Rome is a difficult city for disabled travelers, not so much because the city is old, but because modern authorities completely disregard disabled needs. Italian culture is still far behind other Europeans and the US in this respect. Getting around is a problem for the wheelchair bound. Most elevators, banks, and ATM machines are too small for wheelchairs. Public transport is improving with the introduction of wheelchair accessible buses, but when the bus is overcrowded (often) it will be difficult to get on. Only a few metro station have lifts. Some taxis are equipped to carry passengers in wheelchairs. It is advisable to book a taxi by phone and inform the operator that you need a taxi for a wheelchair (sedia a rotelle). Airline companies should be able to arrange assistance at airports if you notify them of your needs in advance. Museums are probably the most careful with disabled facilities. Most of them have ramps, indications, spacious lifts, and special toilets.

Roman drivers and traffic organization (or lack of) is downright dangerous. Many drivers don't stop at red lights or pedestrian crossings. Always look both ways before crossing the streets, and cross with determination. Drivers won't stop if they are not sure you will cross. In any case remember that Roman drivers are not only crazy, they also lack the basic notions of traffic. Expect drivers to overtake others from all sides, travel at highway speeds in small streets, and use the horn when approaching a crossing instead of slowing down or looking. Only a few people use seat belts and children are usually allowed to wander in the car. Sometimes they sit on mummy's lap while daddy is practicing new stunt maneuvers. Accidents are a very common sight, especially on some streets where they take place almost daily. If you get caught in an accident, you may not get hurt, but you will have to deal with bureaucracy and that may take hours.

Italy has a poor record when it comes to environmental concerns. Few Italians would think twice about driving a car or motorcycle with a faulty or nonexistent muffler. It's surprising to see the disregard that Italians have for their country, which is considered a natural and artistic beauty. Noise and air pollution are a serious problem in Rome. When booking a hotel room or looking for an apartment, it's better to give up on the view and insist on silence.

Current is at 220V, 50Hz. Very few, older places, may still use 125V. English appliances (240v) are usually compatible with 220v. Americans (110v, 60Hz) should be careful, as not all travel appliances are multi standard. Most videocameras, computers, and cameras work with both systems. Italians have at least three types plugs and sockets, all different. Adapters can transform anything into anything, but it's usually annoying. Bring international plug adapters for your appliances, as they will be hard to find in Italy.

Rome is not a dangerous city for women, but foreign women traveling alone will occasionally hear unwanted comments from men. Cars and scooters using the horn, catcalls, hissing, whistling, soft spoken and loud comments.  Fortunately those men represent only a minirity of Italians, and in any case they are not known to be dangerous. Rome is one of the safest cities in Europe, but foreigners are always the prime targets for harasses and thieves.

Italy operates on a 24-hour clock which will take some getting used to for travelers accustomed to the 12-hour system. Daylight-savings time starts on the last Sunday of March, when clocks are put forward one hour. Clocks are put back one hour on the last Sunday in October. Italy is in the Central European Time zone, the same as France, Spain, and Germany. Greece and Israel are one hour ahead, the UK one hour behind. Los Angeles is 9 hours behind, New York is 6 hours behind.

Italy uses the metric system. Un etto is 100g, UN chilo (ch is pronounced as K) is 1000g (1Kg). Distances are measured in kilometers and miles. Liquids are measured in liters. Note that Italians indicate decimals with commas and thousands with points.

Italy uses the PAL video system (the same as in Australia and most of Europe). This system is not compatible with NTSC (USA and Japan). Modern video players are often multi-system and will play American tapes. DVDs are zone protected and those sold in Europe will not work outside Europe (when using conventional players).

Public toilets are not widespread in Rome. Most people use toilets in bars and cafès. They might ask you to consume something, but you have the right to access them without consuming. Not all bars and restaurants have clean toilets, many don't have soap or toilet paper.