How to Buy Cinema Tickets with 18app: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you an 18-year-old Italian resident with access to the 18app cultural bonus? If so, you’re in luck! The 18app provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Italian culture, and what better way to do that than by enjoying a movie at the cinema? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of buying cinema tickets using your 18app bonus, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. We’ll cover everything from understanding the 18app to selecting your movie, generating your voucher, and redeeming it at the cinema or online.

What is 18app?

The 18app (officially known as the *Bonus Cultura*) is an initiative by the Italian government to promote culture among young adults. It provides a €500 voucher to all Italian residents who turn 18, which can be used to purchase books, concert tickets, museum entries, theatrical performances, cinema tickets, language courses, and more. It’s designed to encourage young people to engage with and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Italy. The specifics of the program, including the eligible birth years and spending deadlines, vary year to year, so it’s crucial to stay updated with the official 18app guidelines.

Eligibility and Registration

Before you can start buying cinema tickets, you need to ensure you’re eligible for the 18app and have successfully registered. Here’s a breakdown:

• Eligibility: You must be an Italian resident and have turned 18 in the year specified by the current iteration of the 18app program. Each year, the program opens to a new cohort of 18-year-olds.
• SPID Account: The key to accessing the 18app is having a SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale) account. SPID is the Italian digital identity system, and it’s required for accessing various online public services. If you don’t already have a SPID, you’ll need to create one. Several providers offer SPID services, including Poste Italiane, TIM, Aruba, and InfoCert. The registration process usually involves verifying your identity through various means, such as your ID card and health card. Choose a provider and follow their specific instructions to create your SPID.
• 18app Registration: Once you have your SPID, you can register on the 18app website (www.18app.italia.it). Use your SPID credentials to log in. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process. This usually involves accepting the terms and conditions and providing some basic information.

Important Note: The 18app program has specific deadlines for registration and voucher redemption. Make sure you register before the registration deadline and spend your bonus before the expiration date, which is typically specified on the 18app website. Failure to do so will result in the loss of your bonus.

Finding Participating Cinemas

Not all cinemas accept the 18app bonus. You need to find cinemas that are registered and participating in the program. There are a few ways to do this:

• 18app Website/App: The official 18app website and mobile app usually have a search function that allows you to find participating vendors, including cinemas. You can filter your search by category (cinema) and location to find cinemas near you. This is the most reliable way to find participating cinemas.
• Cinema Websites: Many cinema websites will explicitly state whether they accept the 18app bonus. Look for a mention of 18app or Bonus Cultura on their website, usually in the FAQ section or payment options.
• Directly Contact Cinemas: The most straightforward approach is to call or email the cinemas in your area and ask if they accept the 18app bonus.

Keep a list of the cinemas near you that accept 18app, as you’ll need this information later when generating your voucher.

Generating Your 18app Voucher

Once you’ve found a cinema you want to use your 18app bonus at, you need to generate a voucher for the specific amount of the ticket(s). Here’s how:

1. Log into the 18app: Go to the 18app website (www.18app.italia.it) or open the mobile app and log in using your SPID credentials.
2. Select “Create Voucher”: Look for a button or link that says something like “Crea buono” (Create Voucher) or “Dove spendere i buoni” (Where to spend vouchers).
3. Choose the Category: You will be presented with a list of categories. Select “Cinema.”
4. Choose the Type of Purchase: You will then be prompted to choose the type of purchase. This may vary depending on the cinema, but you’ll typically have options like:
   • Biglietto Cinema (Cinema Ticket): This is for a single ticket.
   • Abbonamento Cinema (Cinema Subscription): This is for a cinema pass or subscription.

   Select the option that best matches what you’re buying.

5. Enter the Amount: Enter the exact amount of the cinema ticket(s) you want to purchase. Double-check the price on the cinema’s website or at the box office to ensure you enter the correct amount. Remember that you can create multiple vouchers for different amounts if needed, but it’s generally best to create a voucher for the exact amount to avoid leftover funds on the voucher.
6. Confirm and Generate: Review the details you’ve entered and confirm that everything is correct. Then, click the button to generate the voucher.
7. Save Your Voucher: The 18app will generate a voucher with a unique code (usually a QR code or a string of numbers and letters). You can either print the voucher, save it as a PDF on your phone, or take a screenshot of it. Make sure you have the voucher readily available when you go to the cinema or proceed with online booking.

Important Considerations When Generating Vouchers:

• Voucher Validity: Vouchers are usually valid for a limited time after they are generated. Check the voucher details for the expiration date.
• Amount Accuracy: Always ensure you enter the correct amount for the ticket. If the voucher amount is less than the ticket price, you’ll need to pay the difference. If the voucher amount is more than the ticket price, you might not be able to get the remaining amount back.
• One Voucher Per Purchase: Generally, you can only use one 18app voucher per transaction. If you are buying multiple tickets, you may need to create a single voucher for the total amount.

Redeeming Your Voucher at the Cinema

Now that you have your 18app voucher, it’s time to redeem it at the cinema and enjoy your movie! There are typically two ways to redeem your voucher:

In-Person at the Box Office

1. Go to the Box Office: Head to the cinema’s box office during opening hours.
2. Choose Your Movie and Show Time: Tell the ticket vendor which movie and show time you want to attend.
3. Present Your Voucher: Show the ticket vendor your 18app voucher (either the printed copy or the digital version on your phone).
4. Confirm the Purchase: The ticket vendor will scan the QR code or manually enter the voucher code into their system.
5. Receive Your Tickets: Once the voucher is validated, you will receive your cinema tickets.

Online Booking (If Available)

Some cinemas allow you to use your 18app voucher for online bookings. The process varies depending on the cinema’s website, but here are the general steps:

1. Visit the Cinema’s Website: Go to the website of the cinema where you want to see the movie.
2. Select Your Movie and Show Time: Choose the movie and show time you want to attend.
3. Select Your Seats: Select your preferred seats.
4. Proceed to Checkout: Go to the checkout page.
5. Choose 18app as Payment Method: Look for an option to pay with 18app, Bonus Cultura, or similar.
6. Enter Your Voucher Code: Enter the voucher code (the string of numbers and letters) into the designated field. Some websites may also allow you to upload a screenshot of the QR code.
7. Confirm the Purchase: Confirm the purchase. The website should validate the voucher code and deduct the amount from your total.
8. Receive Your Tickets: You will typically receive your tickets via email or be able to download them from the website.

Important Notes for Redeeming Your Voucher:

• Arrive Early: If you are redeeming your voucher at the box office, especially for popular movies or show times, arrive early to avoid long queues.
• Check Expiration Dates: Ensure that your voucher is still valid before attempting to redeem it.
• Internet Connectivity: If you are using a digital version of your voucher, make sure your phone has a stable internet connection, especially when redeeming it at the box office.
• Contact Support: If you encounter any problems while redeeming your voucher, don’t hesitate to contact the cinema’s customer support or the 18app support team for assistance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While the process of buying cinema tickets with 18app is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

• Invalid Voucher Code:
  • Double-Check the Code: Make sure you have entered the voucher code correctly. Pay attention to case sensitivity and any special characters.
  • Check Expiration Date: Ensure that the voucher hasn’t expired.
  • Contact 18app Support: If the code is still valid and you’re sure you’ve entered it correctly, contact the 18app support team for assistance. There might be an issue with the voucher itself.
• Cinema Doesn’t Accept 18app:
  • Verify Participation: Double-check that the cinema is indeed a participating vendor. The 18app website/app should have the most up-to-date list of participating cinemas.
  • Contact Cinema Management: If the cinema claims to accept 18app but the system isn’t working, speak to the cinema manager. There might be a temporary technical issue.
• Insufficient Funds on Voucher:
  • Check Voucher Balance: Verify the amount on your voucher. If the ticket price is higher than the voucher amount, you’ll need to pay the difference.
  • Generate a New Voucher: You can generate a new voucher to cover the remaining amount, but remember that you usually can’t combine multiple vouchers for a single purchase.
• Technical Issues with the 18app Website/App:
  • Check Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
  • Clear Cache and Cookies: Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies or restarting the 18app app.
  • Try a Different Browser/Device: Try accessing the 18app website or app from a different browser or device.
  • Contact 18app Support: If the problem persists, contact the 18app support team.
• SPID Login Issues:
  • Verify SPID Credentials: Make sure you are using the correct SPID username and password.
  • Contact SPID Provider: If you are having trouble logging in with your SPID, contact your SPID provider for assistance.

Tips for Maximizing Your 18app Experience

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your 18app bonus:

• Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute to register for the 18app and spend your bonus. Give yourself plenty of time to explore your options and make informed decisions.
• Explore Different Cultural Activities: While cinema tickets are a great option, remember that the 18app can also be used for books, concerts, museum entries, and more. Explore different cultural activities to broaden your horizons.
• Read Reviews: Before buying tickets to a movie or any other cultural event, read reviews to get an idea of what to expect.
• Check for Discounts: Some cinemas and other cultural institutions offer discounts for students or young adults. Be sure to inquire about any available discounts before making your purchase.
• Share the Experience: Invite friends or family members to join you for a movie or other cultural event. Sharing the experience can make it even more enjoyable.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest news and information about the 18app program. The official website and social media channels are good sources of information.

Conclusion

The 18app is a valuable resource for young Italians, offering a chance to explore and appreciate the country’s rich cultural landscape. By following these steps, you can easily buy cinema tickets using your 18app bonus and enjoy a memorable movie experience. Remember to register early, choose a participating cinema, generate your voucher correctly, and redeem it before the expiration date. Happy watching!