Italy
 

My wife and I are going on vacation in Italy the end of next week. Does anyone know if I need anything special like a voltage converter or anything else that I'm taking for granted when traveling in the states?

It's my first trip to Europe so I'm a noob. My wife hasn't been to Europe since the Barcelona Olympics.

I suppose I could have titled this "don't forget to take xxxx"

they have the standard euro two prong 220V/50hz. Most of what you bring will probably include a universal power supply (100-250V, 50-60 Hz) so it will work fine if you get the "dumb" adapter.

Couple of these
http://www.amazon.com/VCT-ADAPTER-CO...4691899&sr=8-1

or these
http://www.amazon.com/VP-11B-Grounde...4691906&sr=1-4

And you're good to go.

Also you may want to consider a USB power supply for all the phones and pods and bullshit.

Maybe like this:
http://www.amazon.com/Lenmar-ACUSB4-...692051&sr=1-21

don't forget to take copies of your passports.

or better yet, scan them to an image file and put it on all your mobile devices tucked away somewhere not obvious.

Also:
CapitalOne has the best overseas exchange fees. 1% vs. 3-5% for all other cards. but be prepared for them to fuck you and lock down your card if you use it a couple times. hassle is worth the money though.

E*trade has the best ATM withdrawl fees.

one more thing: out at dinner, order the half carafe of house wine. it's a steal and better wine than most places serve in the US.

what area are you going to?

Rome, Venice, Verona, Florence and one other city that I don't recall. My wife set it up.

The info above is 100% correct. I agree.

The only thing I would add is some "girl info". Does your wife you a flat iron or is she really set on using her own hair dryer? Ipods, computers, phones, etc all work with just a plug adapter but these power sucking hair styling appliances are a little special.

Ordered. Thanks.

Will scan passports. Good idea.

She isn't set on hers and I thought about this when I saw the power consumption limit on the adapters. I'm hoping hotels have an iron. May just have to buy her a blow dryer if they don't have them in the hotels. We will check when we call the tour company. They should know.

Having more than one adapter is essential along with finding a good place to get money exchanged. The airports are a ripoff, I used the post offices or banks in Rome. Also don't forget to bring a good camera and if you don't have an extra battery and memory card for it get them (my brother in laws memory card coruped when we were at the top of the Vadican and he couldn't take any more shots till we got back to the hotel).

Also it is beautiful there but there is thievory. I was not pick pocketed nor did I have anything stolen out of my hotel room but I gave much caution seeing how a good portion of the help is from southern Italy where the unemployment rate is high.

I've stayed in countless hotels all over Europe and I'd say 95% of them had a hair dryer in the room. I've definitely used an iron in my room multiple times but I don't normally notice them unless I'm specifically looking to use it for work clothes.

I actually have a dual voltage hair dryer and a European purchased flat iron. I don't even take my US ones as they are useless over there. I learned the flat iron the hard way, 68 Euros for a new one in Paris. Ouch. For some reason, small appliances are much more reasonably priced in England. You can get a flat iron or decent hair dryer for 15 pounds in a drug store there.


Have fun! I love Florence. Such a beautiful city. Rome and I did not part on good terms (though it was great for the first 3 days or so) and Venice was flooded last time I was in Italy so I can't offer any advice there. You'll enjoy it though, watch out for pickpockets, walk a lot, eat tons of gelato.

We didn't have GOOD irons in all rooms. Check your hotel's reviews to see if people complain about no iron. some places just have a pants pressing thing mounted on the walls. whatever, you can just turn on the shower and steam everything.

I have one awesome rec for food in florence. Or at least in 2005 it was. Cibreo. Not the restaurant, but the trattoria/cafe next door. They share a kitchen but for a little squeezing and coziness, the trattoria is cheaper by far.

In rome, walk over to Trestevere to get out of the touristy and into the local-y. prices drop, english drops, but interesting goes way up and places wont overcharge you or give you mean looks. Just hop across the Ponte Garibaldi on foot (it's less than 2 miles from Barberini station / Villa Borghese downtown) to the west bank and meander around about an hour or two before sunset and then find a random place for food.

And if you're feeling like a real man and want the best food experience ever, find some of the michelin star restaurants in italy and either eat at them or their cafe/trattoria.
http://www.cellartours.com/blog/ital...in-milan-today

skip the 3 stars, you wont get reservations this year.

Seriously guys? He's going to Italy, hands down the best food comes from there, beautiful cities, rich history and an awesome countryside. Yet we are here bitching and moaning about whether or not they have irons in hotel rooms? I know this is a miata site, but this is an all-new standard of gayness.

Oh and Stein: Enjoy!!

fyi, there is a site that allows you to dowload free audio tours. you print out the map, dowload it to your mp3 player. go to start point and press play. my boss uses them when he goes to europe. i dont have a site, so youll have to google for it

Actually, I AM concerned about the iron. I hate being out and about looking like I'm wearing something that I just pulled out of the clothes hamper.

I had to check an Iron out from the front desk at my hotel and it was an oldie but a goldie.

buy an el cheapo iron once you arrive Italy it's not an option?