Travel tips · Rome · Italy
Rome travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Romans are relaxed about time and formal about manners. Meals are long, the evening passeggiata (stroll) is a ritual, and the city's hundreds of churches are working places of worship, so dress and behaviour rules are enforced, especially at the Vatican.
Key facts
- Language
- Italian
- Currency
- EUR
- Plugs
- Type F and L sockets (Type C plugs also fit), 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and free water flows from the nasoni fountains…
- Emergency
- 112 (European emergency number)
Things to know
- Cover shoulders and knees to enter St Peter's, the Vatican Museums and most churches; carry a light scarf in summer.
- Greet shopkeepers with 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera' when you walk in, and say 'Grazie, arrivederci' when you leave.
- Do not sit on the Spanish Steps or paddle in fountains; both are banned and can be fined.
- Standing at the bar is cheaper than sitting at a table, where table service is charged.
- Validate paper bus and tram tickets on board, or tap a contactless card; inspectors fine passengers without a valid ticket.
- Book Colosseum ahead: Timed tickets are required and sell out days or weeks ahead in high season; buy from the official Colosseum site or authorised resellers.
- Book Roman Forum and Palatine Hill ahead: Entry is included in the combined Colosseum ticket; reserve in advance.
- Book Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel ahead: Timed tickets bought on the official Vatican Museums site avoid queues that can last hours.
- St Peter's Basilica and most churches, including San Luigi dei Francesi with its three Caravaggios, are free to enter.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected. Many restaurants charge a coperto or include service; locals leave small change or round up, and €1–2 per person or up to 10% is generous for good service.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Buongiorno | Good morning / hello |
| Buonasera | Good evening |
| Grazie | Thank you |
| Il conto, per favore | The bill, please |
| Permesso | Excuse me (to get past) |
| Un caffè | An espresso |
| Quanto costa? | How much is it? |
What to wear
Romans dress smartly; for sightseeing wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones and carry something to cover shoulders and knees for churches.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type F and L sockets (Type C plugs also fit), 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is safe to drink, and free water flows from the nasoni fountains found all over the city.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number)
- Phone and internet
- EU roaming applies to European SIMs; eSIMs and Italian prepaid SIMs work well for other visitors, and many cafés offer Wi-Fi.
- Time zone
- Europe/Rome
Rome is generally safe, but pickpocketing is common on crowded buses, Metro line A and at major sights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. Costumed 'gladiators' and people offering bracelets or roses expect payment for photos or 'gifts'.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Italy's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Rome?
Tipping is not expected. Many restaurants charge a coperto or include service; locals leave small change or round up, and €1–2 per person or up to 10% is generous for good service.
+Can you drink the tap water in Rome?
Tap water is safe to drink, and free water flows from the nasoni fountains found all over the city.
+What plugs are used in Rome?
Type F and L sockets (Type C plugs also fit), 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Rome?
Italian.