Rome's climate is generally pleasant with the exception of the height of summer and occasional days in winter. Temperatures reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, combined with high humidity, while winter lows may go down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

British Chamber of Commerce

British Embassy

French Embassy

German Embassy

Irish Embassy

Japanese Embassy

Republic of Korea Embassy

Most large hotels (some of which may be listed here) also have business centers that offer many of the same services that independent centers provide.

Rome Largo Tartini

Rome Piazza del Popolo

Rome

Cavalieri Hilton Hotel

Executive Business Centre

Residenza di Ripetta

Sheraton Hotel

CRIC Consorzio Romano Interpreti di Conferenza

Corriere Presto Express

DHL

FedEx

SDE

Artoni Trasporti

Auriel Express srl

All upper-range and most medium-priced hotels are equipped with dataports that allow guests to use laptop computers. Many hotels also offer business centers equipped with computers and Internet access. Outside hotels, cyber cafes are available including:

Internet Café 'Stargate'

Nautacafe

Hello Hello

Hello Hello

Hello Hello

Citizens of EU countries, US, Canada, Israel, Japan, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Australia do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 90 days. Regardless of your nationality, you are advised to register within eight days of your arrival with the foreigners' police if your stay in one city is longer than a week. If you are staying at a hotel, the staff will be able to take care of this.

Duty-free allowances are 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 750ml of spirits (over 22% proof), or 2 liters of fortified or sparkling wine; 60g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; 500g of coffee or 200g of coffee extract, and; 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract. Travelers arriving in Italy after visiting other countries are allowed to carry souvenirs purchased in other countries up to a total value of US$500, and only a verbal declaration is required.

The country code for Italy is 39. The area code for Rome is 06.

Dial 112 for Carabinieri's service Dial 113 for the police service Dial 115 for the fire department

Dial 116 for the A.C.I. (Italian Automobile Club) - for road side assistance Dial 118 for Medical Emergency

Long-distance calls within Italy are dialed in the same way as local calls: the city code plus the number. Area codes contain one to three digits. Direct international calls can be made by dialing 00 to get out of Italy, then the respective country and area codes, and the number. For general information in English, dial 176. To place international telephone calls via operator-assisted service (or for information), dial 170 or long-distance access numbers. Public telephones are available throughout Italy. A local call from a public telephone requires the use of coins or calling cards. Toll-free numbers start with 800, while premium numbers begin with 116 or 900.

Italy's primary cellular standards are GSM, RTMS450, and ETACS. If you choose to bring your cellular phone into Italy, be sure to check with your home cellular service provider to establish compatibility of your phone with systems abroad. Rent a locally compatible cellular phone before you arrive to obtain reasonable rates and reliable service. Cellular phone numbers begin with 3. The three digit dialing code identifies the carrier.

As of January 1, 2002, euro became the official currency. Euro notes are available in denominations of EUR5, EUR10, EUR20, EUR50, EUR100, EUR200, and EUR500, while coins are in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, and EUR1 and EUR2. The euro is divided into 100 cents.

Italy is in the Central European Time Zone, one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

VAT percentage range between 4% (food for every day consumption such us milk, pasta) and 20% (sport equipment, shoes, cars, garments and jewelry).

The electrical current in Italy is AC; the cycle is 50Hz 220 V. Plugs have round prongs.

Driving is not recommended in Rome. The drivers in Rome are extremely aggressive, with streams of automobiles racing in all directions. Taxis in Rome are convenient, but expensive. Cabs can be flagged down in the streets, but are most easily found at stands in Piazza Sonnino on Viale di Trastevere, Piazza Venezia, Piazza della Repubblica, Piazza di Spagna, the Pantheon, and Piazza del Popolo. Ride only in yellow or white taxis, and make certain your taxi has a meter. Radio taxis will pick you up at a given location within a few minutes of your call. Beware that radio taxis start the meter the moment your call is answered.

Though the network of routes may seem daunting at first, Rome's bus system is an efficient means of getting through the city. The Aziende Tramvie Autobus Communali or ATAC (167 555 666) intra-city bus company has a myriad of booths, including one in Termini, and a friendly staff who can help you find your way. Try not to take buses at night. Compared to other cities, Rome's underground subway system is sparse. Many of Rome's sights are a trek from the nearest subway stop, but for covering large distances quickly, the subway is recommended.

No vaccinations are required for Italy, but exercise normal precautions, and take special care in the summer to avoid sun and heatstroke. Tap water is potable. Food is safe.

Located in the luxurious Hotel Cavalieri Hilton, La Pergola features sumptuous Mediterranean food and one of Rome's best views. The birthplace of Roman cooking, Checchino dal 1887 has remained in the Mariani family for five generations, but classics have been adapted to create lighter dishes for the modern palate. The menu at Il Convivo could be described as avant-garde Italian with some international influences. The restaurant's wine selection is also exquisite. Ditirambo is an intimate restaurant which provides imaginative cuisine and homemade bread, pasta and sweets. An institution in the city, Piperno offers specialties like fried artichoke, Rome-style. At Gusto, the emphasis is on Mediterranean cuisine, primarily meat and fish prepared with aromatic herbs and spices and live jazz takes place in the wine bar. Located near the Pantheon, cosy eatery Sangallo serves delicious fish courses.

Rome's world-class shopping includes deals on Italian designer fashion like Gucci and Missoni, quality leather goods ranging from wallets and handbags to jackets and shoes, fine silk and stylish knitwear. Rome also offers a good selection of Italian antiques and artisan objects.

One of the most charming and interesting areas in the center of Rome is The Palatine. Although the climb from the Forum to the top of Palatine Hill is steep, the numerous ancient Roman ruins and amazing views of Rome make it worthwhile. Michelangelo's incredible artwork in the Sistine Chapel attracts large crowds of visitors. The Fontana di Trevi may seem familiar to some visitors: Rome's largest and best known fountain has been used in scenery in several films such as La Dolce Vita and Roman Holiday. The majestic scale and imposing beauty of the Interior of the Dome warrants a visit inside the uniquely constructed Pantheon church. One of Rome's most famous and longest enduring landmarks is the Colosseum.

One of the most celebrated Catholic churches throughout the world and the destination for many pilgrimage journeys, St. Peter's is a truly magnificent building. A showcase of Italian High Renaissance style, it stunningly combines works of some of the greatest artists of the 16th century.

For a peaceful pause after jostling with the crowds of the Forum, visit Campidoglio. The park at Piazzale Caffarelli offers a delightful green hillside area with many walking trails. It can be accessed by the Via delle Tre Pile. The most famous park in the city, Villa Borghese features neoclassical statues, an aviary, flower gardens and a grass-covered open-air amphitheater.

Rome is home to an energetic nightlife, which can be sampled in its numerous bars and discos. You can also attend a professional soccer game and get caught up in the contagious Italian passion for the game.