FAQs

Question

Where can I get euro before leaving for Rome?

Answer

We strongly recommend getting some euro before you leave the States. You can ask your bank if they are able to provide you with some (we both use Chase and they do) or you can go to any currency exchange. Don't exchange money at the airport. There fees are inflated and you will not get the best value.

Question

Will my phone work while I'm abroad?

Answer

That depends! You can check with your carrier to see if you have access to an international plan or can add one on for the time you are abroad. If you do not have international data and use your phone while out of the country you will be charged additional fees by your provider. For that reason it's best to check with them before you leave. If your phone is unlocked (jail broken), you can buy an international SIM card once you arrive in Rome. While on the subject of phones, a great app to download is WhatsApp. WhatsApp allows you to send messages, pictures, videos and even voice recordings over the internet, rather than using your mobile network. Please note that you will need to bring a plug/power adapter in order to charge your phone (and to utilize any other electronic devices). The voltage in Italy and Europe is 220 volts.

Question

Does Rome have uber?

Answer

Uber is sketchy in Rome. It was legal-ish once, now it’s not- it goes back and forth, and while you can chance using it, I would save your worries and money, and avoid it. An app that works similarly to uber is the MyTaxi app. You can pay through the app with a card and request taxis near you. But honestly, most people have the restaurants/hotels they’re staying at call a cab for them or they go to a taxi stand.

Question

Where can I get a taxi?

Answer

Unlike Chicago, you can't just hail a cab from the side of any street. If you’re around town, you can get cabs from an official stand that is noted by an orange sign with the word, "TAXI" on it. They’re all around the city center at the famous monuments and piazzas. You can also request taxis near you with an app called MyTaxi. Please note that after 8-9PM, the minimum fare will start at 6 euro, so don’t get confused if you see the meter start at that when you get in.

Question

Is there a metro?

Answer

Yes. The metro only has 2.5 lines, but it’s easy to use: Line A (red/orange-ish color, can get you to the Vatican, to the Spanish steps, to Termini and beyond) Line B (blue), can get you to the Colosseo, Monti, Ostiense/Piramide Line C (green), the newest of the lines, goes south-east from the center to the burbs. First-timers, it is quite likely that you will not use this line. For the more adventurous, this will get you to places like Pigneto and Centocelle.

Question

What about the bus system?

Answer

The buses are a different story… they have a schedule, but don’t run on it… just go with it. We swear, it’ll leave you less frustrated if you don’t think about the ridiculousness of their erratic driving/lateness. You do have to scan a ticket to get onto the metro, you do not have to scan one to be on a bus. It runs on an honor system. That being said, SCAN YOUR TICKET ON THE BUS REGARDLESS. You will have ATAC workers periodically coming onto the busses and checking to see whether or not you have a validated ticket. If you don’t, be prepared to pay a 50+ euro fine on the spot in cash.

Question

Where can I get metro/bus tickets?

Answer

1. At a metro station: the ticket used on the metro is the same used for buses. Metro stations have self-service machines where you can buy single ride tickets or opt for 24 hours, 3-day or 7-day passes. Tickets can only be used for one metro ride but once validated, they valid for 100 minutes. That means you can take a bus after your metro within that time period or take multiple buses with no need for a transfer ticket. 2. At a Tabbacchi: Tabacco shops. They tend to be open long hours, and are quick and efficient. If you need a bus ticket, you can probably easily find a tabbacheria. Here you can buy a single ticket (or multiple single tickets to keep on hand). 3. At an Edicola: what tabbacheria are to cigarettes, edicola are to newspapers. In addition to printed press (and random toys for children) these stands also stock bus tickets. They can be found out and about around the city, and are usually open until about 9 pm.

Question

Cash or Credit?

Answer

Rome has much more of a cash based culture than we do in the States. We recommend having some euro on hand before you board you flight to cover any taxi costs, as most do not accept credit cards. You can get cash before you go at any currency exchange or your bank may also carry it (Chase definitely does). We do not recommend exchanging money at the airport due to higher service fees. Once in Rome you can use your credit card but many places still prefer cash. We recommend bringing a debit card that will allow you to withdraw money as you go and to put a travel notice on your cards with your bank so it isn't frozen for fraud while you are making purchases in Italy. You may also want to check with you bank about any foreign transaction fees for purchases made while abroad.

Question

How much should I tip?

Answer

Certainly not as much as you are accustomed to in the States. One primary reason for this is that Italian workers are paid a monthly salary for their work — in contrast to food service personnel in the U.S. You’re probably already paying a supplement through the servizio (service charge) on your restaurant bill and/or the coperto (cover charge). At restaurants it's customary to leave an additional 5%–10% tip, or a couple of euros, for the waiter, depending on the quality of service. Tip €0.05–€0.10 for whatever you drink standing up at a coffee bar, €0.25 or more for table service in a café. For tipping taxi drivers, it is acceptable if you round up to the nearest euro. In hotels, give the portiere (concierge) about 15% of his bill for services, or €2.50–€5 if he has been generally helpful. For two people in a double room, you can leave housekeeping about €1 per day, or about €4–€6 a week, in a moderately priced hotel, and tip a minimum of €1 for valet or room service.