Rome Spending Money?
#1
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Rome Spending Money?
My fiance and I are traveling to Rome from Nevada for our honeymoon. We'll be gone 9 days total, two of which are travel days. I've dedicated $2,000 ($1,400 Euros, approx.) to our spending fund. Airfare and loding have been paid for, and what's left are breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, traspo (couple cab rides, a train ride out to Florence, and mostly walking), museums and shopping. We're also taking a cooking class in Rome for 65 Euros. With all that being planned, should I allocate more for spending or am I in the right ballpark? We're staying in an apartment.
#5
Join Date: Apr 2005
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Wow to me that's a lot if your apartment etc is not included. I get a weekly or 10 trip bus\tram pass which will take you most places you want to go. You can spend a lot on food or a little, check around there are several places you can get great meals in the 25e range and even less if you do the standup bar type eating. But do have at least one great meal which might run as much as 50+euro each. I am sure your cooking class will give you the names but since your in an apartment you should be able to eat quite cheaply.
#7
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I found a chef named Andrea Consoli - rave reviews. It's a 5-hour, 4-course meal at his restaurant. 65e for the class, with an option 20e wine pairing. I thought it was a deal considering the other cooking excursions I've looked at - up to 450e for a tour/class! I'm also looking at a wine tasting tour at the local wine bars for the same 65e fee. I love to cook, and my husband-to-be loves to eat! And, we both love to drink. I'm certain we can handle the other sites on our own, but these classes seemed rihgt up our alley.
#9
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Another quick question for you all...
We're planning to use our debit cards at the ATM for cash withdrawal while in Rome. We'll certainly be calling our bank to advise them of our travel plans.
I'd like to fly with some Euros, however. I'm considering ordering them through my bank opposed to dealing with fees at the airport (stateside or in Rome). Am I on the right track, here?
Also, we plan to take a cab from the airport to our apartment near the Spanish Steps. I've been told to budget approx. 40-50e for that ride. Is that an acceptable estimate?
We're planning to use our debit cards at the ATM for cash withdrawal while in Rome. We'll certainly be calling our bank to advise them of our travel plans.
I'd like to fly with some Euros, however. I'm considering ordering them through my bank opposed to dealing with fees at the airport (stateside or in Rome). Am I on the right track, here?
Also, we plan to take a cab from the airport to our apartment near the Spanish Steps. I've been told to budget approx. 40-50e for that ride. Is that an acceptable estimate?
#12
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renofab, it just makes more sense to access the ATM for Euros at the destination airport, using your ATM card, withdrawing from your account, than to order and pay for Euros before you go. It is the cheapest way to do it for sure. Just let the bank and your credit cards know where you are going and how long you will be gone.
#13
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So no Euros before I go? Ok. Flying into Fiu. Easy to get off the plane and use an ATM there? We'll be using debit cards for the most part. I'm not sure of anyone who has straight-up ATM cards anymore. Same thing, right?
#14
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If it makes you feel more comfortable to arrive with some euros, exchange a small amount, no more than $100-$200, just to have some pocket money to get out of the airport and on your way. I usually have about that much left over from the previous trip.
#16
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renofab, I always bring some Euro home for my next trip, but don't worry about getting Euro at the airport when you arrive.
I leave Feb 18 and am taking Andrea Consoli's class, so I'll report back on that. Can't wait! He is very responsive, even to the point of not planning things that I've cooked in previous cooking classes in Italy.
I leave Feb 18 and am taking Andrea Consoli's class, so I'll report back on that. Can't wait! He is very responsive, even to the point of not planning things that I've cooked in previous cooking classes in Italy.
#18
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Can debit cards be used? Yes, I have used mine numerous times.
As far as getting Euros in advance, I usually get some from an ATM at SFO's International Terminal--the ATM dispenses both $ and Euros. So if you are flying out of an international terminal, check out that option.
As far as getting Euros in advance, I usually get some from an ATM at SFO's International Terminal--the ATM dispenses both $ and Euros. So if you are flying out of an international terminal, check out that option.
#19
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If plan to use the arrival airport's ATMs for euros, take $200 or so in US cash that you can convert at an airport currency exchange kiosk in the unlikely event of an ATM failure.
As for transport to the city, the official fixed fare for a Rome taxi from FCO to the historic center was 40 Euros, possibly 45 now as an increase received initial approval some time ago. From a taxi stand outside baggage claim, take a cab with the Rome city shield on the side (SPQR) and tell the driver that you will pay the fixed fare before you settle in.
Or arrange a car service for a similar price. Search terms on this site "Rome airport limo" will give several recommended companies.
As for transport to the city, the official fixed fare for a Rome taxi from FCO to the historic center was 40 Euros, possibly 45 now as an increase received initial approval some time ago. From a taxi stand outside baggage claim, take a cab with the Rome city shield on the side (SPQR) and tell the driver that you will pay the fixed fare before you settle in.
Or arrange a car service for a similar price. Search terms on this site "Rome airport limo" will give several recommended companies.