Contact your bank and credit card companies about your trip abroad. Give them the exact dates and countries you plan to visit. If they do not know that you are traveling internationally, they may freeze your card for fear of fraudulent charges.

• ATMs are widely accessible but cash withdrawal fees vary.

• Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted but other cards maybe not as much (Such as American Express and Discover cards).

• Be aware of international transaction fees. These can add up quickly. Contact your bank to learn more about the fees.

• Plan to use cash more in Rome than you do here in the States. 

• It is a good idea to keep cash on you at all times for purchases, taxi's and other services. 

• When you go out and about for the day or evening only bring what you need: enough cash and either your debit or credit card. 

• Do not carry large amounts of cash with you.

• Make sure you know the correct PIN #’s for your credit and debit cards. Signing for a transaction is uncommon in most parts of the world. 

• Routinely watch the exchange rate of U.S. dollar (USD) to the Euro.

• We recommend not using exchange Kiosks. They charge high conversion fees and commission. 

• Make a copy of the front and back of your credit and debit cards in case they are lost or stolen.

• Have a backup credit/debit card that you keep in your room for emergencies. It is important to have a credit card as well as a debit card, for emergency purposes. If your debit card is lost or stolen, you need to have access to money while your debit card is being replaced and sent to you.

• Plan to bring about $200 in local currency cash with you so you do not have to worry about money for the first few days. You may need to order the currency in advance from a bank so plan accordingly.

• Plan to use cash for small everyday purchases such as coffee, water and snacks.

You will find that there are many things you will want to do and see while in Italy so its important to create a budget for yourself to ensure that you will be able to do everything that you want. 

Research the cost of daily living expenses in Rome. How much does it cost to get a pizza? What about a glass of wine? Or is an Taxi ride? 

Be aware of exchange rates when budgeting. These rates fluctuate on a daily basis.

If you make a list of all the things you want to see and do while in Italy, you can research average costs and base a budget on that. Be realistic about how much you plan to eat out, shop and travel as these are the expenses that add up quickly.

Things you may need to budget for:

• • Food: The Rome summer (4-week) program has a meal plan that covers 7 meal vouchers per week that are redeemable at several neighborhood restaurants, pizzerias, delis and cafes . You need to account for the remaining meals for your stay. You will not have access to a kitchen, so you should plan to eat out for your additional meals. 

  • Public transportation: You are provided with a monthly transport pass, this works on the metro and buses around Rome. Please account on transportation to the airport when you arrive, depart, and travel on the weekends. 

  • Personal travel: Study abroad comes with the wonderful opportunity to travel and see the world, but this can come with a hefty price tag. Prioritize your travels and research ways to stay on budget. There are great budget airlines and hostels for students. Also, museums and attractions sometimes have student discounts. Take advantage! 

  • Entertainment/going out: We all like to have a good time and know that enjoying the local culture is a wonderful part of studying abroad. Just keep in mind that if you are out every night, your bank account will shrink very quickly. Also, you may want to find more local restaurants and bars. That is where you will meet local people and the prices won't be jacked up for the tourists.

Sample of Rome Expenses to take into account when budgeting for your trip: 

• Restaurant meal: 15-30 euro.

• Public transportation (tickets for buses, trams, and subway): 1,50 euro each

• Laundry at Casa Publicii: 2 euro per load; Laundry at Casa Anselmo: 4 euro per load

• Small electrical appliances (e.g. hair dryer, kettle) between 20-100 Euros total.

• Textbooks/school supplies: 350 euros.

• Newspapers/magazines: between 2 and 5 euros.

• Movies up to 15 euros per visit.

• Theater ticket 40 euros or up.

• Concert ticket 40 euros or up.

• Club cover charge if they charge, they charge 30 euros. Most of the clubs in Rome don’t charge.

• Taxi home at night up to 15 euros cash. www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/rome

• Toiletries at pharmacy 10-15 euros.

• Weekend travel: 300-600 euros depending on whether it’s in Italy or outside (per weekend) and for the week break, approx. 1000 euros.

• Average fare from Rome to other cities in Europe: 100 euros.

• 35 euros is a minimum for one night in a hotel in Italy.

• Museums: usually less than 10 euros, occasionally it can go up to 20 euros (Galleria degli Uffizi, Rajks Museum in Amsterdam etc.)

Helpful Tip: To get an idea of the cost of living in Rome, please visit the website:  www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/rome

Office of Study Away Short-Term (J-term/Summer) Program Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policies outlined below take into consideration the costs Trinity College incurs long before groups ever depart. Notice of cancellation from a Trinity College study away program will only be accepted from the traveler. The date of cancellation will be determined by the date on which the Office of Study Away receives notice. Cancellation refunds can only be made to the person whose name appears on the account; payments cannot be transferred to another account. In order to qualify for refunds in accordance with Trinity College’s standard cancellation policy, all payments must be received on time. 

• 120 days or more prior to departure: Full refund less the $500 non-refundable deposit, in addition to the balance of all non-refundable fees not covered by the deposit. 

• 119 to 30 days prior to departure: Full refund less the $500 non-refundable deposit and all non-refundable fees.  

• 29 days or less prior to departure: No refund will be issued. 

The Office of Student Accounts can be reached at 860-297-2027. They can answer any questions about billing.

Trinity Students:

Trinity students will be billed by Trinity on the same schedule and in the same manner.

Visiting Students:

• Visiting students must complete the Financial Responsibility Agreement form (downloadable in the post-acceptance section of your online application), which should be sent directly to the Office of Student Accounts at Trinity College, 300 Summit St., Hartford, CT 06106. Please do not send the form to the Office of Study Away.

• Please check your home school regarding billing agreements. Some schools now pay the deposit and/or tuition directly. Please be aware that Trinity cannot bill schools and families separately. For example, if your school pays only the tuition portion ($10), and and you are responsible for Room & Board ($5), both will receive a bill for the full amount ($15), and must submit only the amount you owe.

• Date of Billing: Students will be billed the entire program fee, less the nonrefundable $500 deposit if applicable (unless the deposit has been waived for financial aid reasons) in July (for fall semester) and November (for Spring semester). Bills will be due in August for fall term and December or early January for spring term. All payments must be received and cleared before you arrive at the start of the program.

• Visiting Students will be billed by the Trinity College Student Accounts Office a one-time $25.00 transcript fee that will entitle students to unlimited transcript production services.