Newly PCSed to Aviano or Vicenza? We’ve got information about what you need to do when you first arrive. (andyb1126 (123RF))
Source
Our 2026-2027 “Welcome to Northern Italy” magazine is a guide for newcomers and is a vital resource for understanding your new home in Aviano or Vicenza.
112 is the Emergency phone number throughout Europe.
AVIANO
The Wyvern Welcome orientation is required for all military and civilian employees. Spouses are encouranfed to attend. The orientation includes a Benvenuit (Welcome) Tour around the local area.
USAG Italy
Camp Darby: Bldg. 113
Vicenza: Bldg. 309, Central Processing Facility
If you have not been assigned a unit sponsor, feel free to reach out to the Garrison Installation Sponsorship Liaison at: usarmy.usag-italy.id-europe.mbx.army-sponsorship@army.mil.
Here are some food delivery Apps that are commonly used across Italy:
Justeat.it
Deliveroo.it/en
Glovoapp.it/en
CONAD is a large Italian grocery store chain.
Carrefour is a large French-based grocery supermarket.
MD, Lidl and Aldi tend to be smaller, budget grocery markets.
Coop has both large “Supercoop” and huge “Ipercoop” stores.
Spar is another grocery chain with small “Despar” stores and large “Eurospar” supermarkets.
Need an extra pan, cups or dishes at your temporary lodging? Check out these locations for those budget needs.
Aviano Airman’s Attic: This free store has clothes and household good available for U.S. military ranked E6 and below and their dependents. It is located in Area F.
Aviano Thrift Store: The thrift store has clothes, books, toys and small household goods for sale at budget prices. It is run by the Community Integration of Aviano Organization (CIAO). It is located in Area F.
VCC Thrift Store: The Vicenza Community Club (VCC) sells clothing, toys, household goods and more at their store on Caserma Ederle across from the PX.
Darby Second Glance Store: This thrift store sells clothes, books, toys, craft supplies and small household goods at budget prices, gently used and clean to fit all of your clothing and household needs.
ACS Lending Closet: Army Community Services (ACS) Lending Closets allow you to borrow basic household goods like pots, pans, dishes, highchairs and small appliances.
Vicenza Lending Closet: Bldg. 108, call DSN 634-5829/5843
Camp Darby: by appointment, call DSN: 645-8502
Aviano: There are two fitness centers at Aviano, both are in Area F.
Dragon Fitness Center is a large, new facility with strength and cardio equipment, fitness classes and a parent-child area.
Wyvern Fitness Center has traditional weight training and a multi-purpose mat room for wrestling and martial arts courses.
Vicenza: There are two fitness centers available at Vicenza.
Ederle Fitness Center on Caserma Ederle has a cardio room, weightlifting equipment, basketball court, indoor pool, family fitness rooms, and fitness classes.
Del Din Fitness Center on Caserma Del Din has cardio equipment, weightlifting equipment, basketball, sand volleyball, an indoor pool, climbing wall, indoor running track and fitness classes.
Camp Darby Fitness Center offers a cardio room, weightlifting and a family fitness room.
Getting an Italian account with an Internationa lBank Account Number (IBAN) is necessary for paying bills and transferring money. It is also helpful for making purchases, getting cash and managing funds between dollars and euros. Note that the DOW will not deposit paychecks into Italian banks.
Using Debit Cards
Chip and Pin cards are the norm throughout Europe.
Smaller Italian businesses may not take credit cards.
Always carry euros when off-installation.
Some U.S. banks charge international transaction fees when using debit cards, so check with your bank.
On-Installation Banking
Global Credit Union | www.globalcu.org
Global Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in the U.S. and offers members competitive rates and surcharge-free ATMs.
Located at Aviano, Camp Darby and Camp Ederle.
Community Bank | dodcommunitybank.com
Provides convenient and affordable banking services and financial information to help support service members, base organizations and mission readiness.
Located at Aviano, Camp Darby, Caserme Ederle and Caserme Del Din.
Call toll-free: 00-800-BANK-EASY (00-800-2265-3279) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on holidays.
Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL) | www.bnl.it
BNL is an Italian bank that offers U.S. military member services.
Located at Caserme Ederle
Mobile Banks
Online banks are a great tool to get local bills paid and often offer competitive exchange rates and low fees. They have international banking apps that allow you to create a European account with an IBAN so it is possible to pay rent or bills in euros.
Wise | www.wise.com
Wise safeguards customers’ funds to make sure they’re always available whenever they’re needed and offers simple to use web and app access to money.
N26 | www.n26.com
N26 is a 100 percent mobile, fully-licensed bank, which provides the same level of security and regulations as traditional banks. Their European banking license protects your funds up to €100,000 by the German Deposit Protection Scheme.
Paying Bills
Italian bill paying is different than in the U.S. There are three methods you can use.
Pay in cash. Bring your bill and cash payment to a tobacco store (Tabaccheria) or bank teller. Expect a small fee.
Online bank transfer. Set up a payee account with an IBAN number via your local Italian bank or European online bank.
Verify the euro amount and date for payment.
Include your account number (codice cliente) and bill number (numero Fattura).
Online via the billing company’s website. This can be done with an Italian-issued credit card, or an IBAN.
Local provincial authorities determine who is exempt from paying the Imposta sul Valore Aggiunto (IVA), the Italian national tax. For this reason, different locations have varying policies.
AVIANO
Military members stationed at Aviano are able to receive non-taxed utilities using the Home Fuels program in Area F Bldg. 1409.
USAG ITALY
Military members, contractors and civilian employees stationed at USAG Italy are eligible for the Utility Tax Exemption Program (UTAP) and the Imposta sul Valore Aggiunto (IVA) Tax Exemption Program for specific household items or car parts over 150 euros. Visit the Tax Relief Office in Bldg. 204 on Camp Darby for details.
Wi-Fi Communication
When you first arrive, it is helpful to use one o fthese popular texting apps that are free to use over Wi-Fi.
Facetime
Signal
Facebook Messenger
Italian Providers
Most people prefer using either a pay-as-you-go service or pre-paid plan with a local provider in Italy. Both allow you to purchase a European SIM card that includes a large amount of data to use within a single month. You can then set up automatic monthly payments with a web account, or add data as needed online, and at grocery and convenience stores.
Common Providers
Tim
WindTre
Ho
liad
Kena
VeryMobile
Vodaphone
U.S. Number
Some U.S. providers offer international rates that you can add onto your current plan. This option allows you to keep your U.S. phone number but may require occasional verifications to ensure you can receive messages.
