Thank you to everyone who attended our September 18 webinar! Here is a recap of the questions that were asked during the live Q&A:
Do we need to validate the train tickets ahead? I have downloaded the train tickets already.
Regional train tickets require check-in before boarding. If you purchased from ItaliaRail, the link you need to check in is included in the confirmation email from your ticket purchase.
How do I show I am a Primo member?
There's no need to show proof of membership because every time you redeem a benefit we know you're a member from the email address you used when you purchased your membership. For booking events such as Borgia Gallery or the free Colosseum entry, during the online booking checkout you'll be asked to enter your membership number (members receive a link for booking). Your membership number is included in the welcome email you received after you purchased Primo.
Do we need to have cash or will credit cards work everywhere?
Credit/debit cards and even contactless payment via smartphone apps is generally accepted everywhere; however we recommend you carry small amounts of cash for small purchases at places that may not take cards, such as newsstands (where you may purchase bus tickets).
Do taxis and restaurants generally take Apple pay?
Yes.
Are there any tips for car rentals, specifically renting from Rome Termini station?
We recommend you book your car rental at our partner ItaliaDrive, especially if you join ItaliaPass Primo, because it has competitive rates from over 1,700 suppliers and Primo members get $10 back on every car rental.
Are the multi-hour public transport passes good for both the metro and buses?
Yes.
Is the Trevi Fountain within walking distance from Hotel Quirinale?
Yes, it's about a 15-minute walk.
Can you purchase the 72-hr pass at the airport?
Yes, you can purchase this pass at the Roma Tourist Infopoint (official city-run tourist info office) located in the International Arrivals Terminal T3, open from 8:30 am to 8 pm daily.
The Boris storm prediction—will Ravenna, Bologna and Rome be affected?
Rome isn't expected to be particularly affected; there is currently a red alert for heavy precipitation in Emilia-Romagna (Bologna, Ravenna) for Thursday, September 19, with conditions expected to improve on Friday.
Though I attempted to learn Italian, is English spoken some away from the tourist areas?
Yes, many Italians know basic English and in Rome most people are usually willing to help. Using any Italian you have, even just a few words of greeting or saying thank you, is always a courteous gesture that many Romans will appreciate.
If you bought your train ticket online, how do you get it transferred to the app on your phone?
Currently there isn't an app for storing your ItaliaRail tickets, so you can access them directly from your purchase confirmation email.
Where best place to get a map of Rome, like a tourist info booth in Rome or airport?
You can purchase a paper map of Rome for €1.50 at the Roma Tourist Infopoint (official city-run tourist info office) located in the Fiumicino airport International Arrivals Terminal T3, open from 8:30 am to 8 pm daily. To locate other Tourist Infopoints throughout the city see the list here.
How to hail a cab? Just stand on sidewalk and raise hand or do you use an app?
It isn't common practice to hail a cab on the street in Rome. You can get a taxi at one of the many taxi stands throughout the city (if there's a line of people, wait in the line; or if no line, just approach the first taxi in line) or using an app. The most popular app is itTaxi. Uber is also available in Rome.
This is what the taxi stands look like, with orange TAXI signs:
Is there lots of construction in the historical district right now? Will it interfere with my tour?
Yes, there is a lot of construction in the historic center in preparation for next year's Jubilee year, but it won't affect your tour because the monuments and main tourist sites are all still open and accessible during construction. Here's the official Rome city website detailing the construction projects underway, including maps.
What is the best way to learn some quick/conversational Italian?
At ItaliaRail we created a basic Italian phrase book for our customers, you can download the PDF here:
Our partner Italy Magazine also has some language-learning resources, click here.
What's the dress code again for going into the Vatican?
To enter St. Peter's Basilica you have to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
We need to get from FCO to the train terminal in order to catch the high speed train to Perugia. Is the Leonardo express train our best / fastest option?
In terms of trains from Fiumicino airport, yes. The Leonardo Express departs every 15 minutes and reaches Rome Termini in 32 minutes without any stops, plus it's guaranteed in the event of a transport strike. If you don't count the wait time before the train arrives, it's technically even faster than a taxi, because taxis have to deal with surface traffic. The only downside to the train is that if you have a lot of luggage it can be a bit of a hassle to get it on and off the train and there isn't a lot of storage space on board.