Posts filed under ‘2. Before you leave…’
Easy Italia: The Helpline for Tourists
Get real-time tourist info for free in Italy!
The Italian government has launched a new, free service called Easy Italia to provide real-time travel information and assistance via phone to foreign visitors in Italy. The live help is available in 8 languages, including English.
Easy Italia offers tourist information, translation help, advice on travelers’ rights, updates on local and national emergencies, and information for the disabled.
Imagine: You’re stuck somewhere, need assistance, and your rudimentary Italian isn’t cutting the mustard. Call Easy Italia and have the person who answers translate by passing the phone back and forth with whomever you’re trying to communicate.
We recommend entering Easy Italia’s numbers into your cell phone’s contact list so that you’ll have them wherever you travel in Italy.
- If you’re dialing from a cell phone in Italy: Dial 039.039.039
- If you’re dialing from outside Italy: Dial +39.039.039.039
- If you’re dialing from a land line or public phone in Italy, call toll free: 800.000.039
The Easy Italia helpline is available from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM seven days a week. From 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, voicemail is available in English and Italian with a return call promised within 30 minutes. During the months of July, August, and December, the number will be answered live until 10:00 PM.
For even greater convenience, there is a free Easy Italia app for iPhone and iPad!
Photo courtesy of .v1ctor @Flickr.
Cell Phones and WiFi in Italy
Staying in touch with family and work is important when we travel. For Italian travelers, there are a number of options available.
First, the cell phone basics:
- Approximately half of American cell phones will work in Italy. Check with your carrier or search the specs for your phone online to make sure your phone has the correct 900/1800 bands to be used internationally.
- If your cell phone will work in Italy, you can either choose to pay roaming charges with your current provider (which can be expensive), or you can rent or purchase an Italy SIM card and put it into your UNLOCKED cell phone.
- To unlock your cell phone, contact your provider. In virtually all cases, US carriers will provide you with the unlock code as long as you have been a customer for at least 60 days.
Italian SIM Cards
There are two Italian SIM cards currently being sold in the US and Canadian markets – TIM and Uno Mobile (Vodafone). Here are the main differences between the two:
- The Uno Mobile SIM card is already registered (no passport information required), has English prompts and customer service. The rates are as follows; free incoming, 0.09 Euros per minute for calls within Italy and 0.35 Euros per minute calling to the US or Canada.
- The TIM service offers free incoming calls, 0.55 to call to North America and local calls vary depending on the “profile” you get. Furthermore, you need to scan your passport in order to activate your SIM card.
As the Uno Mobile SIM card was created for the English-speaking traveler to Italy, it much more convenient than other services and less expensive to use. It is available online through CellularAbroad.
Renting/Buying an Italian cell phone
If you travel to Italy frequently or if you plan to be in Italy for more than 30 days, purchasing an Italian cell phone from CellularAbroad bundled with a prepaid SIM card is an economical option for staying in touch locally and internationally.
- Cell phone instructions, prompts, and live customer service are all in English.
- Incoming calls and voicemail are free.
- Minutes can be added to the phone four different ways: prior to departure from the U.S.; by contacting CellularAbroad from Italy; by texting a code on the phone; or at various storefront locations in Italy.
Renting an Italian cell phone, also available through CellularAbroad, is a smart alternative, especially if you plan to be in Italy no longer than 14 days.
Whether you decide to purchase or rent a phone, you can receive it via UPS prior to departure and it will be ready for immediate use upon arrival in Italy; the cost of the purchase/rental includes one initial call credit voucher worth 28 international minutes or 112 local minutes.
Mobile Hotspot
Another great new option for staying connected while traveling is renting an Italy MiFi device through CellularAbroad. This device provides mobile WiFi access nearly everywhere you go in Italy and unlimited data. If you’re an iPhone user and wish to use your phone in Italy, Italy MiFi will save you money in excess data charges! The device can be used with up to five devices–ideal if you’re renting a villa with friends and family. The MiFi is slightly smaller than a cell phone and has a rechargeable battery life of approximately 4 hours.
- The MiFi allows you to use your iPhone for surfing, roaming, and posting unlimited photos.
- Avoid paying for wireless anywhere you’re staying, or having to coordinate with the hotel front desk to set up access.
Photo courtesy of ElvertBarnes@Flickr
Travel insurance: Don’t leave home without it!
Richard Feldman fell 30 feet off a cliff and broke both legs while traveling in Vietnam in October 2009; he’d simply stopped to admire the view (and answer nature’s call). In January 2011 the Ventura, CA native was selected by trip insurance company TravelGuard as the winner of the World’s Unluckiest Traveler contest, winning a 10,000 dollar travel voucher. Not a bad consolation!
Richard Feldman’s disaster tale is an excellent reminder of the value of travel insurance. International travel is a memorable adventure, but it does pose some risks. Anything can happen: medical emergencies, severe weather, delayed flights, and lost passports or luggage. We may be forced to cancel or cut our trip short and thereby lose our vacation investment. We may also be faced with unplanned expenses. Navigating these types of problems while abroad can be complicated and costly.
Travel insurance offers protection from many unforeseen difficulties. RentVillas stands by CSA Travel Protection. Their FreeStyle Luxe plan covers trip cancellation and interruption; travel delay; missed connection; baggage and personal effects; baggage delay; medical or dental expenses ($250,000 per policy); emergency assistance (including EMT transport); rental car damage; travel accident ($250,000 per policy); and air flight accident.
Please call us at 1 (800) 726-6702 with any questions regarding travel insurance.
Renting a villa in Europe? Consider a GPS
We’d estimate that 90% of RentVillas customers in 2010 used a GPS if they rented a car. “A lifesaver”, they report. Some people brought their own devices from home (and purchased the application for Italy) or rented it along with their car. In June 2010 RentVillas founder Suzanne Pidduck rented a GPS through our car rental pick: AutoEurope. “I can’t imagine traveling without one”, she says.
Internet access at your Italian villa rental
Stay connected!
Let’s say you’ve found the PERFECT villa rental in Italy…but it doesn’t have Internet access. Problem? Not anymore. As long as you have a computer with a USB port you can purchase a chiavetta (key) from any Telecom Italia (TIM) store. The “Internet Mobile” package gives you 40 online hours for 49 Euros. TIM stores are located in all major cities and many large towns.
Side note on Ireland: There are great mobile broadband options from Vodafone. What’s mobile broadband? It’s internet access without the need for a fixed land line. It’s convenient and portable, allowing you to connect wirelessly to the internet wherever you are on the Vodafone Ireland network.
Mobile Hotspot
Another great new option for staying connected while traveling is renting an Italy MiFi device through CellularAbroad. This device provides mobile WiFi access nearly everywhere you go in Italy and unlimited data. If you’re an iPhone user and wish to use your phone in Italy, Italy MiFi will save you money in excess data charges! The device can be used with up to five devices–ideal if you’re renting a villa with friends and family. The MiFi is slightly smaller than a cell phone and has a rechargeable battery life of approximately 4 hours.
- The MiFi allows you to use your iPhone for surfing, roaming, and posting unlimited photos.
- Avoid paying for wireless anywhere you’re staying, or having to coordinate with the hotel front desk to set up access.
Photo courtesy of ElvertBarnes @Flickr
Credit card news for travelers to Europe
Having issues with your credit card while renting a villa in Europe? You may need a PIN number. According to Rick Steves of Tribune Media Services, many automated payment points throughout Western Europe are converting to a chip-and-PIN system. Learn more from this article on Travelmole.com
Arriving at your Florence apartment
Your best bet is to fly into the Florence Peretola Airport, situated 4 km from the historic center. From there you can hop on a bus (it’s a service called “Volainbus“) that will take you directly to the Santa Maria Novella train station in the heart of the city. Buses depart every 30 minutes from both locations. Tickets for the 20-minute trip are 5 Euros and can be purchased on board. You can proceed on foot to San Lorenzo 2 or take a taxi. Alternatively, there is the Galileo Galilei Pisa International Airport. There is train service directly from the airport to Santa Maria Novella; 2nd class tickets are approx. 5.80 Euros and the trip is 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Save Money While Traveling
The economic slump has created a once-in-a-decade opportunity for travelers: fantastic deals on accommodations and airfare are everywhere.
But if you’re like me, that’s only half the challenge. The other half is all the money you’re going to spend when you get there! Food, shopping, transportation… it can add up quickly if you’re not careful. Here are some practical ways to keep your travel costs down.
1) Pack Well
In particular, make sure you have adequate footwear and layered clothing. Otherwise, you may be forced to purchase clothes (at a premium) during your trip. I am perpetually tempted to take my “nice” shoes rather than my “comfortable” shoes. I gave in to this temptation twice – once on a trip to Italy and a second time to Boston. I have a new pair of shoes to show for each trip – and yes, they are nice shoes, but I paid way too much… and frankly, I would have rather been seeing the sights than searching for a shoestore!
2) Pack Light
Many airlines are now charging hideous amounts of money for extra baggage. So make sure you know your airline’s requirements and streamline your packing process. Share toothpaste and soap with your companions. And remember to leave some room for the return journey!
3) Use Public Transportation
Booking a villa or apartment near some form of public transportation is a fantastic way to save on the costs of car rentals. Trains are everywhere in Europe, and most smaller towns have stops where you can catch a ride to any destination you like. Big cities usually have metros or excellent bus systems… use them! Honestly, it’s also more fun.
4) Photos – Not Souveniers
The best souveniers are your memories – and the best way to preserve those memories is to take lots and lots of photos. Buy yourself a compact digital camera with a nice big memory card and go for it. You could also add a fun twist – take a stuffed animal to photograph at every site, or photograph every meal you eat. The time you don’t spend shopping in tourist traps can be put to good use relaxing by the pool at your villa, exploring the countryside, or enjoying a nice picnic lunch.
5) Eat Local
Popular sightseeing attractions and transportation hubs are usually surrounded by restaurants catering to tourists. While these places may seem convenient when you’ve been hoofing it all day, they are neither cost-effective nor authentic. Instead, plan ahead. Assuming you’re not staying next door to a main attraction, keep an eye out for local markets, bakeries, and delis around your villa or apartment. Stock up on breakfast items and anything you can use for a picnic lunch.
6) Talk to Locals
Yes, that’s right – talk to people! I’ve rarely taken a bus in Europe without ending up in some interesting conversation with a complete stranger. Easy conversation starters are usually things like, “Excuse me, am I on the right bus?” or “Could you tell me what that sign says?” Be polite and courteous, but also make sure you step out of your comfort zone a little. After all, you’re here to experience the culture! Ask your keyholder or that guy in the bakery where he likes to eat dinner. Investigate whenever you see a “hole-in-the-wall” with a line of locals out the door. Explore! Not only will you find great deals, you’ll meet some wonderful people and make memories to last a lifetime.
Buon viaggio!
January 16, 2009 at 12:17 pm Nikki's Missive Leave a comment
Packing for your villa
So you’ve booked that perfect villa or apartment, you’ve got your airline tickets, and there’s an empty suitcase sitting on your bed… Now what?
Good packing can make the difference between a brisk walk to another terminal and a missed-plane disaster; between exploring all day and “sitting this one out” to nurse swollen blisters; between sleeping soundly and staying up all night to a symphony of barking dogs. So pack light – and smart! Here’s how.
Clothes: Layers! Take a few light short-sleeved shirts and two good pairs of pants. After that, pack one or two long-sleeved shirts that can be worn over the t-shirts, a sweater, a canvas hat, and a waterproof windbreaker with a hood. If you have clothes that layer well, topped off with the windbreaker, you won’t need a jacket. You’ll be tromping around more than you think, and in the course of even the coldest day you’ll start stripping off those layers one by one. And yes, it is true that Europeans generally dress more formally than Americans, so keep that in mind if you want to “blend in.” For the ladies, bring one wrinkle-free black dress – this can be accessorized for any occasion.
Shoes and socks: When it comes to shoes, comfort comes first. This is not the time to break in a new pair or suffer for the sake of fashion. After a day traipsing through ancient ruins, up and down city blocks, or around an alpine lake, those frumpy old tennis shoes are going to be your new best friends. Another way to keep your feet happy is to carry an extra pair of (new) socks. Changing into a clean pair at noon is an easy way to refresh your tired toes! Also bring a pair of flip flops or sandals. These will come in handy at the beach, or just bumming around your villa or apartment.
Miscellany: So you’ve got your clothes, your shoes, and your toothbrush… that covers everything you’d need for a hotel. But you’ve rented a villa, which means you’ll be on your own. What do you bring to make your rental as comfy as home?
1) Ziplock bags (in many sizes) are practically weightless – great for storing leftovers, small gifts, damp clothing, jewelry… and everything else. Pack empty baggies, pack baggies with cooking spices (salt, pepper, etc), and pack baggies with laundry soap (for machine or hand use).
2) A sharp knife will do wonders for your Italian cooking! Knives are probably the most-used kitchen item in any rental, which means they dull quickly. If you’re planning on cooking, definitely bring one of your own.
3) A book of matches and a pair of earplugs never did anyone any harm. Other small but handy items include a stain remover stick, flashlight, sewing kit, and multipurpose tool (a Swiss Army knife or my tool of choice, the Leatherman).
4) Insect repellant. This may come as a surprise… but Europe has mosquitoes, too!
5) Baby wipes are the salvation of any seasoned traveler. These can be used in lieu of napkins, hand soap, toilet paper, a clean restaurant table, and even a shower. A pack of tissue works nearly as well… except for showers.
6) Airborne is the closest thing to magic I have found. Take a water-soluble tablet before you get on the plane or whenever you’ll be exposed to large crowds – and avoid whatever plague may be circulating locally.
7) Beach towels are usually not provided at villas, although standard bathroom towels are. I recommend buying them cheap and leaving them behind.
Cell Phones: I highly recommend taking a cell phone to your European rental. If you have a dual- or tri-band cell phone, you should be able to use it with your current plan, but it’s more affordable to contact your provider and ask them how to “unlock” your phone. You can then purchase a pre-paid SIM Card that will work like a local number while in Europe. If you need a dual band cell phone, you can rent one.
Space: That’s right, take along some extra room! Take a larger bag than you need, pack a collapsible canvas tote, or take things (like toiletries, paperbacks, and even clothes) that you wouldn’t mind replacing if they had to make room for that precious new pair of Italian leather shoes…
Finally, remember that packing is a vital part of the villa experience. So don’t let it wait until the last minute! Make your list now and check it twice – or even thrice – before you go.
