the Codice fiscale
The codice fiscale is an identification number which contains key information about you. If you are planning to live in Rome for any length of time, having a codice fiscale will be vital. Without one, you can't even register a prepay mobile.
Getting hold of one
Fortunately (and unusually for Italy), it's easy to get a codice fiscale. There are even websites where you can punch in your information and get a codice straight back. One of these is Comuni d'Italia.
