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.

IMO, 200E per day should be ok.

That should be plenty, unless you plan very high-end restaurants for dinner and/or lots of expensive shopping. You might need more for the Florence day when you'll spend E150 for the train.

Instead of blowing money for cab rides, buy a weekly pass for public transport and use the buses nad metro.

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.

Where are you taking the cooking class? Your budget sounds on target.

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.

We have heard a lot of good things about him as well and I have that on our plan for Rome in September. Always on the look-out ;) Have a wonderful trip and do post some notes when done!

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?

renofab, when are you going, if you don't mind my asking? I found the same cooking class and would love to hear what your thoughts are, if you travel before we do (we're going in May).

We travel to Rome in the beginning of March. I'll definitely let you know how it goes!

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.

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?

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.

I'm thinking that's a good idea. And I hope I have some left over for my NEXT trip to Rome. I'm already in love with the city and haven't even landed. :)

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.

Can debit cards be used?

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.

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.

Also take along another credit card to use at ATMs just in case something were to happen to the one you plan on using...