Protecting your cell phone in Italy

take the cheapest simple phone with you is the best way to protect it. or, just use the phone card at the phone booth - they're everywhere.

Can be. Although I would think they are more interest in cash than cell phones. Protect it the same way you would a camera.

You can buy cell phone carriers that you wear under your shirt. Best not to carry anything of value in your pockets, especially on public transportation. If there's one thing pickpockets are good at, it's picking pockets.

Gary, I usually just wear my Cell phone on a belt pouch, however I try to be very "aware" of anyone within arm's length. If I'm in a "high risk" area (such as the Metro), I move it to an inside pocket or one on the front of my Vest where it's visible. I just use a basic Cell phone, nothing as expensive as an iPhone or Blackberry. so it may not be as tempting for thieves? Happy travels!

Ken, you carry a desk on the Metro? :-)

ScottEVest with internal pockets. It's not only a vest it's also a jacket.
http://scottevest.com

I used an over seas phone card in for the pay phones, it only costs pennies a minute. My mom had her purse right open and no one touched it. Europeans tend to steal from AMericans because we are the ones wo have all the goodies in our days bags.

Michael, Yes, my "wearable Desk", AKA portable office. I've made a correction.

I thought you had so many pockets in that thing it was better than a "desk"!!!

I take my iPhone on my european trips because it has all my info on it, my kids can text me when needed, and in an emergancy, I'll make a call. the iphone is invaluable to keep track of email, surf the web, etc. I have managed to find free wifi, and always turn off data roaming before I board the plane in the US. NOW, to your question. I just take my phone and have it handy in my shoulder bag- which happens to be the Pacsafe Metro 200. It has in interior pocket where I place my phone. I don't keep it in my pockets in my pants, and I am careful of my surroundings. If you have a phone that works in Europe, don't go to the expense of purchasing a special phone for your trip, take the one you know with you!

I take my Iphone also, but the one that I take is an older "jail broken and unlocked" version that I bought on Craigs List. I just pop my chip into it for traveling. If I get into a packed bus or Metro, I keep my hand on it; otherwise I don't worry. I have my travel insurance, and I realize that I may have to pay the price for the convenience of carrying that thing. I don't take any chances with my passport, money, and credit cards. They go into my "inside-the-pants" wallet.