Italy

Italy's transport network is beautifully organized in layers, and mastering each one transforms your trip. For crossing the country, high-speed trains like Trenitalia's Frecciarossa are your best friend—faster than driving, no parking headaches, and you arrive in city centers ready to explore. Rome to Florence takes just 1.5 hours (€19–49), while Milan to Rome is 3 hours (€29–89). Book in advance for significant savings and guaranteed seating.

Within cities, metros are your fastest option: Rome's Line B takes you directly to the Colosseum in minutes for €1.50 per journey, or grab a €7 daily pass for unlimited travel. Buses and trams offer slower but scenic alternatives—perfect for soaking in neighborhoods like Trastevere.

For the final stretch from airport to hotel, the Leonardo Express from Rome's Fiumicino Airport (€14, 32 minutes) beats taxis hands down. Use the Hello app to track your transport spending in local currency and budget accordingly—most visitors spend €25–35 on local transport over three days. The secret? Don't rely on one mode. Combine trains between cities, walking in historic centers, and occasional taxis for convenience. This mix-and-match approach keeps you flexible, saves money, and lets you experience Italy authentically.

Nothing derails a trip faster than surprise roaming charges or struggling to navigate without data. Grab an eSIM from Hello before you land—activate it before departure, and you'll have connectivity the moment you touch down in Italy without the astronomical roaming fees your home provider would charge.

With reliable internet, you can navigate Rome's winding streets confidently, book last-minute restaurant reservations in Florence, or check train schedules on the fly. Download offline maps as backup for metro systems and city centers, but having data means you're never truly lost.

Beyond navigation, staying connected lets you split bills with travel companions using the Hello app's expense-splitting feature—no awkward math at dinner when you've shared a bottle of Barolo in Piedmont. Track your spending in euros as you go, so you're never surprised by your final bill. Whether you're booking a private driver for a Tuscan wine tour or confirming a cooking class in Bologna, seamless connectivity keeps your itinerary organized and stress-free. Italy moves fast; your phone should keep up.

Italy operates in euros, and prices vary wildly depending on where you are. A cappuccino costs €1.50 in a neighborhood café but €4–5 in a touristy piazza—location matters. Meals range from €8–12 for a quick lunch to €40–80+ for dinner at acclaimed restaurants. Budget €15–25 daily for food if you're mixing casual eateries with one special dinner.

Transport is remarkably affordable: €7 gets you unlimited daily metro, bus, and tram travel in Rome. High-speed trains between major cities cost €15–89 depending on how far in advance you book. Attractions vary—the Colosseum is €18, but many churches are free.

Here's the practical tip: use the Hello app to track spending in euros as you go. Split bills with travel companions instantly, so there's no confusion about who paid for that shared taxi to Lake Como or the group cooking class. Many Italians still prefer cash in smaller towns and family-run restaurants, so withdraw euros at ATMs rather than relying entirely on cards. Set a daily budget using the app's tracking feature, and you'll avoid the common trap of overspending in the first week and scrambling later. Italy rewards slow travel and local choices—eat where locals eat, and your money stretches further.

Rome, Florence, and Venice are magnificent, but Italy's soul lives in places most tourists skip. Regional trains connect smaller towns like Siena, Cinque Terre, and Ravenna—often just 1–2 hours from major hubs but worlds away in atmosphere. A train from Florence to Siena costs €8–15 and takes 90 minutes; you'll wander medieval streets without fighting crowds.

Smaller towns reward wanderers. In Ravenna, Byzantine mosaics rival anything in Rome. Cinque Terre's five villages cling to cliffsides above the Mediterranean, connected by hiking trails and local trains (€4 day pass). The Amalfi Coast's villages—Positano, Ravello—are accessible by bus or private driver, offering dramatic coastlines and fresh seafood at reasonable prices.

Regional trains and buses are slower than high-speed services but cheaper and more atmospheric. You'll meet locals, see countryside, and eat at family-run trattorias where the pasta is made that morning. Use the Hello app to plan these detours into your itinerary—organize multi-day stays in one place rather than constant movement, which saves transport costs and lets you truly settle in. This approach transforms a trip from checking boxes into living in Italy, even briefly.