I mean no disrespect to Italians. My friend who is from Germany told me I should really be concerned about pick pockets. Is it really true and if so what can I do to be safe.......now I'm worried about going. Please advise. thank you.
2007-10-19 02:47:31 · 25 answers · asked by Eula 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Depends where you're going. I've been pick-pocketed in Rome and Naples and Florence on several occasions, but never in the North (Bergamo, Brescia or Venice).
Wherever you're going though I'd invest in a money belt (old-fashioned but it works!) and never carry a backpack or anything that can easily be unzipped from behind. If you have to carry one, put a simple padlock on it. Always stay alert when you're on public transport, but don't get paranoid, thieves can spot a tourist a mile off by the fear in their eyes ;P
And don't carry obvious camera bags, it's like wearing a sign saying 'expensive easy to sell equipment in here!!'
2007-10-19 02:53:22 · answer #1 · answered by †®€Åç∫€ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Pick pocketing can occur anywhere in the world but seems to occur more frequently in tourist destinations and in areas where poverty is prevalent. Most of these are crimes of opportunity - a wallet is easily accessible from a man's back pocket, a purse is gaping open with the wallet visible or something similar. I advise you to keep all your money, passport and credit cards in a money belt that is kept in your front and tucked into whatever clothing that you're wearing. You can still carry an ordinary handbag - I like one with a long strap that I can wear across my body so I can keep the handbag under one of my hands.
Don't worry about pickpockets, just be aware that they exist and pay attention to your belongings. If I were you, I'd also leave any expensive jewelry at home (why risk losing it abroad) and wear clothes that don't scream "MONEY!", same with your handbag. Oh, if you're riding in a car through a crowd - don't leave the window open lest someone leans in and grabs what you've set on your seat.
2007-10-19 10:21:02 · answer #2 · answered by Susan G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had heard the same thing so when travelling in Italy I had a pouch that hung around my neck like a necklace and kept it next to my skin. In it I carried my important papers/passport, ID etc. and money. I only kept a small amount of cash in my pockets or purse (purse contained easily replaceable items, nothing important). Try to figure out what you think you'll spend that day and keep that on you.
Don't wear expensive jewelery especially watches. Get a cheapo for you trip.
Keep your money in your front pocket and if in crowds you might want your hand on your money.
Never, never leave your bags unattended or in the care of strangers no matter how nice they seem.
These are things most travellers should be aware of not just those travelling to Italy. Tourists are targets in any country for theives, just be aware of your surrounds and the people around you.
Don't let this ruin your trip, pick pockets could strike anywhere.
2007-10-19 10:05:22 · answer #3 · answered by Choqs 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a good idea to be careful in any unfamiliar environment, especially big cities. Pickpockets exist in all countries of the world, not just Italy. It's a good idea to keep your passport and credit cards in a safe at the hotel if you don't need them, and if you must have them on your person, you can wear a special wallet that straps on underneath your clothing. When you buy items, don't keep your money visible for a long time and use small bills to pay for things when possible. It's really not the worst thing in the world to get your pocket picked if all you lose is a small amount of cash and your passport is protected. I hope you have a wonderful trip.
2007-10-19 13:08:10 · answer #4 · answered by drshorty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Germans exaggerate about many things you should know that "Italy:pick pockets" "Netherlands:marijuana at every street corner" "USA:shootings right before your front door 24/7" to name just a few.
If you are as careful in a foreign country as you´re at home nothing should happen. In Italy are not more pick pockets than in every major city around the world.
2007-10-19 12:22:16 · answer #5 · answered by tampagirl 2005 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I went to Italy two years ago. It's a beautiful place! And the food is amazing! I also heard the rumors of the pick-pockets before we went. We bought backpack purses and carried them over both shoulders. But my mom was in a laundromat in Florence doing some laundry & the rest of us were out shopping. She was the only one in there & was in the far back corner. She had her purse laying on a chair. A couple came in & was doing their laundry. The lady later started "chatting" with my mom. She was actually "distracting" her. I guess the husband snuck behind her & stole the purse off the chair. My mom is definitely no dummy....just too nice. She had a couple thousand dollars in there, her passport and my step-dad's passport, and some jewelry that she had bought. They had to get replacement passports so they could get back home. Luckily my step-dad was born & raised in Italy, so it was easy for him to communicate & find out what to do.
Our hotel rooms were also broken into in Rome. We were staying at the Holiday Inn in Rome (at about $250/night per room-so it wasn't a cheap, sleazy type of place). We were told that it happens alot to tourists if the thieves see you take a shuttle or a cab into town. Supposedly they are looking for keys to your rental car so they can steal it.
Just use common sense & be aware of your surroundings at all times. It will be a memorable trip! Be sure to have some gelato (it's delicious!)
2007-10-19 12:00:36 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Cutie226♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ah!!! Piece of cake, as I have been in your shoes before with the same concern. Two things to consider doing: 1) Get pants that have a button-up pocket, or 2) Go buy some tube socks with good elastic and go wallet-less, taking only your cash and passport with you in your sock. An extra safety measure using a rubber band at the top of the tube sock surely wouldn't hurt either. I hope this helps. Peace.
2007-10-19 10:00:16 · answer #7 · answered by rasputin 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about pick pockets, but when my mom and step dad went to Naples (to visit my brother who is in the Navy and works for NATO) they were on the train, and this guy (an Italian guy) came out of NOWHERE and ripped my mom's gold herringbone choker right off her neck and took off running. The thing is--my brother was on one side of her and my step-dad on the other, and this guy STILL had the nerve to come up and steal it. Thankfully bro and stepdad caught the guy (they were on the subway/train and caught the guy in the next car back. If I were you, I'd carry anything you're worried about being stolen in an inside pocket of your coat, or leave it in the safe at your hotel...
2007-10-19 16:16:00 · answer #8 · answered by brevejunkie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dont listen to Reba, buy pants or shorts that have buttoned pockets. If your going to keep your wallet in your back pocket, buy a wallet with a chain on it. If your a girl and you have a purse, buy a purse that has a zipper on it and keep it closed when your not using it. If you wear cargo pants or shorts keep your belongings in the cargo compartments located on the side of the pants. But have fun in Italy.
2007-10-19 10:05:11 · answer #9 · answered by EvalJester 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can use your bank card in Italy. You might get a small charge for currency conversion each time but that way your not carrying around huge wads of cash. Just take out what you need. Or better yet, use your Mastercard or Visa... that's much better. I wouldn't suggest traveller's cheques as you're at the mercy of the company's store hours in order to cash them.
Have fun, Lucky Duck!
2007-10-19 10:02:40 · answer #10 · answered by Lisa M 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋