Italy- spending money?

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  chumlee on 16/04/2018 - 13:38

  -4

  50% more than you think. 25% of this for bribery & the other 25% for thieves and con artist

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  [Deactivated] on 16/04/2018 - 14:46

  +1

  6k aud

  • 

    Badinsk on 16/04/2018 - 16:51

    Thanks!

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  Stewardo on 16/04/2018 - 15:41

  +3

  Really depends on you lifestyle, excluding hotels and transport, $200 per day per person would be ok, but could vary wildly depending on activities you want to do. Try to eat from the supermarket, and avoid eating and drinking near tourist areas as they jack up the prices to rip off tourists. Always see menu price before accepting any food or drinks, common to overcharge this way.

  • 

    Badinsk on 16/04/2018 - 16:51

    Thank you! :)

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  thatonethere on 16/04/2018 - 17:40

  +1

  We loved Positano - good choice!

  • 

    Badinsk on 16/04/2018 - 20:12

    Excellent! We can't wait :D

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  Nutrino on 16/04/2018 - 19:43

  +2

  id say $8,427.05 give or take…

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  [Deactivated] on 17/04/2018 - 10:44

  +1

  Even on budget, restaurants can easily cost $90AUD for 2 persons (that's the cheap, reviewed ones on google too!). Italy charges for table service (~ 2.50 euro/person cheapest) and water (by the bottle). If you don't review your restaurants you are going to get hammered. It's a rough tourism industry over there..

  Have your coffee at the 'banco' - your coffee at a table for 2 can turn into $20 meal.

  • 

    Badinsk on 17/04/2018 - 13:25

    Thanks! Good tips :)

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  [Deactivated] on 17/04/2018 - 17:54

  I lived and worked in the north of Italy for years. You can get by on good pizza and pasta for really relatively cheap prices. We never paid more than 10 euros a head for lunch at the weekend and that was for a pizza (each), table wine, dessert, and a coffee. You can easily get a slice of pizza cheaper or a panino cheaper if you're on the move - like 5 euro. look for lunch deals on the boards outside the restaurant and just be careful where you eat (ie. at the foot of the colosseum is prime tourist trap area so will be more expensive)

  Dinner is slightly more expensive so add an extra fiver on top of that a head and you're laughing.

  also top tip: standing and drinking at the bar is cheaper than sitting at a table. Especially in Rome. AND never buy a packet sandwich from their supermarkets. They suck. If you're hungry always go into a bar and get one.

  FINALLY if you can speak a little Italian always give it a try. The Italian's are really lovely and friendly people and will love you giving it a go.

  • 

    Badinsk on 18/04/2018 - 12:03

    Amazing advice!!!!!!!!

    Thank you so much! :) Had no idea about the bar vs table thing. Great tip!

    I have an app going thats teaching me some basic italian haha it's going ok so far. Will definitely give it a crack :)

    Have heard of some issues with pick pocketers - was going to get one of those special over should bags that cant be cut into/ easily accessed etc. Do you think this is necessary? And would you recommend the trains for main travel or should we hire a car?

    Thanks again!

    • 

      [Deactivated] on 18/04/2018 - 16:35

      +1

      No worries :)

      I think, like in all major cities, there are going to be pickpockets. Looking like a tourist also makes you more of a target too. I'd say be really careful in Rome (and especially Naples, but I don't think that's on your trip) and in areas where tourists gather, where people are trying to sell you things. I'm a girl and I just always used a normal bag with a zip and just kept my hand on it when I was in crowds or on the metro. But go with what will make you most relaxed.

      The high speed trains across the country (the ones run by Trenitalia) tend to be reliable, if you book in advance they're also relatively cheap. I would steer clear of the state owned trains in the main though because they can't always be trusted to arrive on time and if you're on a tight holiday schedule you don't want to waste time waiting for public transport.

      Hands in the air here, my boyfriend is Italian so he just used to do all the driving for us. I never got used to driving there (wrong side of the road and all) but I would say it gives you the most freedom if you're confident to try it.

      And definitely try out a few of those Italian phrases :)