Rick recomends a money belt, ok
any other options?
cargo pants , front pockets folded over buttoned seem ok to me but wanted to check.
also the fanny packs worn in front?
I have traveled quit a bit bu am going to Florence the first week in july, I am a little concerned about the crowds, as I usually avoid them
any opinions ok thanks.
¨¨dolce far niente¨¨
jim
jim
Keep you valuables in a money belt under your clothes. Don't keep anything valuable in any pocket, whether they have buttons or not. Don't wear a fanny pack.
Another option would be a hidden pocket. They have a loop that your belt slips through and are worn under your clothes. I've found them to be very comfortable.
Florence is one of the safest cities in Italy, somI wouldn’t worry about it. 90% of pickpocketing in Florence occurs aboard public transit, but since the city center is small and walkable I doubt you will need to take any public transit at all. For the transfer from the Florence airport or train station to the hotel, just use a taxi, which are very safe. Also when you have luggage with you it is best to take a taxi because your hands aren’t totally free when you have to lug suitcases along and therefore you are a more vulnerable target. The only other occasion when you might take a bus is to go up the hill on Piazzale Michelangelo or nearby Fiesole. Just use a taxi in those instances too, although Piazzale Michelangelo is within (long and uphill) walking distance.
Another common pickpocketing time is when you sit at a side walk cafe or restaurant and you leave your phone or purse on the table. Don’t! It takes a second to a thief to walk by and grab your belongings and run away, while you are distracted people watching.
PS: I always wear a fanny pack and never had an issue. Thieves, also on buses, like to steal stuff from back pockets (so don’t keep you phone or wallet there) or from purses (so don’t keep your valuable in your purse which can be easily snatched away from your hands or sometimes they just put a hand inside while you are in a crowded bus.
Men do tend to think a front pocket (or pocket in cargo pants) is safe. That ends if and when they encounter a professional pickpocket. Those are not safe locations for the bulk of your valuables. I'm female but would use them for the day's walking around money if I were not carrying a purse worn cross-body. Here at home (where thieves are more likely to use force or a weapon rather than stealth) I do go out with a credit card and perhaps $20 in a front pocket.
Believe me, you do not want the hassle of dealing with lost credit cards in Europe, and it never feels good to have someone steal your money.
Men are lucky in that they are often wearing a belt, which makes a hidden pocket with a belt loop a viable option.
I travel often an try to be aware of my surroundings and suspicions people.
my one incident was leaving the cathedral in Granada the exit was a big choke point very narrow way over crowded. a small tiny old lady was holding a pine twig up in front of me, less than a minute later is was in a cab motoring off looking for my camera that ¨was¨¨ on a me via a cross body strap no idea how the got it.
this time I am traveling with 3 women my age but they are not well traveled, but are not Americans and do not look it. just want to prepare .
grazzi
