Staying Connected: Bosa

Mobile Connectivity

Local SIM cards from providers like TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, and Iliad are available in larger towns. Passport for registration is necessary.

SIM Card & Wi-Fi

Purchase a Prepaid SIM card ("scheda prepagata") at official stores.
Wi-Fi in most hotels, B&Bs, and many cafes in Bosa. Airalo eSIMs offer digital convenience. Solis Wi-Fi is another option for portable internet.
Reliable 4G/5G coverage in Bosa and coastal areas.

Postal Services

A post office (Poste Italiane) operates in Bosa, generally open weekdays and Saturday mornings.

Mail & Stamps

Send postcards, letters, and packages from the post office.
Stamps ("francobolli") are available at post offices or "tabaccherie" (tobacco shops).
Check specific hours upon arrival.

Language & Communication

Italian is the main language, with Sardinian (Sardo) also spoken. English is common in tourist businesses and among younger generations.

Translation & Phrases

Use translation apps; download the Italian offline language pack. For language learning: Rosetta Stone.
Hello/Goodbye: Ciao (informal), Salve (formal hello), Arrivederci (formal goodbye).
Please: Per favore. Thank you: Grazie. Yes/No: Sì/No.

Important Phrases

Basic phrases for daily interactions.

Conversation Starters

Excuse me/Sorry: Scusi (formal), Scusa (informal).
Do you speak English?: Parla inglese?. I don't understand: Non capisco.
How much?: Quanto costa?. The bill, please: Il conto, per favore.

Common Terms

Food & Drink Basics

Water: Acqua.
Coffee: Caffè.
Bread: Pane.
Pizza: Pizza.

Location & Time

Where?: Dove?.
When?: Quando?.
Right/Left: Destra/Sinistra.
Here/There: Qui/Lì.

Language Tip

A phrasebook with common Italian phrases presents a good aid for basic interactions.

Operational Hours

Understand typical business hours and schedules during your visit.

Retail & Dining

Shops open 9:00 AM/9:30 AM to 1:00 PM/1:30 PM, then close for a siesta until 4:00 PM/4:30 PM, reopening until 7:30 PM/8:00 PM. Many shops close on Sundays.

Supermarket Times

Supermarkets generally operate continuously from 8:00 AM/8:30 AM to 8:00 PM/9:00 PM. Some offer Sunday morning hours.

Banks & Holidays

Banks operate 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM weekdays. ATMs are available 24/7. National and regional holidays mean many businesses close.

Banking Access

Banks operate from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM on weekdays. Some reopen for a short afternoon period.

ATMs & Services

ATMs ("Bancomat") are widely available 24/7 outside most bank branches.
Carry some cash, especially for smaller shops and cafes.
Major credit cards accepted in many places, but not all.

Holidays & Seasons

Expect closures on national and regional holidays. Tourist businesses in Bosa Marina may close or operate limited schedules from November to March.

Dates & Periods

January 1 (New Year's Day), January 6 (Epiphany).
Easter, April 25 (Liberation Day), May 1 (Labour Day), June 2 (Republic Day).
August 15 (Ferragosto) - many businesses close. November 1 (All Saints' Day).

Cultural Customs

Greetings & Attire

Casual: "Ciao". Formal: "Buongiorno", "Buonasera".
Physical: Kiss on each cheek (friends/family), handshake (formal).
Churches: Shoulders and knees covered.

Dining & Tipping

Smart casual attire in restaurants; avoid beachwear.
Refer to "Budgeting & Costs" section for "coperto," "servizio," and tipping.
Polite conversation welcome; avoid sensitive topics.

Etiquette Reminder

Learning basic Italian phrases like "Buongiorno" or "Grazie" greatly supports interactions with locals.

Accessibility

Information for travelers with mobility challenges.

Mobility Infrastructure

Sardinia's infrastructure, notably in older towns like Bosa, presents mobility challenges.

Navigation Challenges

The historic center of Sa Costa has cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, and numerous stairs.
Independent navigation for wheelchair users finds difficulty in these areas.
Older buildings might have thick stone walls affecting indoor accessibility.

Accessible Attractions

Some areas offer flatter pathways suitable for mobility devices.

Points of Access

The Lungo Temo riverside promenade is flat and accessible.
Bosa Marina beach area has flatter pathways.
Malaspina Castle access involves a steep climb and uneven surfaces.

Transportation

Local transport options for varied mobility needs.

Getting Around

ARST buses typically have steps at the entrance and limited wheelchair space.
Taxis may not have specific accessibility equipment.
Renting a car often presents the most flexibility for travelers with mobility needs.

Support Services

Specialized services and assistance dog acceptance.

Aid & Companion Animals

Limited specialized services for visual impairments in Bosa.
Limited specialized services for hearing impairments in Bosa.
Assistance dogs are generally accepted in public places.

Planning Resources

Specialized Agencies

Consult travel agencies focusing on accessible travel in Italy or Europe.
They can provide detailed, current information and aid route planning.
Inquire about accessibility features like elevators, ramps, and room layouts at accommodations.

Accommodation Specifics

Booking site photos do not always convey full accessibility details.
Contact the property directly for precise information regarding your needs.
Consider properties offering ground floor rooms or easy access to common areas.

Accommodation Note

When booking lodging, specifically ask about accessibility features like elevators, ramps, and room layouts if mobility considerations are present.

Staying Connected