FAQs
Question
Do I need an International Drivers Permit?
Answer
While not absolutely necessary, we'd recommend getting one. It is the legal requirement and some car rental offices will request to see them on pickup. It's $20 and takes 5 minutes at any AAA travel store. (Bring a passport dimensioned photo with you, otherwise they charge $15 to take one and print it out)
Question
Data & Wifi
Answer
The venue and the airbnb's should have their own wifi. The town center also has wifi - we can share the password once we get closer to wedding. We have been using an "e-sim card" which has worked pretty well. You can purchase however many GB you want and can always top it off if you run out. The app is called "Airalo." You can also go old school and purchase a physical sim card at the airport so that you have data when not connected to wifi. If you have t-mobile, you should have free international data. We recommend having some sort of sim card as backup, because there are times that didn't work for us.
Question
Messaging and Calls
Answer
We recommend using Whatsapp for texting and voice calls. You can use imessage between iphones, but it won't work for androids.
Question
Common Italian Words and Phrases
Answer
1 - uno 2 - due 3 - tre 4 - quattro 5 - cinque 6 - sei 7 - sette 8 - otto 9 - nove 10 - dieci Yes - Si No - No Thank you - Grazie Please - Per favore Good day/good morning - Buongiorno Good evening - Buenesera Hello/goodbye - Ciao How are you? - Come stai? How's it goin? - Come va? Good - Bene Beer - Bira Wine - Vino Red - Roso White - Bianco Water - Acqua Glass - Bicchiere Bottle - Bottiglia Can I pay? - Poso pagare? This one - Questo/questa I don't know - No lo so Car - La Macchina Ticket - Il Biglietto (you'll see this word when going through the tolls) I understand - Capisco I don't understand - Non capisco *Download the Italian language ahead of time on google translate so you can look things up when not connected to the internet*
Question
How to Order Coffee
Answer
Caffe/caffe espresso = shot of espresso in the cute tiny mug Doppio espresso = double shot of espresso in a slightly bigger cute mug Caffe Americano = the closest you'll get to a cup of black coffee Cappuccino = the classic foamed milk with a shot of espresso Caffe macchiato = espresso with a splash (or directly translated - a "stain") of milk Caffe doppio macchiato = our personal favorite, just a larger version of the caffe macchiato!
Question
Gifts
Answer
We know you love us and want to shower us with presents, but PLEASE no gifts. We acknowledge that getting to this venue comes at a cost, and that is more valuable than anything from a registry could ever be. Just show up ready to drink, eat, dance, and explore!!
Question
Do I have to drive on the opposite side of the road??
Answer
Italians drive on the same side of the road as America, so no worries there! Cars are more commonly manual, but you can request an automatic.
Question
Gas Stations (Benzinaio)
Answer
Make sure you know if your car is gasolio (diesel) or benzina (gas/petrol)! Diesel probably will have a black, blue, or yellow label; gas is typically green. Gas stations usually have an attendant and a self serve section. When putting gas in the car, you have to choose the euro amount you want to pump. (usually buttons labeled as 5,10,20 euro) If there's an attendant, you tell them the euro amount you want to pay or you can say "tutto" which means "All" (the way up). You pay for the gas after they've put it in your car. This link is actually really helpful: https://mominitaly.com/italian-gas-stations/
Question
Where do I stop if I need a bathroom break but also want a life changing experience?
Answer
Please stop at an AUTOGRILL on your way from Rome to Capestrano. They have clean bathrooms, a full cafe, and beautiful sandwiches and pastries. It's unlike any gas station you've ever been to. The one we usually stop at is almost exactly half way - about 1:15 outside of Rome.