How to Register on 18app: A Step-by-Step Guide for Italian Residents

If you’re an 18-year-old residing in Italy, you’re likely eligible for the 18app, a government initiative providing a €500 voucher to be spent on cultural activities. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the registration process, ensuring you can access and utilize your cultural bonus seamlessly. We’ll cover everything from initial eligibility checks to troubleshooting common issues. Get ready to unlock a world of books, concerts, theater performances, and more!

What is 18app?

The 18app is a cultural bonus program offered by the Italian government to residents who turn 18. It grants them a €500 voucher to spend on a wide range of cultural goods and services. This initiative aims to promote culture among young people and support the cultural sector in Italy.

Who is Eligible for 18app?

To be eligible for the 18app, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a resident of Italy.
• Have turned 18 years old within the specified timeframe (usually the previous calendar year). For example, if you’re registering in 2024, you likely need to have turned 18 in 2023. Always verify the exact dates on the official 18app website.
• Possess a valid SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale) identity.

What is SPID and Why Do You Need It?

SPID, or Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale (Public Digital Identity System), is a digital identity that allows you to access various online services offered by the Italian government and participating private entities. It’s essentially a digital key to prove your identity online and is mandatory for registering for the 18app. Think of it as the digital equivalent of your ID card.

How to Obtain a SPID Identity: A Detailed Guide

Getting a SPID identity involves a few steps and choosing an identity provider (Gestore dell’Identità Digitale – IdP). Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Choose an Identity Provider (IdP): Several certified IdPs offer SPID identities. Some of the most popular include:
• Poste Italiane (PosteID)
• TIM ID
• InfoCert ID
• Aruba ID
• Namirial ID
• IntesaID

Each IdP may have slightly different registration processes and requirements, so compare their offerings and choose the one that best suits your needs. Consider factors like ease of use, available identification methods (in-person, online with webcam, etc.), and any associated fees (some IdPs offer free SPID identities, while others may charge for certain services).

2. Gather Required Documents and Information: Before starting the registration process, make sure you have the following readily available:
• A valid Italian ID document: This can be your Carta d’Identità (Identity Card), Passaporto (Passport), or Patente di Guida (Driver’s License). Make sure it’s not expired.
• Your Tessera Sanitaria (Health Insurance Card): This card contains your Codice Fiscale (Tax Code), which is required for SPID registration.
• Your mobile phone number: You’ll need a valid mobile phone number to receive verification codes and manage your SPID account.
• Your email address: A valid email address is required for communication and account recovery.
3. Register on the IdP’s Website: Visit the website of your chosen IdP and begin the registration process. The exact steps may vary depending on the provider, but generally, you’ll need to:
• Provide your personal information: This includes your name, surname, date of birth, place of birth, gender, and address.
• Enter your Codice Fiscale: Enter the tax code found on your Tessera Sanitaria.
• Provide your ID document details: Enter the type of ID document you’re using (Carta d’Identità, Passaporto, or Patente di Guida), the document number, and the issuing authority.
• Verify your mobile phone number and email address: The IdP will send you verification codes to your mobile phone and email address. Enter these codes to confirm that you own these accounts.
• Choose a username and password: Select a secure username and password for your SPID account.
4. Identity Verification: This is a crucial step to confirm your identity. IdPs offer different methods for identity verification, including:
• In-person verification: You can visit a designated office of the IdP (e.g., a post office for PosteID) and present your ID document to a representative for verification.
• Online verification with webcam: Some IdPs allow you to verify your identity online via webcam. You’ll need to show your ID document to the camera and follow the instructions provided.
• Verification via CIE (Carta d’Identità Elettronica): If you have the electronic version of the Italian identity card (CIE), you can use its built-in chip and a compatible card reader to verify your identity.
• Verification through CNS (Carta Nazionale dei Servizi): Similar to CIE, if you possess a CNS card, you can utilize it for identity verification.
• Using a previous digital signature: If you already have a digital signature, it can be used for identity verification with certain IdPs.
5. Complete the Registration: Once your identity is verified, you’ll receive confirmation from the IdP. You can then use your SPID credentials (username and password) to access online services, including the 18app.

Tips for a Smooth SPID Registration:

• Choose the right IdP: Compare the services offered by different providers before making a decision.
• Prepare your documents: Have all the required documents and information ready before starting the registration process.
• Follow the instructions carefully: Pay close attention to the instructions provided by the IdP.
• Choose a strong password: Select a password that is difficult to guess.
• Keep your SPID credentials safe: Do not share your username and password with anyone.
• Consider In-Person Verification: If you’re not comfortable with online verification methods, opt for in-person verification. It’s often the most straightforward and reliable approach.
• Check the IdP’s Support Resources: Each IdP offers detailed FAQs and customer support channels. Utilize these resources if you encounter any difficulties during the registration process.

Registering on the 18app: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you have your SPID identity, you can proceed with registering on the 18app platform. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. Visit the 18app Website: Go to the official 18app website. The URL is typically https://www.18app.italia.it/. Make sure you’re on the official website to avoid scams.
2. Click on “Entra con SPID” (Enter with SPID): On the homepage, you’ll find a button labeled “Entra con SPID.” Click on it.
3. Select Your SPID Provider: You’ll be presented with a list of SPID identity providers. Choose the provider you used to obtain your SPID credentials (e.g., PosteID, TIM ID, InfoCert ID).
4. Enter Your SPID Credentials: You’ll be redirected to the website of your chosen SPID provider. Enter your SPID username and password.
5. Authorize Access: You may be asked to authorize the 18app to access certain information from your SPID account. Grant the necessary permissions.
6. Accept the Terms and Conditions: Read the terms and conditions carefully and accept them.
7. Complete the Registration Form: You may need to fill out a short registration form with some basic information. Double-check all the information you provide to ensure it’s accurate.
8. Verify Your Information: The 18app system may verify your information against government databases. This process may take a few minutes.
9. Activate Your Voucher: Once your registration is complete and your information is verified, your €500 voucher will be activated. You’ll be able to view your voucher balance on the 18app platform.

Using Your 18app Voucher: A Guide to Spending Your Bonus

Now that you’ve successfully registered and activated your 18app voucher, it’s time to explore the exciting world of cultural opportunities available to you. Here’s how to use your voucher:

What Can You Buy with 18app?

The 18app voucher can be used to purchase a variety of cultural goods and services, including:

• Books: Purchase physical books from bookstores or online retailers. E-books are typically not eligible.
• Music: Buy CDs, vinyl records, and digital music from participating retailers.
• Concerts: Attend live music concerts of various genres.
• Theater and Dance Performances: Enjoy theater plays, dance performances, and operas.
• Cinema: Watch movies at participating cinemas.
• Museums, Exhibitions, and Cultural Events: Visit museums, art exhibitions, historical sites, and other cultural events.
• Courses: Enroll in language courses, music lessons, or other cultural courses (verify eligibility with the course provider).

How to Spend Your Voucher: Generating and Using QR Codes

To spend your 18app voucher, you’ll need to generate QR codes on the 18app platform. Here’s how:

1. Log in to the 18app Website: Go to the official 18app website and log in with your SPID credentials.
2. Browse Eligible Products or Services: Find the book, concert ticket, movie ticket, or other eligible item you want to purchase from a participating retailer or vendor.
3. Determine the Exact Amount: Note the exact price of the item you want to buy.
4. Generate a QR Code: On the 18app platform, navigate to the section for generating QR codes. Enter the exact amount you want to spend (e.g., €15.50 for a book). The system will generate a unique QR code.
5. Present the QR Code to the Retailer: Show the QR code to the cashier or vendor at the time of purchase. They will scan the code to deduct the corresponding amount from your voucher balance. For online purchases, you might be required to enter the code manually.
6. Keep Track of Your Spending: The 18app platform keeps track of your spending history. You can log in at any time to view your remaining balance and see where you’ve spent your voucher.

Important Notes on Spending Your 18app Voucher:

• Check Retailer Participation: Not all retailers and vendors accept the 18app voucher. Look for the 18app logo or ask the retailer directly to confirm their participation.
• Use the Exact Amount: When generating a QR code, enter the exact amount of the purchase. You can’t use a QR code for a higher amount than the item’s price. Any remaining amount on a generated QR code is lost.
• QR Codes are Single-Use: Each QR code can only be used once. Once it’s scanned, the amount is deducted from your voucher balance.
• Voucher Expiration: The 18app voucher has an expiration date. Make sure to spend your entire balance before the expiration date. The expiration date is typically announced on the 18app website.
• No Cash Refunds: The 18app voucher cannot be exchanged for cash.
• Combination with Other Discounts: In some cases, you may be able to combine your 18app voucher with other discounts or promotions offered by retailers. Check with the retailer for details.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, you might encounter issues during the registration or usage of the 18app. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

• SPID Issues:
• Problem: Difficulty obtaining or using your SPID credentials.
• Solution: Contact your SPID identity provider for assistance. They can help you with password resets, account recovery, and other SPID-related issues.
• Registration Errors:
• Problem: Error messages during the 18app registration process.
• Solution: Double-check the information you’re entering to ensure it’s accurate. Make sure your SPID information matches your personal details. If the problem persists, contact the 18app support team.
• QR Code Issues:
• Problem: Difficulty generating or using QR codes.
• Solution: Make sure you’re generating QR codes for the exact amount of the purchase. Ensure that the retailer accepts the 18app voucher. If the QR code still doesn’t work, try generating a new one.
• Voucher Balance Issues:
• Problem: Incorrect voucher balance displayed on the 18app platform.
• Solution: Check your spending history to see if there are any discrepancies. If you believe there’s an error, contact the 18app support team.
• Website Issues:
• Problem: Website is slow or unresponsive.
• Solution: Try accessing the website at a different time. Clear your browser cache and cookies. Use a different browser.

Contacting 18app Support

If you encounter any issues that you can’t resolve on your own, you can contact the 18app support team. You can usually find contact information (e.g., email address, phone number, FAQ section) on the official 18app website.

Tips for Maximizing Your 18app Experience

• Plan Ahead: Before generating QR codes, research the cultural activities you want to participate in and the books or music you want to buy.
• Explore Different Options: Don’t limit yourself to familiar cultural experiences. Use the 18app voucher to discover new genres of music, explore different types of theater, or visit museums you’ve never been to before.
• Take Advantage of Discounts and Promotions: Look for discounts and promotions offered by participating retailers and vendors to maximize the value of your voucher.
• Share Your Experience: Share your 18app experiences with friends and family. Encourage them to take advantage of the program as well.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest news and announcements about the 18app program by visiting the official website and following social media channels.

Conclusion

The 18app is a fantastic opportunity for young Italian residents to explore and appreciate the rich cultural landscape of Italy. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily register for the program, access your €500 voucher, and start enjoying a wide range of cultural experiences. Remember to obtain your SPID identity, plan your spending wisely, and stay informed about the latest updates to the program. Happy exploring!