tours of Rome

In Rome, even if it's written that the charge is included, if you ask for any service, a tip is expected. At the bar if you drink or eat something standing at the counter 15-20 cents is enough. If Romans sit down at the table they usually leave about 5% of the bill on the table. At the restaurant it's about 5-10%, depending on the type of the restaurant, it's a cheap or an expensive one. When we take a taxi is usually round whether the amount. In hotels, porters, waiters, concierges expect one or two euros for each service. At the bar In bars usually Romans have a short break and only sometimes, when they meet someone, they sit at the tables. In fact, prices are usually different if you order something to drink or eat standing at the counter or if you sit down. Another thing you should know is that if you want something at the counter, first you have to pay at the cashier where you receive a receipt that you have to show to the counter to have the things you want. If you sit at the table the waiter will bring you the bill and you pay him directly.

Public toilets are really rare in Rome therefore we use bar and restaurant toilets. We usually order something before using them (a coffee or a cappuccino is enough).
In large towns, not only in Italy, you can find pickpockets. In our country it's forbidden to buy pistols and arms without a licence therefore you can walk around Rome without being particularly warried (at the night the area around central station is not recommended) but you must be careful about pickpockets. As it's difficult to recognize them, it's better you carry valuables in neck-wallets or in marsupi interni. Cash, valuables and documents can be left in the hotel's safety box too. If someone tries to sell you something it's better not to buy it because these people are not always honest. For example they sell you some gold things but they are of another very cheap metal, or they sell very ancient coins but in reality they are false. As in Italy you should always carry a document with you we suggest you to make photocopies of all important documents and leave the originals in the hotel safe. As you can not use the photocopy of your credit cards for your purchases but need the originals, if you are robbed of them call these free dials to report the theft or loss of the card. Visa 800877232 Mastercard 800872050 American Express ??? In big squares like Piazza Navona or around the area of the Spanish Steps there are some young men who make bracelets or other accessories using different coloured threads. Beware of these people because they ask very high prices for these accessories.

Even if since 523 AD the Colosseum has not been used for combats and animal hunts, if you go to the Colosseum you will find some "gladiators". They are waiting for you because if you take a picture with them they expect a tip. Please, don't give them more than 5 euros because there are some of them who ask more but we think that 5 euros are really enough.