We are from India. Me and my wife, intend to visit Roma between 25th Apr & 28th Apr. First day we just intend to walk around Centre of Rome. 26th Apr we intend to visit Coliseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain & Pantheon. 27th we intend to visit Vatican Musuem & St Peter's basilica.
The problem is I have been unable to book tickets for these online from India, on account of security issues in my card. Is it possible to get Roma Pass and vatican passes at these places after we reach there?
You can buy the Roma Pass at some newsstands and at tourist information kiosks.
Kannan, personally I wouldn't buy a Roma pass just for the Colosseum/Forum. It wouldn't be worth it for just for that: the Colosseum/Forum/Palatine count as a single attraction. I would just go to the ticket office for either the Forum or Palatine first thing in the morning on the day you wish to do them and buy tickets there. There may be a bit of a line but it'll be much, much shorter than at the Colosseum. Once you have your tickets, visit the Palatine/Forum - you pass from one into the other inside the security barriers - and then head across the street to the Colosseum. You'll be able to skip the long ticket line there but not the security check that everyone has to queue up for.
I wish I had an answer for you about Vatican tickets but if you're needing to buy them in Rome and pay cash, I'm afraid I'm stuck other than getting in line at the museums really early. Hopefully someone else can help with that one! Did you try to book them with your C.C. card? Will your card work once you're in Italy?
One idea might be asking the desk at your hotel if they might be able to assist.
HI,
We just had difficulty booking on-line and my son called the credit card company, in this case Chase, and they cleared his Visa card for a one-time purchase at the Vatican. It is true that you need another level of security. When it comes to visiting the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill have you used this site? http://www.coopculture.it/en/colosseo-e-shop.cfm I haven't booked tickets yet for when I will be there in June as those date aren't offered yet. I believe you have to buy two tickets, one for admission and then I will buy a ticket for a guided tour of the Colosseum. One can wander around the other areas or get a guided tour from City Wonders, expensive though. Good luck
If nothing else works for tickets to the Vatacian museum, try to buy them here on a late afternoon.
There used to be an office on the left side of St. Peter's Square where you could book tickets and tours.
Thanx Everyone of you. Great response.
One more thing. I am told pickpockets and other unsavoury characters are a plenty there. what are the usual pitches these people make to relieve us of our money or other things? any simple suggestions.
Do we need to have our passports at all times while moving around in the Rome city?
what are the usual pitches these people make to relieve us of our
money or other things?
It's less about "pitches" than just keeping your valuables where fingers other than your own can't easily get to them: don't put anything you can't afford to lose in an exterior pocket or loosely secured purse. Wear a moneybelt or use another method of making it all but impossible for thief to get to the goods without your knowledge. Don't lay your cellphone down on cafe tables, sling any bag/purse with valuables off the back of a chair or set them by your feet.
Don't be distracted if approached by "survey takers" or other groups/individuals: keep moving.
Legally you're required to carry your passport at all times but we used to stow ours in the room safe in our hotel room - along with extra credit cards and bulk of our cash - and just carry copies. What with ever-increasing security concerns and checks these days, we have taken to having them on us more often, though. In your case, I think it's a good idea to carry them during the day; keep copies back at the hotel.
Please buy Vatican Museum tickets or be prepared to be pestered by innumerable touts in St Peters Square. I bought the same with a regular debit / atm card from India without any issues. The Roma card is not worth it for just the sights mentioned.
Also regarding the security question, I fully follow Ricks advice of wearing a money belt inside my clothes and so does my wife. Fanny packs and pouches are a big no no in Rome especially in public transit as they are pickpocket magnets. I carry my Passport in my money belt at all times but have copies in my luggage and in my mobile as digital files.
Have a great trip.
