AJPeabody

I got a cheap Europe compatible cell phone on EBay (it was mailed from China, under $30) and a E15 sim from Wind when we hit Italy. It included a bunch of Italy minutes, which did not run out but could be topped up. I could have bought time for international calls, but didn't need them. The Wind store did the setup on the phone.

I did not see public phones, but really wasn't looking. The SIM has since expired but the phone will work with any SIM when I need it again.

IdyllicItaly

I have to say the same thing that AJPeabody said, "I did not see public phones, but really wasn't looking." But some years ago, you used to see many of them without looking for them.

If you do get an inexpensive European cell phone, ask the people from whom you buy it to set it up with English prompts and also make sure you know how to find out how many euros are left on the phone. Recharging it is quite easy. Most tabacchi sell the recharge slips and the clerks are quite willing, in my experience, to enter the info on your phone to recharge it.

I recently lent one of our phones to a friend who spent a week in Rome and she recharged it when she arrived at a Tabacchi shop without any problem.

darlenef17

Sounds like the phones are the way to go. I rarely see pay phones in the US anymore except in airports and such. Of course, like both of you, I'm not looking for them . . .

AJPeabody

Oh, also, an expired SIM will still let you test many functions on a new phone although you won't be able to use it for calls.

darlenef17

We have Sprint, which uses the CDMA system rather than the GSM system that is used in Europe and most of the world. We won an ATT smart phone a few months ago, but it's not tied to a phone number, phone plan, or company.

We just use it for wi-fi and for the camera (Awesome camera!). I wonder if I could bring that and have an Italian SIM card put in it? Since it's an ATT phone, it should be GSM/European compatible. How do I tell?

AJPeabody

If it's not locked to ATT, then any SIM will run it. Check the model and see if it is quad band. If so, it will work worldwide.

darlenef17

Thank you! I will do that. I guess if it is locked to ATT, I could take it to an ATT store and ask them to unlock it. It's a Nolia Lumina 900, but it does say ATT on the box.

Margaretlb

Since you're staying in the Historic Center, you can see a lot of art in the nearby churches. In Santa Maria Sopra Minerva (just behind the Pantheon)you can see the Bernini Elephant right in front and inside, "Christ Bearing the Cross" by Michelangelo and a great Fillipino Lippi fresco. Just in this one church. In San Luigi dei Francesi is the Saint Matthew cycle of three paintings by Caravaggio and practicalli next door in San Agostino in another Caravaggio masterpiece. And, since you mentioned your interest in Bernini, I'm sure you'll visit Piazza Navona to see his great fountain.

tdk320n

TTT

darlenef17

Wonderful suggestions, Margaret!

tdk320n: What is TTT?

willit

ttt = to the top. It sends the thread back up the list so it is seen, rather than drop out of the top 25/50 where it is unlikely to be visited by those not already contributing.

You often see it or "bookmarking" which is what I am doing here - keeping the thread in my list of recently commented on posts, so that I can go back and read it later on when trying to get ideas for my forthcoming trip to Rome in March.

jgg

About arriving at the airport. I see your flight is leaving at 6:30am. Often the desks won't open until 4:30/5:00am unless they have super early flight, so I would agree that 3 hrs is probably not necessary. If you can call Delta and find out what time the desk will open that would probably be ideal.

RobIm

You could check out my trip reports on Rome at -
http://www.rimerson.com/

I could write an epistle here on Rome but just look at the reports.
We have had good luck with Rome taxi's. We just flagged them or got them from a taxi stand. Only use taxi's with meters. We did get ripped off once and nearly a second time from Termini.

Rob

Margaretlb

Regarding taxis: if you are within the city of Rome, be sure that the meter reads Tariffa 1 ( tariffa 2 is for outside the city limits and is a higher rate). I haven't taken many cabs but of the six I have taken, two tried to rip me off. That's a high proportion so be sure to watch the meter.

darlenef17

Thank you Willit - I'm relatively new here. Still lots to learn. I will anxiously await comments about your trip. Safe travels!

JGG - Flight is leaving at 9:30am. I thought I would need to leave the apt. by 6:30am. Sorry if that was confusing.

Roblm - You have a wealth of information there! Thank you for sharing.

johnnyomalley

I've used Rome cabs both to and from the airport. Very dependable.

SandraP

Hello!
You mention that you want to visit the Borghese Gallery. You need to make reservations in advance, or else you can't get in.

Here's a link that let's you purchase tickets:

http://selectitaly.com/browse/things...y-tickets-rome

I've used Select Italy on previous trips to Italy - saves a lot of time when you make reservations - no waiting in line.

Have a great trip!
Sandra

Ifnotnow_when

Glad to see you have The Borghese Gallery on your intinerary. It is awesome. However, you do need tickets beforehand. It is free, but you need the timed ticket. You can pre-order from here online.

adrienne

The Borghese Gallery is not free!

burnstock

darlenef17-
My wife and I are traveling to Rome the first week of October and we want to do the exact same things you are doing for your Day 3. Can you give me the details on how you went about booking your tours - Scavi and Vatican Museum and Sistene Chapel Tour please! Thank you so much!!!

DAY 3 - FRIDAY, MAY 24
MORNING - 9:00 AM – Scavi Tour Booked 1 ½ hours.
10:45 – 12:30: Go to Castel Sant'Angelo, see that, take in the view, have lunch, and head back to the Vatican.
QUESTION: Is there enough time to do this and get back to the Vatican for 12:45???
1:00 - 3.5 hour Vatican Museum and Sistene Chapel Tour with Through Eternity – BOOKED