Home Exchange in Rome: Your Complete Guide to Utilities, WiFi & Daily Essentials

The power went out on my third night in Trastevere.

I was standing in the kitchen of this gorgeous apartment near Piazza Santa Maria, wrestling with an espresso machine that had suddenly gone silent, when it hit me—I'd tripped the electrical breaker. Turns out, running the washing machine, air conditioning, and a hairdryer all at once? Classic rookie mistake in Italian homes. The electrical systems here just aren't built for that kind of multitasking.

That moment taught me something I wish I'd known sooner: understanding utilities, WiFi, and daily essentials isn't just helpful during a home exchange in Rome—it's the difference between a smooth stay and a stressful one. Seven years of swapping homes across Italy (four different Rome exchanges, if we're counting) have taught me every quirk, every workaround, every "why didn't anyone warn me about this" detail.

So here's everything you actually need to know.

Understanding Italian Electrical Systems During Your Home Exchange

Let's start with the thing that'll probably confuse you first: electricity in Rome.

The Power Limit Reality

Most Italian homes operate on a 3 kW power limit. Some newer apartments have 4.5 kW or even 6 kW, but don't count on it. This matters because—unlike North American homes where you can run everything simultaneously without a second thought—Italian electrical systems will literally shut off if you exceed your limit.

Here's the math:

• Air conditioning unit: 1-1.5 kW
• Washing machine: 2-2.5 kW
• Electric oven: 2-3 kW
• Hairdryer: 1-2 kW
• Electric kettle: 1.5-2 kW

See the problem? Running your AC while doing laundry will trip the breaker. Every. Single. Time.

Finding and Resetting the Breaker

When (not if) you trip the power, you'll need to find the electrical panel. In older Roman apartments, these hide in the strangest places—inside closets, behind doors, sometimes near the ceiling in the entryway. Ask your exchange partner to show you exactly where it is before they leave.

The reset process is usually straightforward: flip the main switch back up. But here's what nobody tells you—wait about 30 seconds before turning things back on. And don't restart everything at once. Turn on the fridge first, wait a minute, then add other appliances gradually.

I now ask every host the same questions: "Where's the breaker? What's the power limit?" It's saved me from sitting in the dark more times than I'd like to admit.

Plug Adapters You'll Actually Need

Italy uses Type L plugs (three round pins in a row) and Type C plugs (two round pins). Not all adapters work equally well.

Those cheap universal adapters from airport shops? They often fit loosely in Italian outlets and fall out at the worst moments. Invest in a proper Italian-specific adapter—I travel with the Ceptics Italy adapter (around $10 USD) and haven't had issues since.

Pro tip: bring a small power strip from home. Plug it into your adapter, and suddenly you've got multiple outlets for all your devices. Just remember that power strip still counts toward your 3 kW limit—so don't go crazy.

WiFi and Internet Essentials for Rome Home Exchanges

I'll be honest with you: Italian home internet can be... unpredictable. I've had exchanges with blazing-fast fiber optic connections. I've also had stays where streaming a movie felt like dial-up nostalgia.

What to Ask Your Exchange Partner About WiFi

Before you arrive, get specific answers to these questions:

Connection speed: Ask them to run a speed test (speedtest.net is free) and send you the results. For remote work, you'll want at least 25 Mbps download speed. For basic browsing and email, 10 Mbps is fine.

Router location and password: Sounds obvious, right? I once arrived at an exchange where the WiFi password was written on a sticky note... that had fallen behind the router... which was in a locked cabinet. Get the password in advance. Save it in your phone.

Network name: Some apartments have multiple networks floating around—the neighbor's, the building's, the host's. Know exactly which one is yours.

Any usage limits: Some Italian internet plans have data caps. Rare, but worth asking about if you're planning to work remotely or stream heavily.

When the WiFi Fails (And It Might)

Roman buildings are old. Walls are thick. WiFi signals don't always cooperate.

If you're working remotely, have a backup plan. I always get an Italian SIM card with a solid data plan as my Plan B. The best options for visitors:

TIM (Telecom Italia Mobile): The largest network with the best coverage. A tourist SIM with 50GB of data runs about €20-30 ($22-33 USD) for a month. You can buy one at any TIM store—there's a big one near Termini station.

Vodafone Italy: Similar pricing, slightly smaller network but still excellent in Rome. Their tourist packages are straightforward.

Iliad: The budget option at around €10 ($11 USD) for 80GB. Coverage is good in central Rome but can get spotty in outer neighborhoods.

To buy a SIM, you'll need your passport. The process takes about 20 minutes. Do it on your first day—don't wait until you're desperately searching for signal in some café.

Best Cafés for Working When You Need to Escape

Sometimes you just need to get out of the apartment. Here are my go-to spots:

Trastevere: Otaleg (yes, it's "gelato" spelled backward) on Via di San Cosimato has strong WiFi and excellent coffee. Locals work here for hours.

Centro Storico: Roscioli Caffè near Campo de' Fiori has fast internet and—honestly?—arguably the best espresso in Rome. Gets crowded after 11 AM, so arrive early.

Monti: Blackmarket Hall on Via Panisperna is coworking-friendly with reliable connections and a young, creative crowd.

Testaccio: Andreotti on Via Ostiense is a local institution with surprisingly good WiFi and pastries that'll ruin you for anything else.

Expect to pay €3-5 ($3.30-5.50 USD) for a coffee and pastry. Italians don't love people camping at tables for hours, but if you order something every 90 minutes or so, nobody will bother you.

Gas and Heating: What You Need to Know

Gas in Italian homes powers the stove, hot water heater, and often the heating system. Understanding how it works will save you from cold showers and confusion.

The Boiler (Caldaia)

Most Roman apartments have a "caldaia"—a wall-mounted gas boiler that heats water on demand. Unlike tank water heaters common in North America, these heat water as you use it. The upside? Unlimited hot water. The downside? A slight delay before hot water reaches the tap.

If you're not getting hot water, check these things first:

Is the boiler on? Look for a power switch or button. Some have a pilot light that needs to be lit.

Is the gas on? There's usually a gas valve near the boiler. Make sure it's in the "open" position.

Is the water pressure okay? Most boilers have a pressure gauge. It should read between 1 and 1.5 bar. If it's lower, the boiler might not fire.

I had an exchange in Pigneto where I spent two days convinced the hot water was broken. Turns out, the previous guest had accidentally bumped the gas valve to "off" while cleaning. Five seconds of investigation could have saved me from a lot of cold showers.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Rome's climate is mild, but you'll still want heating in winter (December-February) and AC in summer (June-September).

Radiator heating: Most older apartments have radiator systems connected to the building's central boiler. You often can't control the temperature directly—the building decides when heat comes on. Ask your host about the heating schedule.

Individual heating: Newer apartments might have their own system. Learn how to use the thermostat before your host leaves.

Air conditioning: Not guaranteed, especially in older buildings. If the listing mentions AC, confirm it covers the bedroom—some apartments only have a unit in the living room. In August, this matters. A lot.

Shutters (Persiane): Every Roman knows the real secret to staying cool. Close them during the hottest part of the day (noon-4 PM) to keep the apartment significantly cooler. Open them in the evening to let cool air in. Sounds simple, but it's shockingly effective.

Water: Drinking, Saving, and Understanding the Bills

Good news: Rome has some of the best tap water in the world. It comes from ancient aqueducts and is perfectly safe to drink. Don't waste money on bottled water—just fill up a reusable bottle from the tap.

Even better? The "nasoni." These little drinking fountains are scattered throughout the city—over 2,500 of them. They run constantly with fresh, cold water from the same aqueduct system. Cover the spout with your finger, and water shoots up from a hole on top like a drinking fountain. Free hydration everywhere you go.

Hot Water Etiquette

Remember that on-demand boiler I mentioned? It means hot water isn't unlimited in the "use as much as you want without consequence" sense. The gas bill is real, and your exchange partner pays it.

Be mindful. Take reasonable showers (Italian showers tend to be shorter than American ones anyway). Don't leave hot water running while you do dishes. If you're washing clothes, use cold water when possible.

This isn't about being stingy—it's about being a respectful guest. Your host is trusting you with their home and their utility bills.

The Water Heater Timer

Some apartments have a timer on the water heater to save energy. It might only heat water during certain hours (like 6-8 AM and 6-8 PM). If you're suddenly getting cold water in the middle of the day, this might be why. Ask your host if there's a timer and how to override it if needed.

Trash and Recycling: The Roman System

This is where things get... specific. Rome has a strict recycling system, and getting it wrong can result in fines for your host. Pay attention.

The Color-Coded Bins

Rome uses different colored bags or bins for different waste:

Organic (brown/tan): Food scraps, coffee grounds, paper napkins, small amounts of yard waste. This gets composted.

Plastic and metal (yellow): Bottles, cans, containers, aluminum foil. Rinse everything first.

Paper and cardboard (white or blue): Newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes (flattened), paper packaging. No pizza boxes with grease stains—those go in organic.

Glass (green): Bottles and jars only. Remove caps (those go in plastic/metal).

Unsorted waste (gray): Everything else—things that can't be recycled.

Collection Days

Different neighborhoods have different collection schedules. Your exchange partner should tell you which days each type of waste is collected. In most areas, you put bags out the night before (after 8 PM) in designated spots on the street.

Miss the collection? You're stuck with that trash until the next pickup, which might be a week away. In August, when Rome is hot and garbage gets... fragrant... this is not ideal.

I keep a note on my phone with the collection schedule for every exchange. Sounds obsessive. Trust me—it's worth it.

Grocery Shopping and Kitchen Essentials

Your exchange kitchen will (hopefully) be stocked with basics, but you'll still need to shop.

Supermarket Options

Conad: Mid-range quality and prices. Locations throughout the city. Good selection of Italian products.

Carrefour: French chain with everything from budget to premium options. The Express locations are small but convenient.

Esselunga: Higher quality, slightly higher prices. Worth it for fresh produce and meat.

Todis: Budget option. Quality is fine for basics. Great for stocking up on pantry staples.

Naturasì: Organic everything. Expensive but excellent if that's your priority.

Expect to spend €40-60 ($44-66 USD) per person per week on groceries if you're cooking most meals.

Market Shopping

The real Roman experience? Shopping at the local markets. Every neighborhood has one.

Campo de' Fiori: Touristy but still functional. Prices are higher than neighborhood markets. Great for photos, less great for value.

Mercato Testaccio: My favorite. Covered market with incredible produce, meat, cheese, and a few prepared food stalls. Locals shop here. Prices are fair.

Mercato Trionfale: Near the Vatican. Huge, chaotic, authentic. Best prices in central Rome.

Nuovo Mercato Esquilino: Near Termini. Diverse vendors with ingredients from around the world. Perfect if you want to cook something non-Italian.

Markets typically open around 7 AM and close by 2 PM. Saturday is the busiest day. Go early for the best selection.

What Your Exchange Kitchen Probably Has (and Doesn't)

Most Italian kitchens include:

• Moka pot (stovetop espresso maker)—learn to use it, it's life-changing
• Basic pots and pans
• Olive oil, salt, maybe some pasta
• Dish soap and sponges

They often don't have:

• A drip coffee maker (Moka pot or espresso machine only)
• A microwave (less common in Italian homes)
• Ice cube trays (Italians don't do ice the way Americans do)
• Paper towels (they use cloth towels for everything)

Bring your own coffee if you're particular about it. Italian grocery stores have excellent espresso, but if you need your specific pour-over blend, pack it.

Laundry: The Italian Way

Fair warning: doing laundry in Italy is a different experience.

The Washing Machine

Italian washing machines are typically smaller than American ones. You'll do more loads. The cycles are also longer—a normal wash can take 2-3 hours. This is not a typo. Italian machines use less water and energy, but they take forever.

Most machines have settings in Italian:

• Cotone = Cotton
• Sintetici = Synthetics
• Delicati = Delicates
• Lana = Wool
• Rapido = Quick wash (still 45-60 minutes)

Water temperature is in Celsius. 30°C is cold, 40°C is warm, 60°C is hot.

The Dryer Situation

Here's the thing: most Italian homes don't have dryers.

You'll hang your clothes to dry, either on a rack inside or on a line outside (if there's a balcony or terrace). This takes time. In summer, clothes dry in a few hours. In winter, it might take a full day or more. Plan accordingly—don't do laundry the night before you need something.

Some buildings have rules about hanging laundry on balconies facing the street. Ask your host about this. Getting your underwear confiscated by the building administrator is not the Roman experience you're looking for.

Laundromats as Backup

If you're in a pinch, self-service laundromats ("lavanderia self-service") exist. They're not on every corner, but you can find them:

Wash & Dry: Chain with locations in Trastevere, Prati, and near Termini. About €8-10 ($9-11 USD) for wash and dry.

Onda Blu: Several locations. Similar pricing.

Google Maps is your friend here. Search "lavanderia" near your neighborhood.

Safety, Security, and Building Access

Roman apartment buildings have their own logic. Understanding it will save you from getting locked out—or confusing the neighbors.

Keys and Entry Systems

Most buildings have multiple locks:

• The main building entrance (portone)
• Your apartment door (often two locks—one regular, one deadbolt)
• Sometimes a gate or courtyard door

Italian keys look different than American ones. They're often longer, with complex patterns. Don't force them—if a key isn't turning smoothly, you might be using the wrong one or turning it the wrong direction.

Many buildings have a "citofono" (intercom) system. You'll get a code or button to buzz yourself in. Write this down. Losing access to your building at 11 PM is not fun.

The Portiere (Doorman)

Some buildings have a portiere—a doorman/building manager who lives on-site. They can be incredibly helpful or incredibly nosy, depending on the person. Either way, introduce yourself. Say you're a friend of [your host's name] staying for a few weeks. A friendly relationship with the portiere makes everything easier.

General Safety

Rome is generally safe, but use common sense. Don't leave valuables visible through windows. Lock the door, even when you're home. Be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas (not in your exchange apartment, but when you're out).

SwappaHome's verification system helps ensure you're exchanging with real, trustworthy people. The review system means hosts and guests are accountable to the community. That said, if you want extra peace of mind, consider getting travel insurance that covers personal belongings. SwappaHome connects members but doesn't provide coverage for damages or theft—that's between you and your exchange partner.

Communication Essentials

Staying in Touch with Your Host

Good communication makes everything smoother. Before you arrive, exchange phone numbers (WhatsApp is universal in Europe) in addition to messaging through SwappaHome's platform. If something breaks or you can't figure out the boiler at 10 PM, you want to be able to reach your host quickly.

During your stay, send a quick message after a few days letting them know everything is going well. It's reassuring for hosts. And it maintains the relationship for future exchanges.

Emergency Numbers

General emergency: 112 (works for police, fire, ambulance) Police (Carabinieri): 112 Fire: 115 Ambulance: 118 Non-emergency police: 113

Save these in your phone. Hopefully you'll never need them.

Useful Italian Phrases for Daily Life

You don't need to be fluent, but these help:

• "Buongiorno" (Good morning/day) — Use until about 5 PM
• "Buonasera" (Good evening) — After 5 PM
• "Scusi" (Excuse me) — When you need attention
• "Non parlo italiano" (I don't speak Italian) — Honesty helps
• "Dov'è...?" (Where is...?) — For asking directions
• "Quanto costa?" (How much does it cost?)
• "Il conto, per favore" (The bill, please) — At restaurants

Romans appreciate any effort to speak Italian, even if it's imperfect. A smile and a "buongiorno" go a long way.

Creating a Smooth Handover with Your Exchange Partner

The best home exchanges happen when both parties communicate clearly about the practical stuff. Here's what to cover before you arrive:

Utilities:

• Power limit and breaker location
• How to operate the boiler/water heater
• Heating/AC instructions
• Any quirks ("the bathroom light switch is outside the door")

Internet:

• WiFi network name and password
• Router location
• Speed expectations

Household:

• Trash/recycling schedule and locations
• Laundry instructions
• Any appliances that need special handling

Access:

• All keys and what they open
• Building entry code
• Portiere introduction if applicable

Local tips:

• Nearest grocery store
• Best local café
• Anything the neighborhood is known for

I keep a shared document with my exchange partners where we both add information. It becomes a reference guide for the entire stay.

Making the Most of Your Rome Home Exchange

Here's what I've learned after multiple Rome exchanges: the small stuff matters. Understanding how the electricity works, knowing where to buy groceries, figuring out the trash schedule—these things transform your stay from "tourist passing through" to "temporary local."

And isn't that the whole point? You're not staying in some sanitized hotel room. You're living in someone's actual home, in a real neighborhood, shopping where they shop and walking the streets they walk every day.

The first morning you wake up in your Trastevere apartment, make coffee in the Moka pot, throw open the shutters to church bells and the sound of the market setting up—that's when you get it. This is different. This is better.

SwappaHome makes finding these exchanges easy. The credit system means you don't need a direct swap—host someone in your home, earn credits, use them in Rome. Start with your 10 free credits and see where it takes you.

Just remember to ask about the power limit. Trust me on that one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tap water safe to drink in Rome during a home exchange?

Yes—and it's excellent. Rome's tap water comes from ancient aqueducts and is regularly tested. You can also drink from the "nasoni," those little public fountains scattered throughout the city. Save your money and skip bottled water entirely.

How do I avoid tripping the electricity in an Italian apartment?

Most Italian homes have a 3 kW power limit. The key is avoiding high-consumption appliances at the same time—don't run the washing machine and air conditioning together, for example. Ask your host where the breaker is located so you can reset it quickly when needed.

What type of electrical adapter do I need for Rome?

Italy uses Type L (three round pins) and Type C (two round pins) outlets. Bring a quality Italian-specific adapter or a universal adapter with a tight fit—cheap airport adapters often fit loosely and fall out. A small power strip from home gives you multiple outlets from one adapter.

How does trash collection work in Rome for home exchange guests?

Rome has strict recycling with color-coded bags: organic (brown), plastic/metal (yellow), paper (white/blue), glass (green), and unsorted waste (gray). Collection happens on specific days depending on your neighborhood. Ask your host for the schedule and put bags out after 8 PM the night before pickup.

Do I need a backup internet plan for working remotely in Rome?

It's wise to have one. Italian home internet can be inconsistent, especially in older buildings. Get an Italian SIM card with data (TIM or Vodafone offer tourist plans around €20-30 for 50GB) as backup. Several cafés around Rome also offer reliable WiFi for remote work.