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Italy: Instructions for Use
Book Review
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Excerpts

From "Types of Roads" in the "Getting Around by Car" section:

The Superstrada

Indicated by blue signs, a Strada di Grande Communicazione or S.G.C. is very often a fine alternative to the autostrada. Like autostrade, they are four-lane, divided expressways and so move rapidly, require no tolls, and are often more scenic. These roads are especially good for avoiding the autostrade on summer weekends (when they can come to a complete standstill as vacationers pour back in from the beaches) or wherever you might prefer a more interesting drive rather than the absolute fastest route.

From "Pronto! Phoning in Italy" in the "Keeping in Touch" section:

Italian Phone Numbers

Phone numbers in Italy are composed of a prefix, followed by the individual number. Unlike U.S. phone numbers, however, neither group contains a fixed number of digits. The prefix may be anywhere from two to four numbers in length and begin with an 0. This prefix is not officially an area code, but does in fact indicate the town or area where the phone is located (the prefix for Rome is 06, Firenze is 055, Greve is 0517). All cell-phone prefixes are three numbers and begin with 3nn. The remainder of the numbers may be from five to eight digits, although cell-phone numbers will always be ten digits, just like we're used to.

Worth noting: You'll always dial both the prefix and the phone number--from anywhere in Italy to anywhere in Italy--even if you are located in the same city as the person you're calling.

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In this review:
Italy: Instructions for Use
Excerpts: The Superstrada, Italian phone numbers