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i had a similar problem, albeit just after I'd set up Direct Debits to pay gas and water bills.I got an ½ûÂþÌìÌà friend to ring up the bankÌýon my behalf - sorted it out in seconds

Well ..............................ÌýRubbish Tax - I went into my Comune and they now email me the rubbish tax bill, along with the bank details for paying it from the UK.Ìý I pay with a simple bank transfer from my UK accountÌýIMU/TASI etc - I use the calculators [I see that there is one on your Comune website], then print out the payment form.Ìý I sign it, scan it,Ìýand email it to my ½ûÂþÌìÌà Bank, who pay it for me, from my account there

There are some things that you need to take into account when planning the trip.

• How to cross the channel - I assume it will be by Eurotunnel as you have the dog with you
• What time do you 'land' in France? - determines travel distamces for that day
• How long will you travel each day? - Our dog seems happy with about 5Ìýor so hours a day with 30 minute stops every 2 hours or so - but your dog will be different
• Stops in Daytime - most motorwayÌý 'Services' and 'Airs are OK for walking the dog.'
• Driving speed - on motorways we keep it down to about 60 mph - so 300 miles a day.Ìý Less off of motorways
• How good a traveller is your dog? - we tend to stick to major roads/motorways because its a smoother [and quicker] journey
• Hotels - most 'chains' accept dogs, but a simple 'area specific' Ìýsearch online will give local hotels that also accept dogs
• Walkies? - I suggest you look at the satellite view of hotels you are considering using - its a great way of seeing if the area around the hotel is suitable for dog walks mornings and evenings.
• Don't forget about Pet Passport requirements when returning to the UK - alllow 1 hr for 'faffing about' at the embarkation point.

Our route to Italy, with the dog, tends to be:-

• Motorway to Besancon
• On to Pontarlier and into Switzerland
• Motorway to Simplon Pass and on into Italy

Overnight stays depend on what time you start out in FranceEnjoy

"Has anyone else had a similar request?"ÌýIt seems that this is an increasinglyÌýcommon occurence - See:-.....

I used a Notary recommended by the Estate Agent.ÌýÌýNo problems whatsoever

Credit cards are beingÌýused more and more in Italy, BUT for winery visits, Vespa rentals, small eateries, public transportationÌýetc you will probably always need cash. [not sure on Vespa rentals]In many ways Italy is still a cash oriented society, so you do need to have plenty of Euros available.ÌýIf you have the 'right' debit card, ATMs can be charge free when getting cash out.ÌýWhen paying cash [or card], don't forget to get a receipts, and keep hold of it- the tax man may ask to see it [to check the trader isn't putting cash under the counter.ÌýEnjoy your trip

Well .........................ÌýNot quite on the Amalfi Coast, but nearby and with great views over the Bay of Naples and near to Sorrento, the Hotel Il Nido is a place we stayed at a few years ago - fantastic views and sunbathing on the Ìýbalcony [If they still do it - try the home made Limoncello !!!!!!]ÌýÌýIf you want to see the sights on the Amafi - a car would be a great advantage, so Il Nido would be a good base to cover the coast, Capri, Vesuvius etc etc..Ìý If you don't want to drive, the Hotel doeas a shuttle service into Sorrento, and buses also stop outside the hotelÌýGood Luck

Well ................................Ìý

Well ..........Ìýwhat do you tink about gettig off to avoid the steep hillis it the same route as yours"ÌýDon't know the hill, so cannot commentÌýI'd go Metz- Nancy - Luneville - St Die - and over the Voges MountainsÌý on D415 [not a bad road with occasional Overtaking Lanes] - to ColmarWhere you stay is a choice yoou need to make, based on when you think you'll arrive.Ìý We've stayed 1n Sausheim on the edge of Mulhouse, near to the motorway at the Novotel - ÌýWe've also stayed near Colmar at Biesheim at - ÌýÌý very good placeÌýThe choice is yours.

WellÌý ....................................."by the way is this the fastest way ....... I know it is the cheapest"ÌýAs you are starting from Dunkirk, it probably is.Ìý The alternative would be down from Lille toÌýblast along the pay autoroute to Strasbourg and then down to Mulhouse, but I don't think you'd save much time.ÌýIts about 425 miles from Dunkirk to Mulhouse by 'my' route and a bit longer on the 'pay' route [440 ish].Ìý I always reckon that, including stops, I average about 50 mph - so 8 hrs.Ìý however if you drive at the speed limit [or just over] and don't take leisurely breaks, you could do it in about 6 to 6.5 hours.ÌýThe Mulhouse airport site is quite a way South of Mulhouse - its nearly in Basle, so add another 20 minutes to the tripÌýGood Luck