Electronics to take to Florence.

I went to Florence in April (2 early 30's women alone) and had no problems at all. I was SO worried before I left, but as long as you stay alert in large crowds, just like you would do in any city in the states, you should be fine. I carried my Nikon SLR across my body (as did my friend) and a purse across my body. I carried cash only in my front jeans pocket. Matter of fact, Florence was so full of Americans I even handed my camera to fellow tourists to take pix of us and they did the same. Just be aware and stay out of shady areas at night (listed in safety section of most guidebooks). I did keep my hand firmly on my things in large crowds in Rome. Honestly, if you have spent anytime in NYC or any other big city you should be fine. I heard all the horror stories before I went and, at least to me, they seemed unfounded.

Did you do anything to study their currency to make sure they were giving you the right change when you paid for things or that cabbies weren't overcharging you?

It's not too much different than ours - just in euros (and they have coins representing 1 euro and 2 euros). I really found everyone in Florence to be honest, to speak English well, and be very friendly. There are so many American students studying there, they are quite use to us. Rome was a bit different. Florence felt like an American city with amazing food, architecture, and art.

Also only carry the cash you need for the day in your pocket. That way if you do get pick pocketed you aren't totally down and out. I usually went to ATM first thing in the morning before a lot of people are out with my ATM card in my front pocket, got my cash, went back to my room and stored my ATM card before going out for the day. My travel partner carried her cash and credit card in her expensive, name brand purse - lol like I said we never at all felt unsafe or worried about our things.

christopher, As this is your first trip to Europe, I'd highly recommend reading the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door prior to your trip. It provides a lot of information about things like protection against pickpockets, rail skills, etc. There are some "caveats" to be aware of when using public transportation in Italy, and these can be costly for those that aren't aware of them. I normally keep the bulk of my cash in the Money Belt, and "daily operating cash" in a secure pocket or travel wallet. I'm not usually too concerned whether others can see, as it's only a small amount of cash. Whether in Florence or any other city in Europe, I wouldn't be excessively worried about pickpockets. They are there and will victimize the unwary, but if you take reasonable precautions you shouldn't have any problems. Try to practice "situational awareness" and be especially vigilant if any distractions occur around you. Another point to mention is whether you'll be travelling with ATM and credit cards? With ATM cards, your travel funds must usually be in a chequing account with a four-number PIN. I'd suggest taking two ATM cards, in case there's a problem with your primary card. Be sure to notify your financial institution that you'll be in Europe, so they don't "freeze" your cards. Regarding your DSLR, I always travel with a larger DSLR and a small P&S Camera, and so far haven't had any problems with theft, even on the Metro in Rome or the dreaded #64 Bus. I usually carry it in the open, but it's always secured with the strap and I keep a firm grip on it. If I'm out in the evening without the DSLR, I transfer the Memory Card to my Money Belt. Will you be staying in Hostels or Hotels during your trip? Cheers!

Christopher, One other point to mention. Be sure to check the Charger or Power Supply for EACH electronic product that you'll be travelling with, to ensure these are designed for "world operation" from 100-240 VAC. You will of course need Plug Adapters specific to the country you'll be visiting. Another point is the fact that you plan on travelling with your Phone. Which cellular network are you with, and are you using a Smartphone such as an iPhone, Blackberry or Android model? You'll need to be EXTREMELY careful to avoid data roaming charges as they can be HUGE! The highest charge I'm aware of is $37,000 for a 2.5 week trip to Egypt, so this is not something to "take lightly".

I'll be staying in a hotel for the week. It's right near the train station in Florence and they say a 30 minute walk to the Duomo and area with alot of the sites. I have an iPhone and the hotel says it has free wifi for guests so I plan on sending a email a day to fam to let them know how I'm doing. I have AT&T for my provider. I will make for sure I'm not hit with crazy charges and let then know I'm over there. I was planning on buying a calling card to use.i hope if I keep my camera in my locked luggage if I go out at night it would be safe in my room. Since I'll be traveling alone I'm a bit wary of going out at night though I'd love too. Hopefully it might be other travelers that might let me tag along with their group at night for dinner a couple times during my week there.

christopher, Thanks for the additional information. Are you flying directly into Florence or using another airport? Which Hotel are you staying in? As you're using an iPhone, be sure that the data roaming is switched "off". It would be a good idea to check this from time-to-time and verify it with the usage meter. You might check with AT&T regarding their "Travel Packs", which provide slightly lower rates for phone or text use. I tend to use texts more frequently than E-mail when travelling, as the phone is always with me and I don't have to depend on Wi-Fi areas. I'm assuming you plan to take your DSLR with you in your carry-on luggage, rather than putting it in your checked luggage? Regarding "going out at night", I often travel solo and frequently go out, either on my own or with others if possible. You'll probably find that Florence is safer than cities in the U.S., so you shouldn't have any problems. Of course, there are "dodgy" areas in any city and the staff at your Hotel will be able to provide information. As someone else mentioned, you shouldn't have any trouble with the money, as it's much the same as you're used to. You will have to become familiar with the notes and coins though. We also use $1 and $2 coins here, so Euros are very familiar for me. However, I often try to calculate the "ballpark" exchange rate when making purchases, so that I have an approximate idea on what the "real" cost is.

I looked at the Montreal Hotel on the map - the location looks fine. The hotel website says "10-minute walk from Florence Cathedral" and that looks about right. I traveled solo to Florence twice and had no problems, though I was not out on the streets much after 10 p.m.
When I carried valuables in my backpack (binoculars, camera) I put a small lock on it, since I stop paying attention to my surroundings when I'm enjoying the scenery and especially when taking photos. It's pretty easy to find a quiet corner if you need to pull a credit card or more cash out of a money belt. There are ATMs in Florence that are limited access - one customer at a time, so it's safe to take a large sum and store most of the cash and the ATM card back in your money belt before going back out onto the street.

christopher I'm a little concerned that your hotel is right near the station and is a 30 minute walk to the Duomo. I could probably get to the Duomo from Firenze SMN station on my knees in half an hour. Which station is it right near? Also, there has been many acres of discussion here about money belts. If you use the search bar at the top right of the page you may find more information that can help. Please note that a money belt is deep storage, like a safe deposit box. You do not open it or use it in public. You keep the morning or afternoon money in a separate wallet and keep the rest, along with cards and passport, in the money belt under your clothing. Never disclose its existence in public. That way if you get pickpocketed you may only lose a few Euros. Nothing valuable.

Christopher, you're getting lots of good advice! After not traveling to Europe for a long time, I went back last summer and was initially quite concerned about safety. However, I was never bothered by thieves. People asking for money, yes, but not stealing it. A firm "no" if you don't want to give money to a stranger usually takes care of the problem. I carried two cameras and extra lenses in a daybag. Some museums asked me to check the bag, and it was no problem. I think your electronics will take up more time/energy than any unseemly experience. About your hotel: The Duomo is only 10 minutes' walk from Santa Maria Novella. There are other train stations for Florence, so make sure your hotel is near SMN and not one of the outlying stations. You probably still have time to cancel and make a new reservation. There are a few hotels near the Duomo with rooftop terraces that give you a great view of the city (Hotel Medici is one, a real bargain if you are budget conscious). Enjoy your trip!

I'm flying directly into florence to Florence Peretola airport. Well it sounds like I am alot closer to the sites than I thought. So Cool! I am near Santa Maria Novella church and station. The Hotel is the Montreal Hotel. Oh yes, I'll have my camera, and video camera in my carry on woth my small sketchbook. Not letting it out of my sight the whole week. Rick Steve's Travel Book 2012 has some dodgy areas to stay out of. I have a money belt already that I used when I went to mexico a few times. Something else that came up was not to wear name brand shoes like nike's and t-shirts with sports teams. This pair of nike's I have cost $50 and nothing spectacular at all but very comfortable. Should I get something with a lower profile?

I wouldn't be concerned about your shoes. We wore name brand stuff a lot and as I said earlier never had a problem. Matter of fact we wee never even approached on the street. I've had more cause for concern in San Francisco alone at night than in Florence. For that matter, parts of Mexico are 10x as scary IMO.

Okay, thanks all for the great information and tips.

Christopher, I can't say specifically about Florence as I've never been but after plodding around a good bit of Italy I can honestly say I've never felt any concern about theft. I've walked Rome at midnight and have been through some pretty rough looking nieghborhoods in Palermo and never have been bothered. Not even someone trying a scam. Not to say it can't happen but if you show people you're aware of what's going on around you and take the usual precautions you'll be fine.
I'd say at most....double check your bill at restaurants. Don't worry about your shoes and the Tshirts would probably be a good conversation starter.

-don't panic -don't bring too much -don't try 'not to stand out as a tourist' - you will anyway -don't carry more money than you are prepared to lose
-don't try to make 'friends' at the train station But DO try and have a good time. In all seriousness, there are pickpockets in every busy railway/coach station in every major city in the world. No more so in Florence, so RELAX. For electronic gadgets my choice is the latest ipod touch. Small, light, passable photos and video (sure its no DSLR), wifi connection in all hotels means you can email, skype and research online, good travel apps. It's cheap enough that if I lost it travelling, it would certainly spoil my day, but not the entire trip.

@rachel - great post!

Lots of great info here, Christopher. I'm a woman who travels alone all the time. I feel totally safe in Florence, and have been there alone many times. When I arrive in Italy, after going through customs at the airport, I always take all my luggage into a big washroom stall; transfer all my cards and passport, and most of my money into my moneybelt; and just keep enough to get to my hotel or apartment. You are tired and disoriented when you arrive in a foreign country; and this goes a long way to giving you some initial security, so you can at least get settled without any worry upfront. Also; I only use ATM's when the bank is actually open, not at night or in the dark,or on weekends; as you at least then can go into the bank and perhaps get some help if you have a problem with the machine. Good advice about removing the memory card from any unattended camera left in your room. Have a great first trip to Europe!!! When are you going?
www.slowtrav.com has a section on Get-Togethers; so people can post about where they will be, and ask anyone wants to meet up with them.