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Rome Suite Home

– Via San Martino ai Monti, 38 – 00184 Roma – [email protected] – +39 331 5919 598

compass Dear Guest,

The following is not only a list of useful info, but a real personal guide we made for you which contains all the info we think you may need to know before traveling; suggestions to plan your stay; and some of them will be extremely useful during your stay, in terms of how to move around and where to find this or that. In one word, this will be you compass (or mok’compass).

These suggestions are the result of our experience, answering thousands of questions, and the result of our +30years of Roman life. We hope you will enjoy reading through it cause our main goal is that you take the most out of your time in Rome. We want your stay in Rome to be as perfect as you dreamt it when you were thinking “let’s go to Rome this year!”.

Please count on us for any question you might have, before and during your stay.

We look forward to welcome you in Roma,

mok’staff

mok’tours – info before traveling Booking a private Tour As every touristic city, here in Rome there are thousands of tour companies that offer all kind of tours and our guests are often confused and ask us for suggestions. Therefore, through the years we have developed a great knowledge of the pros and cons of many of them, thanks to our guests’ feedbacks.

Hiring a private guide or choosing the right tour company is definitely the best way to learn rather than simply “watch” the infinite monuments and sightseeing of the Eternal City.

We’ve selected the following 3 tour companies because they have always offered great service at discounted rates for mok’house guests. Check their websites and let us know your preferred tours: we’ll be happy to book it for you.

1. Rome Walks is an English language company devoted to help the busy traveler make the most out of their visit to the Eternal City. Their expert knowledge and advice can help visitors escape the confusion with their carefully designed group and private tours. With a maximum of 10 clients per walk, Rome Walks enables you to experience the real Rome. www.romewalk.com

2. NotForTouristRome is a group of young Romans who started this project quite recently (2011): they organize “tailored tours”, from the most common (Coliseum, the Vatican Museums, etc.) to any theme you pick. I.e., if you want to know everything about Julio Cesar or Nero, they

Rome Suite Home


will organize a tour all about their life, taking you to the places where they have fought, the monuments they have built to commemorate their victories, where they lived…or if you like Jazz music and you want to know the history of the Jazz in Rome, they will take you to the most popular Jazz places in Rome: you pick the theme and they will organize everything for you. They are also specialized in the uncommon tours and for those who want to go beyond the expected – the Rome for tourists. These guys will take you to the secret and less known places and areas, where you will find the genuine Roman contemporary culture. www.notfortouristrome.com

3. HR Tours is the results of our 20+ years of experience in the r ental of cars and motorbikes. They organize tours in vintage cars (Cinquecento) and on vintage motorbikes (Vespa). With a large fleet of vehicles and a highly professional team, HR Tours is able to organize fascinating, exciting, exclusive tours of Rome on board of vintage Vespas and Cinquecentos from the ‘60s and ‘70s, in the company of their expert riders. You are sure to have a memorable day that’s all about enjoying the freedom of being on two wheels or the fashion of being in a unique vintage little car. www.happyrent.com

While if you want to organize your tours on your own, we suggest you to book the following in advance in order to avoid the line:

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Cost: 15,00€+4,00€ for booking online www.biglietteriamusei.vatican.va

Coliseum and Roman Forum Cost: 12,00€+3,00€ for booking online www.pierreci.it

Galleria Borghese Cost: 11,00€+1,50€ for booking online; no extra charge for phone bookings This is one of the best museums in the world (not only according to us) and it’s located inside Villa Borghese (Rome’s Central Park), so it’s worth to have a walk inside the Villa on the way to or on the way back from here. Please note that the reservation is compulsory and our suggestion is to book it in advance, either by phone or online. Ph.+39 06 32810 www.ticketeria.it

Roma Pass Cost: 25,00Euros (as per Oct. 2012) This is a useful tool, even though you don’t need to book it in advance. We definitely suggest purchasing a Roma Pass if you plan to stay at least 2 days. It entitles the cardholder to enter for free into 2 museums and/or archeological sights of your choice (including Coliseum and Galleria Borghese – not valid for the Vatican), use the public transport for three days in a row, as well as many other benefits (discounts in museums, at tourist sites, shops, events and theatres). This can be bought at the Tourist Info Point at the airport, at the Termini Station and in other Info Booths around the city. www.romapass.it

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mok’tips – when in Rome, do like the Romans do… Crossing the Road Traffic etiquette in Rome is about survival of the fittest… However, no matter how aggressive we may seem, Italian (Roman) drivers aren’t willing to run over pedestrians. We know that crossing the road is a hazardous occupation for tourists in Rome, and it pays to stay alert…but our suggestion is…BE BRAVE!

When at a zebra crossing with no traffic light, as a pedestrian you have the right of way, but Roman drivers are quick to spot an irresolute tourist and are just as likely to accelerate as to stop. Now it’s time to show how BRAVE you are… If you follow our tips, no one will run over you (maybe…): 1st step – set your foot on the road 2nd – make sure that the driver approaching has seen you and show him/her that you are willing to cross the road (at this point he/her will – should – slow down) 3rd – start crossing…but keep an eye on the traffic as there might be a scooter behind the car/bus that is overtaking and not visible. Please note that even when there is a green light (obviously indicating that you can cross the road), cars may still be entitled to turn onto the road and cross where you are blithely walking.

Tipping

Tipping in Italy is not compulsory as in other Countries (i.e.: USA and Canada). So, if you get a very good service, you can tip the waiter or the driver or whoever if serving you (5,00Euro is a good tip; 10,00Euro is a very good tip; more than that is a great tip unless you are in a 5 stars restaurant…), but remember that every restaurant includes the service charge in the bill you are going to pay.

General Safety Our neighborhood is very safe! The worst part of the city centre is the area around the Termini Station, all you can find is either homeless or drunk people, but they are definitely not dangerous. More in general, Rome is a pretty safe city: you should only take obvious precautions as in any big city, such as keeping your bags and possessions under your control (i.e. keeping your backpack in front of you or your wallet NOT in the back pocket of your jeans when in a crowded place/metro) and being alert for bag-snatchers and pickpockets (i.e. metro, Trevi’s Fountain, etc.).

Local Time GMT +1 (Central European Time) i.e. when in New York is 12.00pm, in Rome is 18.00pm

Summertime Starting: last Sunday of March (1 hour more) Ending: last Sunday of October (1 hour less)

Stay in Touch In case you will have an Italian mobile No., in order to call Italy from abroad, your family and friends will need to dial the country code, 0039 (or +39).

Purchase international phone cards in Italy at a tabacchi store – T – or at the airport.

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Mobile Phones Some providers (especially North Americans and UK) usually block your SIM card when abroad or your phone when using a different SIM card. If you plan to count on your mobile No., please make sure you contact your provider before traveling in order for you to use your mobile phone in Italy. Please note that we have a mobile phone available for our guests upon request. Feel free to ask us about for more details.

Internet & E-Mail Here at mok’house you will have free Internet Wi-Fi access with your laptop or mobile devices

24/7. In the apt./room you will find the password to connect your devices.

Staying connected around the city More and more hotels, cafes, and retailers are signing on as Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) "hot spots”. To find cyber-cafes check www.cybercaptive.com and www.cybercafe.com.

mok’markets – food markets and flea markets

Mercato Esquilino The Esquilino Market is the perfect example of Rome’s slow progression into a multicultural city. The market used to be one of Rome’s most important and traditional markets. It was located outdoors at the center of Piazza Vittorio and it used to be run mostly by Italian vendors. As the Esquilino district evolved into a largely immigrant neighborhood, (it is now seen as Rome’s Chinatown), the market was moved indoors in a former milk plant just east of the piazza, and its vendors, as well as its shoppers, are now almost exclusively immigrants. The Esquilino Market is an interesting place to visit to immerse you in an exotic atmosphere. Here, you will be able to puzzle at the odd shapes of some vegetables; you will be overpowered by the bright colors and strong smells of spices. Mostly, after having purchased 26 different types of rice and an equally high number of different spices, you will have had a different experience of the ever-evolving Eternal City.

Porta Portese Every Sunday morning at Porta Portese (next to the Trastevere district), from 08.00am to 02.00pm, you will find the only Roman flea market. Forget about Portobello: Porta Portese turned to be just like any other ordinary (mostly cloth) market and totally lost its past charm.

Campo de’ Fiori Probably the most famous within and highlighted on all the tourists’ guides, Campo de’ Fiori (literally “flower field”) is one of the most furnished food market downtown. Every morning, from 8.00am till 2.00pm, you’ll find fresh vegetables, fruit, fish and meat…but in the unique atmosphere of central Rome.

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mok’compass – @ mok’house & around How to get to mok’house -‐ Private Shuttle Service

As Rome’s taxi drivers are not the best “tourist welcome-ers”, we prefer to offer you our help to book a secure and punctual private shuttle service from the airport or from Civitavecchia Port. In some cases (as for 2 or for more than 4 guests) this is even cheaper than a regular taxi fare. In example:

2 people: 48,00Euro per trip + 2,50Euro per luggage for a taxi ride vs. 50,00Euro for a private shuttle service;

5 people: 70,00Euro (14,00Euro/person) for a train ride from the airport + 10mins walking from the train station vs. 65,00Euro for a private shuttle service.

Please let us know (up to 24hrs. in advance) in case you would like to have a car/van to pick you up.

Taxi Roman taxi drivers aren’t any better or worse than those in any other city. Some will try to fleece you, others won’t. To minimize the risk, make sure your taxi is licensed (it’ll be white with the letters SPQR on the front door), and always go with the metered fare, never an arranged. You can wait at a taxi rank or telephone for one. The closest taxi rank is just beside the façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore: looking at the façade, it’s on the left side (1min walking). To book a taxi by phone, you can call the following taxi companies:

1. Pronto Taxi: +39 06 66 45 2. Radio Taxi: +39 06 35 70

Bus & Metro Ticket A wide range of different kinds of tickets and season tickets are available with the Metrebus Roma system.

BIT (€ 1,50) Valid for 100 minutes from the moment it has been stamped (1 metro run only); BIT (€ 6,00) Valid for the entire day for an unlimited number of journeys until midnight; BTR (€ 16,50) Valid for 3 days from the date it has been first stamped, meaning until midnight of

the third day including stamping, for an unlimited number of journeys; CIS (€ 24,00) Valid for 7 days from the date it has been first stamped, meaning until midnight of

the seventh day including the day it was stamped, for an unlimited number of journeys.

Remember that, in order for it to be valid, you must always validate your bus ticket at the beginning of your journey (this is also true for train tickets in Italy) and when transferring onto the metro. Also, remember 1 ticket includes (within 100 minutes from the validation hr.): ⇒ 1 metro run; ⇒ infinite busses runs.

You’ll find all the info and even plan your journey on: www.atac.roma.it

Electricity Electrical plugs in Italy are different from North America, but also from some other European Countries (such as UK). Make sure you bring an adaptor with you. You’ll find useful info about electrical plugs at the following link: www.adaptelec.com/wa12a-travel-plug-adapter-for-italy-uruguay-type-l-cei-2316vii-p-12.html

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Money Try to become familiar with the currency, and don't be afraid to check your change. In a restaurant don't be shy of querying the bill, if necessary. ATMs are called Bancomat in Italian. They have menus in English, French and Spanish, so they will be easy to use. Check with your bank if you're concerned about being able to draw money. Foreign credit/debit cards in Europe have (usually) a reduced withdrawal capacity: it often happens that you may withdraw only up to 250,00Euro/day from a European ATM. To avoid this limitation, make sure you contact your bank before traveling. Please note that many businesses, shops and restaurants in Italy do not accept credit cards.

Post Office The closest is open Mon.-Sat. 08.30am-13.00 and it’s just opposite to our block: exit the building; take left and go around the building. You will see it at the end of the street; just look on the other side of the road a little bit on your left. The closest Central Post Office is in Piazza San Silvestro 18-20 (close to Trevi’s Fountain); Mon.-Fri. 08:30am - 06:00pm , Sat.-Sun. 08:30am - 02:00pm

Pharmacy As well as the Post Office, the closest Pharmacy is just opposite to our block: exit the building; take left and go around the building. You will see it at the end of the street; just look on the other side of the road a little bit on your left.

Banks and ATMs There is 3 banks (and ATMs) on Via Merulana: exit the building; take right and turn left toward Santa Maria Maggiore.

Credit/Debit Cards Loss The theft or loss of a document must be reported to the nearest Carabinieri or Police station (Polizia) where the robbery or loss occurred. In the case of a passport, the owner’s Consulate or Embassy in Italy should be contacted. The following are useful phone numbers to be called if this happens:

• Debit Card: 800822056 • American Express: +390672282 • Diner’s Club: 800864064 • Cartasì Mastercard Visa: 800151616 • Cariplo Cartamoneta (Mastercard Visa): 800825099 • Bank Americard (Mastercard Visa): 800821001

Tobacconist

Look for a white T on a black background: in these shops you will find all “monopoly” goods such

as cigarettes, stamps (called francobolli; there is an efficient priority service: ask for a francobollo di posta prioritaria. These cost €0.75 for delivery within Europe) lotto and metro/bus tickets, as well as phone cards, snacks, etc.

The closest is only 50m from mok’house, in Via Merulana: exit the building; take right and turn

left toward Santa Maria Maggiore.

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Shops Shops in the city center are usually open from 09.30am to 07.30pm, even if the smallest ones could close during the lunchtime (approximately from 01.30pm to 04.00pm). A good example is the bakery in front of us: they are open from 7.00am till 02.00pm and then from 05.00pm till 8.00pm (while during Summer time it’s only open in the mornings).

Embassies

U.S.A. Via Vittorio Veneto, 121 – Ph.+39 06 46741

Canada Via Zara, 30 – Ph.+39 06 8544 42911

Brasil Piazza Navona, 14 – Ph.+39 06 683 981 Consolate: Piazza di Pasquino, 8 – Ph.+39 06 6889 661

Australia Via Antonio Bosio, 5 – Ph.+39 06 852 721

India Via XX Settembre, 5 – Ph.+39 06 4884 642

U.K. Via XX Settembre, 80 – Ph.+39 06 4220 0001

France Palazzo Farnese Piazza Farnese, 67 Consolate: Via Giulia, Ph.+39 06 68 60 15 00 / Emergency: Ph.+39 06 68 60 11

Spain Largo della fontanella Borghese, 19 – Ph.+39 06 6840 401

Hospital Hopefully you won’t need this info…just in case, the closest hospital is the San Giovanni

Hospital (2km from mok’house), just behind the San Giovanni Basilica, at the end of Via

Merulana (opposite of Santa Maria Maggiore). Via dell'Amba Aradam, 9 Ph.+39 06 77051 www.hsangiovanni.roma.it

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