Voltage in Italy is 220, and in the US and some other countries, it's 110. The adapter should convert your USA plug (Type A or Type B) into the Type F socket commonly found in Italy. You will need a plug adapter since the shapes of the plugs are different. Most electronic devices such as cameras, cell phones, laptops and electric shavers are dual voltage by default. See the photo.
Washcloths are not items one finds in a typical household in Italy, and hotels don't usually have them - you will usually only find a large bath towel and a smaller hand towel and towels for the bidet. Consider carrying a quart size zip baggie to put your wet wash cloth in as you travel.
Make photocopies of your passport and of the contents of your wallet (carry separately.)
Travel insurance can make the difference between a ruined trip and a trip that has a hiccup that you can just get through. Most USA medical insurance is not valid during international travel. Check your credit card company for possible coverage and find out about medical insurance.
American dollars are not accepted in Italy. Getting Euro when you are in Italy will save you money, BUT you may feel comfortable ordering small amount of Euro from your bank before traveling, (300 to 500 euro). It's easy to get Euros in Italy from bank machines (Bancomat) that are near or in any bank you see on the streets, in the airports, and train stations. I recommend using your bank debit card to withdraw Euro from Bancomats, (transactions are available in English). (Do not change money at places that say ATM).
Tipping in Italy differs from the USA and is never mandatory. For good service, consider rounding your bill up to the nearest five or ten euros as a cash tip. Credit card payments do not include a line for a tip amount; leave cash (5-10%). Tipping tour guides is customary, typically 5-10% or more for longer tours. For taxi drivers, tip around 3-5 euros in cash, depending on distance and luggage.
Check with your credit card company regarding foreign transaction fees for card use in Italy. While credit cards are widely accepted, smaller shops may charge extra for card payments, so it's advisable to carry cash, especially for small purchases like coffee, gelato, and tipping. While Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, some smaller establishments may not take American Express.
Tickets for regional trains, or any ticket that doesn’t have a specific time and assigned seat, needs to be validated.
Upon entering the station, locate the large electronic schedule boards. Avoid focusing solely on the destination; instead, find your train by identifying the train number and departure time. Trains may arrive about 10 minutes before departure.
"Binario" is Italian for platform, abbreviated as "BIN" on the schedule board. "Partenza" means Departures. Once at your platform, train car numbers are indicated above. Ensure your ticket matches your designated train car number.
Be mindful of pickpockets. A train station is a great place for them to steal from your bag or pickpocket you because it’s busy, loud and distracting. Keep your belongings close the whole time, and don’t accept help from anyone who doesn’t work for the train station or a railway company! One “trick” they like to do is offer to help with your bags, and then they refuse to give them back without payment. Decline any such offers for help if it’s not from a staff member (clearly marked with uniforms and badges).
When using your international phone plan to call numbers in Italy, you must use the plus sign (+)before the Italy country code of 39. To get the + sign on your phone keypad, press and hold the zero key until it appears. Then enter 39 and the rest of the number.
If you are calling back to the States, dial normally.
If you download a map and save it for offline use in Google Maps, you will be able to view the map and access basic information about locations, such as names and addresses, even without internet access. However, you will not be able to receive real-time navigation directions, such as turn-by-turn directions or voice-guided navigation, without an internet connection.
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