Don’t Leave for Rome Without This Checklist!

Planning a trip to Rome? Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Imagine wandering through the ruins of the Colosseum, indulging in the best gelato at every corner, and soaking in the beauty of the Vatican. Trust me, I've been living in this historical city for some time now, and everything about it is beautiful. But before you get swept away by the sights, sounds, and flavours, there are a few things you’ll want to go through this Rome checklist.

We’ve all been there—arriving at your destination only to realise you forgot something important, like renewing your passport or finding out your phone doesn’t work overseas. To make sure your trip starts off on the right foot, I’ve put together a detailed Rome checklist of everything you need to do before you pack your bags. Don’t worry, it’s nothing too complicated—just a few quick steps to ensure your time in Rome is stress-free and totally amazing.

Ready? Let’s get started with the Rome checklist!

Verify Your Passport 

The first thing in the Rome checklist- your passport. Make sure to check its expiration date. Does it have at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates? If it doesn’t, you’ll need to renew it. It’s easy to overlook this, but without a valid passport, you won’t get far!

I recommend checking the official website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for specific requirements. If you need to renew, do it ASAP. Passport processing can take several weeks (or months, depending on where you’re from), so you’ll want to give yourself enough time.

Pro tip: Snap a photo of your passport and email it to yourself or save it in the cloud. If you're traveling with minors, this is a must—many Roman monuments offer free entry for kids under 18, but you'll need official IDs to prove their age at the ticket counter. Plus, having a digital copy is a lifesaver if your passport gets lost or stolen!

Apply for Your Visa or ETIAS 

Next up, you’ll want to check if you need a Visa or an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to enter Italy. If you’re from a country outside the EU, you’ll likely need to apply for one of these before you travel.

As of 2024, many non-EU travellers (including U.S. citizens) need to complete the ETIAS process online. Don’t worry, it’s quick! In fact, the application should only take about 10 minutes. You’ll need:

• A valid passport (again, check that expiration date!).
• A credit card to pay the small fee (under $10).
• An email address to receive your approval.

You can apply directly on the official ETIAS website. Be sure to complete it well in advance—processing is fast, but leaving it to the last minute could lead to unnecessary stress.

Stay Connected with an eSim

When travelling abroad, staying connected is key. Whether you’re using Google Maps to get around, translating menus at a restaurant, or sharing that perfect Roman sunset on Instagram, you’ll need reliable internet access. The good news? You can skip the hassle of hunting for a local SIM card and avoid the high roaming charges. Instead, go for an eSim—an embedded SIM that lets you connect to the internet instantly, right from your phone.

I highly recommend GigSky for your trip to Europe. It’s easy to use, and it offers great coverage across the country. I used Gigsky during my trip to Albania last summer and I was pleased with the connectivity and packages they offer. I recommend that you activate your plan before you even leave home, so you're good to go as soon as you land in Rome.

Here’s why it’s awesome:

• Instant Activation: Download the eSim to your phone before you even leave home. This way, you’re set up and ready as soon as you arrive.
• No Need to Swap SIM Cards: Your current phone number stays active, so no need to worry about missing important calls or texts.
• Flexible Plans: Choose from a variety of plans based on how long you’re staying and how much data you’ll need. Here are some of the most popular options:
  • GigSky 1GB for 7 Days: Perfect if you're staying for a short trip and just need basic internet for maps and checking emails. Cost: $4.49 USD
  • GigSky 3GB for 15 Days: A great option for medium-term travellers who plan to use their phone more frequently, such as for navigation, social media, and some streaming. Cost: $9.99 USD
  • GigSky 5GB for 30 Days: Ideal for those who need more data, maybe for heavier use like video calls, streaming, or uploading large photos. Cost: $14.49 USD
  • GigSky 10GB for 30 Days: Ideal for those who want to live stream and upload large files. Cost: $23.99 USD

They also offer plans for unlimited data, which might be best for those who don't want to keep topping up. Just one recharge of the unlimited plan will get you sorted for the entire trip.

Before you go, double-check that your phone is eSim-compatible (most newer smartphones are, like the iPhone XS and later, or most recent Android phones) if it isn’t, no worries! You can consider renting a portable WiFi hotspot device or using international roaming through your current carrier.

Get Your Travel Insurance

Next on the Rome checklist- Travel Insurance. I know, I know—it isn’t exactly exciting, but it’s a must-have. Trust me, it’s way better to be safe than sorry. If you lose your luggage, get sick, or miss a flight, you’ll be SO glad you have insurance.

I recommend VisitorsCoverage for an affordable and comprehensive plan. Here’s what you should look for in your coverage:

• Medical emergencies (including COVID-19 coverage).
• Trip cancellations or interruptions (because life happens).
• Lost or delayed baggage—don’t let a missing suitcase ruin your trip.
• Emergency evacuation (important if you’re planning to explore Italy’s rural areas).

Some visa applications actually require proof of travel insurance, so don’t skip this step. It’s a small investment that could save you thousands in case of an emergency.

Pack a Travel Adapter, Converter & Power Bank 

Italy uses Type F and Type L plugs, and the voltage is 230V. If you’re travelling from a country with different plugs or voltage (like the U.S.), you’ll need a travel adapter and possibly a voltage converter.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A universal travel adapter to plug your devices in.
• A voltage converter if your devices aren’t dual voltage (especially for things like hair dryers or electric razors).
• A power bank with at least 10,000 mAh capacity. Rome is packed with things to see, and you’ll want your phone to last all day.

Pro tip: Pack a multi-port USB charger to charge multiple devices at once. You'll thank me when you’re on your third espresso of the day and need to top up your phone battery. I have added a recommended travel adaptor in my Amazon storefront here.

Call Your Bank to Avoid Financial Surprises 

Picture this: You’re enjoying a delicious cappuccino in Rome, trying to pay, and—boom—your card gets declined. Awkward, right? To avoid this, let your bank know about your travel dates and destination.

Here are a few important things to ask your bank:

• Will my card work in Italy? (Some cards have travel restrictions.)
• Are there any foreign transaction fees? (These can add up fast!)
• Does my bank have partnerships with Italian ATMs to help you avoid extra fees when you withdraw cash?

Pro tip: Activate tap payments on your card! You can use contactless payments to breeze through paying for metro and bus rides—no need to fumble for coins or wait in line to buy tickets. It’s a total game-changer when you’re exploring the city. Also, bring a backup credit card and have some euros on hand for those times when a card isn’t accepted (small shops, markets, etc.).

Pre-Book Tours & Tickets 

Last but not least—pre-book certain tours and experiences! Rome’s top attractions are super popular, and waiting in line can take up valuable sightseeing time. To make sure you don’t miss out, book your tickets in advance. This way, you can skip the lines and get straight to the good stuff.

Here are some must-book tickets:

• The Colosseum: If you want access to special areas like the underground chambers, be sure to book a guided tour.
• The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: The earlier or later in the day you go, the fewer crowds you’ll encounter. You can also book a tour here.
• The Borghese Gallery: This is one of the most popular galleries in Rome, and tickets are often sold out. Book well in advance to guarantee your spot.

Check out websites like GetYourGuide for skip-the-line tickets, or consider a Rome City Pass for multiple attractions at a discounted price.

Download these Apps for Rome

Before you head to Rome, make sure to download a few essential apps that will save you time and hassle during your trip. FreeNow is perfect for booking local taxis, especially since cabs are often in high demand, and it’s a great alternative to Uber. For navigating public transport, Moovit is a lifesaver with live bus and metro updates, while KintoGo is super handy for purchasing local bus and metro tickets if your credit or debit card doesn’t have tap-to-pay. And if you’re planning day trips to cities like Florence or Naples, the Trenitalia app makes booking train tickets a breeze and keeps everything organized in one place. Trust me, these apps will make your Roman adventure so much smoother!