I am visiting Italy in March, but I am so bummed about the pick pockets that I am reading about that I am afraid to take technology items with me.
I want to take something to watch movies, read books (Rick's)and use as a GPS device. I also don't want to sink a huge amount of money into something that the pickpocket's will take away from me. By the way, I love my IPAD, but it is too heavy to lug and I don't want to chance losing it. Any ideas?
Thanks.
Italy is not particularly that more dangerous than US. The problem is that many tourists leave their normal caution precautions they would have when carrying and using their gadgets in US at the airport counter. No reason to be paranoid about that, millions of Italians use iPads, iPhones and other gadgetry every day.
blueokoboji,
welcome
theres an old saying. S happens. it also happens when you travel.
you can get pick pocketed anywhere and that includes where you live, not just Italy.
On my trips, so far, ive seen many people with IPads walking around trying to take selfies with them. To me its really funny. Also, its something you have to deal with. Unless you want to get a Ipad mini or something else, you stuck taking it or not. Its up to you. There are many other devices out there that are non Apple that are looking to fill a gap. do you see a need?
I just purchased my first smart phone (Samsung Note 3 5.7) for my next trip. Its going with me, but im not sure i will carry it around all the time. Currently i want to use it to store/retrieve all of my travel plans. It easier to take than my 1.5" 3 ring binder full of notes. I will be making a leather carry case for my belt. Think calculator case that were popular with nerds back then. They make special snaps that only separate one way, so someone just cant grab it and try to take off with it.
just so you know, ive have never been pickpocketed in any of my travels until i was in Brussels last year. They guy didnt get anything, but he was trying. How I allowed it to happen was that I allowed him to get into my personal space. Normally i dont allow unknown people to get close enough to touch me, but i dropped my guard at that moment and thats all it took.
Also,this is just a personal comment. Many people i see have their e devices planted to their face or are so busy texting while walking they are so oblivious as to whats going on around them they make easy targets.
There are many ways to take what you have on you and what you bring with you. If youre not city savvy, then readup/ask/google on the many tricks they will use.
Just so you know here are a couple if youre not savvy. I know that i dont know everything, but i use common sense as much as possible.
dont stand near a bus/subway door with your device/wallet/purse in your hand. you can loose it by a "snatch and grab" and theyre out the door and youre in the bus/subway on the move. I try to stand with my back to a wall/panel or something where people cant access my back pockets. from what i understand they can do the same when youre outside standing on a street corner too. So stop away from the street so they cant reach you.
Be aware of your surroundings.
My cousing was releived of her wallet in Rome. HOw? She let them get too close. While boarding a bus, they Helped her board. Thats where it happened.
i talked to this girl from Canada that had her purse stolen off the beach she and her friends were at. All of them were laying on the beach @ night after sunset and someone crept up onto where they were and stole the purse. No one knew when it happened.
If you take off your jacket/coat in a restaurant and place it somewhere, chances are whatevers in the pocket can get looted unless its in your field of view.
Rick steves' book covers some of the tricks they use too.
there are others that im sure others will chime in.
happy trails.
Dear Andre,
Thanks for your comments. I will just have to be very aware of what is going on around me.
Dear Ray,
Thanks for all your advice--I can really see what your point is. Here in the U.S. I know someone whose IPad was swiped from her truck.
I have heard that in Rome people on scooters come right up on the sidewalk and grab purses, bags, etc. right off of people walking.
Your point about having to manage whatever I take is good too. Thanks so much.
@ blueokoboji,
Dear Ray,
Thanks for all your advice--I can really see what your point is. Here in the U.S. I know someone whose IPad was swiped from her truck.
I have heard that in Rome people on scooters come right up on the sidewalk and grab purses, bags, etc. right off of people walking.
Your point about having to manage whatever I take is good too. Thanks so much.
Where i live especially during the summer/tourist months, if you have anything is plain sight in your car and are at one of the touristy areas, you will probably loose it with a "smash and grab". Smash your window and grab the stuff. It happens in the gorge where they know tourist will be away from their car for hours. It can happen in town or in neighborhoods too.
Just being aware of your surroundings can help alot.
I wouldnt let anything stop you from having fun in Italy or to keep you from going short of war/terrorism there but everyone has a limit and how much they will be willing to chance. I think you will find that most Italian arent happy with the crime over there either.
happy trails.
