Unlocking Culture: A Comprehensive Guide to Using the 18app Bonus in Italy

The 18app is a fantastic initiative by the Italian government, designed to encourage newly 18-year-olds to engage with cultural activities and enrich their lives. It provides a €500 bonus that can be used for a wide range of cultural experiences, from concerts and theater performances to books, museum visits, and language courses. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the 18app, from registering and claiming your bonus to finding eligible activities and making the most of this incredible opportunity.

What is the 18app?

The 18app is a cultural bonus offered to all Italian residents who turn 18. It provides a digital voucher worth €500 that can be spent on cultural goods and services. The aim is to promote culture among young people and support the cultural sector in Italy. It’s a valuable tool for expanding your horizons, discovering new interests, and connecting with the rich cultural heritage of Italy.

Who is Eligible for the 18app?

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

• Be a resident of Italy.
• Have turned 18 in the year the bonus is being offered (for example, if you turned 18 in 2023, you are eligible for the 2023 bonus).
• Possess a valid SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale) identity.

How to Obtain Your SPID (Sistema Pubblico di Identità Digitale)

SPID is your digital identity in Italy, allowing you to access online services provided by the Public Administration. It’s crucial for claiming and using your 18app bonus. Here’s how to get it:

1. Choose a SPID Provider: Several accredited providers offer SPID, including Poste Italiane (PosteID), TIM ID, InfoCert ID, Aruba ID, and Namirial ID. Research each provider to find the one that best suits your needs. Consider factors like ease of registration, cost (some providers offer it for free, while others charge a fee), and available support.
2. Gather Required Documents: You will typically need the following documents:
• A valid Italian ID card (Carta d’Identità) or Passport.
• Your Italian Tax Code (Codice Fiscale).
• Your mobile phone number.
• Your email address.
3. Register Online: Visit the website of your chosen SPID provider and follow the registration instructions. You will be asked to provide your personal information, upload copies of your documents, and verify your identity.
4. Verify Your Identity: Identity verification methods vary depending on the provider. Common methods include:
• In Person: Visiting a physical office of the provider (e.g., a post office for PosteID).
• Online via Webcam: Conducting a video call with a representative of the provider.
• Using a National Service Card (Carta Nazionale dei Servizi – CNS): If you have a CNS, you can use it to verify your identity digitally.
• Electronic Identity Card (Carta d’Identità Elettronica – CIE): Can be used with appropriate reader or NFC enabled phone.
5. Activate Your SPID: Once your identity is verified, you will receive instructions on how to activate your SPID. This usually involves setting a username and password.

Important Notes About SPID:

• Keep your SPID credentials (username and password) safe and secure.
• Do not share your SPID credentials with anyone.
• If you lose your SPID credentials, contact your provider immediately to reset them.

How to Register for the 18app

Once you have your SPID, you can register for the 18app. Here’s how:

1. Visit the 18app Website: Go to the official 18app website: https://www.18app.italia.it/.
2. Log in with SPID: Click on the “Entra con SPID” button and select your SPID provider. You will be redirected to your provider’s login page. Enter your SPID credentials (username and password).
3. Accept the Terms and Conditions: Read the terms and conditions of the 18app carefully. If you agree, check the box to accept them.
4. Confirm Your Registration: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your registration. You may be asked to provide additional information, such as your email address or phone number.

How to Generate Vouchers

Once you are registered for the 18app, you can start generating vouchers to spend on eligible cultural goods and services. Here’s how:

1. Log in to the 18app Website: Go to the 18app website and log in with your SPID credentials.
2. Browse Eligible Activities: Explore the various categories of eligible activities, such as books, music, cinema, theater, concerts, museums, exhibitions, national parks, language courses, and performing arts courses.
3. Find Participating Businesses: Look for businesses that are registered with the 18app. You can search for participating businesses on the 18app website or by looking for the 18app logo in physical stores and online.
4. Create a Voucher: When you find an activity or product you want to purchase, click on the “Crea Buono” (Create Voucher) button.
5. Enter the Amount: Enter the exact amount of the purchase. The amount must be within the remaining balance of your 18app bonus.
6. Confirm the Voucher: Review the details of the voucher and confirm that they are correct.
7. Save or Print the Voucher: The voucher will be generated as a QR code. You can save the QR code to your phone or print it out.

Where Can You Spend Your 18app Bonus?

Your 18app bonus can be spent on a wide range of cultural goods and services offered by businesses registered with the program. Here’s a breakdown of the eligible categories:

• Books: Purchase books of any kind, including novels, textbooks, comics, and ebooks.
• Music: Buy music albums, CDs, vinyl records, and digital music downloads.
• Cinema: Purchase tickets to movie theaters.
• Theater and Concerts: Attend theater performances, concerts, and other live events.
• Museums, Exhibitions, and Cultural Events: Visit museums, art galleries, exhibitions, archaeological sites, and other cultural events.
• National Parks: Entrance tickets to national parks.
• Language Courses: Enroll in language courses (Italian or other languages).
• Performing Arts Courses: Participate in courses related to theater, dance, music, or other performing arts.

Finding Participating Businesses:

• Online Search: Use the search function on the 18app website to find participating businesses near you or online. You can filter your search by category, location, and keyword.
• In-Store Signage: Look for the 18app logo displayed in the windows or at the cash registers of physical stores.
• Ask the Business: If you are unsure whether a business accepts the 18app, simply ask a staff member.

Using Your Vouchers

When you are ready to make a purchase, present your voucher (either the QR code on your phone or the printed copy) to the cashier. The cashier will scan the QR code and deduct the amount from your 18app balance.

Important Notes:

• Vouchers are single-use. Once a voucher has been used, it cannot be used again.
• You can use multiple vouchers for a single purchase, as long as the total amount of the vouchers does not exceed the purchase price.
• You cannot receive cash back for unused voucher amounts.
• Vouchers are non-transferable. You cannot give your voucher to someone else to use.

Checking Your 18app Balance

You can check your 18app balance at any time by logging in to the 18app website with your SPID credentials. Your remaining balance will be displayed on your account dashboard.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues that users may encounter with the 18app, and how to resolve them:

• SPID Issues: If you are having trouble logging in with your SPID, contact your SPID provider for assistance. Make sure you are using the correct username and password, and that your SPID is active.
• Voucher Generation Issues: If you are unable to generate a voucher, make sure you have sufficient funds in your 18app balance. Also, ensure that the amount you are entering is correct and that you have selected a valid category.
• Voucher Redemption Issues: If a business is unable to redeem your voucher, make sure they are registered with the 18app and that they have the necessary equipment to scan the QR code. If the problem persists, contact 18app support.
• Website Issues: If you are experiencing technical difficulties with the 18app website, try clearing your browser cache and cookies. You can also try using a different browser or device.

Tips for Making the Most of Your 18app Bonus

Here are some tips to help you maximize the value of your 18app bonus:

• Plan Ahead: Take some time to research the eligible activities and businesses in your area. Make a list of the things you want to experience and prioritize them.
• Look for Deals and Discounts: Many businesses offer special deals and discounts to 18app users. Be sure to ask about these offers when making your purchases.
• Explore New Interests: The 18app is a great opportunity to try new things and discover new interests. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and explore different cultural activities.
• Support Local Businesses: Choose to spend your 18app bonus at local businesses and cultural institutions. This will help support the local economy and ensure that these valuable resources remain available for future generations.
• Share Your Experiences: Share your experiences with the 18app on social media and encourage your friends to take advantage of this amazing opportunity.

Expiration Date

It’s crucial to be aware of the expiration date for your 18app bonus. The deadline for using the bonus is usually around 18 months to two years after it’s assigned. Check the official 18app website or your account details to confirm the exact expiration date for your specific bonus. Don’t wait until the last minute to use your funds; start planning your cultural experiences well in advance to avoid missing out.

Official Resources and Support

For the most up-to-date information, FAQs, and official support, always refer to the official 18app website: https://www.18app.italia.it/. You can also find contact information for the 18app support team on the website.

Conclusion

The 18app is a fantastic opportunity for young Italians to explore the rich cultural landscape of their country. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily register for the program, claim your bonus, and start enjoying a wide range of cultural experiences. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to expand your horizons, discover new interests, and connect with the vibrant culture of Italy!