Should I be nervous...Italy
Apr 11th, 2012, 05:10 PM
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Should I be nervous...Italy
Hi there!
I'm going to Italy in May on my honeymoon. My married name is Amanda Knox, and I have to say I'm al little nervous about that...Do you think that we should be careful about using my name or showing my ID/passport. I'm worried that people will think I'm THAT Amanda Knox...
I'm going to Italy in May on my honeymoon. My married name is Amanda Knox, and I have to say I'm al little nervous about that...Do you think that we should be careful about using my name or showing my ID/passport. I'm worried that people will think I'm THAT Amanda Knox...
Apr 11th, 2012, 05:15 PM
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Interesting question, but presumably the Italian authorities would be able to see your home town, date of birth, etc., on your passport, and those would be different from whatever is on their database regarding the "other" Amanda Knox. I suppose it might cause momentary concern, but I wouldn't worry about it much. And if it really bothers you, apply for a replacement passport with your maiden name, saying you've decided to return to using it.
Apr 11th, 2012, 05:25 PM
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I should add that you don't have any choice, at least at airports or, for example, buying certain train tickets, about showing your passport. They ask for it - you have to produce it. Hotels in Italy require you to give them your passport, too. Whether or not you volunteer your name to anyone who doesn't need to know it is up to you.
Apr 11th, 2012, 05:37 PM
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I can understand your concern. Were it me, I would follow St Cirq's advice of obtaining a new passport that isn't Amanda Knox. The case was very notorious, and it is not clear that everyone has a clear picture in their mind to go with the name, especially if you are under 30 or look it.
Ordinarily I tell people not to worry about much of anything coming to italy, but while I don't think you would face any danger, I think you might get reactions and that would make you feel uncomfortable -- in fact, you already do feel uncomfortable.
You will be asked to produce your passport at every hotel, or if you want to use an internet cafe, and sometimes if you want to buy things with a credit card. I gave the same advice about not bringing credit card that has Knox on it. Let your husband use his credit card.
I wish i felt comfortable telling to forget about it. But that is my advice.
Ordinarily I tell people not to worry about much of anything coming to italy, but while I don't think you would face any danger, I think you might get reactions and that would make you feel uncomfortable -- in fact, you already do feel uncomfortable.
You will be asked to produce your passport at every hotel, or if you want to use an internet cafe, and sometimes if you want to buy things with a credit card. I gave the same advice about not bringing credit card that has Knox on it. Let your husband use his credit card.
I wish i felt comfortable telling to forget about it. But that is my advice.
Apr 11th, 2012, 06:24 PM
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Thanks for your responses. I don't have time to do another passport, we will be leaving in a few weeks. Also, even if my husband uses his card, his last name is still Knox....I guess we'll just hope I'm not dragged to the barracks 
Apr 11th, 2012, 07:33 PM
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It is possible to get a passport and a credit card in your maiden name quickly. But if this is your honeymoon it surprises me that you were able to get a passport in your married name so quickly.
It doesn't matter what your husband's last name is, as that's not a terribly unusual last name. I think you will have many uncomfortable moments with the name of Amanda Knox.
It doesn't matter what your husband's last name is, as that's not a terribly unusual last name. I think you will have many uncomfortable moments with the name of Amanda Knox.
Apr 11th, 2012, 09:50 PM
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I second the idea not to use your credit card on this trip just your DH's, I'm assuming his name isn't Amanda also
If you already have a passport in your married name then I'm assuming that this is a delayed honeymoon and getting another in your maiden name is a waste of money that could be spent on a nice souvenir.
Maybe learn how to say "No not that Amanda Knox" in Italian might come in useful
If you already have a passport in your married name then I'm assuming that this is a delayed honeymoon and getting another in your maiden name is a waste of money that could be spent on a nice souvenir.
Maybe learn how to say "No not that Amanda Knox" in Italian might come in useful
Apr 11th, 2012, 09:56 PM
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I'm no expert, but I think greg asks a very good question and Rastaguytoday makes a very good suggestion.
Actually, you might want to call your country's state department (or equivalent) as soon as you can - even before starting your trip - so they have the heads-up that you will be traveling in Italy and are not the A. Knox involved in recent events. You might ask them whether there are documents you can provide them (or arrange for them to obtain) in advance of your trip to prove who you are, or at least show that you aren't the other A.K., or if there are other steps you can/should take to minimize any problems associated with questions about your identity.
Another thing you might consider is to copy some documents that show who you are (and aren't) and store them electronically in a place that you can access by internet -- mail them to yourself at an e-mail address you can reach from Italy, etc. And give copies to a few friends or family members. (I do this kind of thing with copies of my passport, driver's license, etc., whenever I travel, just to ensure ready access should I loose the originals.)
And definitely pack your sense of humor. I suspect that all the hotel and airport staff who read your name will appreciate being given the opportunity to laugh when the name sinks in. And you might end up with some great stories!
Do contact your state department.
Enjoy your honeymoon, and best wishes!
Actually, you might want to call your country's state department (or equivalent) as soon as you can - even before starting your trip - so they have the heads-up that you will be traveling in Italy and are not the A. Knox involved in recent events. You might ask them whether there are documents you can provide them (or arrange for them to obtain) in advance of your trip to prove who you are, or at least show that you aren't the other A.K., or if there are other steps you can/should take to minimize any problems associated with questions about your identity.
Another thing you might consider is to copy some documents that show who you are (and aren't) and store them electronically in a place that you can access by internet -- mail them to yourself at an e-mail address you can reach from Italy, etc. And give copies to a few friends or family members. (I do this kind of thing with copies of my passport, driver's license, etc., whenever I travel, just to ensure ready access should I loose the originals.)
And definitely pack your sense of humor. I suspect that all the hotel and airport staff who read your name will appreciate being given the opportunity to laugh when the name sinks in. And you might end up with some great stories!
Do contact your state department.
Enjoy your honeymoon, and best wishes!
Apr 11th, 2012, 10:16 PM
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<i> "I give you the same advice about not bringing a credit card that has Knox on it." </i>
As long as it doesn't say "Amanda Knox" why would anyone connect it with the case. None of my cards have my full name on them.
As long as it doesn't say "Amanda Knox" why would anyone connect it with the case. None of my cards have my full name on them.
Apr 12th, 2012, 01:00 AM
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Does it really matter that your name is Amanda Knox? I'm sure the Italian people have pretty much moved on now. How many of them were really interested in the case in the first place?
It just seems a bit of an over reaction to me. You'll be fine.
It just seems a bit of an over reaction to me. You'll be fine.
Apr 12th, 2012, 05:33 AM
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alanR - you made me wonder so I've just checked my cards and my licences.
All have my full name and middle initial, but only my British bank card and driving licence actually have 'Mrs' on them, I assume it's an extra security measure
All have my full name and middle initial, but only my British bank card and driving licence actually have 'Mrs' on them, I assume it's an extra security measure
Apr 12th, 2012, 05:46 AM
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I would not know whether this applies in America, but in Europe it is not that easy to change the name in your passport back to your maiden surname, in fact as soon as you get married you need to change your passport to your new surname before even leaving for your honeymoon, and anyway, it would incur of course a charge.
Also, as another fodorist said, the name on the passport has to match the name on the air ticket, otherwise you will be held and questioned at check-in and made to change your ticket, at a cost. Just a small example, but this was with the first name not second. Just a few months ago, a new law came about in the EU that the first name in the passport has to match the first name in the birth certificate (always an EU passport), and even in the Govt I.D. Card My husband's name was always written in English in his passport, it was the name he was always called by, but when the passport expired and he went to renew and change it, because of this new law, the same name but in Italian as shown on his birth certificate, had to be on the new passport. He had no alternative but to change his air ticket, for which he had to pay an extra fee. He did not want to risk on the day of departure at the airport just in case he gets held up for questioning, and some airlines might even charge a higher fee for the last-minute adjustment, depending on their policy.
As another advisor said, authorities would know immediately when looking at your passport details that you are not THAT Amanda Knox, and even, and again, in the worst case scenario, even if they had to have their doubts, nobody has any right to stop you doing anything as she was liberated.
Maybe to book your accomodation and other stuff you could use your husband's name and card details. Many people have the same surname, and even name come to that. I would not worry about it too much. In any case, again, in the very worst scenario, you might only get some stares, nobody can stop you or do anything to you.Anyway, everybody in Italy during her trial knew what THAT Amanda Knox looks like, I am sure you are not her identical, She is now history in their news.
If you use your card to pay for something, and someone gives you a funny look, you can just jokingly say that you are not THAT Amanda Knox, and that it is a common name in America. For ATMs that should be no difficulty whatsoever when withdrawing money as you are using your personal card numbers and pin. Again, if you feel so uncomfortable and you would be with your husband most of the time, then he pays using his credit card, and you use cash when you pay for something yourself. .
Do not spoil your holiday by worrying about it, it is just not worth it, especially since probably little can be done. Just concentrate on having a good time and planning your trip .
Enjoy your honeymoon and congrats!
Also, as another fodorist said, the name on the passport has to match the name on the air ticket, otherwise you will be held and questioned at check-in and made to change your ticket, at a cost. Just a small example, but this was with the first name not second. Just a few months ago, a new law came about in the EU that the first name in the passport has to match the first name in the birth certificate (always an EU passport), and even in the Govt I.D. Card My husband's name was always written in English in his passport, it was the name he was always called by, but when the passport expired and he went to renew and change it, because of this new law, the same name but in Italian as shown on his birth certificate, had to be on the new passport. He had no alternative but to change his air ticket, for which he had to pay an extra fee. He did not want to risk on the day of departure at the airport just in case he gets held up for questioning, and some airlines might even charge a higher fee for the last-minute adjustment, depending on their policy.
As another advisor said, authorities would know immediately when looking at your passport details that you are not THAT Amanda Knox, and even, and again, in the worst case scenario, even if they had to have their doubts, nobody has any right to stop you doing anything as she was liberated.
Maybe to book your accomodation and other stuff you could use your husband's name and card details. Many people have the same surname, and even name come to that. I would not worry about it too much. In any case, again, in the very worst scenario, you might only get some stares, nobody can stop you or do anything to you.Anyway, everybody in Italy during her trial knew what THAT Amanda Knox looks like, I am sure you are not her identical, She is now history in their news.
If you use your card to pay for something, and someone gives you a funny look, you can just jokingly say that you are not THAT Amanda Knox, and that it is a common name in America. For ATMs that should be no difficulty whatsoever when withdrawing money as you are using your personal card numbers and pin. Again, if you feel so uncomfortable and you would be with your husband most of the time, then he pays using his credit card, and you use cash when you pay for something yourself. .
Do not spoil your holiday by worrying about it, it is just not worth it, especially since probably little can be done. Just concentrate on having a good time and planning your trip .
Enjoy your honeymoon and congrats!
Apr 12th, 2012, 06:40 AM
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Are you worried about legal ramifications or about hostility/threats from civilians?
If A), I wouldn't waste your time. Worst that would happen is they'd pull you aside for additional screening at the airport, and that would clear the matter up quickly...but I think it's pretty unlikely that even <i>that</i> would happen.
If B), you're probably 1) overestimating how much the average person cares and 2) underestimating Italians' memories for faces. Unless you're her virtual twin, you'll be fine.
Have fun on your trip. All you need to worry about is where to find the best food. : )
If A), I wouldn't waste your time. Worst that would happen is they'd pull you aside for additional screening at the airport, and that would clear the matter up quickly...but I think it's pretty unlikely that even <i>that</i> would happen.
If B), you're probably 1) overestimating how much the average person cares and 2) underestimating Italians' memories for faces. Unless you're her virtual twin, you'll be fine.
Have fun on your trip. All you need to worry about is where to find the best food. : )
Apr 12th, 2012, 07:21 AM
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I suspect that any "Amanda Knox" would get some stares from people familiar with the case (particularly since not all Italians probably believe she is innocent).
But she was exonerated of all charges and released from prison. No one else seems to have focused on that. Why would it be a problem? She shouldn't appear on any no-fly lists. If her conviction had been re-confirmed, then I'd be more concerned about your trip, but under the present circumstances, I believe even she would be free to travel back to Italy, though I can't imagine why she'd ever want to.
Seriously ... am I missing something here? I'm curious about this.
But she was exonerated of all charges and released from prison. No one else seems to have focused on that. Why would it be a problem? She shouldn't appear on any no-fly lists. If her conviction had been re-confirmed, then I'd be more concerned about your trip, but under the present circumstances, I believe even she would be free to travel back to Italy, though I can't imagine why she'd ever want to.
Seriously ... am I missing something here? I'm curious about this.
Apr 12th, 2012, 07:29 AM
#20
Interesting, since I have a Fred West as a friend and he says he has never had a problem. I guess it helps that the killer is dead now but not everyone knows it.
I'd love to hear how you get on.
I'd love to hear how you get on.
