Traveling to Italy, Florence and Rome, should I have safety concerns.?

Question

Going on a study abroad trip and will be going to Rome and Florence on one of our open weekends. I might have to go alone so does anyone have any advice; how to act, what to look out for, etc. Anything to make my trip more enjoyable.

Answer 1

Just use common sense and try not to act like a tourist. Italy is a pretty safe place, but in the bigger cities like Rome and Florence look out for pick pockets and scams. And I know you have probably heard this before, but you really can't be told enough....watch out when you are crossing the street! Italian drivers are absolutely nuts. When I went there I almost got hit twice.

Answer 2

You'll be fine.  Just use common sense as you would in any major city.  And since you probably will stand out as a tourist no matter what you do, it won't hurt to take a few extra measures to guard against pickpockets - i.e., leave most of your valuables in a safe at the hotel and just take one credit card and walking around money for one day with you, don't pull your wallet out in public, etc.

Answer 3

You should have safety concerns travelling anywhere.

Be smart, don't look confused, and use common sense.

Don't carry any more cash than you have to, don't use a 'f***y pack', and don't carry your vaulables on you.  

Keep an eye on your surroundings and watch for suspicious people.  

If someone bumps you, immediately check for your valuables.

Answer 4

south italy is not as safe as north italy.  I won't have much safety concern for Florence.  But in Rome, be careful of pocket picker.  usually they are group of kids who are thieves.  my husband felt a kids hand in his pocket on subway.  so wear a money belt is a smart choice.

i would avoid take subway in rome at night.  i don't feel as safe, and sometimes scary too.  Just be alert, and you will be fine.  Rome is one of my favorite city, you will have lots of fun there!

Answer 5

Simply beware of pickpockets. They are rife. There will be lots of police around so you'll be perfectly safe if you're sensible and not acting like a tourist or flashing money around.

Enjoy your trip.

Answer 6

As an European, I think Europe is as safe as any other place. Just be aware of your surroundings and try to blend in as much as you can - do not be the tourist wearing a big target sign - and you will be ok.

For extra peace of mind, you might want to check in with the American consulates in Italy (I assume you are from the United States) - and also write down some emergency phone numbers when you get there.

You might also want to check with your cellular company - they might have service in Europe - or better yet - you could switch to a local operator - this should give you extra peace of mind as well.

Go in with a plan and study your trip a bit before you go - this way you would avoid any surprises.

Check out this official Department of State page for more advice:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw...

I personally think they exagerate a bit - but I guess they have to give plenty of warnings. I have some friends who have traveled recently and when they read that they seemed concerned - but I told them to just stay away from any large groups - should a situation like that arise.

Answer 7

I just got back from a trip that included Rome and Florence. I felt safe traveling with my family everywhere we went. I would suggest trying to limit the amount of money that you carry to just what you'll need that day. I wore a money belt where I kept my credit card and a few extra euros. I carried my camera in a non-photo type sling bag. (I used a company named "ful") I really liked it. When I got into a crowded area I just slipped it to the front where I could keep an eye on it. I was told to also avoid the Vactican Bus "#64" if I remember right. Getting onto and off of an Italian bus is a prime time to get your pocket picked. My son tells me he felt a hand in his pocket during one of our rides. It can be chaos and the opportunity is there. I kept my back against a wall and I kept my hands on my sling bag. That said.....we didn't have any big problems. Even if we did, the most they were going to get in one place was 40 euros. We spread the money over three places to cut down the odds.

In Florence I felt much more comfortable. Everywhere i wanted to go was in walking distance of my hotel. I followed the same steps that I took in Rome but I feel it was a little over-kill.

I can offer this one piece of advice...like the other respondents, be aware of your surroundings. Don't put yourself into questionable situations and you'll be fine.

Answer 8

My friendly local flight attendant recommends a purse/bag with a strap that can't be cut.  She had her purse removed in Rome by two guys on a Vespa who drove by, cut her strap and took her bag.  

Here's one she recommended:  http://www.magellans.com/store/Games___G...

And here's some good general travel security tips for women:

http://www.magellans.com/store/article/3...