Travel Essentials

Vatican City: What To Know Before You Go

Q: What is the emergency number in Vatican City?

One number for everything: 112, Police: 113, Ambulance: 118, Fire: 115

Plugs: Types C, F and L, 230 V. Emergency: One number for everything 112, Police 113, Ambulance 118, Fire 115. Tipping: Not expected; rounding up a bar or café bill is common in the Rome area around it. Tap water: Tap water is generally safe to drink; the public fountains (nasoni) in Rome are fine.

Open The Vatican City Trip Kit

Plugs And Power

Types C, F and L, 230 V

Emergency Numbers

One number for everything	112
Police	113
Ambulance	118
Fire	115

Tipping

Not expected; rounding up a bar or café bill is common in the Rome area around it.

Water And Health

Tap water: Tap water is generally safe to drink; the public fountains (nasoni) in Rome are fine
Vaccines: Routine vaccines
Malaria: None

Apps To Download Before You Go

Apple Pay / Google Pay: Cards and phone wallets are accepted at the Vatican Museums, gift shops and nearby Rome cafés; carry a little cash for small bars.
Moovit: Shows Rome buses, trams and metro times for getting to the Vatican.
Trenitalia: Book trains to Rome; Vatican City itself has a tiny station used only for special services.
FREE NOW: Hails licensed Rome taxis, which is safer than accepting rides from touts outside the museums.
WhatsApp: Tour guides and ticket agents in Rome use it to share meeting points.
Vatican Museums official ticket site: Buy timed tickets online to skip the long queue; use the official museumsvaticani.va site, not resellers.
Google Translate: Helps with Italian signs and menus around the Vatican.

Customs And Etiquette

Greetings. A handshake and "Buongiorno" is standard. Catholics may bow the head to clergy and address priests as "Father"; friends kiss on the cheek, as in Italy.

Dress code. Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the museums; guards will turn you away otherwise.

Quiet and respect. St. Peter's and the Sistine Chapel are active places of worship. Keep your voice low, do not take photos in the Sistine Chapel, and remove hats.

Security checks. Expect airport-style screening at the basilica and museums. Large bags, umbrellas with metal tips and tripods are not allowed inside.

Safety And Scams

Vatican City itself is very safe and heavily policed; most problems are pickpockets and scammers in the crowds just outside.

Fake tour guides and queue skippers. People near the entrance offer to skip the line for cash. Book timed tickets on the official museum site instead.

Pickpockets. Crowds in St. Peter's Square and on the Rome metro attract them; keep bags zipped in front.

Friendship bracelets and rosaries. Sellers may press a gift into your hand and then ask for money; say no and walk on.

Women travelers. Very safe; dress modestly for entry and watch for pickpockets rather than harassment.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Legal · Mostly Safe

Same-sex relations are legal in Italy and the Vatican is a religious state whose Church teaches against same-sex marriage. Visitors are not asked about this, but public displays of affection are best kept discreet inside.

What Things Cost

Coffee (café)	EUR 1.50	$1.75
Local bus or metro ride	EUR 1.50	$1.75
Mid-range restaurant meal	EUR 25	$29
Hostel bed / budget room (night)	EUR 40	$46
Mid-range hotel (night)	EUR 170	$195
Daily budget, mid-range traveler	EUR 150	$173

2026-09

Best Time To Visit

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) are the most pleasant. Summers are hot and crowded; winters are mild but wet, with short queues.

Phrases

Basic Italian phrases · Basic Latin phrases · Basic English phrases · Basic French phrases