I understand that the imob card has been discontinued as of December 2013. My husband spent 2 1/2 hours yesterday on line trying to decipher the details about which card (venezia unica?) has replaced it, how much it now costs, how and where to obtain it and what is required. The information he was able to get was not very clear. Has anyone had experience with this "residents" card in 2014? We are looking for the vaparetto only card, not something that includes museums, toilets, etc. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated
Posted by
Green Bay
20087 posts
Try this website: http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/imob-cartavenezia.htm
Posted by
OP
Berkeley, California, US
612 posts
Thanks, Sam. My husband visited that site yesterday and in fact downloaded some information but it wasn't clear if this new "venezia unica" card did the same thing as the imob card, for the same price. It looks like perhaps the card sells for the same price but then there was some confusion about whether one would purchase tickets with it or get a pass so I'm not sure what this all means. I'd really like to figure this out before we leave as I have tried in the past to figure out things last-minute in Italy, not always with great success.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2455 posts
Go to venicewelcome.com/actv/vaporetto which shows the various length vaporetto passes and the costs. For a pass of a certain number of days (hours), the tine begins to run when you validate the card when you take your first ride, and then runs out when that number of hours has passed. You can buy these in kiosks or machines at the RR station or airport, or any staffed vaporetto ticket booth, I believe. You need to hold the card up to the validation machine as you enter the boarding area each time you use it. I got and used a 72 hour pass in May 2014. I don't know what you mean when you write of a "residents card".
Posted by
Green Bay
20087 posts
@ Larry, I think the OP is looking for a long term resident transport card, not the "tourist card".
My interpretation is that the Veneizia Unica Card for nonresidents of the city costs 40 euro and has a photo ID on it that you provide when buying. The card lasts 5 years. At that point you load money on it and are charged 1.30 euro each time you ride the vaporetto, the money is deducted when you swipe the card at the dock.
Posted by
OP
Berkeley, California, US
612 posts
Thanks for the input, Larry. I have previously checked out the various passes and, indeed Sam is correct. I'm looking for the "resident's card ". And thanks again, Sam for your help. I'm now feeling more confident that I can obtain the correct card upon arrival. So, once again the help is much appreciated.
Posted by
Carmel, CA, USA
2455 posts
My bad, sorry Kay. As they say, it's the thought that counts, but that and €7 will still just get you one ride on a vaporetto. The 5-year card looks like a good deal for someone staying an extended period or traveling to Venice often, lucky them.