Study Abroad Handbook Destination Rome - St. John's University

Office of Study Abroad Programs
8000 Utopia Parkway
Queens, NY 11439
(718) 990-6105
www.stjohns.edu/studyabroad
Study Abroad Handbook
Destination Rome

Ms. Dru Burtz
Resident Associate Director
Via Santa Maria Mediatrice, 24
00165, Rome Italy
Office 011-39-06-393.84214
Fax 011-39-06-636.901
Associate Director’s Office Hours
Monday–Thursday 8:30am–4:30pm
Friday 9:00am-3:00pm
Rome Campus Building Hours
Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Residence Medaglie D’Oro
Housing Complex
Via Gualtiero Serafino, 8
00196 Rome, Italy
Main switchboard 011-39-06-397.9700
Office of International Programs and Study Abroad
St. John’s University, Bent Hall 388
Queens, NY 11439
Office (718) 990-6105
Fax (718) 990-2321
intled@stjohns.edu
Dr. Ruth De Paula
Director
Mrs. Rosanna D’Urso Sanders
Associate Director
Mrs. Catherine Paskor
Study Abroad Advisor
Dr. Annalisa Sacca
Faculty Coordinator
St.John’s University, St. John Hall 434 L
Queens, NY 11439
(718) 990-5204
Pre-Departure Packing List
(Weather Dependant)
Clothing
1 Nice suit/dress
1 pair of good walking shoes
1 pair of shower flip-flops
2 pairs of shorts
Bathrobe
Hat, gloves, scarves
Heavy winter coat
Light spring jacket
Pants
Rain Jacket
Shirts
Slippers
Sneakers
Socks
Sweaters (wool and cotton)
Sweatpants
Sweatshirt
T-shirts
Underwear
Toiletries
Antiperspirant
Aspirin
Blow-dryer/ Curling Iron
Comb, brush
Contact cleaning solution
Cosmetics
First Aid kit
Prescription medicines
Shampoo, conditioner
Sunscreen, Moisturizers
Toothbrush, Toothpaste
Miscellaneous
Adapter and voltage converter
Alarm Clock
Calculator
Calling Card
Camera and Film
Day Backpack
Good guidebook to Italy
Italian/English Dictionary
Money Belt or neck wallet
Notebooks
Phone book- keep important contact numbers on you at all times
Sewing kit
Umbrella
Walkman

Pre-departure Checklist
Travel Documents- Make certain that you have a valid passport and visa.
Make sure you tickets have been bought and that all dates are correct.
Important Addresses and Phone numbers- Bring with you the following
addresses and phone numbers:
Residence Medaglie D’Oro
Via G. Serafino, 8
Tel: (06) 39739700
Fax: (06) 39737402
St. John’s University, Rome Campus
Via Santa Maria Mediatrice, 24
00165, Roma
Tel: (06) 636937
Fax: (06) 636901
Money- The best way to get cash abroad is using the ATM/MAC machines. You
can take up to $200 per day from your account and there are banks
conveniently located throughout the city, airports and railway stations. It is
highly recommended that students bring a credit card with them as well in case
of an emergency. It is also a good way to pay at the grocery store and
department stores. This means you do not have to carry a lot of cash with you.
If you are bringing along Traveler’s checks make sure to leave a copy of the
numbers at home so any lost or stolen checks can be easily replaced.
Photocopies- Make photocopies of your airline ticket, your passport, insurance
information, student ID card, traveler’s checks and credit cards you are taking
with you. Leave one set at home with your parents or relatives, give a copy to
the Resident Director, and keep another with you in a separate place from the
originals. Never pack your passport and other important documents in your
checked luggage or carry on luggage. These documents, passport, credit cards
and money should be worn around you neck in a pouch or a money belt as close
to you as possible.
Information for parents
1. Give your parents the Resident Director’s name, address, and phone
numbers at St. John’s University Campus in Rome and that of the
Residence Medaglie D’Oro, where you will be living.
2. Leave your parents the names, addresses and telephone numbers of all
important University contacts at your home institution for Financial Aid,
Bursar, Registration, etc.
3. Leave a copy of your ticket along with our return dates and times. They
will want to know when they can expect to have you back home!
Medical Issues- Have a physical, dental check, eye examination etc. prior to
your departure.
Computer Lab/Library Hours
Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
The computer facilities allow students access to on-line databases, library
resources, e-mail and internet.
If you need any information prior to your arrival regarding technology or Library
issues related to the Rome Campus, please contact Claudio Marinangeli via email
at marinanc@stjohns.edu.
Recreation
St. John’s University in Rome offers the use of a half Olympic-size swimming
pool, a basketball court, soccer fields and tennis courts. The facilities are open to
students. The use of the pool is available to students for a fee. Students must
present a certificate of good health to Sister Rosa, the secretary of the Pontificio
where St. John’s is located. All other facilities are offered free of charge.
Bar
There is a cafeteria, Italian bar, located on the bottom floor of the Rome
Campus. Refreshments such as soda, coffee, and sandwiches are sold here. The
bar is open from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 am for breakfast. Hot lunch is served daily
between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. The bar then reopens at 4:00 p.m. and remains
open until 9:00 p.m.
Personal Documents
All students should carry copies of all important documents with them at all
times and it is also suggested that you carry in your wallet the addresses and
phone numbers of St. John’s University and the Medaglie D’Oro Residence.
Living Facilities
All students are housed in furnished apartments at the Residence Medaglie
D’Oro, located near the St. John’s University Campus. Each apartment consists
of a living room, a kitchen, a studyroom, two bathrooms and three or four
bedrooms. Two students occupy each bedroom. Linens are changed once a week
and cleaning of the rooms is done on a daily basis. These services are included
in your housing fee. Only one towel per week is supplied, so please bring
additional towels! There is a 24-hour porter on duty and there is a phone
service. A laundry service can be arranged for an additional fee.
No guests are allowed to stay in the student’s apartments. If you have someone
visiting you, they must be out of the apartment by 11pm. There is a hotel
located next to the residence where relatives and friends can stay., The
telephone number of The Hotel Pacific is +39 06 39732085.

Telephones
Local telephone calls cost about €.10 and can be placed by using a phone card, a
SCHEDA TELEFONICA. Schede telefoniche are “debit” cards that can be
purchased from €2,58 to €51,56 denominations at most tabacchi stores and bars.
There will be a sign outside of the location, with a “T” on it. Remove the upper
left-hand corner of the card and insert into the slot. It is reusable until its “time”
runs out. Pay phones can be found on the street and in most Italian bars. Other
types of prepaid calling cards, used for international calls, are also available at
tabacchi. (The best one to buy is probably the Europa phone card, which costs €5
for 90 minutes and €10 for 3 hours. On this card use the 800 number at the top,
not the local Rome number --- otherwise they will charge you!)
Calling to and from the United States
If calling collect to the United States, you can call the AT&T operator directly by
dialing 172.1011. When using a public phone, you must first deposit a .10 euro
coin or insert a telephone card, which will be returned to you upon completion of
your call. Those preferring to use MCI must dial 172.1022. To use US SPRINT
you must dial 172.1877. If you are calling direct, dial 001, the area code, and the
number.
To Dial the USA from Italy 001 + area code & number
To Dial Rome from the USA 011-39-06 + number (06 is Rome’s area code)
Rome)
Mail
VATICAN MAIL
The Italian mail system is unreliable and usually takes two weeks to two months
to arrive in the US. However, the Vatican Post Office is more reliable, has longer
hours of operation and only takes 6-7 days for letters to arrive and only 10 days
for packages. It is also a bit cheaper than the Italian post. The Vatican Post
Offices are located on either side of St. Peter’s Basilica and inside the Vatican
Museums. Letters mailed from the Vatican Post Office must bear the Vatican
stamp. These stamps can only be purchased at the Vatican Post Office. If the
wrong stamp is placed on the letter, the letter will not be mailed and will be
discarded. Office hours are Monday – Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
ITALIAN MAIL
If the Vatican Post Office is inconvenient for you, you may use the regular mail
system. Postage stamps, (francobolli) can be purchased at a tabaccaio,
recognized by a “T” sign, or at any post office (recognized by the yellow “PT”
sign). Mailboxes are usually located near the tabaccaio. There is one slot for local
mail, (per la città), and one slot for all other destinations, (tutte le altre
destinazioni). Italian Post Office hours are usually from 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.,
Monday - Saturday.
The Corner Bookshop
Via del Moro, 48
Trastevere. Tel. 06-583.6942
The Lion Bookshop
Via del Babuino, 18
Piazza del Popolo. Tel. 06-3265.4007
Pre-Departure
Packing and Baggage
Airlines restrict the amount of baggage that passengers are allowed to carry. In
general, passengers are allowed to check in two bags, each weighing less than
70 pounds. Also neither bag can exceed 62 dimensional inches in size. However,
airline requirements vary from carrier to carrier, it is your responsibility to
inform yourself of these requirements.
When packing eliminate items that are not essential. Do not take with you
anything that you would hate to lose. Leave at home any unnecessary credit
cards, expensive jewelry, or irreplaceable objects. Make sure to leave extra
room in your bags for items acquired abroad.
You are also allowed one piece of hand luggage to take on the plane with you.
This should not weigh more than 10 pounds.
When packing your carry-on
We suggest that you include:
1. An extra pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses
2. A sweater or sweatshirt
3. Needed cosmetics, toothbrush/toothpaste
4. A book
5. Needed medication-keep medication in their original labeled container
to make customs processing easier. If any medications contain
narcotics, carry with you a letter from your physician attesting to your
need to take them.
6. Underwear
What to pack in your luggage
Try to avoid over packing. Bring your favorites, but make sure they are
practical. Most travelers pack too much clothing. Take only what is necessary
and what you expect to wear.
The first rule of packing is “less is definitely better.” You know best what you
consider essential. Put everything you intend to bring with you on the bed or
floor- now put half of it back in the closet, you won’t need it. You will probably
buy a few things in Italy, making your trip back difficult if you are packed to
the hilt. You may bring electronics such as hairdryers, electric shavers, curling
irons etc. as long as you follow these guidelines.
Voltage in Europe is 220m so your appliance must have a switch from 110 to
220. Plugs are different in Italy so please bring a plug adapter.

Shopping
Porta Portese - the largest outdoor market in Rome. Here you will find all sorts
of goodies and rare items. The market is open every Sunday morning and takes
place in the old streets around Porta Portese. To get there, take any bus that
goes to Stazione Trastevere and get off three stops after Piazza Sonnino. It is
best to be there by 9:00 a.m. to avoid the crowds. The market
closes at about 1:00 p.m. Attention: carry your money in a very safe spot; the
market is a breeding ground for pick-pockets. Make sure to bargain with all
vendors. They are notorious for lowering their prices.
San Giovanni - the market of San Giovanni takes place every day but Sunday. It
is the clothes-only version of Porta Portese. It is extremely cheap and has lots of
different kinds of apparel and trinkets. To get there you can take the Metro and
get off at the San Giovanni stop or take the bus to Piazza Venezia and then
switch for San Giovanni. It closes at 2:00 p.m. Once again, you can bargain
down any item.
Department stores, Grande Magazzini, are dispersed throughout Rome. COIN,
LA RINASCENTE and STANDA are the most popular department stores.
STANDA is located on Via Cola di Rienzo, Piazza Risorgimento. LA RINASCENTE is
located on Via del Corso and COIN is located at San Giovanni.
The Flower market, which sells wholesale flowers, is located on Via Trionfale and
is open on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The largest fruit and vegetable market is located on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II,
and Via Andrea Doria.
Good overall shopping streets are Via Cola di Rienzo, Via del Corso, Via
Nazionale, Via Sistina, Via del Babuino and Via Candia.
All designer boutiques are found on Via Condotti, Via Frattina and their
surroundings. (Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Bulgari, Ferragamo, Fendi, Armani, etc.)
Movies
The Pasquino shows second-run movies every night for about €5 in English. It’s
located off of Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, Vicolo del Piede, 1. Call to find
out what’s showing – the number is 06-580.3622. You can also check the local
paper. To find out what other movie theaters are playing films in English during
the week, you should look in Wanted in Rome or Roma C’è.
WANTED IN ROME is an English publication with listings of pubs, apartments,
jobs, etc. It can be found in most English bookstores and at most newspaper
stands. Wanted in Rome also has a web page which provides information about
life in Rome and adjusting to life in Italy. The Internet site is
WWW.WANTEDINROME.COM
TROVAROMA is a supplement to La Repubblica, an Italian newspaper that has an
excellent weekly listing of films, concerts, and events. It comes out every
Thursday.
English Bookstores
The Anglo American Bookshop
Via della Vite, 27
Piazza di Spagna. Tel. 06-679.5222
Money Transfers (Usa – Italy)
WESTERN UNION
Money can be wired from any Western Union office in U.S.A. to Italy in 1 hour.
Western Union offices are located at:
Agenzia Tartaglia
For You Travel Agency
Piazza di Spagna, 12
Piazza Navona, 78
Tel: 06-678.4565
Tel: 06-869.801
You must have your passport with you for identification purposes.
AMERICAN EXPRESS
An American Express “Money gram” can be sent from the U.S.A. to Rome from
any U.S. bank that sells AmEx travelers’ checks. The charge for wiring money is
10% of the amount being sent and takes about 24 hours. No commission is
charged on exchanged AmEx travelers’ checks when exchanged at the AMEX
office. If your traveler’s checks are lost or stolen, the number to call is
167.872.000.
The American Express Office is located at
Piazza di Spagna, 38
Office hours are:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Banks
Most banks are open from 8:30 - 1:30 and 2:45 – 3:45, Monday - Friday.
Personal checks drawn on U.S. banks are very difficult to cash in Italy and are
charged very high bank fees. Your best bet is to bring travelers’ checks with you
or to use an ATM card that is part of the Cirrus/Plus network. These can be used
all over Europe. Banks will cash travelers’ checks and will charge you a
commission fee. You must bring your passport for identification purposes. You
can access up to €250 every 24 hours. Most Italian Bancomats and ATMs take
the Cirrus card.
American Embassy
The American Embassy is located in the historical center, on Via Veneto, 119.
The telephone number is 06-46741. The Embassy offers a number of services
for U.S. citizens abroad.
Overseas Citizens Services (in the US)
Crises abroad involving American citizens
202-647-5225 (24 hours)
Passport Services (in the US)
Inquires about the passport application process or

the status of an application or emergency
900-225-5674
Mass in English
Masses in English are celebrated at:
Santa Susanna
Via XX Settembre, 14
Tel 06-488.2748
Santa Susanna is located near Piazza Barberini and Via Veneto.
For Masses on campus, you may contact St. John’s Campus Minister,
Rev. Albin Grous at 06-393.8421.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are seen at a distance by a sign with a red or green cross on it.
Pharmacies have normal business hours, with a rotation system for night and
holiday service. A closed pharmacy keeps a list in its window with the address of
the nearest pharmacy open in the area. The International Pharmacy (Farmacia
Internazionale) is located at Piazza Barberini, 49 and will be able to supply you
with most American prescriptions or at least the Italian equivalent. All staff
members speak English. The telephone number is 06-487.1195.
Doctors
If you require medical attention, all hospitals have a first aid or emergency
division, “PRONTO SOCCORSO.” The closest hospital to the Graduate Center is
on Via Aurelia (5 minutes down the road) and is called Hospital San Carlo – the
emergency room number is: 06-633.606.
Dr. SUSAN LEVENSTEIN Dr. VINCENZO BACCI
Studio Medico Internazionale Studio Medico Internazionale
Via Nizza 22, (Piazza Fiume) Via Nizza 22, (Piazza Fiume)
Tel: 06-841.3992 Tel: 06-841.3992
Home: 06 6880-5708 Home: 06-5041103
Hours:
Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday (by appt. only) 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
*By Appointment Only*
Emergency Numbers
Central Police Station 06-4686
Carabinieri 112
Emergency 113
Fire 115
Ambulance 06-5510
Road Breakdown Service 116
Highway Police 06-55441
First Aid 06-482.6741
Eye emergency 06-362.081 (Dr. Robert Steigerwalt)
Dental emergency 06-063.5322 (Dr. M. D’Amici)
Orthopedic emergency 0335-621.1414 (Dr. Marcus Frolich)
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
Almacrì (Near the Trastevere Station)
Via F. Benaglia, 3/5/7. Tel. 06-589.5651
*This restaurant serves pizza, pasta, and second plates. They serve huge
portions, all at VERY reasonable prices. It’s a fun and young crowd.
Pastarito (Via Veneto and in Trastevere)
Huge portions. You may pick any type of pasta from a list of 20 and choose any
topping from a list of 15.
Il Bucatino (Testaccio)
Via Luca della Robbia, Tel. 06-574.6886
Closed Mondays
Pizza Ciro (Off the Via del Corso)
Via delle Mercede
Open every day
*This pizzeria serves typical pizza and other plates from Napoli and is a little
more expensive.
PizzaRè (Piazza del Popolo)
Via del Ripetta, 14. Tel. 06-321.1468
*Call in advance for reservations, there is always a line.
Oliphant (Near the Pantheon)
Via delle Coppelle, 31. Tel. 06-686.1416
*This is a Tex Mex place, one of the most American places in Rome. Here you
can also watch American sports.
Il Buco
Via S. Ignazio, 7/8. Tel. 06-679.3298
(Cucina Toscana) @ €25 per person
Bruni
Viale Germanico, Tel. 06-397-23373
Girarosto Toscano- BEST steaks in town @ €25 per person
Lo Scopettaro
Lungotevere Testaccio, 7. Tel. 06-575.7912
Typical Roman cuisine @ €25 per person
VERY NICE RESTAURANTS
I Due Ladroni (near Piazza Navona) @ €35 per person
Superb cuisine! Order anything and you will be completely satisfied.
“Amazing Fish” –Try a) the moschardine affocati antipasto
b) spaghetti alla pescatora
c) fish of your choice cooked either with aqua
pazza sauce (pachino tomatoes) or simply grilled
Il Cantuccio (near Piazza Navona) @ €35 per person

Corso Rinascimento, 71. Tel. 06-683.3567
Everything is exquisite.bus by the front or the back entrance, always getting off
by the middle doors. Those who choose not to buy the pass must buy a supply of
individual tickets, sold at most tabacchi stores and bus information booths
STANDA - like a KMART where you can grocery shop, clothing shop and can also
find necessary items for your apartment.
ALIMENTARI - food stores that are found in abundance throughout all
neighborhoods. They sell general foods and no produce. Meats and cheeses are
bought in denominations of etti (1 etto equals about 100 grams or enough for
1-2 sandwiches). Please keep in mind the differences in the measuring system
used in Italy.
SALSAMENTERIA - sells cold cuts, cheeses and specialty items.
FORNO or PANETTERIA - sells fresh baked breads and pastries.
MACELLERIA - a butcher shop.
PESCHERIA - a fish store.
PASTICCERIA - a pastry shop.
ENOTECA/VINI OLII - a wine shop.
BARS in Italy sell coffee, sandwiches (panini), drinks, candy and ice cream
(gelato). At most bars you must pay at the cash register first, then take your
receipt to the counter and hand it to the man/woman behind it (Barista). They
will fill your order. If you want to sit at a table you will most likely pay double
the price. Most Italians have cappuccino with a cornetto (pastry) for breakfast at
these bars.
Eating Out
PIZZA RUSTICA/PIZZA A TAGLIO - offers pizza slices sold by the weight, as
well as calzoni, supplì, and tramezzini.
TAVOLA CALDA - a bar that has pasta, rice and bean dishes, roasted meats and
salads and cafeteria-style seating. The food is usually very good and the prices
are extremely reasonable.
ROSTICCERIA – has an elaborate choice of foods to either eat in or take out.
The most popular items are roasted chickens and potatoes.
PIZZERIA - offers pizza, salads, and some other dishes. Usually around €5 to
€10 per pizza. Surcharge per person is usually €2 to €6.
TRATTORIA - offers pasta and meat dishes. Usually simple fare. Most are
specialized and concentrate on one type of food. A coperto (cover charge)of €1 to
€4 per person is usually charged.
RISTORANTE - has a complete menu, with four course meals. Check prices on
the menu displayed outside before you enter and be careful of restaurants The
main bus terminal is directly outside the train station on Piazza Cinquecento.
Gynecological emergency 0335-834.2737 (Dr. Luigi Don Francesco)
Poison control 06-490.663
Important Numbers
St. John’s Campus 06-393.8421
School Fax 06-636.901
Taxi 06-3570 / 4994
Fiumicino Airport 06-65951
Termini Train station info 06-47301
ATAC (Public Transportation) 06-46951
Customs 06-6595.6647
From St. John’s University to the Historical Center
St. John’s University is in a great, centralized location and is only a few minutes
or approximately five bus stops, from the historical center. To get to the center
of Rome from St. John’s, walk down Via Santa Maria Mediatrice to Via Aurelia.
Once at the end, either take a right or left and continue until you spot the big
yellow bus sign. Bus # 46 will take you directly to Piazza Venezia.
Bus # 49 will take you to Piazza Risorgimento. Here you will find a number of
stores and shops worth checking out. If you are waiting for the bus, be sure to
wave down the bus driver because if there are no passengers who are waiting to
get off at that stop, the bus will continue onward without stopping.
BUS STOP SIGNS: Read the sign downward to determine which way the bus is
going. The stop at which you are at is framed in a rectangle. Look at the
bottom of each route to make sure that the bus you are waiting for is running at
that time. Buses have different hours depending on the day and time. Some
buses stop running early, others are only night buses and some only run on
Sundays. Read these schedules carefully.
Transportation
METRO AND BUSES
The city of Rome has a comprehensive transportation system comprised of 2
subway lines, a tram service, and a bus service, making it very convenient to
explore Rome on your spare time. To travel on the subway (METROPOLITANA)
or by bus costs 77€ cents per trip. The 77€ cent ticket is valid for 75 minutes
and should be stamped in the machine of the first bus you take and stamped

again if you get on a bus just before the 75-minute limit is reached. The metro
stops are shown on your official maps by a red circle. The broken red line
connecting each circle denotes the route taken. All students should buy a
monthly bus/metro pass (TESSERA) which permits the holder to travel on any
bus, tram, or metro for the whole month. Holders of the pass may get on the
located near the tourist areas. A coperto (cover) of between €1 to €5 is
customary.
Note: Tips are usually left at Pizzerias, Trattoria and restaurants and are usually
€.50 to €2 per person.located in all the main piazzas and at the Termini train
station. The pass may be purchased at the end of each month for the following
month’s use. A monthly pass costs 30 Euro. ATTENZIONE: There is an
expensive fine for using public transportation without a ticket or pass. You must
pay on the spot or else……….
The bus (ATAC) and Metro (ACOTRAL) service generally begins at 5:30 a.m. with
the last departure at 11:30 p.m. Metros pass every 10 minutes. Some buses
have night services, SERVZIO NOTTURNO. The random departure times from
each stop are indicated on the time schedule written on the bus signs, under
Servizio Notturno.
TAXIS
Taxis are yellow or white with a red taxi sign on the roof. Regardless of what
anyone tells you, never get into an unmarked car. These unmarked taxis cost
double the price of a regular taxi. In addition to the metered taxi fare, there are
extra charges for a number of services. There are night fees after 10:00 p.m., a
fee per piece of luggage and an extra charge on Sundays and holidays. If you call
a radio taxi from your home or office, payment begins from the time the call is
received. The numbers to call are 3570 or 5551; most of these taxis are airconditioned.
They will ask for the address you need to be picked up from and the
telephone number you are dialing from. Taxi stands are denoted by the sign
“TAXI”. It is difficult to obtain a taxi unless you are at a taxi stand, because taxis
are not supposed to pick up passengers hailing them down. Obtaining a taxi other
than at a designated stand is rare and can become frustrating.
AIRPORT SERVICE
It is possible to get to the airport by train. A train to the airport originates from
Termini Station on track 22 and costs €7,75. Taxis to the airport cost
approximately €38,73 from the Graduate Center and the near vicinities.
IMPORTANT – DO NOT take a ride with anyone who approaches you and claims
to be a taxi driver. They are illegal and will charge you double. When exiting the
airport turn to your right and you will see a line of official yellow and white taxis,
get in line and wait until one is available. Many drivers do not understand English,
so save yourself some hassle and have the address you are going to written
down along with some brief directions and landmarks.
TRAINS
The Stazioni Termini is the main train station in Rome. Trains going throughout
Italy and to all other European countries depart from here. You can purchase
train tickets at the station. Train schedules can be found on the Internet under
Ferrovie dello Stato, or at the train station itself. The schedules are written and
displayed on yellow and white glass-covered signs. On these posters you should
not only check the final destination column but rather the city you want to reach.
This can be found in the “PRINCIPALI FERMATE” (major stops) column or
“ANNOTAZIONI” (notes). Remember to validate your ticket at the yellow boxes
before boarding the train, or you will be fined. There is an information office at
the station where English is spoken. They can tell you any departure or arrival
time to or from any destination.
Security
In a recent survey of major European cities, Rome was voted the safest in terms
of crime and violence. Violent crime is extremely rare. Unfortunately, petty
crime is a problem. PICK-POCKETERS are active at railway stations, tourist
areas, and on public transportation, especially on tourist bus routes like the #
62, 64 and 46. If someone comes towards you with a newspaper or a cardboard
sign asking for directions, move away quickly because they may be trying to
pick your pocket. SAY “NO” FIRMLY! Should a gang of noisy children surround
you on the street, HOLD ON to your purse or wallet. This is the most popular
way of robbing tourists.
Precautions
The following are some steps that should be taken to make your stay in Rome
pleasurable:
1. Make copies of all your documents, credit cards and travelers’ checks and
keep the copies separate from the originals.
2. Keep all valuables in your front pockets.
3. Keep your purse on the building side of the street.
4. Carry only enough cash and documents for a day’s need.
5. When traveling on overnight trains, always stay in a compartment with
other people in them. Make sure to use the night lock located at the bottom
of your compartment door, and keep all money and documents close to
your person.
6. Always be conscious of your surroundings.
Police Reports
You must report all stolen items to the QUESTURA, Ufficio Stranieri, Via San
Vitale (bus # 75) or at the nearest CARABINIERI or POLIZIA station. You will
have to fill out a police report listing all stolen items. This report is necessary in
order to obtain passport and traveler’s check replacements and can be used for
insurance claim purposes. You are more likely to find an English-speaking
policeman at the Ufficio Stranieri on Via S. Vitale.
Some Basics
MERCATO - an open market that sells everything from fresh produce to kitchen
utensils. These outdoor markets are usually open from 7:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and
can be found in neighborhoods such as Prati, Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Vittorio
Emanuele II. A very good market, Trionfale, is located close to the Residence
Medaglie D’Oro.

G&S SUPERMARKET - a grocery store chain similar to those in the U.S. Here
you can find good prices on pasta, oil, wine, and toiletries. This is closest to the
residence.
Notes
Notes