Italy Warnings Or Dangers

 
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Most Viewed Warnings Or Dangers in Italy

101.

Pickpockets and Purse-Snatchers   Rome

Pickpockets and Purse-Snatchers, Rome

 171 Reviews  It didnt happen to me yet however i heard my dad saying on our trip on bus 64 that goes from the vatican to termini that on this bus there are many pickpockets.I also overheard once that the airport... 

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102.

Acqua Alta   Venice

Acqua Alta, Venice

 37 Reviews  Venetians are used to carrying on their lives during times of Aqua Alta (High Water). Although most common between October and early March, It isn't unknown for it to occur at other times. Raised... 

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103.

Pickpockets   Florence

Pickpockets, Florence

 53 Reviews   Pickpockets are everywhere, especially where tourists like to hang out – so take common sense precautions as you travel in Florence. - Don’t flash your valuables around – expensive camera equipment,... 

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104.

Central Station   Milan

Central Station, Milan

 16 Reviews  Having read so many horror stories about Stazione Centrale Milan I think it's a good idea to make a tip about it. Context: I am a solo middle-aged female traveller. I am European. Milan Centrale is... 

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105.

Other   Verona

Other, Verona

 14 Reviews  Most attractions and other buildings, some shops etc will be closed on a Monday But don't worry, there's still plenty to see and do, especially a lazy walk between the piazzas or some people watching... 

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106.

The dogs   Pompeii

The dogs, Pompeii

 12 Reviews  While we were there in April 2010 the signs around Pompeii were quite clear. The dogs have started out as strays but have been 'adopted' by Pompeii which has been establlished as a dog sanctuary. All... 

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107.

The Tower   Pisa

The Tower, Pisa

 18 Reviews  I have never felt the need to climb the Tower, but you may. You will certainly need to book your ticket online in advance. Tower tickets are strictly limited per day, and are frequently block-booked... 

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108.

Historic Centre: not always a safe place!   Genoa

Historic Centre: not always a safe place!, Genoa

 8 Reviews  I lived in Genoa for 6 months on a yacht that was being refitted in Amico yard. There were 8 yachts where the crews were friendly - a total of about 50 crew members all from Aus, NZ, SA, Brits and all... 

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109.

Beggars and Cons   Rome

Beggars and Cons, Rome

 95 Reviews  Types you'd least expect to rob you blind will in the Rome train station - and the cops now it well, so beware - nobody official cares. There's a con where a seemingly nice young man offers to help... 

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110.

Pickpockets, etc   Venice

Pickpockets, etc, Venice

 25 Reviews  I strongly advise against carrying pepper spray and similar. Only very low doses (10%) are currently legal in Italy and they are more likely to enrage a thief that disable him (or her). Furthermore,... 

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111.

Shopping   Florence

Shopping, Florence

 14 Reviews  I don't really know what happened; my Italian isn't good enough, and the shopkeeper couldn't/wouldn't speak English. But is was a most unpleasant experience, and possibly worth relating as a... 

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112.

Pick Pockets   Milan

Pick Pockets, Milan

 25 Reviews  Mugging is rare in Italy but pickpockets are common and extremely skilled, especially in Naples, Rome and Milan, with Florence close behind. Organise your valuables so that pickpockets can't get at... 

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113.

Pick Pockets   Verona

Pick Pockets, Verona

 5 Reviews  This is Portoni della Bra, the City Gate - entrance into the Centro Storico of Verona. This part of the town is very crowded with thousands of tourists, also it is crowded with pickpockets too. Be... 

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114.

Pickpokets   Pisa

Pickpokets, Pisa

 16 Reviews  A trip to Tuscany was spoiled yesterday when my girlfriend's purse was stolen on the bus back to the airport. It's not as if we weren't aware of the dangers and what to look out for, but she realised... 

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115.

Train Stations   Rome

Train Stations, Rome

 26 Reviews  Many stairs to negotiate. As an elderly single lady traveling alone with relatively heavy baggage I was helped by a young Brit traveling with his girl friend. I suggest to elderly travelers, arrive or... 

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116.

Pigeons   Venice

Pigeons, Venice

 46 Reviews  Many tourists seem to delight in feeding the local pidgeons. Some even lie flat on the ground in St Mark's square and somewhat bizzarely cover themeselves in crumbs. Well, each to their own but... 

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117.

Traffic   Florence

Traffic, Florence

 18 Reviews  They are like bees buzzing around Florence. The drivers of these mopeds think they are immune to the law, so it is not unusual for them to drive up the street in the wrong direction. So, if you should... 

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118.

Traffic   Milan

Traffic, Milan

 12 Reviews  Driving car in Milan might be adventure (a nightmare) for you because of a very huge traffic. However, if you want to test your nerves and courage you are welcom in the club. The best entrance in the... 

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119.

Traffic   Verona

Traffic, Verona

 2 Reviews  Do not drive all around the arena, since you may get ticketed. There are unidentified places where it is tourist-pedestrian only, and no vehicles allowed, but the markings would not show that for you... 

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120.

Prices   Pisa

Prices, Pisa

 8 Reviews  On our way home from a trip to Florence we visited Pisa and wandered up the street away from the cathedral looking for somewher for lunch. We went into a modern, nice looking restaurant with friendly... 

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121.

Proper dress   Rome

Proper dress, Rome

 12 Reviews  There is a dress code if you are to visit St. Peter's Basilica. Shorts are not allowed for men or women, Tank tops, bare shoulders or short skirts are not permitted. Dress appropriately or they will... 

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122.

Taxis   Florence

Taxis, Florence

 3 Reviews  Even with the taxis using meters I got ripped off three times. Once was by not being familiar with the city and I took a taxi from the train station to the Hotel--which was 5 blocks away! It still... 

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123.

Lockers   Pisa

Lockers, Pisa

 1 Review  There is a place at the trainstation to store the luggage, B U T : it is OUT OF ORDER due to the attacks of Sept. 11th. Recently at least the counter was reopened again, where you may hand over your... 

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124.

Traffic   Rome

Traffic, Rome

 59 Reviews  Crossing the road in Rome can be quite a terrifying experience for those of us who come from places where driving is a little less...chaotic and aggressive, let us say. There is a technique to doing... 

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125.

Police Behavior   Rome

Police Behavior, Rome

 13 Reviews  Yes, DON'T! I have to say it the other way around, "Don't Do What the Roman's Don't!" You can see Odessa standing on the steps of the King Vittorio Emanuel II monument. You will be able to see Mother... 

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Thieves! Traffic!

by FinElina

Like everywhere in the world, also in Italy you should be aware of the thieves! Pick pockets are around in tourist attractions, buses, trains... so keep your money and passport safe!Also watch out the swash-buckling cars and drivers! You know Rome is popular for its crazy traffic. Also elsewhere in Italy the traffic can be rude, especially in Naples! Drivers don't really give pedestrians space to cross the street, unless they just go and cross the street, in the middle of the cars! Trust me, sometimes that's the only way to get to the other side! =)

Driving in Italy

by ant1606

My comments can be taken as general guidelines applicable to most Italian large cities.In almost any society, symptoms of stress occur when cramming people together as a result of lack of vital room. City layouts were chosen long before cars were invented and narrow streets can add discomfort too.Traffic rules and regulations are something that all of us should be aware of and respect but, in my personal experience, it seems that a good portion of drivers in Italy do not apply rules and common sense. I'm still waiting for sociologists to tell me why some people are driven by a mix of arrogance, stupidity and irrationality. You can be amazed at seeing cars double or triple parked, and astonished at seeing pilots skipping red lights and yield signs at ease. When approaching a green light, better never take for granted your right of way. More vulnerable vehicles such as motorcycles and...

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Amalfi coast (near Napoli) Car Insurance Fraud

by MarkStephens

Driving in ItalyAlthough driving is a great benefit if your staying near napoli or the Amalfi coast and it sure beats the bus system that doesn't run the schedule if there arent enough people to make the trip worthwhile (therby leaving you with an expensive taxi to get back if it's the last bus as it was in our case), I would warn against it. I had heard about scams in Napoli, of people pretending to be hit by your car and falling down than seeking money for the hospital and had planned on flying instead of driving my car from my residence in Albania but the high prices and inconvienence caused me to take the risk. Well what do you think happens when we get to Positano on the Amalfi coast? Someone on a mopad speeds by me and falls next to my car and two people come over and tell me in broken english that I have to take him to the hospital and give him my insurance papers even though he...

Stamp your train ticket!

by JBourne

I've mentioned this on local travel tips too but train tickets when bought in Italy are sold 'open' and not dated. You have to stamp them in the yellow machines on the platforms before getting on a train. Some train inspectors let you get away with a warning if you forget but most will fine you on the spot.Same for buses, you buy the tickets in the local shops then stamp them on the bus or the bus stop sometimes has a machine.

Parking in Milan

by bschettig

Beware of the parking Nazis. We returned to our car at 8:02 p.m. The attendant was locking the gate as we begged him to stop and let us out. There was no sign or anthing written on the ticket indicating that the lot closed at 8:00. He locked the gate and left. He would not let us out. We had to spend the night in Milan. Since we planned to leave the city at about 6:30 we didn't have passports with us. (always take your passport) You can't get a room without a passport. We ended up in a pretty nice hotel for 30 euros each. They let us stay because the Italians we were with had their ID's. Never travel with out your passport and NEVER park your car in a lot unless you know the time the lot closes.

Safety

by keeweechic

Italy is as safe as any other European country. Italy in notorious for its pick pockets and gypsy children. One should always be on alert for these petty thieves, but a good offence is the best defence. Do not present your wallet or money in open areas (particularly on the Rome metro). Keep your money hidden preferably in an inside pocket or money belt.

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PICKPOCKETS - Gypsy's

by JOG1151

Although the Gypsy/pickpocket situation has improved from years ago (so I'm told), do not let your guard down as it still exists... hidden pockets, money belts, etc. are your safest bet for your money and credit cards. I wear belts with my capri's and shorts, and found the Hidden Pocket to be the least obtrusive.

Peddlers and Pickpockets

by candc

We just returned from a tour of Verona, Venice, Assissi, Lucca, Monecatini, Florence and Rome. We did encounter peddlers in the larger cities. The best way to deal with them was to say no in a polite, firm manner and then ignore them. No eye contact. They will move on. If you feel you would like to buy something they are selling, BARGAIN. Don't accept anything offered as free. We had no problem with pickpockets although a couple of times we felt we might have been "cased". My husband and I both wore moneybelts for our passports, extra cash, credit and ATM cards, health cards, medical info, a photocopy of each others' passport and copies of our own. We also carried the names and numbers of our hotels, and our drivers licenses. My husband had some euros in his front pocket and kept his hand in his pocket most of the time. I carried a very small purse with a chain strap across my body in...

Milan - RV rental ripoffs

by BostonStephanie

Be very careful and take lots of pictures of your vehicle before driving it off the lot. For RV's in Italy, there is no insurance that you can purchase. And credit card insurance coverage is only on cars, not RV's or trucks/vans. Also, most U.S. auto insurance policies won't cover incidents outside the U.S. We got a huge bill for minor damage done to the RV (over $1300), and worse, the rental company also tried to bill us for damage that the last renter did to the RV! I would strongly recommend against OttoRent in Milan, unless you like getting charged $140 for a plastic electrical cover ($30 item in U.S.) or paying for the previous renter's damage!

Circumvesuviana Train

by MonicaLouise

I was forewarned but wasn't careful enough on the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento, Day 1 in Italy. I was standing between cars with my big bag at one side and my smaller cosmetic bag to my right on the side of the door. Very very stupid. I was relieved to be heading to my final destination after the chaos of Naples and the air felt good every time the doors opened. Sure enough - kids came by, grabbed my small bag but then lucky for me they just dropped it back down on the platform. They were just being brats. The doors closed. Guardian angels in the form of locals standing nearby helped me open the doors and recover my bag. I was so shaken after this happened - just thinking about what I would have done if the train took off before I got the bag back. It had all my soaps, shampoo, contact lens solution, etc. etc. etc. (It's not easy being a woman - we have more baggage...

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The Place

Reviews and photos of Italy attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Italy sightseeing.

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Questions and Answers

SandiM profile photo

Q:  For my 3rd trip to Italy, my mother and I are on a tight budget (food-wise). On previous visits, I'd simply select a recommended... 

Beausoleil profile photo

A: Sandi, I'm no expert on Italian eating but eating from each menu section would be an incredible feat. We always order a starter OR a dessert and then we order either a... 

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