Excited for your program? Here below are various travel resources.

Accommodations, Trains & Airfare

Hostels:

Hostel World - www.hostelworld.com

Trains:

Italo Treno - www.italotreno.it

Trenitalia - www.trenitalia.com

Flixbus - www.flixbus.com

Booking Flights:

Skyscanner - www.skyscanner.com

Expedia - www.expedia.com

Kayak - www.kayak.com

Student Universe - www.studentuniverse.com

Low-Cost Airlines:

Easy Jet - www.easyjet.com

Ryan Air - www.ryanair.com

Travel Tips:

  • Bring 2 credit cards with 0% foreign transaction rate. Both Chase and Capital One are great!

  • Keep medication, money, and electronic devices packed in your personal item rather than carry-on or checked bag.

  • Make sure your passport is valid! This means being valid 90 days from the return back into the US.

  • Take pictures of credit cards, passport, ID and other important documents and email them to yourself so you can access from any computer or phone.

Credit Cards, Finances & Insurance

Credit Cards & Finances:

It’s a great idea to travel with two credit cards in case one is lost/stolen. Make sure to keep these cards separate and to select a card that has a 0% foreign transaction rate.

Credit card recommendations: Chase & Capital One

Wire Transfers:

Travel Insurance:

Note: If you are a student and enrolled in a program through your university, your international health and travel insurance is provided by your university.

US Consulates and Embassy:

US Embassy:

Rome - Website

Via Vittorio Veneto, 121, 00187 Roma RM, Italy (+39 06 46741)

US Consulates:

Naples: Website

Piazza della Repubblica, 2, 80122 Napoli NA, Italy (+39 081 583 8111)

Florence: Website:

Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci, 38, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy (+39 055 266951)

Milan: Website:

Via Principe Amedeo, 2/10, 20121 Milano MI, Italy (+39 02 290351)

Languages Resources & Blogs

Interested in learning Italian? Here are some basic language resources:

  • Duolingo - https://www.duolingo.com/

  • Babble - https://www.babbel.com/learn-italian

  • Institutions in USA offering Italian: Here

  • Italian language schools in Italy: Here

  • Research local community colleges in your area!

Blogs about Italy:

Passport and Visas

  • Need to apply for a passport? Learn more here:

  • If you have a passport, please make sure it is valid for 90 days from the date of your RETURN back into the US. Example: You are returning August 1st to USA. Your passport must be valid until November 1st.

  • Traveling with a non-US passport? Check with an Italian consulate regarding entering Italy with your passport and if you need a VISA.

  • List of Italian consulates in USA: Here

Phones and SIM cards in Italy:

  • Call your provider to learn about International Plans from your provider.

  • Italian SIM cards abroad: TIM, Vodafone

If you need an eSIM:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Find out all the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Is a sim or e-sim better for international travel?

It depends. Sometimes using an e-sim can be more convenient, but your provider may limit how many can be associated with your device. Physical sims may seem outdated at this point, but ultimately give you more freedom in how many and which sims you can use.

Do I need a sim card for international travel?

That depends on your cell phone provider at home. For instance, some providers have affordable data roaming plans. For most travelers though, it's much cheaper to use a local or international sim for traveling, to prevent expensive phone bills later on.

How to get a sim card for international travel.

There are two popular ways to get a sim card for traveling: buy it online or buy it locally when you arrive. Buying international sim cards online is a great way to make sure you're covered instantly once landing in your destination—and you'll also know exactly where your coverage is.

How to use a sim card for international travel.

Using a SIM card for international travel is easy. For physical sims, you just pop out open the sim holder in your phone and replace your current sim with the new one. Tip: make sure your device is unlocked. For e-sims, you’ll need to register it online for your device or with your service provider.

Where to buy a sim card for international travel.

You can buy sim cards for international travel locally when you arrive, in the airport before departure, or online. Be sure to check your coverage options and consider how long and where you'll be traveling to choose the best sim for you.

Should I get a sim card for international travel?

Getting a sim card for international travel is a great idea for travelers who either want to avoid exorbitant roaming charges, or who will be travelling long term across multiple countries. If either of these situations apply to you, an international sim or e-sim is perfect for you!