Best safe places to visit in Italy? Is it true that there are lots of gypsy pick-pockets?

Question

I'm planning a trip to Italy, which includes visiting the Vatican... but I was wondering whether that is possible since the Vatican is a country by itself, I heard. Also, which cities in Italy are safe to visit without the existence of gypsy pick-pockets? I never heard about these gypsies till I heard about it from an ex-colleague who went to Italy (although he wouldn't tell me about his trip in detail).

Answer 1

We went with a group and the group leader kept telling us over and over again about guarding our purses and wallets from the pick-pockets, so it must be a problem. We had demonstrations about how to carry our money and valuables. We were told to use a f***y pack or a small satchel with a strap and put it around our waist under our clothes. The f***y pack buckles around the waist and the satchel goes over your shoulder and around the chest. Both are to go under the clothes with your shirt tucked into your pants and wearing a belt. Most of the people did this and we did not have any problems. Either we did not see any pick-pockets or they were unsuccessful because none of my group lost anything. It was very diffucult to get your money out to pay for things, you practically had to undress, but I guess that is the price you pay for safety.

Answer 2

Hi,,,, just be aware of the pick pockets and they are not all gypsies.... they work in groups of 2 or more,,,and your wallet purse, phone, camera,, is all subject to get taken....

just be aware of what is going on around you... and dont let people bump into you....

good luck

Answer 3

There may be a lot of pick pockets, but hardly any will be Roma(Gypsy, as you so ignorantly refer to us as). We have no more criminals than your own bloody race. For your information, we(Roma) generally avoid you people, as gadje(non-Roma) are marime(dirty/unclean/evil).

Answer 4

Why blame the gypsies

Answer 5

It's not necessary you put yr money under yr vests but it's true that's better you don't keep it in a normal handbag because the possibility to be robbed is rather high in any city of Italy (but I've been just one time victim of a pick-pocket and it was in NYC...). Cities as Naples and others in the south of Italy have their worst name here in Italy but all the towns are as safe as well they aren't. Here in Italy we are usually keeping money and documents in a satchel with a strap weared as a belt (money stays safe on our belly...) but most important is we don't carry too much cash with us. We are using (I believe the same is by you) credit cards and mostly of the American cards are welcome here by us. Don't wear costly garments,expensive watches or jewels; however it's enough the common sense to avoid any problem.As to yr other question don't worry since it's true that the Vatican is a country by itself but there is no border with Italian territory (Rome) and you can cross the line all the times you want without anybody saying you anything.

Come to Italy quietly and enjoy our country.Here we have no highlights,all the territory is amazing and worthy with a visit.

I'm sure that you'll be "sadboy" just the day you'll be returning yr home.

Answer 6

I was there last month alone...no problems. Hotel domus was very clean and affordable..vatica city take a bus or metro......Tons of beggars there. Just put your money in a money belt, youll be fine......more specific questions, feel free to email [e-mail]