Region in Veneto, Italy
Dolomites
Jagged limestone peaks for hiking, via ferrata and skiing, based in Cortina d'Ampezzo or Val Gardena. Spectacular but expensive and car-friendly; rifugi and lifts shut outside two short seasons.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$3,380–5,060Comfortable, one person · €3,000–4,500Details
- Value for money5/100Better value than 4% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJan–Mar, Jul, SepWarmest: Jul, 22°CDetails
- Internet109 MbpsFixed broadband, Italy medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableExcellent mountain-spring water everywhere; rifugi may sell water bottles, but taps in villages are safe.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$68–146Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundDolomitibus (Cortina area)Walkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards work in hotels, shops and lifts.Details
Where to stay in Dolomites
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Cortina d'Ampezzo | Skiing, upscale shops and Tofane, Tre Cime access |
| Val Gardena (Ortisei, Selva) | Mixed German-Italian area with huge ski network |
| Alta Badia (Corvara, San Cassiano) | Food-focused stays and Sella Ronda skiing |
| Auronzo di Cadore | Cheaper base near Tre Cime di Lavaredo |
Apps that work in Dolomites
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Trenitalia: National rail tickets, delays and strike notices
- Italo: Private high-speed trains, often cheaper
- Taxis: No ride apps work in the mountains. Taxis are expensive and must be pre-booked; use buses or arrange hotel transfers.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Italy.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards work in hotels, shops and lifts. Carry cash for some rifugi, which may not take cards.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (Bancomat), not Euronet machines; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not expected. Bills often include coperto (€1–4 per person) or a service charge; round up or leave a few euros for great service.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted; tap a bank card at metro gates in Rome and Milan.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (fingerprints and photo) instead of passport stamps.
- ETIAS is not running yet; the EU will announce its start date months in advance.
- Hotels and rentals must register every guest with police, so expect to show your passport at check-in.
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 118 · Fire 115 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F, L · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
TIM, Vodafone and WindTre sell prepaid tourist SIMs at airports and phone shops; passport needed. EU SIMs roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Italy
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.