How to Handle Emergencies and Unforeseen Events in Rome?

“What could possibly happen?” This is the mindset most of us have before traveling. As soon as our minds switch to “vacation mode,” we tend to underestimate potential emergencies. However, emergencies never take a vacation! A little information before leaving, some packing precautions, and simple attentiveness while strolling through the Eternal City can help you enjoy a worry-free and smooth experience.

Is it safe to drink from Rome’s public fountains?

Rome is known as the city of fountains, boasting over two thousand of them. The ancient Romans’ passion for water has been evident since antiquity. This is demonstrated by not only large aqueducts still visible today but also remnants of authentic urban fountains. Some of these remains can be found in various archaeological sites across the city, such as the triangular fountain of Ludus Magnus near the Colosseum.

It was during the Renaissance and Baroque periods that fountains became some of the most iconic artistic and architectural elements of the “City of Popes.” This development continued into the modern era, leaving us with an invaluable heritage of art and hydraulic engineering.

Imagine taking a tour of Rome’s most beautiful fountains, perhaps comfortably seated in a sidecar with an expert guide who takes you through centuries of history. Truly a historic experience!

Monumental fountains are only for your thirst for beauty!

Beware, though. Don’t even think of drinking from the Trevi Fountain, the Fontanone del Gianicolo, or the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona. On a hot sunny day, their cascading waters might seem tempting, but the water is not drinkable. It’s recycled, treated, and continuously circulated for aesthetic purposes.
In fact, if caught drinking it, you could face hefty fines (not to mention the penalty if you consider cooling off by jumping into a fountain!).

Feel free to drink from public water fountains

It’s a completely different story with public water fountains, known as “nasoni”. There are approximately 1,500 of these across the city. The water they provide is potable, free, and constantly monitored to ensure the highest safety standards for residents and tourists. It’s often refreshingly cool because most nasoni have continuous water flow, keeping the pipes fresh and clean.

So if there’s one thing you shouldn’t worry about in Rome, it’s thirst. Just keep a reusable water bottle handy and refill it whenever needed. Finding a nasone is quite easy given their abundance, simply by looking around as you stroll through the Eternal City. Alternatively, you can locate them using apps like Acea Waidy Wow, developed by Rome’s municipal water utility.

Where can I buy over-the-counter medications in Rome?

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, also known as self-medication drugs, can be purchased without a prescription. Their name originates from the fact that in pharmacies, they are placed on counters, accessible to customers without requiring a prescription. They are also called OTC drugs.
In recent years, OTC medications have become available not only in pharmacies but also in other establishments, such as parapharmacies or even supermarkets.

OTC medications can be effective remedies for most minor ailments, which, while not serious, can still be a nuisance during your vacation. Headaches, stomach aches, sore throats, colds, or sunburns should never be underestimated but are often manageable with OTC drugs like pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.

Over-the-counter medications in pharmacies

Rome has over a thousand pharmacies, recognizable by their green, often flashing, cross signs. In many of them, you’ll find staff who also speak English.
But why buy OTC drugs at a pharmacy if they’re available elsewhere?
First, pharmacists are qualified professionals who can recommend the safest and most suitable medication for your issue. Additionally, Rome has many pharmacies open 24/7, providing invaluable service to both locals and tourists.

Over-the-counter medications in parapharmacies

Parapharmacies differ from pharmacies because they can sell only OTC medications or drugs that don’t require a prescription. You can confidently turn to a parapharmacy, as the law requires at least one pharmacist to be present at all times.

Over-the-counter medications in supermarkets

Many supermarkets also offer OTC medications. Following the liberalization of non-prescription drug sales, many large retail chains have set up dedicated parapharmacies within their stores.
You’ll easily spot these sections in supermarkets, usually designed differently from other departments and often with their own signage. The convenience here lies in finding medications alongside other products, both food and non-food, essential for your trip.

What should I do if I lose my passport in Rome?

If you’re coming from a country outside the Schengen Area (which includes most EU nations), you’ll need a passport to enter Italy. Losing your passport can be a significant hassle, but it’s not an uncommon occurrence.

What should you do if you find yourself in Rome without a passport?

First, report the loss

The first step is to file a report at a police station or a Carabinieri barracks. Here you can find the locations, hours, and contacts for the Rome Police Headquarters, including the office specifically handling passports.

It’s helpful to present an identification document, so take special care not to lose other documents besides your passport. Otherwise, the process could become even more complicated.

You can ask your hotel reception for directions to the nearest police or Carabinieri station.

Visit your embassy or consulate

After reporting the loss, visit your country’s embassy or consulate. If you’re vacationing in Rome, you’re fortunate as the city hosts diplomatic offices for virtually every nation.
Bring with you a copy of the police report, an identification document, flight tickets, and two passport photos.

The embassy or consulate likely won’t be able to issue a new passport in time for your return, but they can provide an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). This document allows you to travel back home. You’ll then follow the standard procedure to get a new passport for your next trip.

Some advice before and during your trip

Before your trip to Rome, check with your travel insurance. Many companies include assistance for lost passports in their policies.
Another common but often overlooked tip: be vigilant and avoid making yourself an easy target for pickpockets.

Additionally, having a photocopy of your passport can be useful (it also speeds up procedures in case of loss). Keep it separate from the original. Ideally, carry only the copy or a digital photo of the passport on your smartphone while leaving the original secured in your hotel.

Are there specific hospitals for tourists in Rome?

Rome boasts a comprehensive healthcare network, even in high-traffic tourist areas.

One of the most renowned hospitals offering services for tourists is the Isola Tiberina Hospital – Gemelli Isola. Since 2022, it’s been called this but is better known by its “old” name, Fatebenefratelli Hospital. Located on Tiber Island, in the heart of Trastevere—one of the city’s most popular tourist districts—it frequently assists tourists from around the world, making it easy to find healthcare professionals familiar with foreign languages.

However, in any Roman hospital, you’ll receive the necessary care, often from English-speaking staff.

Alternatively, there are numerous private clinics, some affiliated with international insurance companies. One example is the Rome American Hospital, a facility renowned for handling the healthcare needs of foreign tourists.

How can I handle minor injuries during my trip to Rome?

If you experience a minor injury during your stay in Rome, it’s good to know in advance how to manage it.

DIY Remedies

For small cuts or bruises, basic first aid supplies like disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide, cotton pads, bandages, and sterile gauze, available at any supermarket, might suffice.

Carrying a compact first aid kit and basic medications like pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs is a smart idea.

If the emergency is more serious

For more severe injuries requiring specific remedies, head to a pharmacy. Pharmacists can also offer advice and guidance on what to do next.

If, for example, a sprain makes walking difficult, you might need stronger pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, along with bandages. A pharmacist might even suggest visiting an emergency room for further evaluation to rule out fractures.

If the situation seems critical from the start, the emergency number to call is 118, Italy’s national healthcare emergency number. The call center will dispatch an ambulance and medical staff as quickly as possible.

For more detailed information, this article explains what to do during a medical emergency in Rome.

One last tip: If you hire a guide during your stay in the Eternal City, choose only professionals like those at Sidecar tour in Rome. They can provide valuable advice on how to handle any unexpected events during your Roman adventure.