Nobody does fountains like Italy’s capital city, Rome. Rome is home to numerous architectural wonders including the Trastevere, Colosseum, Piazza Navona and Vatican City. Rome is also a great base for an exciting day trip.
Make sure to check out our INSIDR guide with the best places to stay, where to eat and transportation guide.
INSIDR Rome must see guide
INSIDR Guide to the main sights in Rome
INSIDR practical travel tips for Rome
Tipping in Rome
Just thinking about Italy conjures up mouthwatering images of delicious pizza and fresh pasta. Rome has its own local culinary specialities that you must try while visiting the city. To enjoy eating out, you’ll need to know the local tipping customs.
In Italy, the “coperto”, or service charge is automatically added to your bill. You don’t need to leave anything extra. You can leave your change, and if service is particularly good, leave an additional tip. However, this is by no means required or expected.
Calls
Italy’s country code is 39. While visiting Rome, you’ll need to add +39 or 0039 before dialing an Italian number from a non-Italian number. Should you need to contact emergency services during your trip, call 115 for the fire department or 118 for medical help. You can also dial 112, the European emergency line.
SIM Card & Wifi in Rome
While visiting Rome, we definitely recommend renting or buying a local cell phone SIM card. You’ll avoid paying exorbitant roaming charges and be able to quickly access local information and apps. The INSIDR smartphone can also assist you with full high-speed 4G connectivity, a pocket travel Wifi hotspot, including local calls and texts. The best travel essential apps are also installed. Using the INSIDR smartphone, you will also get the most authentic and tailor made travel tips recommended by our local experts.
Rome Travel Pass
Rome has an excellent public transportation network and there are no confusing zones to worry about. Buying a travel pass is often the cheapest way to get around while visiting Rome. You can purchase tickets valid for one day (BIG ticket), 3 days (BTI card) or for a week (CIS card). The tickets can be used on all public transportation, except for the airport train.
Post Box in Rome
If you want to send a letter or postcard back home, you can buy stamps at the Italian post office. However, it’s definitely easier to purchase postage from the numerous tobacco shops. The “tabacchi” have a white and brown sign with a T outside of them. The hours are more flexible than the post office.
Once you’ve bought stamps, simply drop your letter into one of the bright red post boxes around Rome.
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