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TRAVELING IN ITALY
Remember when preparing for this pilgrimage that you are entering into a foreign country with a different culture; your daily routine will be different. Flexibility is key!
AIRLINES (LE COMPAGNIE AEREE) - We recommend checking in for your international flight at least two and a half to three hours before departure. You can check the airline’s website for current baggage restrictions, seat assignments, and for any travel tips. Also, the TSA website will update you on current travel restrictions: www.tsa.gov Airlines now utilize electronic tickets (e-tickets) for international travel, so you will not be issued a physical ticket, but an itinerary (the actual ticket is computerized). When you check in, you will need to show your passport and the agent will print your boarding pass. To avert jet lag, it helps to watch the in-flight videos about exercise and sleep. It may help to eat light foods such as fruits and vegetables, while some experts advise eating a high carb dinner, such as pasta and potatoes. Also drink plenty of liquids. It is recommended to try to sleep on the overnight flight. If you are unable to sleep on the plane, at least close your eyes for a few hours – that will make a big difference. When you arrive in Europe, it will be early in the morning. Do your best to stay up the entire day and go to bed at the same time you would at home. Some health food stores sell natural items like Jet-stress or Cell Guard designed to be effective against jet lag.
CHURCHES (LE CHIESE) - Churches abound in Italy and, despite their beautiful artwork, should not be confused with museums. Churches are first and foremost places of worship. Three words characterize how one should behave within a church in Italy: silenzio, decoro, rispetto (silence, decorum, respect). Often paid guards or friars in residence will ‘shush’ the crowds when they get too loud. Taking photographs are not permitted inside churches, even though you will often see people doing it. Shorts, skirts, and sleeveless shirts are not permitted inside churches. During the summer, you may carry a scarf to cover sleeveless shirts, but shorts are not permitted.
HEALTH (LA SALUTE) - Italy employs a national (socialized) health care system which guarantees comprehensive medical services to all citizens as a right. There are some reciprocal agreements with citizens of other European nations; however, the medical program does not cover U.S. or Canadian citizens. Therefore, U.S. and Canadian citizens should check with their health insurance carrier before leaving to verify that they will be covered in Italy, or else take out a policy before departure. Water is completely safe to drink in Italy, however, some travelers suffer from upset stomachs as their bodies adjust to different drink and foods, levels of exercise, and time change. It may be a good idea to bring anti-diarrhea medicine. Others might want to bring anti-constipation medicine as their bodies may react differently to the same changes. If you get sick in Italy, you should go to a pharmacy (farmacia) or the nearest hospital (ospedale). Those with serious illnesses or allergies should always carry a special note from their physicians certifying in detail the treatments in progress or that may be necessary. Most hospitals in the big cities have English-speaking staff; otherwise they have books with medical terminology translated. Medicines can be obtained from the pharmacy (farmacia). Pharmacies generally follow shop schedules (approx. from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, but every town must have at least one pharmacy open at all times on a rotating basis. One of the biggest surprises that Americans encounter in Italy is the large amount of walking. If you don’t regularly walk or get exercise, it is strongly recommended that you begin some sort of exercise program before your trip. If you have any health problems, please consult your doctor before beginning exercise.
LANGUAGE (LA LINGUA) - Italians in general lag behind their northern European counterparts when it comes to English proficiency. However, in most of the big cities, those employed in tourism should have at least some basic English; while in smaller towns, the locals may not. Italians generally appreciate any attempt at speaking their language (however broken). The language barrier can be a great opportunity to have fun and learn other ways of communication, e.g. with your hands. You will notice that Italians are already good at it!
LUGGAGE (LE VALIGIE) - Check with your airline to determine the dimensions, weights, and limits to carry-on and checked baggage (each airline has different limits that are changing constantly). Make sure your bags are properly labeled with your name, US address and phone number. You could put your Italian hotel information on the tag, but if your bags are lost, you will have a greater probability of getting them back with your permanent US address. Prepare your bags expecting them to be opened and searched at some point, especially your carry-ons. Packing lightly is always recommended. It is recommended to bring fewer clothes which can be washed during the trip with a clothes-line and some detergent to hand-wash clothes to be hung out to dry in your hotel room. Packing lightly will also help you to carry-on your belongings on the plane and avoid checking in suitcases, which airlines often mis-connect. If you do check-in a suitcase, never pack anything of value or necessity, such as money or medicine. Put these items in your carry-on bag. Another option for doing laundry would be to take the clothes to a self-service laundromat (lavanderia). European electricity operates at 220 volts AC, while US electricity operates at 110 volts. Do not bring electric-powered items unless you have both a voltage transformer and an electrical outlet adapter with you. These can be purchased usually where suitcases are sold, otherwise at Radio Shack or Wal-Mart. You could purchase a travel hair dryer that can toggle between 220v and 110v; and often cell phone or digital camera battery chargers will charge off either voltage. In these cases, these appliances will not need a transformer, but still require the adapter to plug it into the Italian electrical outlet, which have two round, not flat, prongs. These are sold under ‘southern Europe’. If you use any medical equipment requiring electricity, take the utmost precaution that you have an accurate transformer and/or adapter. Customs officials have the right to examine luggage upon entering and leaving Italy (although it very rarely happens). Since weather fluctuates regularly especially in the Fall/Spring, we recommend planning on layering clothes. Italy is generally hot in summer and cold in the winter, with a lot of variation in between. In winter, early Spring, and late Fall, you may want to bring one warm jacket, a hat, scarf, and gloves. For summer, late spring and early fall, bring loose-fitting clothing that can be layered and taken off or put on when necessary. During this season, you will still want a light jacket or sweater for evenings when it cools off. Additionally, you won’t want to forget a raincoat (or fold-up poncho) or fold-up umbrella, a good pair of walking shoes (or running shoes), battery-powered alarm clock, toiletries.
MAIL (LA POSTA) - Stamps may be purchased at tobacco shops or at the Post Office. The tobacco shop will have a large ‘T’ designating it so. Along with cigarettes and stamps, one can purchase city bus tickets and other such things. Always check at the counter for the exact rate to the country of destination. The post offices are usually open from 8:00 am to 1:30 or 2:00pm Monday through Friday and some Saturdays.
METRIC (IL SISTEMA METRICO) - Italy utilizes the metric system. The speed limit is 110 kilometers/hour, prosciutto ham is sold by the gram, your gas tank will take 50 liters, and 40 degrees is a scorching-hot day. The metric system is easy once a few rules of thumb are learned. A kilometer is about six-tenths of a mile (.62 precisely), so divide by 2 and add 10% of the original (110 km: 55 + 11 = 66 miles). Figure about 4 liters to a gallon (3.8 to be precise), so a 10-gallon car fuel tank is 38 liters (benzina is currently sold for about 1.40 Euros/liter). To convert temperatures from Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by two and add 30 (10 degrees Celsius: 10 x 2=20 +30=50 degrees F.) To convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 30, then divide by two (100 degrees - 30 = 70 / 2 = 35).
MONEY/CURRENCY (I SOLDI) – Previous pilgrims have stated that they spent roughly $300 per week. Obviously, that amount will depend on the Euro/dollar exchange rate and your personal spending habits. We would suggest bringing cash with credit cards to be used as a back-up. Most large stores in Italy accept credit cards, while smaller stores prefer cash only in Euros. Visa and MasterCard are more commonly accepted than AmericanExpress. You can get cash, Euros, through a bank or exchange booth before leaving the US (or in Italy). The best way to get money in Italy is through ATM machines (known locally as Bancomats) - for just a small transaction fee. Cirrus and BankMate are the two most popular and widespread banking systems in the world, so they are the best to have (check the back of the credit card or ATM card). It is advisable to check with your banking institution to verify that your ATM or credit card will work in Italy, and what the charge (if any) will be. You should advise your bank and credit card companies that you will be withdrawing money and making purchases in Europe, as they will detect out of the ordinary foreign activity and can freeze a card if it seems unusual. Traveler’s checks have become inconvenient to use as increasingly fewer places accept or cash them. The most expensive way to change money is through an exchange booth with ‘Cambio’ (exchange) written on top of it, as you will get a low exchange rate with a high exchange fee tacked on. If you must go to an Italian bank to exchange Traveler’s Checks or cash, they are generally open Monday through Friday from 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and for an hour or so in the afternoon. In many tourist areas banks can be found open throughout the lunch break. All banks will be closed all day on Saturday, Sunday and on holidays.
PASSPORT (IL PASSAPORTO) - A current passport is required for international travel. The passport must be valid for at least 90 days after your scheduled return date (some countries require 6 months). As an American, you do not need any prior visa to enter Italy. If you are not an American citizen, check with your consulate to see if you will need a visa before arrival. Your passport is probably the most important possession for you to keep track of once in Italy. Make a photocopy of the signature/photo page of your passport to be kept separately. If it is lost or stolen, a new passport must be issued at the American consulate in Florence, Rome, or Naples, in order to return to the US.
RESTAURANTS (I RISTORANTI) - While Americans tend to eat on the run, or when dining they expect the check as soon as they have finished their dessert; in Italy, dining is an end in itself. Meals in Italy can last for hours, and the restaurant staff anticipates this. Therefore, service can seem slow, while for Italians, this is the norm. When searching for a restaurant, try to avoid the touristy areas and find a place that the locals patronize. These places are usually away from the touristy centers. Remember that restaurants catering to tourists do not work for repeat business, while those catering to locals do and an Italian would never return to a restaurant unless the food is excellent. You might ask the staff at your hotel to recommend a good establishment, however often they will recommend a friend or someone with whom they have a prior agreement. Remember that in Italy lunch starts at 1:00, while dinner begins no earlier than 7:30. Some places in the touristy cities may open earlier. Note that in Italy a variety of dining experiences exists. You can go to a ristorante, trattoria, pizzeria, caffè, tavola calda, or a bar. A ristorante is the most elegant and expensive on the list, while a trattoria is more home-style, a kind of tavern. At both places, your meal is served in courses starting with the primo (usually pasta or rice) followed by the secondo with contorno. Individual courses tend to be sparse, as the entire meal is designed to be taken together in courses. An easy option would be to use the menu turistico, which is a pre-selected 3-course meal for a fixed price of around 12-15 euros. A pizzeria is often patronized by groups of youth, extended families celebrating something, or people out having a good time. You will have an entire menu full of dozens of types of pizza, or full-course meals, as well. When you order your pizza, it will come in one size only, and is designed for one person. Even though it is 10 inches in diameter, it is much thinner, the condiments sparser, than in the US, and is just right for one person. It will not be cut, which you will do with your knife and fork. A tavola calda is a great option for a fast, inexpensive, and healthy lunch. An Italian bar or caffè is more like a coffee-bar with sandwiches or pasta that can be re-heated. (A pub would correspond to an American-style bar). Note that you will rarely see local Italians sit down to take their coffee or sandwich in a bar, which they take standing at the bar or one of the stand-up tables. These establishments will sometimes charge you more to sit down – especially in the big cities. Italians often take their meals with bottled water (either mineral [gas or fizzy] or natural – make sure you specify, as you will probably get sparkling water if you don’t.) Often Italians drink wine with their meals. Note that in Italy it is considered in very bad taste to drink wine outside of the context of meals in a dining room. It may seem to an American that Italians freely drink wine all the time, so they may take the liberty to imbibe in public, in a hotel lobby, on a bus, etc. Italians will frown on such behavior considering it the behavior of a street alcoholic. When you go out to eat in a ristorante, trattoria, or pizzeria, tips are not expected by the waiters, as it is included in the price. On your bill you will see a line for a coperto, which will be one or two euros. The wait staff does not expect additional tips, however in the big cities they are used to receiving extra tips from Americans, and might imply that it is expected. At the table, remember that Italian meals are both delicious and abundant. Food in Italy is well known throughout the world and is rarely criticized, but the schedules and quantities are different and may take some getting used to. Breakfast, or prima colazione, is served at 7:30-8:00am. It is light consisting of an espresso or cappuccino, a pastry, or toast. You will never see an American- or English-style breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausage, or anything cooked and salty. An Italian breakfast is continental (as opposed to the island breakfast originating in the British isles). Lunch, or pranzo, is usually the main meal of the day and begins at 1:00 and is served in courses. When you arrive at your place at the table, you will see a bowl on top of a plate. The primo piatto, or first dish, will be served in the bowl. Sometimes the primo is preceded by antipasti, or hors d’oeuvres, consisting of cold cuts, cheese, olives, etc. The primo piatto is usually pasta, but may be rice or occasionally polenta (typical dishes from the north). After the first dish, comes the secondo piatto, or main dish, served in the plate. This will consist of meat like chicken, beef, veal, fish, or occasionally rabbit or horse, which are routinely eaten in Italy. The meat is accompanied by a contorno, or side dish, which is often a vegetable or salad. After the main dish comes fruit and sometimes ice cream for special occasions. Espresso or liqueur may follow the meal. Keep in mind that Italian coffee is much stronger than American coffee, so do not drink the same amounts as you would at home. Lunch is sometimes followed by the well-known Mediterranean siesta, which fits nicely into the daily routine, because one is usually full from the big lunch and is tired. Traditionally, shops, offices and churches in Italy close at 1:00 and will not re-open until 4 or 5, however that is changing nowadays. Dinner is lighter than lunch and will never start before 7:00pm. It typically consists of something light like minestrone soup, focaccia, cold cuts, or maybe even an omelet. Pasta is usually not served at dinner. However, if we are out during the day and are offering a group meal served at dinner, it will be like the lunch described above. In recent years the Mediterranean diet has received international praise for its healthiness. Olive oil is often used, foods have fewer preservatives, and the fat content is much less than in the US. Believe it or not, even though the meals are larger in Italy, many pilgrims have actually lost weight here! Previous pilgrims have noted that in Italy lunch is hot while dinner is sometimes cold, and in the US it is reversed. In the past, some pilgrims have commented that the meals are too large. Eat only what you want and do not feel obligated to eat everything - nothing will go to waste, and no cook will be offended. Italians serve abundant meals to honor guests, and anything less would seem rude by Italian standards. If you have dietary concerns, please let group leaders know.
SHOPPING (FARE LE SPESE) - Normally shops are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30/4 p.m. to 7:30/ 8 p.m., in large cities and tourist areas nowadays there is a tendency to stay open from 9.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. with possible variations from town to town. When you go to Italian stores or restaurants, expect lousy customer service. It is not because you’re an American (or that they don’t like you) it is just that Italians place different value on the customer than do American businesses. Often Italian merchants balk at giving back a lot of change and prefer small bills or exact change. Note that the street windows are for ‘browsing’ and Italian merchants will expect you to purchase something if you enter their store. Note that no tax is added to the advertised sales price (20% is already built into the price). Further, any time you make a purchase in Italy, the receipt must be kept by law (to ensure the VAT-tax was paid). According to the Italian law, based on the European Community provisions, as a non-resident visitor, you can claim a refund for goods and services tax paid for goods intended for personal or familiar use purchased in Italy. For more information see the Customs Agency’s official website: www.agenziadogane.it/italiano/dcagp/iva/iva-inglese.htm Here are several companies specializing in refunding sales tax: Premier Tax Free Global Refund
SPIRITUALITY (LA SPIRITUALITA’) We operate pilgrimages rather than touristy trips. We place emphasis on prayer and spirituality. But do not worry, we will have a lot of fun, too, and you will have free time to do things you want to do.
TELEPHONE CALLS (LE TELEFONATE) - Public pay phones are common, but tend to be out of service (fuori servizio) often. Most public phones take phone cards (Carta Telefonica purchased in any tobacco shop or newspaper stand for 5 or 10 euros), which utilize a magnetic strip and are inserted directly into the phone. Make sure you break the upper corner off (you’ll see the perforated and dotted lines), as they will not work without doing so. Some phones accept either cards or coins. The most economical way to make phone calls home to the US, is by purchasing an international phone card in Italy for 5 or 10 euros (different from the carta telefonica described above) – make sure the card is for North America. On the back of the card you will see a toll-free access number (there are several numbers depending on whether you are calling from a cell phone, pay phone, or a fixed phone), and a pin number (once you scratch off the protective covering). If you already have a US calling card, check to see if it offers service in Italy, in which case you must obtain the local toll-free access number (800 followed usually by 6 digits) and pin number. You could use your US cell phone in Italy as long as it is tri-band (or quad-band) or GSM-enabled. Check with your service provider on rates, but plan on spending about $1-3 while making or receiving calls. You can purchase a mobile phone in Italy for as little as 60 Euros, and plan on spending about .30 Euro cents per minute (on local outgoing calls, as you will not be charged to receive calls). When making a call to an Italian number within Italy, you must always dial the area code and number whether you are inside or outside that area. When dialing cell phones, a 0 does not precede the number (333 1985 007). When dialing to the US from Italy, always precede the number with 001. So a number to New York from Italy would be dialed as 001 212 555 5555. When calling to Italy from the US dial 011 plus area code and number.
Here are some Emergency Telephone Numbers: 112 for Carabinieri (police)
TIME ZONE (FUSO ORARIO) - The time zone in Italy is six hours ahead of Eastern standard and they observe daylight savings time just as in the US. So at 8:00am in New York, it is 2:00 pm in Italy. Europeans typically use military times instead of am/pm, thus 2pm would be written as 14,00, while 9:00am would be written as 9,00.
TRANSPORTATION (MEZZI DI TRASPORTO) - Italy boasts an extensive and well maintained road system; however driving can be quite the experience. If you have never driven outside the US, you should do a little research and be prepared before you get behind the wheel in Italy – Italian drivers will seem much ruder and more aggressive than US drivers. They drive much faster, closer to one another, and can seem reckless. They are disrespectful of traffic signals, road signs, and rules. They will overtake slower cars on two lane roads by driving straight into oncoming motorists, who will veer to their right to avoid head-on collisions. It is important to note that on the whole Italians are better drivers and they are very used to maneuvering around small and tight spaces at fast speeds. Further, it is obligatory for every Italian to have taken 40 hours of driving lessons (costing upwards of several thousand dollars) before testing for the license at a minimum of 18 years of age. The interstates (autostrade) are private and on which you will pay a toll (figure roughly one dollar for ten minutes of use), while superstrade (secondary roads) are free. As in the rest of continental Europe, vehicles travel on the right and pass on the left. Wearing seatbelts is obligatory for front and back seat passengers as well as for the driver. The use of cellular telephones while driving is illegal, unless the phone does not require use of the hand and the driver utilizes an earpiece. Most Italians navigate, not by road names like in the US (which are often difficult to find in Italy [and in the cities are posted on the buildings]), but by city directional pointers). When driving long distances, Italians will navigate from city to city denoted by directional signs (white lettering on blue background). Within the cities, a white arrow on blue background will point which way to go, as maneuvering in the old cities can be challenging. Gasoline is called benzina, and all service stations are staffed by an attendant who will fill up your tank, except after hours or weekends where many stations are equipped for self-service. When parking, note that white lines denote free parking spaces (often difficult to find), while blue require payment (you can purchase parking permits in nearby coffee shops or newspaper stands). Italy recognizes valid driver’s licenses of other countries. By law, U.S. or Canadian driver’s licenses must be accompanied by a translation or an international license; however, it is rare that this would be enforced. Speed limits are fixed at 50 km (31 miles) per hour in urban areas, 90 km (56 miles) per hour on secondary and local roads, 110 km (68 miles) per hour on main roads outside urban areas and 130 km (80 miles) per hour on highways, with fines for violation in proportion to the amount of the excess. Note that the highway system employs a system utilizing a radar gun and camera where they will clock your speed and take a photo of your license plate at the same time. If you are nabbed speeding in a rental car, the authorities will send the fine to the company, who will send it, in turn, to you. The system is called Autovelox, and by law signs must be posted indicating that the system is just ahead and demarcating the system itself. In addition to the highway system, an excellent bus and railway system is networked throughout the country (and Europe). Within the train stations, note that departing train timetables are posted on a yellow chart, while arrivals are posted on a white one. Tickets can be purchased in the queue, but self-service kiosks are a good option, available in the big stations. You MUST validate any rail, bus and subway tickets purchased for use on the Italian public transport system. Machines for date-stamping (validating) your ticket are located on station platforms and are usually yellow. If you do not validate your ticket before boarding, you will be assessed a fine when the conductor checks your ticket. Tickets for buses and the subway tend to be time-limited (often 60 minutes) and it is therefore necessary to finish your journey within the allotted time, or else utilize a new ticket for any additional travel. Machines for date-stamping your ticket are located in the foyers and beside barriers in the case of subway travel and on board buses. Daily, weekly and monthly passes are also available. Tickets for buses and the subway cannot be purchased on board and must be obtained prior to boarding from tobacco stands, ticket kiosks or bars. Note that transportation strikes are frequent and affect buses, subways, trains, airlines, and any other facet of Italian transportation – either public or private.
USEFUL WEBSITES (SITI WEB UTILI) US State Department Travel Warnings and passport info: www.travel.state.gov Transportation Security Administration: www.tsa.gov A great site by the Italian government tourism board: www.italiantourism.com Weather: www.weather.com One of the best internet discount airfare sites: www.sidestep.com
WARNING (UN AVVERTIMENTO) - Italy is on the whole a very safe country and violent crime is extremely rare. Nevertheless they do have their share of pickpockets and thieves. Most petty theft and crime occurs in areas where large numbers of tourists are concentrated, such as train stations and big cities like Rome. It is, therefore, recommended to carry valuables, documents, passports, cash, etc. in a hidden money belt or bag. Pickpockets are good at spotting tourists who are, unfortunately, easy targets. Beware of unlicensed taxi drivers soliciting rides. All taxis must stop at officially designated taxi stops in Italy. Also, there are many beggars in the big cities. Use discretion as to whether or not you wish to give. There are poor boxes in most churches which may be a better way to ensure that money goes towards a legitimate end. Also, remember that smiling and saying hello to one another in Italy is done only by friends, family members, or acquaintances. While in the US it is a sign of politeness, in Italy two strangers would never casually greet one another in public even if their paths crossed. Remember that if you smile at an Italian whom you do not know, they will most likely get the wrong idea and wonder why you are acting that way. A woman should never smile at, acknowledge, or even make eye contact with a man on the street. It will be interpreted as a come-on, and could lead to some unwanted attention. If a local on the street were to be friendly to you and try to ‘buddy’ up with you, use caution and be on guard.
MISCELLANEOUS (COSE IN PIU’) Public Restrooms: Are known in Italy as WC (water closets), and can be challenging to find. Shop owners are usually unwilling to allow use of their restroom to the public. In most touristy areas, there are public restrooms, however often there may be just one or two toilets with a long line of people. It may be a good idea to keep your own tissue with you just in case. Also, note that some public restrooms require a small fee – either staffed by attendants or utilizing a coin-operated turnstile.
Photography: Note that churches and museums frown upon taking photographs with flashes. Over the course of time the thousands of flashes can actually damage the old artwork. Some places will allow pictures with no flash, others (particularly churches) prohibit all photography.
Terrain: Many European cities are medieval (or older), built on hills (for safety) and were built with cobblestone streets. Therefore, the uneven and hilly terrain can be challenging to walk on, and we recommend running or walking shoes. Due to the ancient buildings, most are not wheelchair-accessible. Many areas are pedestrian only, having banned all automotive traffic (except for locals). Many streets are medieval and narrow, and pedestrians must share them with cars or taxis that tend to drive faster than what would seem safe for the conditions. |
