betty

I got the following information from various travel books and wanted to know whether they are true. <BR> <BR>1. Train stations in Italy, at least in Florence, no longer provide luggage storage because of bomb threat. <BR>2. Rest rooms do not have toilet papers. <BR>3. Each person can only bring 10 or &lt;10 picture films to Italy.

Dayle

We left our luggage in Rome 3 years ago. No problem. Every restroom I saw had paper,but I always carry little flat travlers packs just in case (old backpacking habit). The only "hole in the floor" I encountered was at the Vatican. I took 20 rolls of film and no one ever looked or asked.

howard

As for film, the "official" regulation is 10 rolls per person per camera, and you're "allowed" two cameras. Apparently, however, the law is seldom, if ever, enforced, according to veteran travelers.

Sue

Hi, on our way to Capri about a month ago we left some of our luggage overnight in the Naples Station. Were kinda concerned because we had no locks on our suitcases but everything we still intack when we returned for them.

Christine

I just got back from Italy two weeks ago, and I definitely found it to be true that many of the public restrooms do not have toilet paper! Make sure to bring some with you. Also, I brought 22 rolls of film with me (as many as my X-ray proof bag would hold) and had no trouble whatsoever. <BR>

Theresa

<BR>Can't speak for italy- haven't beem yet. Leaving next week (I hope). But, haven't we all encountered public bathrooms at HOME that had no toilet paper? I especially recall a certain department store that put one in mind of Calcutta...

Valerie

Just to give you another opinion, I found almost no trouble with locating toilet paper in the restrooms in Italy. We traveled to Florence, Rome and Venice. Only one out of the way place in Venice did I find that there was no toilet paper. Like the above posting suggested, always carry some tissue with you! To answer the other questions, I carried like 20 rolls of film also but to tell you the truth I was not checked by any official.

Mary Ann

I agree with the above. We have visited at least 8 western European countries and only Italy consistently had lack of paper in their restrooms. Also, if you like wash cloths, take one along with you. Most European countries, especially Italy do not provide this in their accomodations.

pam

We were in Firenze SMN station last Tuesday, and there was definitely a "left luggage" place--and a line out the door of people waiting to leave/retrieve luggage. As you face the tracks, it is to the right of all the tracks.

Robin

1. ??? (Can't speak to this question as I've only traveled thru train stations & not tried to leave any luggage there) <BR>2. MANY restrooms do not have tp; I usually take several of the travel size packets of kleenex whenever I travel to Italy - you can easily stash one of these small packets in your fanny pack or purse or backpack or whatever. <BR>3. Yes, there is some "official" rule regarding film, however no one ever checks or enforces it; And fyi, I've found that the cost of film is similar to what you will pay in the states - so you may only want to bring 10 rolls and then purchase any add'l over there

pam

PS "Going thru customs" upon arrival at Fiumicino consisted of walking past one soldier with a German shepherd (so I wouldn't worry about the film limit.) Restrooms in the restaurants we dined in had toilet paper & were clean. Restrooms in the bars where we stopped to "go" were dirty and paperless. (Was it on this forum I read that bars are required by law to let people use their toilets...? I packed "bolt ends" of TP and carried one in my bag each day. They also aren't wed to the idea of toilet seats, either. (At least there's no arguing about leaving it up/putting it down.)

kam

Have gone to Italy many times. I think the left luggage is a carry over from the times of the bombing and terrorist activities and now you can leave luggage if you wish. Never been asked about film. Customs into Italy is very casual. The TP issue is all over the world wherever the toilets are used by large numbers of tourists, they tend to run out of TP, except perhaps in Singapore! I found a toilet in one of the U.S.'s major tourist attractions last weekend---it had lots of TP--all over the floor, none in the dispenser, however. Just carry some Kleenex and be done with it. Always use the facilities at your hotel before going out for the day and at the restaurants where you have lunch. Happy traveling to Italy.

Jen

The luggage storage issue is one of lockers versus a "left luggage" area. No, there are no lockers (or there weren't when I was there last in 1996). But there are areas to check your bags where they will be safe. <BR> <BR>We always keep a roll of tp in our day pack, just in case. I don't remember there being a particular widespread shortage in Italy, though.

Richard

I never had a problem wait toilet paper in a restroom, but I will say toilet seats seemed to be missing. By the way Establishments in Italy are required by law to let you use the restroom whether you make a purchase or not. Restaurants must also give you a free glass of tap water (aqua ordinaire) on demand. <BR> <BR>10 rolls of film is all that is allowed by customs in Italy, but I agree with the above people. Dont worry about it, the customs agents are too busy smoking and socializing to even check luggage.