Currency
- Travel cards are one of the best ways to carry cash and can be used in ATM's to retrieve money. Load your travel card with euros. Euros can be exchanged for dirhams in Dubai. Visa/Mastercard debit cards can also be used in international ATM's. Be aware that Europe has introduced a chip and pin payment system that utilises cards embedded with a chip and protected by a personal identification number rather than signature.
- Travellers cheques in euros can be exchanged at hotels (at a cost) or at money exchange centres.
- While bringing large sums of cash is convenient, it needs to be kept safe at all times and may cause more problems than needed. Only bring the amount of money you feel is necessary to cover food, entry fees, some local transport and souvenirs. Excess cash can be kept in a safe place in the hotel or secured in a money belt/pouch worn under your clothes.
- Be aware that there is a travel safety warning in Italy for pickpockets. These people prey on tourists especially around major attractions and on public transport on routes to tourist attractions. It is best to keep your wallets and important documents safe while travelling. Use bags that are closed by flaps, zippers and locks. Wear bags across your body at the front rather than over your shoulder or clasped in your hand. Most pickpockets work in groups. While one grabs your bag, another is waiting with a car or motorbike for a quick get away. Avoid wearing bum bags as they spell out 'tourist' and are a favourite of pickpockets.
Clothing:
- Bring clothes that are easy to wear, easy to pack and don't need ironing. It will be spring in Italy and the weather may still be wintry but some days may be warm.
- Build your travel wardrobe in layers, bringing short sleeved shirts, jumpers, cardigans, and jackets. In cooler weather you can wear all layers, in Dubai you will only need t-shirts. Bring long pants, jeans, leggings and long skirts for cooler weather; knee length shorts and skirts for warmer climates.
- Do not wear singlet tops, crop tops or short jean shorts and mini skirts as these are considered inappropriate for Dubai and in churches, the Vatican and others areas of Italy.
- Be prepared for wet weather in Italy - a light rain jacket and compact umbrella.
- In the cooler areas, particularly Venice, you may need a hat and gloves to keep warm. In Dubai, you will need a hat and sunscreen.
- Bring COMFORTABLE shoes as we will be doing lots of walking. Joggers, flat heeled boots, and/or flat casual shoes with solid soles are best. Avoid thongs, flip flops, cheap ballet shoes and leave the killer heels at home! Consider bringing shoes made from leather or synthetics rather than cloth because of wet weather.
Electronic equipment:
- All students and adults will need mobile phones and travel sim cards. These can be purchased from mobile phone stores in Australia and used overseas. This is a cheaper option than using international roaming.
- Students will need to bring chargers for mobile phones, iPods and iPads, cameras and other electronic devices.
- Students and adults will need to get adapter plugs for Italy. See the illustration below for European adapters.
Baggage:
- Emirates airlines allows 30 kg for one suitcase. Try and pack light just in case you want to buy souvenirs. Avoid bringing unnecessary items like hair straighteners, curling wands and weighty gear.
- Carry on baggage is limited to 7kg and should not be more than 23 x 35 x 56cm in size. It will need to be stored in the overhead lockers or under your seat.
- There are restrictions to the amount of liquid you can bring onto the plane.
- Students and adults travelling with medicines need to have a certificate from your doctor explaining the medicines and equipment. All medicines need to be in the carry on baggage.
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