Tips before leaving the country?

Question

I'm leaving for Italy at the end of March for a ten day vacation, I've never flown or traveled overseas before. How should I carry my passport? Should I take cash, a debit card, or a credit card? Anything I need to know before I leave?

Any help would be appreciated!

Answer 1

You can buy a waist style money/passport belt at ricksteves.com or in any luggage or EMS store. They fit on your waist and are concealed under your shirt. They're made of durable nylon with a plastic zipper so you can pass thru detectors at the airport without removing the belt. They are adjustable. The same stores sell a neck pocket which slips under your shirt; it's used to carry snack money, airline tickets, passport, etc. It's most useful when entering a plane and disembarking.

Large cities everywhere have an increased crime rate, European cities just like NYC have pickpockets who are well trained. Be wary of people who bump into you, ask for "donations", cause a disturbance in order to steal your property. Be aware of your surroundings and possessions. Police don't do much to catch pickpockets because it's considered a petty, although lucrative, crime.

Make two paper copies of your passport. Leave one copy at home with family or friends who have internet/fax access. Take the other copy with you, carried separately from your passport. This helps if the passport is stolen.

Bring a debit (ATM) card and a credit card. In Europe, you need a 4 digit numeric PIN. Notify the bank of your trip so that it is not suspended while you are traveling.

Take enough cash for arrival and departure. Get local money from the ATM in Italy.

Check your airline's restrictions on checked and carry-on luggage. If your luggage is over the weight limit, you pay an extra fee. Check the airline restrictions on carry-on liquids for the most recent rulings. Don't bring fresh fruit on the plane for international flights. It can be confiscated and you can be fined.

Buy a pocketbook size map of the areas you will visit. Use the internet to plan some must see sites. Use local transportation as it is cheaper than cabs or renting a car. I believe Italy requires a temporary international drivers' license.

Don't forget a travel umbrella, raincoat, comfortable shoes, and your camera. Have a wonderful trip.

Answer 2

First, calm down!!! I was kind of out there to. Leave your passport in your purse when your at the airport so that the people can check them. Then when you are at the hotel, there is a safe eather in a room or the kitchen. Put your passport in there or any other inportant things in there. When your flying it's not that bad. You will be over clouds and wont even see water at all. The worse part is when the plain takes off. Some times your ear pops. With cash, you have to exchange, so like when you go to the bank, take your card [dosent matter] and say how much money you want. When shopping take the cash and leave the card in the safe. Thats all I really know!

Answer 3

Find out if your bank has partners in Italy where you can use the ATMs without a fee. Some banks have branches overseas. Lots of pickpockets in Italy. Get one of those wallets you wear under your clothing. Take a credit card and a debit card as the best place to exchange money is at an ATM. However, they can be pricey so find one you can use for free. Before you travel, call your bank to see what locations—or partnerships—it has in the area you plan to visit. Comfortable shoes for walking and buy or borrow from the library an updated travel guide. Book your hotel room in advance. Book a room through www.letsgo.com and keep it cheap. My son stayed at the Yellow Hotel in Rome and it was very cheap. He had to bring his own combination lock, but he shared a room and paid less than $34 a night.

Answer 4

You will want to do the obvious- general tuneup: oil/filter change, check all fluids, rotate tires. Have the electrical system checked and repair as needed (MIGHT need plugs or wires, alternator, etc.- probably not). The focus is not prone to cooling issues, though it is a good idea to have some extra coolant with you. The things to have with you are an extra belt for the engine, a radiator hose is a good idea, and if it has never been replaced in the past, an ignition stator (or ignition module) is a good idea. Be sure to check the EGR/PVC valve and hose and the vacuum system as this can affect your MPG quite a bit. Word of encouragement: you should know that highway driving is generally much less stressful for the car than around town. You'll be fine! I drove my 66 Buick from RI to CA four times with over 200K and my 72 Buick twice with over 350K!! My mom just drove a 2000 Jetta with 140K last week! G'luck!

Answer 5

First, chceck the TSA online site for all the burdensome regulations ALL airline passengers must comply with and don't get stuck out.

Have trusted family or friends watch your home while you're out.

Check into OTC meds you can carry w/ you just in case that food or drink you enjoyed goes bad for you. Common sense need apply when eating in many of the "naturally local" restaurants.

It's best to carry your valuable electronic stuff onboard with you--keeping such close by at all times. When arriving to your hotel, look into getting one of their house safes for valuables storage.

Secure credit cards and traveler's checks are recommended--something easily replaced if lost/stolen. When using an ATM, be aware of persons around you--keep keypad view blocked when entering your PIN. Keep your passport and all $$$$ secured in your front pocket. I always tuck some cash in my shoe as backup---just in case.

Italian relations with the US are somewhat friendly--however, any American in a foreign land is a juicy scam target--be aware of any crossing your path and enjoy Italy.

Answer 6

If you wear blue jeans, keep your passport in your left front pocket. They make some cases for these that can be had cheaply. Take cash and a debit card or two. Watch out for people trying to take advantage of tourists. And make sure all food is cooked throughly. I got food poisoning in Spain. I ate a salad. Although it might have been Morocco where I ate the wrong stuff. Only drink bottled water or beer or wine. Or soda .

Answer 7

Make sure you are familiar with local laws and customs. Take a map of the places you plan to visit. Make sure you have your passport in a secure place and only take it out when you need it. Same for whatever form of payment (cash, credit card) you take. Learn a little of the language-how to ask directions, read signs, and order from a menu is helpful.

Answer 8

Italy is beautiful. Beware of pick-pockets. Travellers cheques (American Express) will be replaced if stolen. A credit card is useful. Try not to carry large sums of cash.
When leaving home, do not fill in your home/personal details on the little tag, that you attach to your suitcase. This advertises to unscrupolous people, that you will be away, and they might burgle your house. Remember to cancel newspaper deliveries and have a friend collect your mail, and check up on your house.
Hope that you have an awesome holiday.

Answer 9

Bring enough money to get you home in case of an emergency, you could also buy a travel organizer, it holds your passport, your money, your ID,your everything.Take it from me wear nice clothes because then you will get better service. Trust me I am an expert at planes. I have lived EVERYWHERE and visited EVEYPLACE. You are going to love Italy, it is my favorite place to visit. Happy trails. ; )

Answer 10

pray and confessions. no one knows what the future brings.