RIPE 87

Useful Information

Tourist Information

The Azienda di Promozione Turistica di Roma Capitale (APT), also known as the Rome Tourist Board, provides official tourist information in Rome. APT is responsible for promoting tourism in Rome and providing information and services to tourists visiting the city. They offer various resources to help visitors navigate Rome and make the most of their stay.

In addition to the APT operates tourist information offices known as “Punti Informativi Turistici” (PIT) at key locations throughout the city. These offices are staffed by knowledgeable personnel who can provide assistance, maps, brochures, and answer specific inquiries. The PIT offices are usually located in popular tourist areas, such as Termini Station, Piazza Navona, and the Vatican.

The official points of Rome Tourist Information (PIT) mainly promote the Roma Pass, a discount card for 48h or 72h public transport with one or two free entries to Roman museums. You can buy tickets and guided tours and pick up your pre-ordered Roma Pass. Here are the addresses:

  • Tourist Information Fiumicino, Aeroporto Leonardo Da Vinci – Arrivals Terminal 3, 08:30 – 18:00.
  • Tourist Information Ciampino, Flughafen G.B.Pastine – Arrivals outside the area of the baggage belts 08:30 – 18:00.
  • Tourist Information Termini, Termini train station – Via Giovanni Giolitti 34, near track 24 08:00 – 19:00.

Currency Exchange

The official currency of Italy is the Euro (€). When exchanging currency in Rome, it’s recommended to do so at authorised currency exchange offices, banks, or ATMs. Many banks and exchange offices can be found throughout the city, particularly in tourist areas.

It’s advisable to compare exchange rates and fees to ensure you get the best deal. Banks often offer competitive rates, and ATMs can provide convenient access to cash. However, be mindful of any fees or charges associated with currency exchange or ATM withdrawals, as they may vary depending on your bank and the specific ATM you use.

Credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments in Rome, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors, local markets, or places that might not accept cards.

Before travelling, it’s recommended to check with your bank regarding international transaction fees, notify them of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your cards, and consider obtaining a small amount of local currency before arriving in Rome for immediate expenses.

Credit cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Rome. Most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions, accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. It’s generally convenient and secure to use credit cards for purchases in Rome.

When using your credit card, you’ll typically be asked to sign a receipt or enter a PIN code for verification. Some places may also offer contactless payment options, allowing you to tap your card on a payment terminal for smaller transactions.

It’s important to notify your credit card company or bank about your travel plans before heading to Rome to ensure that your transactions are not flagged as suspicious or blocked due to potential fraud concerns. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check with your credit card issuer regarding any foreign transaction fees or currency conversion fees that may apply to your purchases in Rome.

While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s still a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for situations where cards might not be accepted, such as small local vendors, street markets, or some public transportation options.

Business hours

Business hours in Rome generally follow a similar pattern to other European cities. However, it’s important to note that there may be variations depending on the type of establishment, location, and season. Here is a general overview of business hours in Rome:

  • Shops and Stores: Most shops and stores in Rome are typically open from Monday to Saturday, with some smaller shops closing for a few hours in the afternoon. The typical opening hours are from around 09:30 or 10:00 until 13:00 and then from 15:30 or 16:00 until 19:30 or 20:00. Larger department stores and shopping malls often have extended hours and may remain open until 21:00 or 22:00.
  • Restaurants and Cafés: Restaurants in Rome generally serve lunch from around 12:30 to 14:30 and dinner from around 19:30 to 23:00 or later. Cafés and bars are usually open throughout the day, serving breakfast, coffee, snacks, and drinks.
  • Museums and Attractions: Many museums and attractions in Rome are open from Tuesday to Sunday, while some may close on Mondays. The opening hours typically vary, but they usually start around 09:00 or 10:00 and close between 17:00 and 19:00. Some popular sites may have extended hours on certain days or during specific seasons.
  • Banks: Banks in Rome are generally open from Monday to Friday, usually from around 08:30 or 09:00 to 13:30. Some banks may also have limited hours on Saturday mornings.
  • Offices and Government Institutions: Government offices and institutions in Rome usually operate from Monday to Friday, with working hours typically from 08:30 or 9:00 to 17:00 or 18:00.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and it’s always advisable to check the specific opening hours of the places you plan to visit, as there may be exceptions, seasonal changes, or special closures.

Time Zone:

Rome is in the CET (UTC+1) time zone during standard time and switches to CEST (UTC+2) during Daylight Saving Time (DST). In November, the time zone will be in the CET (UTC+1) time zone.

Electricity:

In Italy, the standard voltage is 230 volts, and the frequency is 50 hertz. The power plugs and sockets used are of type F or L.

Type F plugs have two round pins with a grounding pin (known as Schuko plugs) and are compatible with plugs of type C (Europlug), which have two round pins without grounding. Type F plugs are the most common and widely used in Italy and across Europe.

Type L plugs, also known as Italian plugs, have three pins in a row. The larger central pin is the grounding pin, while the two smaller pins are for live and neutral connections. Type L plugs are less common but can still be found in some older buildings or specific situations in Italy.

If you are traveling to Italy from a country that uses a different type of plug, you will likely need a travel adapter to use your electronic devices. It’s recommended to check the type of plug used in your home country and ensure you have the appropriate adapter to plug in your devices in Italy.

Weather:

In Rome, November is in the late autumn season, transitioning towards winter. Here’s an overview of the typical weather conditions in Rome during November:

Temperature: The average high temperatures range from around 15°C (59°F) to 18°C (64°F), while the average low temperatures range from approximately 8°C (46°F) to 11°C (52°F).

Overall, November in Rome can be a bit cooler and wetter compared to the summer months, but it still offers pleasant conditions for exploring the city. It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast closer to your travel dates for the most accurate information and to plan accordingly.

Clothing: It’s recommended to bring layered clothing to accommodate fluctuating temperatures. Light to medium-weight jackets or coats, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and trousers are suitable for the weather during this time of the year. It’s also advisable to have a waterproof jacket or umbrella to stay dry during occasional showers.

Emergency phone numbers:

In case of emergencies in Rome, the following phone numbers can be dialled:

  • Emergency Services (Police, Ambulance, Fire): 112
    This is the general emergency number that can be dialled for any emergency, including police assistance, medical emergencies, or fire emergencies.
  • Police (Carabinieri): 113
    The Carabinieri is the national military police force in Italy. Dialling 113 will connect you directly to the police for reporting crimes or seeking assistance.
  • Medical Emergencies (Ambulance): 118
    Dial 118 to request an ambulance for medical emergencies. This number connects you to emergency medical services.

It’s important to note that while some emergency operators may speak English, it’s always helpful to have a basic understanding of Italian or someone who can assist with translation during emergency calls.

Remember to stay calm, provide clear information about the situation, and follow the instructions given by the emergency services until help arrives.

TAXI:

To get a taxi in Rome, you can follow these steps:

  • Taxi Stands: Look for designated taxi stands located throughout the city. These stands are marked with a sign that says “TAXI” and often have a line of taxis waiting. You can find taxi stands near popular tourist areas, transportation hubs, and major landmarks.
  • Hailing Taxis: If you can’t find a taxi stand nearby, you can try hailing a taxi on the street. Look for taxis with the illuminated “TAXI” sign on the roof. Raise your arm to signal that you need a taxi, and if it’s available, it will stop for you.
  • Mobile Apps: Several taxi-hailing mobile apps are available in Rome. MyTaxi (now called Free Now) and Uber are popular options. You can download the app, create an account, and request a taxi using your smartphone. The app provides estimated fares, driver information, and real-time tracking.
  • Taxis at Airports and Train Stations: If you arrive at one of Rome’s airports (such as Fiumicino or Ciampino) or train stations (such as Termini), you’ll find designated taxi stands outside the terminals. Follow the signs to the taxi area, where you can queue up and get a taxi.

It’s important to note that official taxis in Rome are white and have a “TAXI” sign on the roof. They should also display a license number and the contact information of the taxi company inside the vehicle. Avoid unlicensed or unauthorized taxis to ensure your safety and fare transparency.

Remember to have cash or a credit card on hand, as taxis in Rome accept both forms of payment. It’s also helpful to have your destination address written down or available on your smartphone, especially if there is a language barrier.

Public Transport:

Public transport in Rome is generally reliable and efficient, offering various options for getting around the city. Here’s an overview of the public transport options available in Rome:

  • Metro: Rome has a metro system with three lines: Line A (orange), Line B (blue), and Line C (green). The metro is a convenient way to travel quickly between different parts of the city, including popular tourist sites. Trains generally run from 05:30 to 23:30 (slightly earlier on Sundays). Stations are well-connected, and trains typically arrive every few minutes during peak hours.
  • Buses: Rome has an extensive bus network that covers the entire city, including areas not served by the metro. Buses operate from early morning until midnight, with night buses (known as “N lines”) running during the late-night hours. Buses can be a slower option due to traffic, but they offer a more comprehensive reach and are useful for reaching specific neighbourhoods or attractions.
  • Trams: Rome has a tram network consisting of six lines. Trams are a scenic and convenient mode of transport, particularly for travelling within the city centre. They operate from early morning until midnight, and the frequency varies depending on the line.
  • Urban Railway (FR): The Rome urban railway system, known as the FR, connects the city with nearby suburbs and towns. It’s particularly useful for reaching areas outside the city centre, such as Ostia (beach area) or the archaeological site of Ostia Antica.
  • Tickets and Passes: Rome’s public transport uses a unified ticketing system. Tickets can be purchased at metro stations, tobacco shops (“Tabaccherie”), and some newsstands. Single-ride tickets are valid for 100 minutes and can be used on multiple buses or trams within that time frame. Alternatively, you can purchase daily or multi-day passes for unlimited travel on buses, trams, and metro within the selected timeframe.
  • Transportation Cards: The Roma Pass is a popular tourist card that provides free entry to several museums and archaeological sites, along with unlimited public transportation for a specific duration. There are also integrated travel cards like the Roma 24H, Roma 48H, and Roma 72H that combine transport and entry to attractions.

It’s important to check for any updates or schedule changes, especially during holidays or weekends. Public transport can become crowded during peak hours, so it’s advisable to be aware of your belongings and watch out for pickpockets.

Overall, Rome’s public transport system offers a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city and reach its various attractions.