Practical A–Z

EU Citizens

As an EU citizen, you need no visa. Italy is a Schengen member — you only need a valid ID card or passport. No border controls when entering from other Schengen countries.

Swiss Citizens

Same rules as EU citizens (Schengen Agreement). Passport or ID is sufficient.

Tourist Tax (Contributo di Soggiorno)

Rome charges a tourist tax depending on the accommodation category:

Collected at check-in in cash or by card. Children under 10 are exempt. Maximum of 10 consecutive nights.

Rome is generally a safe city — violent crime against tourists is rare. The main issue: pickpocketing and scams, especially in tourist areas.

Pickpocket Hotspots

• Metro Line A: Especially Termini, Spagna, and Ottaviano (Vatican). Organized gangs are active in crowded cars.
• Bus 64: The "Pickpocket Express" between Termini and the Vatican. Notorious.
• Colosseum & Forum: In the crowds at the entrances.
• Trevi Fountain: Narrow alleys, lots of crowds — a perfect hunting ground.
• Termini Station: Inside and outside — especially at night.

Typical Scams

• "Gifts": Someone ties a bracelet on you or hands you a rose — then aggressively demands money. Politely but firmly refuse.
• Fake Waiters: Near the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, "waiters" lure tourists into overpriced restaurants with hidden charges (coperto 8€+).
• Gladiators at the Colosseum: The costumed "gladiators" charge 5–20€ for a photo — negotiate the price beforehand or decline.

Rome's churches are active places of worship, not museums — and the dress code is taken seriously:

• Knees and shoulders covered: Applies to St. Peter's Basilica, all basilicas, and most larger churches. Shorts, mini skirts, tank tops, and off-the-shoulder tops are taboo.
• Enforced: At St. Peter's Basilica, Santa Maria Maggiore, and San Giovanni in Laterano, guards turn away visitors with inappropriate clothing.
• Solution: In summer, have a light scarf or thin cloth in your backpack — to drape over your shoulders. Some churches lend out cloths, but don't rely on it.

Church Etiquette

• Photography: Allowed in most churches (without flash). In the Sistine Chapel: prohibited (though hardly anyone adheres to it).
• Silence: Speak softly, mute your phone. No wandering during services.
• Coins for Light: Many artworks in churches are illuminated by coin-operated machines (0.50–1€). Bring change!
• Opening Hours: Many churches close at midday (12:30–3:30 PM). Visit in the morning or late afternoon.

Mobile Internet

Thanks to EU roaming, you can use your German mobile contract in Italy without additional costs. Network coverage in Rome is good (4G/5G).

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi in many cafés, hotels, and museums. The city offers Roma WiFi in some public places — quality varies.

Language

Italian is spoken in Rome. In tourist areas, hotels, and better restaurants, you can get by with English. German: rare. A few words of Italian are always appreciated:

• Buongiorno (Good day) / Buonasera (Good evening, from around 5 PM)
• Grazie (Thank you) / Prego (You're welcome)
• Per favore (Please)
• Il conto, per favore (The bill, please)
• Scusi (Excuse me)

Important Travel Tips

• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat — even in spring. The sun at the Roman Forum is relentless.
• Drinking Water: Rome's Nasoni (drinking fountains with the "big nose") provide excellent spring water — all over the city, for free. Bring a water bottle!
• Comfortable Shoes: Rome's Sampietrini (cobblestones) are beautiful but a nightmare for high heels and flip-flops. Sturdy, comfortable shoes are a must.
• Book Online: Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Galleria Borghese — book everything online and in advance. The queues without booking are brutal.
• Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Italy. In restaurants, "servizio incluso" is often stated on the bill. If not: 5–10% if satisfied. In bars: leave small change on the counter.
• Coperto: Many restaurants charge a Coperto (cover charge, 1.50–3€ per person). This is legal and common — not a scam. Usually listed on the menu.