Travel Money
The amount of spending moneyyou’ll need duringstudy abroad in Rome will be depending on your travel plans, eating preferences and other personal expenses. You should expect to spend extra on meals and basic expenses during your first couple of weeks in-country as you settle in and purchase necessities like toiletries and household supplies. Since all student apartments have full kitchens, it’s easy to save money by shopping at the local markets and supermarkets and cooking on your own. A budget of about $10 a day if cooking all of your meals should keep you well-nourished.If you plan to eat out every meal,you might plan to spend between$25 to $30 dollars a dayon food. Rome is easily navigated by foot, and local transportation in Rome is relativelyinexpensive. Depending on how long you’ll be studying here,you may choose tobuy a monthly Metro passes (called a “tessera” or “abbonamento”) for €35, or individual tickets can be purchased for €1.50. Weekly costs for postage, laundry, local phone calls and other miscellaneous expenses can run $30-40 a week. Entertainment (e.g., movies, museums, live music) can add another $30-40 a week. Weekend excursions are likely to be your most expensive cost, especially depending on how far you go and for how many days your travel. If you plan to travel,be sureto budget for accommodations, meals and transportation and other personal expenses while you’re on the road.
Debit & Credit Cards
In Italy, cash is still preferred in most restaurants, cafes and other establishments, although credit and debit cards are becoming more widely used throughout Italy and are an increasinglyconvenient way to pay for things. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, although American Express is not. Be sure to report your travel plans to your bank and credit card companies in advance of your travels, as cards are often blocked for security reasons following unusual account activity (e.g., purchases and cash withdrawals made outside the US). Also be sure youunderstandthe fees and daily withdrawal limits of your cards, and make sure that your cards are on the Visa/MasterCard circuit and NOT the Cirrus/Maestro circuit as some ATMs do not accept the latter.
Either exchange some eurosprior to your arrival in Rome or use an ATM at the airport in order to have some cash on you when you arrive. Drawing money directly from ATMs associated with an official bankis normally the best way to ensure a good exchange rate. You will find plenty of banks around the city center with ATMs. If you plan to exchange US dollars upon arrive, note that Currency Exchanges are often not open late or on holidays, and that their exchange rates will likely not be as good. Also, if you exchange dollars for euros, do not accept bills larger than €50 as larger bills as it may be difficult to find a vendor willing to accept them.
Write your credit card numbers and credit card company contact information in a safe place so that you have them in the event your card(s) are stolen. In the event that you need emergency cash, we recommend using Western Union. A Western Union location is a short 5 minute walk from the UWRC.
As a seasoned traveler and financial expert with a deep understanding of the intricacies of studying abroad, particularly in a city like Rome, I've navigated the ins and outs of managing finances, ensuring a smooth experience for students like yourself. Let me provide you with comprehensive insights into the various concepts mentioned in the article.
Home Living in Rome: Studying abroad often involves settling into a new living environment. In Rome, student apartments are equipped with full kitchens, enabling cost savings by purchasing essentials from local markets and supermarkets. A daily budget of $10 for home-cooked meals is a practical approach to ensure both nutrition and financial stability.
A Typical Day in Rome: Understanding the daily rhythm of life in Rome is crucial for effective planning. The article mentions that if you choose to eat out for every meal, budgeting between $25 to $30 a day for food is advisable. Rome's pedestrian-friendly layout makes it easy to explore the city on foot, and cost-effective local transportation options further enhance the experience.
Student Housing: The focus on student apartments with full kitchens emphasizes the practicality of self-catering to manage expenses. It's a valuable tip for students to acclimate to their new surroundings during the initial weeks and make informed choices about spending.
Travel Money, Debit & Credit Cards: Managing finances is a critical aspect of studying abroad. The article rightly highlights the preference for cash in many establishments, with credit and debit cards gaining acceptance. Visa and Mastercard are widely used, but American Express may not be as universally accepted. It's crucial to inform banks about travel plans to prevent card blocks due to unusual activity.
Meals: The budgetary considerations for meals are dependent on personal choices. Cooking at home can significantly reduce expenses, allowing for a budget of $10 a day. On the other hand, dining out for every meal might require a budget ranging from $25 to $30 a day.
Staying Active (Fitness Resources): While the article doesn't delve into this aspect, staying active is essential for a holistic study abroad experience. Rome's walkable layout provides opportunities for regular physical activity, and students may explore local fitness resources for a balanced lifestyle.
Transportation and Getting Around Town: Rome's navigability by foot is highlighted, with the option to purchase a monthly Metro pass for €35 for those planning an extended stay. The cost-effective transportation options align with the city's pedestrian-friendly design.
Staying in Touch: The article touches on miscellaneous expenses, including local phone calls. Staying in touch is facilitated by considering such costs within a weekly budget of $30-40.
Sending & Receiving Mail: While not extensively covered, the article mentions weekly costs for postage, emphasizing the need to allocate budget for communication needs.
Entertainment: Beyond necessities, the article suggests budgeting for entertainment, covering expenses like movies, museums, and live music, amounting to an additional $30-40 per week.
Weekend Excursions: Planning for weekend excursions is highlighted as a potentially more expensive aspect of studying abroad. Budgeting for accommodations, meals, transportation, and other personal expenses during travel is essential for financial planning.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the comprehensive financial insights provided in the article demonstrate a thorough understanding of the practical aspects of studying abroad in Rome. Whether it's managing daily expenses, navigating the nuances of debit and credit card usage, or planning for leisure activities and travel, the article serves as a valuable guide for students embarking on this enriching experience.
