We will be 3 women from Texas traveling to Rome for the first time in mid-July. We will spend 3 days there. We read about all the safety hazards (purse snatching etc.) and we are concerned. Should we hook up with a tour, or are we being too paranoid? If yes, can you recommend a tour company in Europe? Thanks, Kathy.
Posted by
Henson, Florida, USA
466 posts
You're being paranoid!!!!! Traveling in Europe is the same as travelling in any large American city. Be aware of your surroundings, don't flash large amounts of cash. Make sure your purses are zipped and just ignore and walk away from the gypsies that may want to stop and bother you. If you have street smarts you will not have trouble. I have been to Europe many times and thank god, I have not encountered any problems. Men keep your wallets in your front pocket!!! Happy travels and please relax and enjoy your trip!!!
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Yes, you're being too paranoid. And signing up for a tour won't save you from purse snatchings. Just take the same precautions you'd take in any large city (including Houston) and you'll be fine.
Posted by
OP
Houston, Texas, USA
47 posts
lol....thanks for the reassurance. ~Kat
Posted by
Rome
212 posts
Also avoid big cameras around your necks, maps and guidebooks out, anything that will be a huge telltale sign that you are a tourist. Even if you dont follow the above suggestions, Rome is a safe city and you will probably be fine, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. Try to blend in if you can.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
Norm's advice is spot-on. I actually find being with a tour makes me MORE of a target. It's a lot harder to blend 20-30 Americans into the crowd than 3. We got pestered by gypsy beggars in Florence when with the tour, but later when we were on our own, they left us alone.
Wear a moneybelt, don't draw undue attention to yourselves (by flashing around cash or jewelry or expensive cameras), and be aware of your surroundings and your belongings, you'll be fine.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Definitely do the money belt or money neck pouch (whatever they're called). Men, putting your wallet in your front pocket won't help if you are unfortunate enough to be targeted by the gypsies. But I feel much safer in Rome than I do in similarly sized American cities.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32352 posts
Kat,
As the others have said, you shouldn't have any problems if you take some precautions. I'd recommend that you read the chapter in Europe Through The Back Door titled "Outsmarting Thieves".
I haven't had any problems so far, even though I'm often packing some fairly substantial Camera gear (and I do use Maps on occasion). It's important to practise some "situational awareness" and notice those around you. Above all, wear a Money Belt (and NOT on the outside as I saw one young lady from the U.S. doing a few weeks ago in Europe!).
I tend to be a bit abrupt with the gypsies or other "scammers", and try to stay at least arm's length from them. Be especially vigilant in crowded conditions where people are packed tightly together, such as the Metro or the infamous #64 Bus.
If you'd like to consider a tour at some time in the future, I would HIGHLY recommend Rick Steves Tours! They're incredible! If you need information on local Guides in Rome (for day tours), check the Italy 2009 Guidebook.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Portola Valley
6 posts
Just returned from a three week vacation in Italy last night! I traveled with my husband and 4 kids and did spend 3 nights in Rome. I had read all of the warnings about the pickpockets in Italy, so I was also concerned. I ended up buying a "Pacsafe" shoulder bag (the citysafe 200 model) and I loved it! You can read reviews about it on the REI website. I felt really secure putting my credit cards, camera and cash in it...though my husband did carry most of our cash. He refused to wear a money belt, so he carried the cash in his wallet... thank God he was never robbed! Overall, I feel that the talk about theft in Italy is a bit overblown. Just use common sense.....
Posted by
Mountain View, US
17 posts
Hi Kat,
I just returned from a week in Rome by myself. I had heard all the warnings as well, but I have to tell you, I didn't see or experience anything scary. Keep your bag slung across your body and in front of you. Make sure it's always closed. I was also paranoid about walking around with a map in my hands, but once I was there, there are a ton of people walking around with maps. Just be aware of your surroundings and enjoy.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
187 posts
My advice is very simple. Don't carry anything in your purse (credit or debit cards, cash) that you'd be very upset to lose. Use your purse for lipstick, guide book, etc. and keep the strap over your shoulder. Put your hand over it while on the subway or a crowded bus.
You will be safer walking around even at night than in Houston or probably any other American city.
Enjoy!