About Italy and Your Journey
Airport Security/Baggage/Passport:
Be sure to check the expiration date of your passport. Your passport must be valid for a full six months after your return date, or you will not be able to leave the country. Make several copies of your passport before leaving home. Leave one with someone at home and bring a couple with you. Note: If the name on your passport varies slightly from how you were ticketed, such as no middle initial, etc., call the airlines now, and notify them. They will put a note on the computer for security so you will avoid problems at the gate.
Before departure, contact your specific airline for check-in times (usually 3 hours for international flights), any flight changes, and baggage and carry-on restrictions. These requirements have been changing for added security, and if you exceed restrictions, extra charges will apply. You can also go on-line and print out your boarding pass and put in your passport information for some airlines. This does not preclude you from checking in baggage and security.
Although there will be plenty of storage in the luggage compartment of the bus, it is recommended bringing no more than one checked bag per person and a small carry-on.
Do not place locks on your bags, unless they are the special locks available at a luggage store and security can open and relock.
Any sharp objects (even small nail clippers) and any liquids or creams in containers larger than 100 ml. (3.5 fl. oz.) must be checked. Lipstick, gloss, mascara, lotion, foundation, shave cream, toothpaste, shampoo are all considered liquid but are usually acceptable in your carry-on if they are the correct weights.
Remember: if you have your cosmetics that you are carrying on in a plastic zip lock it is much easier to get through security and place on the conveyer. All cameras, mobile phones, computers must go through security check.
Dress appropriately for flying, with easy to remove sweaters, jackets or shoes. This will make security go more smoothly. Objects such as multiple bracelets, big belts with metal, etc. will slow you down. If you are connecting through another international city be prepared to go through an additional thorough check of carry-on.
Money Exchange, Currency, and ATM Machines:
PLEASE DO NOT BRING TRAVELERS CHECKS! They are almost impossible to change in Italy! Put enough cash into your checking account to withdraw from an ATM. Or take your travelers checks to your bank and exchange them for Euros before the trip.
The EURO is the currency in Italy. It is a currency shared by a growing number of European Union Countries. It is very similar to our US dollar denominations and one euro consists of 100-euro cents. Paper notes are in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 denominations. There are also one-euro dollar and 2 euro dollars. The coins are 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, and 50c.
Euros Before You Go
It is useful to have a few EUROS upon arrival if you prefer not waiting until you find a convenient ATM. Before your departure you can order Euros through your bank or online through Thomas Cook Money Exchange. Again if you are connecting through another international country before arrival you might find an ATM in the airport.
Carry US cash for traveling to and from so that when you arrive home you have ready cash. Foreign airports will also take US dollars, but not large bills. So bring smaller denominations. It is time consuming to exchange dollars, and not all banks will do it and often they will not take 100-dollar bills. We suggest not exchanging dollars at an Exchange Bureau in the airport or in town. They have the highest conversion fees. ATM machines at the airport are fine but also sometimes there is charge at a higher rate than those in town.
The preferred way and best exchange rate is to get Euros during your trip from an ATM Bank Debit Card. ATM machines are ample in every town we visit. However, just know that your bank and the bank in Italy may limit the daily amount withdrawn, though you may request more. We will go over all these details in our orientation.
Notify Your Bank Before You Leave!!! This is absolutely essential otherwise you may be blocked from charging or getting money. Contact all your credit cards that you anticipate using (Visa and MasterCard, preferred) and notify them of your dates of travel. If you are traveling on from Italy notify them which country you are heading to next. The back of your card must have the PLUS or CIRRUS symbol and you must have a 4-digit pin number to access. This symbol is compatible with the ATM machines in Italy. Do not use a savings account ATM Card unless you have verified with your bank that the card is connected for withdrawals with the ATM machines in Italy.
Ask your bank what is the highest amount per day per card that you can withdraw. You may be able to get them to increase this amount. Each withdrawal can have a $3 to $10 “per transaction fee”, plus the conversion rate of the day. However, we have still found this to be the best option for getting currency at the best rate. Again, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in most places. American Express is not usually accepted but you may find it acceptable at larger stores and restaurants. Your credit card bank will usually add an additional 3% or more to each transaction made. Contact your bank to investigate this business practice. Some banks have promotions with a lower rate.
Electrical Current Conversion (converting hair-dryers & small appliances):
The standard electricity is in Italy is 220 Volts AC. You will need to purchase a plug adapter to use all your appliances. Ask for an Italian adapter. There is a simple 2-prong (non-grounded) adapter for small appliances. Small appliances, such as hairdryers, curilng irons and shavers will usually need a voltage converter that will plug into your adapter. Your appliance will plug into the converter. (see diagram below) Check your appliance to see the strength of converter needed, or call the manufacturer. Some appliances may have dual current with automatic converters. (Unfortunately, many a traveler have burned up their hairdryers thinking they have dual current.) You can also buy small kits with all the necessary pieces, but some of them are heavy. If you are unsure and this is all confusing, take your small appliances to your local travel store and ask them to find the right converter and adapter for Italy. Some appliances cannot be used at all in Europe. WOMEN: DO NOT take your flat iron. Those sold in the US (even at travel stores) will burn out in Europe. You must purchase one in Italy.
Wall Adapter Converter Appliance
All of the hotels we are staying in provide hairdryers in the rooms. They work fine! So, if you do not want to worry about plug adapters and voltage converters, we highly recommend leaving yours at home. (It may not be the same as yours but after a few days we actually stop worrying about whether our hair cooperates. We’ll be too busy enjoying ourselves!)
Note: When I was in Italy I found that my Italian 3-prong grounded plug worked fine with my laptop, camera, and US phone. Newer laptops, phones all have the built in current conversion to 220v. However, sometimes in the older hotels they may have more than one size plug so it gets confusing at best. Some hotels are aware of this and will loan adapters.
Charging-Conversion for Digital and Video Cameras, Cell Phones and Computers:
Most newer models convert automatically, so you may only need the grounded plug adapter. Older equipment will probably need a converter. YOU MUST CHECK. Sometimes a heavy duty converter is needed. We recommend you consult your local Radio Shack or the manufacturer of your equipment, so you purchase the proper converter. Former travelers suggest that you purchase the best transformer you can buy so that you do not risk damaging your equipment. Here’s what our resources tell us: Charging digital or video cameras require trickle charge and will only work with low amperage conversion, which can be the most expensive converter. There is a specific website that can guide you in what to purchase: www.buytravelconverter.com. Just click on Italy and it will give you information. Again, ask a good electronics person when in doubt. Don’t forget to bring all your necessary cables, as substitutes may be difficult to obtain in Italy.
Phone Calls and Internet
I have not found a US cell phone carrier that offers reasonable rates for using your US phone in Europe to call back to the US. In order to use your personal phone you must purchase an international plan and then you may be required to keep the plan a month after your return so that they can make sure all charges have come through. Again, very confusing. If you are considering bringing your US phone to make calls be sure you ask about the ROAMING charges. This can be incredibly expensive. Make sure that your phone is a QUAD BAND phone and that you have it UNLOCKED by your phone provider before you leave the US. You have to call your provider to have your phone unlocked. If this is a possibility, then you can take out the US SIM CARD and purchase a SIM CARD just for Italy to make calls. In case of emergencies, Margarita, Dorene and the drivers will each have a mobile phone available for international calls in case of emergency.
Another alternative is to purchase a pre-paid international calling card. These are a cost effective way to call the US and then you can call from your hotel room.
If you are traveling with a wireless device and you are able to pick-up a stable wireless network you can also call through Skype if you have the program on your phone. Remember that you need to put your wireless smart phone in ‘airplane’ mode once you get on your flight. If you will not be using it as a phone this will prevent anyone from calling you and you being charged with costly roaming charges. You will turn airplane off when you return to the US.
There are a number of companies from which you can rent a phone from the US to use in Italy. There are several others in addition to the 2 listed below – they can be researched online.
Cellular Abroad, an online company in the U.S. offers Italian SIM cards as well as cell phone rentals to North Americans traveling to Italy. They sell an Italian SIM card that has been designed specifically for the needs of U.S. and Canadian visitors; all the voice prompts and customer service are in English. www.cellularabroad.com/italy. They also rent phones, starting at $49, plus a $24 recharge fee. Rates for incoming calls from the US are $.25 per minute and outgoing calls to the US are $.90 per minute to a landline. Incoming text messages are free and outgoing are $.60 per message. Check their site for details.
Auto Europe, is a company in the US that has a short term rental plan for cell phones: 1-800-223-5555. The charge is as follows: $35 for round-trip shipping of phone to a US address, $30 to activate, $6 day for phone. Incoming calls are free. Outgoing calls made within Italy are 99 cents per minute. Outgoing calls to the US from Italy are $1.99 per minute. Please contact them for details.
There are Internet shops throughout Italy, where you pay by the hour, usually in 15 minute increments. Some hotels where we stay may have a computer available, although Internet service in Italy is not always reliable.
You are on vacation. Let your family and friends miss you! This is your time off to be away from phones, computers and work so we hope you will embrace your time away.
Shopping and Value Added Tax (VAT)
A tax of almost 20% is included in the price you see on goods in Italy. When you make purchases of at least 155 Euro or more in one store, US citizens are entitled to the VAT (IVA tax) reimbursement. The catch is: your purchases must be made in the same store to add up to at least 155 euros or more. The good news is that a pair of nice Italian shoes will cost you at least this if probably not more as well as that stylish Italian leather jacket you always wanted. So there will be some savings once you spend your money.
There are procedures to follow in order to get this reimbursement and they initially include receiving a special tax refund receipt, which should be kept together with the goods purchased. When you make your purchase, have the merchant fill out the necessary refund document. You'll need to present your passport. Make sure the paperwork is done before you leave the store so there's nothing important missing. If they leave any blanks for you to fill out, be sure you understand what goes where. Attach your receipt to the form and stash it in a safe place. We will go over this in detail in Italy, and there is an office in Florence where you can get your refund, without having to wait for a credit to your credit card.
Budgeting for Other Expenses, Meals
Additional meals in Italy can range from 8-12 euro at simple bars and sandwich shops, to 15-35 euro at trattorias for 3 and 4 courses, and 35-75 euro and up for complete dinners at restaurants. Generally the house wine at restaurants is good. Wine off of the wine lists can start at about 10 euro a bottle for nice wines and go up from there.
Italy has a tiered pricing system: If you order a coffee or drink at the bar and stay on foot (the preferred Italian custom), there is one price. If you sit at a table, there is table service and the price can double for table service. If the tables are outside, it may be higher again. Please ask to see the menu and prices before ordering.
You will be financially responsible for your own alcohol (not included in the meals provided with the journey), gifts and other meals when not part of the group paid meals. During our journey it will be announced when it is a “paid” event-meal or if you will be on your own, allowing you flexibility to choose any of the delightful restaurants near us. Your accommodations, guides and excursions are all included in the price of the journey. At some point after check-in at the hotels you will be required to post a credit card for all incidental hotel charges. These charges must be settled prior to your departure and you will be reminded as a group. All larger retail stores generally accept credit cards (MC and VISA preferred).
Gratuity and Tip Guidelines
Your accommodations, guides drivers, and excursions are all included in the price of the journey. Group meals that are paid by Traveling Matters include the gratuity on behalf of the group. When eating on your own there is no tipping required when you order from the bar and stand. At simple cafes, when receiving table service you can leave 2 euro if there are 4 of you at the table, 1 euro if two of you at a table. At trattorias and restaurants you can tip up to 10%, but there is no need to tip more than that. You will see coperto (cover charge) and sometimes a servizio charge on your bill, but neither of these go to the wait staff so you need to add the 10% at least.
As with any good traveler, if you engage exceptional services of any wait staff, guide or maid service it is always appreciated to show your thanks with a small gesture of gratuity. We suggest that you leave gratuity for the person who will be cleaning your hotel room at the end of each hotel stay.
Non-Smoking Regulation in Italy:
Several years ago, Italy voted in Legislation to ban cigarette smoking from all public buildings, including restaurants, pubs, hotels and public areas of hotels, etc. This makes it more enjoyable when eating and sitting at pubs. Smoking is allowed at outdoor eating areas and other designated areas.
Tips for Jet Lag and Staying Healthy
Before departure do your best to get as much sleep as possible and drink plenty of water. Watch your intake of caffeine, alcohol and sugar. While airborne, avoid salty foods and alcohol and drink as much water as possible. Set your watch to Italian time and go to sleep! Use your own sleeping aids if necessary, your eyeshades and earplugs. When you wake up in between naps, be sure to get up and walk around and stretch. There is a product called NO-JET-LAG. It is a series of white tablets you chew. People say they work. Some people use melatonin to adjust to the time difference. It can be purchased at pharmacies, health food stores or travel stores. Boiron makes a homeopathic remedy labeled a flu remedy, but it works well for jet lag. It is called Oscillococcinum. You can check the web site www.stopjetlag.com if you want to explore more about jet lag remedies.
We like to use EMERGEN-C packets. This is a flavored powder that you mix with water. It can be added to your daily water bottle too. It gives you 1,000 mg of Vitamin C and B vitamins (for stress) and minerals and electrolytes. Others like to use Airborne. Travel can cause constipation, or the reverse. We recommend you increase your intake of water. If you know you have a propensity to constipation, bring a laxative or stool softener with you. Do not wait. Keep your system regular and take a bowel aid the first few nights of the journey.
Coach Travel Details:
We will have a private coach and driver for day excursions and transfer days. We anticipate that we will never be on the coach more than an hour or so without stopping for a break or to visit a village or town. There will be plenty of room in the underside compartment of the coach and you will be able to have a daypack or purse with you inside the coach.
We will provide water bottles on day of arrival from the airport before boarding the bus. You are welcome to bring a refillable water container with you if you like. Water in Italy is safe to drink as well. We will provide water on our travel-transfer days.
If you are prone to motion sickness please bring non-drowsy aids (ginger candy works well) to keep you from getting ill. On occasion we will be on windy roads. PLEASE request to sit closer to the front of the bus. As a courtesy to everyone on the journey it is appreciated that each day, travelers rotate their place to sit, to allow a different view from the coach unless you indeed have problems with motion sickness. Most of road will be well paved and we are on a coach with plenty of shock absorption. As trip managers, we may need to occupy the first seats of the coach to have access to the microphone.
Lastly, we make plenty of stops for restrooms, coffee, vino and shopping. The coach may not be equipped with bathrooms facilities. The autostrada stops are full service shops, food and espresso and bar service.