Rome: Where All Roads Lead - Italy - page 21

Credit Cards, Banks & Change
Many services in Rome do not accept credit cards. Cash is preferred—
though counterfeiting in Italy is a big business: Italians were the first to
counterfeit the euro currency, even before it was issued. Museums gener-
ally do not take credit cards, except in the bookshops; taxis do have the
capability in some cases, but always ask first. Most drivers keep their
credit card machines in the trunk, so don't be alarmed if the driver sud-
denly stops to get something out of the back. Most restaurants will now
take cards, but they almost always prefer cash. There are also stores in the
center of Rome that will give a discount for cash (or an extra charge for
credit depending on how you look at it).
Bank machines, called Bancomat, are plentiful in the center, though on
Monday mornings they are usually empty because the employees who fill
the machines have Sundays off. In general, there seems to be a shortage
of change in Rome. It's often hard to break big bills such as a € 50 note,
and in some not-so-rare cases, the clerks will forfeit the sale before giv-
ing up all their precious change. If you pay for a small item with a big
note, you will almost always get a “Madonna!” cry out of the cashier. If
the clerk asks for spici, he wants exact or small change, even though in
some cases you end up getting all your change in small currency.

While the religious lodgings that follow are for the most part rather similar in
price, quality, and amenities, what distinguishes each of them is location—the
factor you'll most want to consider.
Near the Vatican
Staying this close to Vatican City, at Casa D'Accoglienza S. Spirito, Franciscan
sisters

(Borgo S. Spirito, 41; % 06-6861076; [e-mail]), may
actually make you convert. The rooms are spartan, but you'll hear the bells of St.
Peter's Basilica. It's €40 for a double, €35 for a triple or quadruple, €12 children
under 12, €25 students under 25. Curfew is at 11pm in summer, 10pm in winter.
Just across the street from the entrance to the Vatican Museums, Suore Sacra
Famiglia (Viale Vaticano, 92; % 06-39091411) is perfect for exploring this area,
though there is a definite religious undertone to this place. Rooms are larger than
most of the others listed here. Price per room (not per person): €30 single, €52
double, €70 triple, €83 quadruple. No breakfast, and curfew is at midnight.
In Gianicolo
Much more a hotel than a convent in feel, Suore Dorotee (Via del Gianicolo, 4A;
% 06-68803349; [e-mail]) offers great views from the top of the
Janiculum Hill, tucked in a green area perfect for those who want to
appreciate Rome without the noise. It's €65 per person for full-board double,
€60 half-board. A half-board single is €62, €72 for full-board single. All rooms
have private baths. Curfew is at 11pm.

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