Internet, Language & Travel Tips

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.