Getting There

Destinations: Out of Florence

Travel eTips...

eTip #1 - Luggage.

The right type of luggage makes life easier when traveling.  If you don't want to check any luggage, this “carry on” size is perfect.  An important feature is the zip away day bag, which comes in handy for hiking around and also for when you find yourself on a smaller plane with tight overhead luggage space.  On international flights, these type of bags fit in the overhead, but if stuffed full they sometimes don’t fit on smaller planes (though they qualify as "carry on" luggage).  The quick fix is to zip off the day pack....then you have no problems fitting the bag overhead.

Just a suggestion to consider.  Remember that many airlines are charging for bringing a second checked bag these days so travel light!.

eTip #2 - Florence weather in September.

We put a deposit down on a perfect sunny day, mid-70s, with a few puffy white clouds grazing by.  No guarantee though. Checking out the weather almanac for last September in Florence it actually rained on September 27th....but it was a Thursday so who cares. The last Saturday of the month was sunny, mid-70s, with a few puffy white clouds grazing by.  So there you have it.

The real low down.....60 - 80 degrees on average.  Sometimes it rains, lightly. Sometimes it's hot, sometimes it's cold, but generally it's just mild and nice.  Hope that helps.  :-)

eTip #3 - Electricity and plugs in Italy.

Electricity in Italy (like the rest of Europe) comes out of the wall socket at 220 volts, versus 110 volts in the U.S, Venezuela & much of Brazil.  What that means is that you can instantaneously destroy your gizmo (but get a really cool puff of smoke) if it’s not designed for universal voltage.  The good news is that many of today’s small electrical devices (laptops, cell phones, shavers, digital camera chargers, etc.) are designed to for universal voltage.  Check the power label on any electric gizmo you’re bringing to ensure it reads “Input: 100V-240V”, like this...

Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs

If that’s the case, all you’ll need is an adapter plug to switch from the flat pronged plugs to the round Italian plugs.  They’re cheap and can be found online or at any international airport or luggage store.  If your gizmo is NOT designed for universal voltage, then you’ll need a travel converter to step-down the the voltage from 220 to 110.  You don’t really want to get the cheapest one you can find in this case.  We’ve had bad experiences with cheap converters, and most travel sized converters are ONLY good for heating appliances like hair dryers, curlers & travel irons, not most other electrical devices.  Best bet is to not take a chance and bring only things rated for universal voltage.

eTip #4 - Accommodation & Event Map.

We’ve updated the Location Map from our website, highlighting event locations, accommodations (where everyone is staying), points of interest and suggested restaurant+bar locations.  We’ll be adding more points of interest and dining spots in the coming weeks. 

If you haven’t done so already, please let us know your arrival/departure dates in and out of Florence, as well as where you’re staying so we can add you to the map.  The website will stay up through the wedding, so you can refer to the map and all the other resources we’ve put together during your trip.  There are many internet cafés in Florence so accessing email and the web should not be an issue. 

Those with iPhones can use your phone in Florence as a GPS and also access email and the web from wireless access points throughout the city without getting charged.  Just be sure to contact your cell provider and ensure that you don’t have automatic international roaming (unless you want to be able to make and receive calls at the high international roaming rates).

eTip #5 - Mobile Phone In Italy.

Not everyone will need or want one, but for those in the wedding party and those who want easy contact capability, we suggest renting or buying a cell phone, or just buying a SIM card to use with your existing Quad-band GSM phone (must be unlocked).

Our Suggestion:

We’ve done a bunch of research on the best option and best company to use for renting or buying a service.  There are many to choose from any many variables to consider but the one we chose & recommend is:  RoamSimple.  They offer an Italian SIM card for $19, a phone for $50 (reconditioned) or $80 (new) and an adaptor for $6 (see eTip #3)

Rates: 

All incoming calls and text messages are free (including international).

.69/minute within Italy

.89/minute to USA & Canada

.45/msg for text messages

It’s not a Pay-As-You-Go account so you won’t need to worry about buying minutes (scratch cards) to “juice” your phone.  This means you won’t be hunting for places that have the appropriate card for your service, deciphering the italian instructions to load the minutes, or running out of minutes at a critical time.  It’s also not a rental so there is no weekly/monthly fee. You pay only for the minutes you use. No taxes or surcharges.  Upon return, you can send back the SIM card for a $10 refund, and keep the phone for your next trip (or just cancel the service (no fee for canceling) and throw away the card).  We ordered today and already have our Italian number:  (+39)  335-774-4740.  Phone should arrive in 2 days.

We’ve set up an account so that if you mention you’re with the b&g wedding, you’ll get the adaptor for free, and a complete refund of $19 on the SIM card when you return it.  You can order online here: RoamSimple, then follow up with an email info@roamsimple.com with b&g wedding in the subject + and a quick note to say that you ordered online and that you’re part of the b&g wedding.  That’s it.

Other Options:

1. Rent a phone at the airport.

1. The most expensive way to obtain cellular service in Italy is to rent a cell phone at the airport. This is not only expensive but it is also inconvenient as you need to fill out extensive documentation and carefully read the terms and conditions.  Use this as a last resort option only.
   

2. Use your existing phone and carrier.

1. Many of the latest cell phones from US carriers such as TMobile, AT&T and to a lesser degree,Verizon, work in Italy as well as other international destinations. The advantage to using your current carrier is that you can retain your US number without having to rent, purchase or make other arrangements for cellular service. However, you need to make certain with your carrier that the model of handset you have indeed works overseas and that you are set up for overseas cellular service. The drawback with this approach is the expense. Typically charges are around $1 (plus tax) for both incoming and outgoing calls. Furthermore, while it is “convenient” for people to be able to reach you on your usual US number, you may not be happy paying for “convenient” yet non essential calls to your cell while on vacation.  You pay even is someone leaves a message, by the minute, for however long the message is.
   

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3. Rent or purchase phone & SIM card before traveling.

1. An easier approach is to rent or purchase a phone or just the SIM card before you depart. That way, you have the phone ready to use as soon as you land and you will know the Italian phone number before you leave.  The best reason for doing this is that all incoming calls and text messages are free.  If you rent the phone, you’ll most likely have to pay shipping to receive and return the phone, on top of leaving a deposit, being charged a weekly fee, in addition to any minutes you use.  If you buy the phone+SIM card, you can use it as long as you want and not have to leave a deposit or ship it back.  This way you have a phone that you can use internationally, only needing to purchase a SIM card for the region your traveling to, which is cheap and easy.  Those with phones already unlocked and GSM Quad-band ready, can got the route of only buying the SIM card.
   

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3. (tip: leave your new # on your US voice mail system instead of forwarding your calls, so you don’t get charged for the forwarded long distance call).
   

eTip #6 - Driving In Italy.

For anyone planning on renting a car and driving in Italy, technically it's required that you carry an International Driving Permit (IDP), in addition to your home license.  

The IDP is a translation of your driver's license. In the US you can obtain an IDP with a quick visit to your local Automobile Association of America (AAA).  It's just a matter of filling out a form, taking a picture, and paying a $15 fee.  For those coming from other countries, you might enquire at your local automobile association (or equivalent). The permit is valid for one year.

You will have to show your IDP if stopped by the police for a traffic violation or at a checkpoint.  You may also have to show it when you pick up your rental car.  Up until 2004 you did not need it for renting the car, but now it seems car rental companies are being told to check for it (and your home driver's license) when you pick up your car.

eTip #7 - Euro Dollars.

A few tips on how best to get Euro dollars, before and during your trip.  

Credit Cards:

First know that all major credit cards are widely accepted in major cities in Italy and throughout the EU.  If you're traveling outside the major cities, plan on bringing some Euro dollars along with you to be safe.  Credit cards are a great way to cover and record expenses during your trip, limiting the amount of cash you need to carry.  Most cards charge a 2-3% foreign transaction fee, at the current daily rate of exchange.  Contact your credit card company in advance and let them know the dates & countries you'll be traveling to, avoiding the hassle of having your card blocked for security reasons when you arrive.

ATM Cards:

For those that prefer cash, you can withdraw Euro dollars at virtually any ATM machine, as long as it has the Cirrus, Interlink, or PLUS logo on the back.  There are ATM machines all over Florence.  It's a good idea to locate one near your hotel and make sure it works with the card you carry.  Finding one won't be a problem.  Contact your bank in advance and let them know the dates and countries you'll be traveling to, avoiding the hassle of having your card blocked for security reasons when you arrive.  You might also ask if your bank charges a "transaction fee" for withdrawing cash abroad (most likely they do).  This would be in addition to any fee the ATM might charge. Try to avoid making many small withdrawals as the fixed fees can add up quickly, and do not increase with larger withdrawals.

Cash:

Even though you shouldn't have any problems getting cash from banks or ATM machines during your trip, it's a good idea to travel and arrive with some Euro dollars in your pocket.  Most major banks will sell you Euros, though often times you need to order them at least 3 days in advance.  In the US, you can purchase Euros easily at Wells Fargo Bank, whether you have an account or not ($5 fee if you don't).  My local branch had Euro in stock, but don't expect all branches to have them.  Bank of America will order them for you, but you have to have an account and you also pay a shipping fee (this can be done online).  Some major branches may have Euro on hand.  Check with your bank and compare rates.  Wells Fargo and Bank of America were selling today at $1.48 per Euro ($100 Euro costs $148).  The rate should come down in the next few days as the banks catch up with the latest rate drops.  Today the Euro hit an 11-month low vs. the US dollar ($1.41 per Euro).  That's much better than a few months ago when it cost nearly $1.60 per Euro.

If you absolutely have to exchange US dollars in Florence, try to avoid using money change stands.  The rates are horrible and they take a fat commission...especially at the airport.  Best way to exchange dollars is to go into a bank.  For this you'll need to have your passport on you.

Important Documents:

In addition to contacting your bank and credit card companies to alert them of your trip, it's also a good idea to have their international customer service numbers with you when you travel.  That way if you happen to lose your wallet, you can quickly cancel your cards and have them replaced.  We usually copy our important documents: credit card and bank contact numbers, passports, airline tickets and hotel confirmations.  If you want to go the extra mile, leave a copy with someone you trust in case you lose your wallet and your luggage!  It's a good idea not to carry all your cards together at once.  Split them up between your traveling partner or leave some in your hotel's safe deposit box with your passport.

eTip #8 - Accommodation Confirmation and Contact Info.

Confirm Reservations 

With departure dates coming up, now would be a good time to reconfirm your hotel, B&B or apartment booking.  For those with apartments or bed & breakfast arrangements, remember that you won't have a front desk check-in.  Many require that you get in touch about a week before you travel to give them your expected arrival time into Florence.  Make sure you have a contact number just in case.  You might even give them your fight info so they can check on your flight status in case of a delay.  That way it's far more likely that someone will be there to meet you and give you the keys to your place when you arrive.

Italy Phone Numbers 

For those that have purchased or rented an Italian phone number, please forward your number to us asap.  If you haven't received your phone or SIM card yet, you can email your provider to get the number in advance.  We'll send out a list of numbers for everyone to have when we get them all.