'Fai Attenzione'
Transportation - Not Getting Ripped-off:
There are un-official taxi drivers hustling for your business as soon as you step out of the airport or train. We do not suggest using these drivers. Registered taxis generally do not go out to hustle business, and are available at the designated Taxi Stands around the city and at the airport. Look for the white cars with the 'Commune di Roma' sticker on the side. A taxi ride across Historic Rome should not cost anymore then 8. or 10 euro. A taxi from the airport is usually between €40 and €50. There are frequent stories of official Commune di Roma Taxi's charging 25. euro for a ride from the Termini train station to a hotel located 3 blocks away. A good way to avoid this from happening; When you get into the cab, simply look at the meter, it should read 2.33 euro, or 3.36 euro if it is a Sunday or Festival Day. If the driver knows that you are you are reading the meter, usually honesty prevails. The driver must press a button on the meter when you arrive. Watch and make sure the button that he presses does not make the fare bump up. This is a common trick, and they will say it is a"tariff" charge. Simply refuse to pay it, or mention calling the police. The driver will quickly change his mind. It is standard for the driver to charge an extra 1. euro for each bag that he has to load into the trunk, and a 0.10 percent tip is expected. Also, an honest and affordable, flat rate airport shuttle service is available at: www.romashuttle.com. (For fair practice, we do not accept commissions for recommendations. We are simply happy to share our insights with guests.)
Public System: Using city buses and the underground metro will require a fair amount of studying upon arrival. One ticket is good for both, and can be purchased at nearly every Tobacco (Tabacchi) shop. We suggest purchasing the daily or weekly (12 euro) passes. The pass is validated the first time you use it, by inserting the pass into the yellow validation box, located on the bus or metro turnstile. The validation box will print a time/date stamp on your pass. The pass does not need to be stamped again, and may be used as many times as you like within the day/week.
Walking: Getting around Rome by foot can also be a great way to see the city and its charming side streets. Sometimes getting lost brings the most wonderful discoveries. Except for around the train station at night, there are not really any dangerous neighborhoods to avoid in the city center.
Crime: In contrast to of the multitude of warnings by guidebook publishers, in our opinion Rome is a very safe place... and we live here. Like any city, there is a criminal element, but that is mostly pick pocketing. It is very rare to hear of muggings, and violent crimes. Just remember to use your common sense, money belt, and to keep your bag in front of you at all times.