Hmmmm.......can you answer my question?

Question

Ok, I'll be in Rome for a year but I'm not sure what all they have (and I'm talking about personal items) and how expensive things will be. For example, do they have all the name brand things we have (like shampoo, mascara, "feminine" products, and so forth) and if they do is it much more expensive than in the states? And don't get me wrong, I'm not acting like I'm going back to the 14th century, because I'm sure somebody that was coming from Italy to the US would be asking the same questions because I know we don't have everything they have either. So, whats more expensive there or cheaper than it is here. Also, I have to take with me everything that I'm going to want for a year from home on the plane....I love reading and couldn't go a year with out my favorite books, so will they let me on the plane with like 10 or more books and not think that I'm going to be selling them or something? Another thing, is there an English bookstore in Rome? I heard there was. Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

That's a very good question, my mother went to Germany (from Canada) and was she ever surprised at what they didn't have and how different everything was.

Answer 2

about feminine products like mascara can find different brand like Maybeline, Clinique,Lancome,Deborah,Pupa... you can find creams at some good prices at the "Bottega Verde" and are good ( http://www.bottegaverde.it/index.jsp?act... here can find addresses in Rome, the site is in italian...but.. have to learn italian, no?)..

to save money you can go to big stores ( auchan, ipercoap..find lots of products and also some typical american food that can be difficult find in small shops ).

shapoo is around 1.50 /2 €(according with the brand),mascara  8€ (megastores) but also 15-18€ if you buy it in perfumery...

you just have to go around and watch prices..and remember where is cheaper..

in bookstores or library you can find english book but i don't know if you can find your favorite.. if buy some dvd of american films they are both in english and italian (and sometimes others languiges).

ah... check if you can bring liquids with you, nowadays i don't think...

Answer 3

You will find everything here, also some international makeup brands, but they are more expensive than the US. This is true also for shampoo, and other hair producs and you only find the bigger bottles in the Supermarkets. My suggestion is, bring your favourite make up with you, but don't bother with Shampoo or other big bottles...save your space in your luggage for something else...they are more expensive here, but it is not worth paying the extra charge for a heavy luggage!

As for the books, the big bookstores (Feltrinelli, Ricordi) all have an English section: if they don't have a book you want specifically, you can order it there and they'll get it for you. here are a few suggestions from http://www.fonisol.com/rome/bookstores.h...

All American Comics

Address: Via Tarquinio Prisco, 89, Rome 00181,Phone: [phone].

Anglo-American Book

You can find English language books, magazines, dictionaries and university texts here. You can also order a book if you cant find what you are looking for.    

Address: Via della Vite, 102, Rome, 00187 Italy  Phone: [phone]

Lion Bookshop  

The oldest English-language bookstore in Rome is also one of the biggest: sip a coffee and browse through this bookshop's wide selection of books and magazines.

Feltrinelli International

Find a book in just about any language at this international bookstore in Rome.

ciao

Answer 4

go to the vatican maybe youll see the pope

Answer 5

I lived in Rome for 19 months back in 2000/2001.  I'm not a woman so I can't answer you specifically about feminine products but, in general, you'll find less of a selection but you can find pretty much everything you may need.  You can't find uniquely American products, like marshmellow fluff, but you'll be able to buy shampoo, make-up, etc. lots of places.  The prices are high.  About the only cheap thing is a good meal in a restaurant.

There are English bookstores although I don't remember specifically where.  Spend lots of time walking around the city and discovering all it has to offer.  You'll master it quickly and you'll find everything you need - provided you keep an open mind and are willing to compromise a bit.

Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.  I enjoy recalling my time there and will be glad to help.

Answer 6

Your going to Rome so there will be the US embassy which I'VE HEARD has a small American grocery store inside to find odd things like peanut butter and bacon. But as for hygenic products, you can find those in any grocery store and they most definately have the same brands, along with a small selection of Italian brands. I've found that their stuff is actually better than what we have over here, for example their deoderant ROCKS! Buy Borotalco...here all the companys SAY that it won't stain your clothes, but it never really works...Borotalco really does work! So buy there, just bring enough for a week or so.

As for your books Feltrinelli International is hands down the best book store I've ever been to...ever. At least the one in Padova. They make the best book recomendations and the people are so nice! After not having been there for a year, I walked in and every one was like "oh hi Jonathan! Where have you been?! how are you?!" It's the best. But if you are going to be living there you might want to try reading a book in Italian too...try The Little Prince, everyone knows the story and it's an easy read. Once you've mastered that go for pinocchio...you still should know the story, but it's a bit tougher of a book.

Answer 7

Hey Danni,, i answered one of your questions last night,,, look ,, things are more expensive overseas.. What you will or should do is meet some people that are already there , and find out where they go do their shopping,,, they dont have Wal-Marts.... you have individual small shops everywhere..... I would just buy the family size shampoo that you use here and such and take it... as for books...hmm,,, if you have over 55 pounds on the airline they charge you for it.... try taking books on cd's and or DVD's to watch or play....and leave the books at home.. you can find books in english,, there if you just have to have some....

Food,, is some cheaper,, but... it is in shops again,,,, the bread is like a french loaf,,, and they use a lot of olive oil there....

(darn i wish i were there to help you)---lol..... it would be easier than writing...

Stay away from the central termni, (train station) at night... dont even go there,,,,,,and like i told you.. watch out for the pick pockets and purse snatchers in Rome,,, They are Very Good...

good luck

Answer 8

Rome is expensive city so bring everything you need with you and save money to buy nice shoes and cloth while you there.