Amarie1233

Hi! I am going to Rome October 9th-20th and I was really hoping for some advice on some things...

1st- money, I'm debating on if I should bring just cash or also card, I hate to have so much cash on me, but I don't know what the fee's are for using cards internationally

2nd- what is the best way to get around, we are thinking of doing a couple of days in Rome, Florence, Venice and Naples which train is the best for us, and how exactly do the passes work?

3rd- has anybody used a Roma pass? If so, is it worth it?

Thanks for all the help!

Jean

Call the customer service number on your card and ask what the fees are. There are ATM fees when withdrawing cash, and some credit cards assess currency translation fees on charges.

You don't need a train pass, but you do need to learn a bit about train travel.

http://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.htm#.V-QqzTAVDIU

BigRuss

You need to do your research. The fees for using credit cards are variable and depend upon the credit company (Visa, Amex) and the issuer. You know what cards you have, go look it up. Credit card fees (normally 1-4%, 0% if you have the right card) are usually LOWER than converting your own wampum to Euros because the exchange rate you will receive in a private exchange is tilted toward the bank by about 7.5% or more.

As for BRINGING cash - why? Do you have an ATM card? If so, use it. If you're from the US (especially) or outside the Eurozone (generally), you will pay a high premium over the actual exchange rate to obtain cash Euros in your home country.

The best train is the one that meets your needs as to schedule, speed and price. Italy has fast ones. Again, this is dependent upon your research, but getting tickets sooner is better.

suze

You should have several means of getting funds.

This could include some or all of these:
1) ordering euro in advance from your home bank
2) a debit card for using at an ATM after arrival - you need to ask your home bank what their fees are for international transactions
3) a charge card or two for emergencies or large purchases - again fees depend on your specific card's arrangements
4) Cash in your home currency to change in an emergency situation and for use on your trip back home

Yes the train is the best way to get around. I don't think you need any kind of a pass, just point-to-point 2nd class tickets for the cities you list.

suze

And you can buy those tickets at the train station. No need for a pass or advance purchase.

PalenQ

2nd- what is the best way to get around, we are thinking of doing a couple of days in Rome, Florence, Venice and Naples which train is the best for us, and how exactly do the passes work?>

Yeh trains - cars in are largely prohibited in all those city centers and Italian trains now are bullet trains - just an hour and change Rome to Florence - two hours Rome to Venice- with just 11 days I'd ax Naples unless a long day trip to Pompeii, etc.

Booking in advance can save a ton of money but you must book in stone weeks early often (www.trenitalia.com is the Italian State Railways site) to get those limited in number discounted ducats and can't change - for flexibility just buy at stations for a premium price however but still won't break your bank- can always get on trains IME.

You are not nearly traveling enough to even consider an Italian Eurailpass. For lots of good info on Italian trains check www.seat61.com - great advice on discounted tickets; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

nytraveler

Trying to see 4 cities in just 11 days - and how many nights do you have on the ground - is really not a good idea. Have you allowed 1/2 day to get from one city to another? It will take that long when you include packing, checking out, getting to the train station, taking the train and then doing the reverse at the other end even if the train trip is only 2 hours.

Have you decided what you want to see where so you know how long to stay where? And what about hotels? You are very late to be reserving them if you are leaving in only a few weeks.

aanton

There are credit cards available that have no foreign transaction fees. I have been to Italy and France with the thought of going to an atm for euros. I've not had a problem in Italy, in France my card was rejected. Now I always make sure I have euros pre-trip. Then use an atm over there as it is less expensive to draw money there than buying euros here (which includes conversion rate, handling fee and possibly postage if ordering online). (I recently read an article about scamers placed on atm machines over there, like they do here, just an alert to be careful.) Purchasing Trenitalia train tickets is easier than you think. They can be purchased online, at the window or by ticket machine. (But say no to people who want to 'help' you purchase a ticket at the machine, unless you want help but don't give them your credit card!) The ticket machines have different languages. There are times when the train is crowded and the 2nd class tickets may be sold out (think rush hour). Had to purchase a 1st class ticket from Venice to Rome for that reason. Unexpected, but was a nice ride. Read up on train travel before you go, as mentioned. It's easy, and watch people at the train station how they travel.

Now the Roma Pass, haven't used it but that doesn't mean I wouldn't. If you intend to go to at least 2 museums, others for a discount, plus you get the 3 day bus/subway pass with map (if they still include it) and assuming you are thinking about the 3 day pass I'd say it's worth it for the skipping the lines at the museums if nothing else. However, if Rome is your last stop on the itinerary, why not purchase a 3 day subway/bus pass (print the subway map from your computer, check out the bus map from atac), take a hop on hop off bus to get the lay of the land, go to a museum at your leisure another day (it's possible to book a museum ticket separately online, the option of skipping the line is still available) (do not purchase anything from a street peddler), relax and enjoy Rome. Many sites are free. People cram too much into seeing a city that is impossible to see in 3 days. By the 3rd day you're ready to leave, will have only scratched the surface, and will have missed the most important part of Rome, just being there, watching, listening, enjoying this magnificent city.

PalenQ

You are very late to be reserving them if you are leaving in only a few weeks.>

But it's the off-season I think - are you saying hotels will be full by now?

Why would it be late to reserve if not?

I've often traveled at that time and have always made my hotel bookings on arrival at train station hotel booking windows - that said I am not fussy about hotels and want something on the cheap side - the advantage of advance booking is you can find something you want in a location you want but don't think it is too late to book- can't see why?

tuscanlifeedit

I don't think it's "too late" to book just anything, but the best places at the best prices often sell out.

You're picking very popular places at very popular times. Get cracking, is my best suggestion.

Pal, I'm much fussier than you. I want inexpensive but I have a list of "must haves" and I'm careful about where and what I choose.

Good luck, OP. Let us know how the planning is going.

PalenQ

Yes it depends on what you need in a hotel- price and amenity and location wise- booking ASAP will get you better deals for what you want but don't feel desperate to just book anything at that time of year was my point- I don't think October rivals say summer as high season but maybe it does in some cities.

StCirq

You have a bunch of problems with your plans as they are at the moment:

1. You don't get money in advance of arriving in Europe unless you are skittish or nerdy, which is OK - get 100 euros at your American bank and pay the freight for that, but all you really need is a debit card from a decent American credit union or bank that won't charge you fees to withdraw money in Europe.

2. You are trying to see too many places in too short a time and haven't accounted for travel time between places. 11 days is nothing, as you'll soon find out. Pick no more than 3 places.

3.You can learn all you want to know about trains on the Man In Seat 61 website and www.trenitalia.com

4. It's hard to imagine why aanton's card was rejected in France because I live there and my banking experiences there have been stellar. He probably didn't advise his bank in advance that he was traveling there. Or he tried to use his American chip and signature card in some device that only accepts chip and pin.

4. I would not bother with the Roma Pass. You can do better, but it takes some research on your part.

Jackie44

We used the Roma pass and did not break even. But it allowed us to skip the line at the Colloseum (we waited less than 7 minutes to get in) so we do consider it worth it.

One thing to note: when I got my pass, I put it in my pocket. It ended up bending and wouldn't scan after that. Every attendant had to enter my code manually and I held up the line. So don't put it in your pocket if you do get one.

nytraveler

Well I'm not happy sleeping any place that has an open room. I want a central location, a large room or small suite and specific amenities and prefer not to have to pay $800-$900 a night to get one. So we always do hotels at least 3 months in advance - more if at a very popular time.

If the OP is willing to go for a very bsaic hotel, is not fussy about location and has a flexible budget, then they may be fine. If they want a pleasant hotel at a bargain price they have left it very late.