not exceeding € 2,999.99 with reference to “transfers” made for any reason between different individuals or legal entities. The transfer of amounts equal to or greater than € 3,000 can be carried out through banks, Poste Italiane S.p.A., electronic money institutions and payment institutions. This rule applies to whoever (Italians/EU citizens)

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Emergency and other useful phone numbers

Here follows a list of emergency and other useful phone numbers anyone can call from a mobile or landline phone. For those who do not speak Italian we suggest asking your neighbours or those around you to make the call, if possible. It is very important to provide the operator with precise information on your kind of emergency and exact location. Here follows a list of emergency and other useful phone numbers anyone can call from a mobile or landline phone. However,

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Limits to the transport of tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, etc.) into and out of Italy

Under European and Italian provisions there are limits to the quantities of tobacco products that private citizens can freely purchase and carry within EU countries and from non-EU countries to EU countries (and thus Italy) for personal use. Under Italian law, there is no specific limit to the export of tobacco products from Italy to non-EU countries. However, travelers must take into account the individual limits set by the country of destination.   Limits to the transport of tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, etc.)

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Limits to the transport of personal belongings into and out of Italy

There are no limits to what private persons can buy and carry with them when they are traveling within the EU (and so into and out of Italy), as long as the products are for personal use, except for some specific goods subject to excise duty such as tobacco and alcohol. There are a few restrictive (and outdated) limits to the import into Italy of personal belongings by travelers coming from non-EU countries. Under Italian law there is no specific limit

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Limit to the transport of cash to Italy

It is possible to freely enter or leave the Italian soil carrying an amount of cash (banknotes, coins, traveler’s chèques, bearer negotiable instruments, etc.) lower or equal to € 9,999.99. Anyone entering or leaving Italy and carrying cash of an amount equal to or greater than € 10,000 shall declare that sum of money to the Italian Customs Agency. There is no distinction between EU and non-EU countries.  1) Allowed quantity of cash In accordance with Legislative Decree 195/2008 there is a limit to the transport of

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Limits to the transport of alcohol into and out of Italy

Under European and Italian provisions there are limits to the quantities of alcohol and alcoholic beverages that private citizens can freely purchase and carry within EU countries and from non-EU countries to EU countries (and thus Italy) for “personal use”. Under Italian law there is no specific limit to the export of alcohol and alcoholic beverages from Italy to non-EU countries. However, travelers must take into account the individual limits set by the country of destination. Limits to the transport of

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