Study Abroad with Ohio Dominican
About Rome
Public Transportation | Travel | Dining | Entertainment | Culture |
Useful Numbers | Money | Communication | Packing & Clothes | Personal Safety
Population: 56.9 million
-
Capital city: Rome
-
Monetary Unit: Euro
-
International dialing code: 39
-
Area: 116,303 square miles
-
Languages: Italian, plus numerous dialects
-
Time: GMT plus one hour (6 hours ahead of New York)
Embassy of the United States of America
via Vittorio Veneto 119/A
00187 Roma, Italia
Telephone: (+39) 06.4674.1 (switchboard)
Fax: (+39) 06.4882.672 or 06.4674.2356
working hours are 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. |
Buses, Trams and Subways
The transportation system in Rome includes buses and trams (ATAC), subway (metropolitana), suburban trains (FM) and coaches (COTRAL).
The easiest and most commonly used form of transportation in any Italian city is the bus. Bus and tram stops, departure schedules, and route information are found on marked signs throughout the city. Colored (orange and green) city buses and tram lines (ATAC) run from about 5 a.m. to about midnight.
The subway system (Metropolitana), is marked by red “M” signs on city maps. The two lines, A and B, intersect at Termini Station. Subway Line A connects the Vatican with Anagnina, the central bus terminal for routes to other cities in Lazio. Line B extends from Rebibbia to Rome's modern district. Subway service begins at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 11:30 pm.
The buses, trams, subways, and suburban trains use the same ticket. Tickets must be date-stamped in the yellow boxes upon boarding the first vehicle. Students will be able to use the monthly passes they receive to access all transportation lines.
Airport Shuttle
Train schedule between Fiumicino Airport and downtown Rome.
Termini Station
FS Web (Ferrovie dello State) useful information in English
Italian Railway
Lonely Planet - Italy
Italian Tourism
Rome Central
Restaurants in Rome
Bar - Open from early morning to late evening in all towns and cities. This is the place for espresso and cappuccino, rolls and small sandwiches (panini or tremazzini), alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Trattoria - Less formal than a Ristorante. Local specialties are served.
Ristorante - Italian restaurant.
Time Out
Go To Roma
Museums in Italy
113 Emergency Police Help
112 Carabinieri
115 Fire Department
116 Road Assistance (Italian Auto Club)
176 International inquiries
12 Phone directory assistance
118 Medical Emergencies
Your ATM card is the way to go!
You probably have many questions about how your money will work while you’re studying in Rome. It will be very easy for you to get money (and for your parents to get money to you), because your debit card will work over in Italy. Your parents can put money in your checking account here in the United States, and you will be able to make withdrawals from the ATM machines in Italy. Of course the machine will give you Euros!
The banking machines in Italy (and France, Germany, etc.) are very easy to use. When you put your card in, the first screen that appears will be a language screen asking you which language you would like to use: English, Italiano, Francais, and Espanol. Once you designate “English”, your transaction will proceed in English. The only difference you’ll encounter is that you’ll have a screen come up offering you certain amounts in Euro.
This is what it will look like: 10, 20, 50, 100, 150, 200 EURO
The exchange rate as of November 2007 , has been fluctuating around $1.46 for each Euro. The rates fluctuate a bit, and you may want to keep an eye on these rates in the foreseeable future. Italy, along with most of the countries in Europe, has been on the EURO since February, 2002, and shares this currency with most other countries in Europe (Britain and Switzerland notable exceptions). This common currency makes your travel between countries simpler than it used to be.
All major credit cards will also be good throughout Italy and Europe. MasterCard, Visa and American Express are widely accepted (No Discover cards in Europe). Keep in mind with both your debit card and credit cards that these cards will give you the BEST possible exchange rates at any given time. Exchange rates at exchange booths, which will exchange travelers’ checks or cash dollars into the local currency, will factor in a charge for the service, yielding a less favorable exchange rate. So, plan to use plastic for your spending needs!
Recommendations:
-
Take an ATM card and major credit card with you (preferably VISA)
-
Check with your bank and sign up for web-based banking, so you can check your balances and transfer from savings to checking (not possible at the ATM machines)
-
Check with your bank about your ATM card and the fees you will be charged for transactions.
-
Notify the bank holding your ATM card and your credit card that you will be out of the country for 3 months and ask them to make this notation in your record. If you don’t tell them, they might close your account for credit card security procedures noting “unusual” spending patterns.
-
Some students like to take $150-200 of Traveler’s checks with them, just as an emergency stash.
-
Plan to have $2,000 - $3,000 for the semester. This is to give you enough money to travel during your break and to take advantage of traveling and eating opportunities in Italy and Rome. This does NOT factor in substantial shopping, particularly if you’re susceptible to leather coats and shoes!
Currency & Banks - The Euro is available in bills of 5, 1, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500; coins of 1, 2 Euros, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents. You can obtain Euros at any bank, ATM machines, or exchange office (Ufficio di Cambio).
Banking hours: Monday - Friday from 8:35 am to 1:35 pm, and from 3 pm to 4 pm, closed on weekends and national holidays.
(To home and from home)
Post Offices - Open Monday - Friday from 8am - 1:30 or 2 pm, Saturday 8 - 11:45am.
Email and Internet - There are many Internet cafes in Rome you can use.
Telephone - There are plenty of payphones in Italy. New style payphones are rounded, steel models, and from these you can dial long-distance and most international calls direct. These phones only take telephone cards (as for a scheda or carta telefonica at any newsstand or tabacchi). So plan to buy a phone card AFTER you arrive. The cost of these cards is very affordable and are available in many denominations. Public phones are available throughout Italy. You can make local or international calls, however, you must purchase a phone card (Carta Telefonica) which you may purchase at any newsstand, tabacchi shop or “bar” (cofee shop). To call USA from Italy: 011 + area code + phone number
Mobile/Cellular Phones - Most students find it convenient and quite affordable to purchase a cell phone to use for your time in Italy (and Europe). Incoming calls on cell phones in Italy are free, so it’s a great way for your family to stay in touch with you. The CEA staff in Rome will help students purchase cell phones.
Luggage Limits: Please check with your airline regulations.
Clothing
· Your clothes should be for many seasons, since you may have summer temperatures up through October and then cooler and rainy weather in November and December.
· Include a warm coat, gloves, hat and a scarf for the cool/cold weather. Remember, you may want to go north to Paris, London, Berlin, etc.., for a weekend or for your longer break, and these cities may be cold.
· Comfortable shoes are an absolute must! Many Italian towns, such as Rome, are full of old cobblestone streets and rough walking areas. Try to limit your shoes to three – four (3-4) pairs (one dress, 2-3 comfortable).
Appliances and “Conveniences” - Do NOT bring hairdryers. Hairdryers adapt very poorly to the change in current. You and your roommate can buy a hairdryer in Rome.
Electrical Appliances - The voltage in Italy is 220. If you choose to bring electrical appliances to Italy, you should have an adapter and converter. You may wish to bring a battery–powered alarm clock
Laundry - Washers will be available in every apartment. In order to conserve energy and space, Italians hang dry their clothes. If you wish to use a dryer, you will need to pay to wash and dry your clothes at a Laundromat.
In general Rome is a very safe city. However, do not carry more money than you need for the day. Leave important documents in your room.
Police in Rome - In Italy there are three distinct types of police. However, if you need help any of them will be able to help you. Vigili Urbani, wear blue uniforms in winter and white in the summer. Most often you will see them regulating traffic. The Carabinieri, are the military police, in red striped trousers. They deal with everything, from a minor offense to speeding offenses. La Polizia, is the state police. They wear blue uniforms with white belts and berets.
