1. Transport Tickets
Regular buses, trams and metro require that you pre-purchase a ticket from any tobacco shop which displays a large ‘T’ sign, or a bar or shop displaying the ATAC or COTRAL sign. In addition, you can get tickets from the automatic ticket machines available at the metro stations. Tickets are very cheap with an all-day pass costing ?4. Once on board, validate your ticket at the machine. Boarding without a ticket or not getting the ticket stamped can lead to a fine of ?51 so it pays to be informed and organized.
2. Tipping
A service charge may be included on your restaurant bill and will be denoted by the word ‘servizio’. Tipping is customary, but usually only a few euros, not a 10-15% as in other countries. Tipping of taxi drivers is usually low, just rounding up the fare to the next euro.
3. Safety Precautions
As in all busy cities pickpockets ply their trade with skill in Rome, often working in teams. Hold your bag or purse in the front of your body when in a crowd or on public transport to avoid someone crushing up against you and removing your valuables. If you have a backpack, please make sure you have it the other way around, the pack in the front!
Be on your guard when there are distractions to ensure that you are not seen as an easy target and make sure you keep your eyes on your bag. These safety tips may seem extreme but there are to ensure your vacation will not be ruined by pickpockets.
4. Emergency Numbers
In case of an emergency dial 113 for Police, 115 for Fire services and 118 for an ambulance.
5. Entrance Fees
Although museums, palazzos and galleries charge moderate entrance fees, entrance to most churches including St Peter’s Basilica is free, donations are welcome. Several popular attractions such as The Pantheon, Bocca Della Verita, and Fontana Di Trevi are also free.
6. Correct Attire
When visiting St Peter’s Basilica, no-one wearing shorts, sleeveless tops or skirts above the knee will be allowed in. Paper trousers and shawls are on sale from vendors outside at highly inflated prices!
7. Best Time to Visit the Vatican
When visiting the Vatican independently, you need to get in line around 7am to avoid the mile-long lines which build up around 9am. Once inside, head straight for the Sistine Chapel ahead of the crowds. An alternative is to go around 2pm or book a guided tour through your hotel and avoid the lines completely.
8. Pedestrian Crossings
In this case, ‘When in Rome, don’t do like the Romans’. Many local residents cross the streets with no respect to lights. The pedestrian light signals do work. It is just that many residents cannot be bothered with following the rules. So please wait for the green pedestrian signal before crossing the street. Even when it is green, make sure the cars are coming to a stop. Cars do not necessary stop when they have the red light either. Crossing even with the green pedestrian light is dangerous and if you do not reside here, it is suicidal to do it when it is red for pedestrians.
When you come to a pedestrian crossing without any lights, you must be extremely careful. Not every car will stop for pedestrians. If you are not sure, cross with a resident. They usually know when to step out without getting run over.
Tags: automatic ticket, bocca della verita, easy target, fontana di trevi, free donations, metro stations, palazzos, rome italy, ticket machines, tobacco shop