long term italy trip

Going on a longer trip to italy, probably a few months.

You know about the 90-day limit, right?

yes. was planning a week or so in croatia and then coming back

Larry, unless you are an EU citizen, the limit for the Schengen Area is 90 days in any 180
If you exit the Schengen Area (for example to Croatia) and return a few days later, it only stops the clock, not resets it to zero. When you re-enter the Schengen, you still only have as many days remaining as when you left.

As far as renting a car is concerned, you need to read up on driving laws and road signs.
If you have a non-EU licence, you need an IDP (International Driving Permit), which is a certified translation, without which your licence isn't valid.

oh, well thanks...wouldn't want to create an international incident

It's not so much a matter of an international incident, more the likelihood of a substantial fine and the possibility of being banned from the Schengen countries for a period of time.

I doubt that you’d save a great deal of money by either paying the airline to take a folding bike or buying one once you arrive. Personally, I would not bike the streets if Rome. Traffic there is maddening and aggressive. Rome is not that spread out and when visiting for the most part I walk. Bus s, Metro and cabs are affordable.

A car definitely is a plus where public transportation is minimal. Automatics are available at a premium price but not very rental company or location will have them. Go to AutoEurope.com - highly recommended on this site - to see what is available at your desired pickup point. You don’t NEED additional insurance since basic coverage is included in rentals. But it is very advisable to opt for €0 deductible just in case you do have a mishap. Some credit cards do provide CDW in Italy but most do not. You would have to check with the issuer of your particular card to see if the coverage is provided. And in Italy it is mandatory that you have a valid International Driver Permit - available at AAA.

Agreeing with the previous post, once you've seen the traffic in Rome, one wouldn't want to cycle there of all places. Maybe look at some videos that show typical Rome traffic.

Trains in Italy are really great for many areas - especially the bigger cities. You could easily stay 89 days and not need anything but trains, busses, and your feet. Getting out into the countryside would make a car useful. Automatics are available and probably more plentiful from bigger locations, like airports. Lots of Americans drive in Italy (not me) but I also read lots about traffic fines that add up later. One of my friends just received her third from a recent trip. If you rent a car, you will definitely need insurance but glance back through this forum for discussion on different ways to get it and see which works for you. Have fun!

You probably need to give more details so we can give better responses rather than guessing at your intent. But some general comments --

Long term stay should be limited to about 85 days since you have to deal with the Schengen zone visa requirements. Schengen zone regulations are not to be taken lightly. Can be expensive if you over stay. First you need to fully understand how 90 days out of ANY 180 day period is counted. And they do check carefully. Ask the poster here who paid a $500 euro fine for being one day over or the poster who was ban from the zone for two years for being two weeks over.

Italy is not a bicycling culture so kill the idea of using a bike in any major city in Italy. If going to Scandinavia countries -- completely different issue and your bike would be welcomed and very useful. Taxis are cheap in most of Italy and walking even better.

You can probably always rent an automatic but it could be more expensive. Take a local driving course and learn how to use a clutch and you are safe. Italy requires full coverage so additional insurance is include in the basic rental. The IDP is required.

Spend some extra time at you local library reading a variety of guide books and viewing travel DVDs for you have a good understanding of where you are going.

Look for health insurance to cover you during that period. Medicare doesn't.

You need to do a lot more research.

Hi Larry,

A long-term trip sounds great. As someone mentioned, unless you're an EU citizen, you can't stay in Italy a few months - 89 days. Keep the last one (or two) as a buffer. If caught, as another mentioned, you'll be fined.

It would be fun to do some things on the fly, but you should have some kind of plan in place too. I'm presuming you've not been to Rome before? Or has it been a very long time since? Things change.

• Rome is a walking city; not necessary or recommended for a visitor to drive in the city. If you love architecture, you'll see some interesting & surprising buildings around every corner.

• For the main attractions, everything you may want to see is within 15-20 minutes of each other - with the exception of The Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica & Castel Sant'Angelo. The Vatican neighborhood is fun to walk around. Lots of eateries & shops.

• Looking at a map of Rome's city centre will help a lot. Plan in "real time" - maps make things appear closer than they are.

• Yes, you can ride your bike (but it may be risky since you'll be in unfamiliar territory.) Be careful & diligent about securing it to a post. Mostly, you'll see lots of motor scooters. Lots of guys & women ride them to & from work. If you're good with crazy traffic, you can ride it all around Rome & up to The Vatican are & beyond. A bike will afford you more freedom than a car, but again...this time, the saying "When In Rome" may not be good. Driving a car, there are lots of restricted zones in the city centre.

Some suggestions:

• Start to read some Italy/Rome threads. Use the search box above, put in some key words & a ton of threads will come up. You can filter down to the most recent - 6 months or less.

• Get a guide book or rent DVD's. Go on YT.

• Here are some how to's and intro's to Rome from The Roman Guy

https://www.youtube.com/user/TheRomanGuyTours/videos?disable_polymer=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2gF4PoV0Ao

I like to suggest the videos because they are quite good for a newcomer to Rome/Italy in general or maybe a refresher since some things may have changed.

Sean is the narrator in most of them. Living in & leading tours in Rome for many many years, Sean has a lot of experience. There is Bojan too, another fun guy to watch. These guys are down-to-earth but quite humorous. They give simple & easy to understand tips to navigate Rome on your own.

Of course, there is Rick Steves & his video series on Rome/Italy in general.

I like to suggest watching (Italy time) https://www.skylinewebcams.com/en/webcam/italia/lazio.html You will get a good idea what all the main Roman Piazzas are like. They have skycams for some other regions too.

• If you don't feel like biking it at times, there are the city buses of Rome. There is the metro, & of course, the official white taxis.
  https://sites.google.com/site/sctappromeforcruisetravelers/contenuto-della-app/about-rome/using-taxis-in-rome

• No tipping to any service related industry: restaurants, taxis or just about anything.

• Car insurance is a good idea when driving a rental in Italy. Those who've driven in and around other regions may see this thread and chime in. Or do a search in the gray box above.

• Get Travel Insurance. In case you're riding your bike & take a tumble.

• Read up on carrying money (Euros); credit card(s) & Passport. If you feel comfy wearing one under your clothes, get a money belt for deep storage of extra €€€ & another card.

• Don't put anything of great value in a backpack lest sneaky fingers tip toe in and take your stash. Seeabove for money belt or neck wallet.

• Don't put your wallet or phone or tickets in your back or side pockets. They could fall out or be stolen; especially in crowds, on buses or metro.

Again, before you venture out, it's best to do some viewing & reading.

Another consideration for biking could be - Lucca, Italy - if you want to make your way to the region.

Lucca is a city on the Serchio river in Italy’s Tuscany region. It’s known for the well-preserved Renaissance walls encircling its historic city center and its cobblestone streets. Broad, tree-lined pathways along the tops of these massive 16th- and 17th-century ramparts are popular for strolling and cycling. Casa di Puccini, where the great opera composer was born, is now a house museum. - google

RS video on Lucca, Italy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AekC_l7KZe8