Adapter for electric: To plug in, say, a laptop, a cell phone, or a charger for your camera batteries, you will need an adapter that lets you use plugs from here into Italy’s outlets. Adapters are easy to find in luggage stores in the U.S., through Amazon, and are relatively cheap to buy. Adapters are absolutely necessary since they convert 220 volt “Italian power” to 120 volt “American power.” Here is a link to one that can be purchased on Amazon for under $10.00.  Here is a link to one you can easily purchase on Amazon. 

You might want to get 2 or 3 if you have a cell phone, computer and/or camera and want to keep everything charged. The adapter plugs into their outlet and your U.S. plug will go in the other end.

Your cell phone: The thing to remember about phone usage in Italy is that roaming charges will apply on your phone in Italy unless you have an international call package. Texting will work but for a charge – usually .50 to send a text and .05 to receive a text. I’m quoting pricing from Verizon. 

If you plan to use your phone to make phone calls, it’s a good idea to contact your carrier or check online to check your options and decide on a one-month plan. Each carrier is a little different making it impossible for me to recommend one that works for all providers.

Dressing for dinner: Italians tend to dress up a bit more for dinner, and in general, more than Americans. That doesn’t mean you need a cocktail dress or a dinner jacket; instead, well-dressed Italians agree the devil is in the details. Ladies, with some great accessories, you don’t need a whole new outfit just for dinner. A statement necklace, silk scarf, or nice leather shoes and belt can do the work of a complete outfit… for a quarter of the packing space. 

For men, a shirt with a collar and long pants are fine. Dinners are a “dining experience,” not ever a buffet or “hit and run” as so many meals are in the U.S.

Skip the shorts, poor looking jeans, and T-shirts. It’s not because the restaurant is a formal place but it’s just not a good thing culturally.

Leave at home:

Your hairdryer: You’ve probably heard it a million times, and you’ll hear it again — it’s just not worth it! If you do bring one you will need an adapter to use it and may likely blow a circuit at the hotel.  I’ve had this problem.  Hotel rooms have hair dryers in each bathroom. It may not be an 1800-watt blow dryer that we use here but it’s more than adequate.

That super-expensive watch/necklace/pair of earrings that you would hate to lose: Not so much because you will get mugged (you’ll be safe) but, even worrying about getting mugged is a pain. Not to mention that you don’t want to worry about leaving it in your hotel room.

Changing American Dollars to Euros. The best (and cheapest) way to get euros is to wait until you are in Italy use a debit ATM card to withdraw funds from your bank. You will get the best daily exchange rate with the lowest bank fee.

The worse thing to do is to buy euros (European currency) at your bank before you leave or to change your money at the hotel or a currency exchange. You will not get a good exchange rate and banks charge extra for the service. ATM machines are everywhere. You will not have trouble getting euros and you will get the exchange rate of the day. Just remember to bring an ATM card and let your bank know the dates that you will be in Italy to avoid any issues. 

Once again: Be sure to notify your bank and credit card company about the dates of your trip before leaving so they do not lock your account for security reasons when they see an international withdrawal or charge. Some credit card companies are discontinuing the need for customers to contact them for travel notices, but at least for now, don’t take the chance that it’s not needed.

Water bottle: If you are a water drinker during the day (or anytime for that matter) bring a lightweight water bottle (for health reason preferably not a plastic one) with you on walks.  You can keep refilling it at the fountains you’ll see everywhere. The water in Italy is excellent and free in fountains.

The most important things to leave at home?

Stress! And I mean that not just in the sense of “hey, you’re on vacation” — but also in terms of stressing about traveling. And that includes packing. Italy isn’t the wilderness; almost anything you forget (passport aside!), you can buy here. (Not to mention, going to the local pharmacy or department store can be one of the most interesting “authentic” experiences you can have!). So, relax — and don’t overthink it or worry. After all, you’re going to Italy!

Making calls while in Italy:  Calls originating in the U.S. will need 011 in front of the 39

Avoid transaction fees on any credit card purchases you may want to make:

Many credit cards charge a 3% add on as an administrative fee for purchases made outside of the U.S.  They justify it by saying they have to do a currency exchange.  However, there are credit card companies now that do not charge this fee. I am not advocating that you must have a special card because any card will work as long as you let your credit card company know the dates that you will be using it out of the country; but if you want to avoid the additional 3% make sure yours doesn’t charge it or you may want to look for one that doesn’t. 

Have a wonderful trip – Buon Viaggio!

Carolina

For more information and a typical travel itinerary to experience “Authentic Italy” go here. here.