Italian Security and Pickpocket Prevention Tips: The Essential Guide to Safe Travel

How to travel safely in Italy? Check out real-life pickpocketing cases and prevention tips in advance.

This is the question I get asked most often when preparing for a trip.

“Italy, is it safe to travel alone?”

Yes, to be honest, it's not as safe as Korea. However, if you take a few precautions, you can have a truly enjoyable and trouble-free trip.

Pickpocketing, are there really that many?

Let me start with the answer. Yes, there are many. Much more than in Korea.

The question I hear most often while traveling is, "Is it safe to travel alone in Italy?" I always say, "It's possible, but you really have to be careful." During peak season, there are reports of one in two or three groups being pickpocketed.

Pickpockets are not limited to the city. Whether it's tourist attractions in major cities like Rome, Milan, or Florence, central stations, or even crowded buses and subways, their targets are always travelers. Bags, suitcases, and even mobile phones are often stolen in an instant.

Things that actually happened

Carrier stolen the moment the subway doors closed

A traveler was checking his phone while his suitcase was right in front of him on the Rome Termini subway station. Just before the doors closed, someone ran off with the suitcase. Before he could even catch up, the train left, and all his luggage vanished in an instant.

Rose scam: I thought it was a gift, but they demanded money.

Near the Spanish Steps, someone handed me a rose and smiled, saying, "It's a gift!" The traveler simply accepted it, but the man immediately demanded money. As I reached for my wallet, a hand slipped out and the cash disappeared.

The "friendly person" scam in front of the ticket machine

At the ticket machine at Milan Centrale Station, someone approached a traveler who was struggling to buy a ticket, pretending to help him while pressing the button. Thanks to this, he was able to get his ticket easily, but they kept demanding a tip, and when he refused, they hurled abuse at him. In some cases, they even took his money in the blink of an eye when he took out his wallet.

Signature request scam group

Be wary of young children asking for signatures on the street. They'll hold out a clipboard, asking you to help the less fortunate, but the moment you sign, your bag will open and another child will grab your wallet. Even if they're carrying their bags in front of you, their quick hands can easily sneak up on you.

Cover the newspaper and take your phone

There was an incident where a traveler was drinking coffee at an outdoor table at a cafe and putting his phone down, and someone approached him with a newspaper, placed the newspaper on top of him, asked him a question, and took the phone along with the newspaper.

Forced bracelets and threats

As I was walking down a beautiful alleyway at night, a traveler tied a bracelet around my wrist and said, "This is a lucky gift!" It turned out to be a merchant demanding money, and when I refused, he became aggressive. There are countless stories like this, especially around Termini Station.

Tips to Prevent Pickpocketing

Bags must be placed in front

Backpacks are a perfect spot for baggage. Wear them on your front or use a crossbody bag.
It is absolutely forbidden to put your bag on the floor or your phone on the table when taking pictures!

Be suspicious of the kindness of strangers

“Where is the Colosseum?” “Please sign the petition to help the underprivileged.”
This approach is almost 100% a pickpocketing pattern.
Especially, almost all of the people who come to you at the station and say they will help you get a ticket are scammers.

Be careful when going out late at night

Especially if you are staying near a station, avoid walking around alone late at night.
If you want to see the night view, we recommend traveling in a group.

There's no need to be so scared!

In fact, 99% of travelers return safely. But the moment they let their guard down is the real problem. If you just remember the tips above, you can travel safely in Italy!

Looking for more tips on accommodations, budgeting, and course recommendations? Prepare for a fulfilling trip with this Italian guidebook packed with local tips ⬇️⬇️

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