Tips when visiting Rome

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.

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 as little as €4.  Once on board, stamp 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.

Time Zone
Rome follows Central European Time (GMT+1). However from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in September clocks are currently advanced one hour more (GMT+2).

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!

When it is extremely crowded on the public transportation, my hands are constantly on my bag in front of me.  If you are squashed to the max, keep your eyes on the bag.   Be on your guard when there are distractions to ensure that you are not seen as an easy target.

These safety tips may seem extreme but it’s to ensure your vacation won’t be ruined by pickpockets.

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.

Internet
Many of Rome’s green spaces are wireless internet hotspots and are free for those with laptops. Hotels may provide a computer for guests, otherwise there are plenty of cheap internet cafés around.

Emergency Numbers
In emergency dial 113 for Police, 115 for Fire services and 118 for an ambulance.

Opening Hours
Most shops, banks and churches close from 1-3.30pm for a long lunch break. See Business hours for details. Some state museums are closed on Mondays.

Papal Audiences
An audience with the Pope can be requested in writing from the Prefettura della Casa Pontifica. They are held in the Vatican on Wednesdays at 10.30am or at the Pope’s summer residence at Castel Gandolfo.

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!

Best Time to Visit the Vatican
When visiting the Vatican independently, you need to get in line around 6.45am 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.

Pedestrian Crossings
In this case, I would say ‘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’s just that many residents can’t be bothered with following the rules.

So please wait for the green pedestrian signal before crossing the street.  Even when it’s green, please make sure the cars are stopping.  Yes, cars don’t necessary stop when they have the red light either.  As you can see, crossing even with the green pedestrian light is dangerous and if you don’t reside here, it’s suicidal to do it when it’s red for pedestrians.

When you come to a pedestrian crossing without any lights, you must be extremely careful.  Cars don’t stop for pedestrians.  I’ve had several close incidents myself.