How can I protect myself from pickpockets in rome?

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thing55000

My boss gave me a great little bag, very lightweight, made of calico with velcro fastening and a long strap. It goes crosswise from shoulder to hip under your clothes and stays pretty flat so it is not at all obvious and also won't fall off.

It's a great place to keep your passport and larger money, so you don't have to leave it in the hotel room.

But to be honest, I found Rome quite safe as far as pickpockets and personal safety. Of course, you have to be sensible same as everywhere, BUT, I doubt there is any need to take any greater precautions against pickpockets than anywhere else.

Keep the large notes in the little calico bag, along with your passport, and smaller notes and coins in your pocket or bag, and that way even if you ARE pickpocketed, they won't get much.

If you want to get a large note out or your passport, just go to the toilet, get something from the bag, and then tuck it away again.

Relax and have a GREAT trip! :-)

boohoohoo

I live in Italy

Same as you do everywhere else.

Led*Zep*Babe

By using your common sense. Rome really isn't that bad. I went when I was 15 with my school (there was about 35 of us) and none of us had any problems.

Just do a few small and simple things to help protect yourself. For example, when we were on the subway one of my friends (who had a backpack like purse) would stand in front of me so I could rest my hand on the opening of her bag...no big deal and it helped protect us from pickpockets.

Just don't put your wallet in your back pocket (if you're a guy) or carry a purse that doesn't close (if you are a girl). I carried a small wallet with a leather strap on it. I wrapped the strap around my wrist and held the wallet in my hand the entire time....not as much trouble as you would think.

I had more problems with beggars than anything else though. They got a lot of my money because I just couldn't say no at the time....learn to say NO.

autumnamber1978

I live in Florence and thank goodness not had a problem..just keep your eyes open at all times and keep all possessions close to your body..

sassandro

Just as other places dangerous places can be metropolitans, BUS, Porta Portese(a marked open in sunday), take care of Zingari (Nomads) and strangers (they are potentially dangerous, but italian as well). Keep cool and silent, nobody will disturb. Alseware u can call me! :)
ciao!

slaxelot

um, dont be a dork - same as any other city, be aware, dont flaunt what u have

kirrii

I use a money belt that fits around my waist under clothes. I place all my money here along with my passport and credit card. Remember that thieves target hotel rooms too.

KWJIII

Buy a money belt that has zipper pockets that line the inside of the waistline of your pants. That way, there is no access to your outside pant pockets for thieves to get at.

Lynda

Fanny packs with pouch in front of you although that might mark you as tourist.

pepsionice

Carry little of value on you. Leave the billfold at the hotel safe and put the cash in your front pockets. Avoid the subway whenever possible. They work often in teams....near tourist areas....so guy number one gets your attention and number two robs you. I watched a dumb Swedish gal have her purse stolen in less than 10 seconds at the coliseum....she thought some 6-year old kid was totally innocent....he stole the purse. Leave the passport at the hotel safe as well. The only place safe from pickpockets in Rome....is St Peters Square...but cops ring around the joint and there is virtually no crime there.

wanderlust2480

Put your money in a thin belt pouch you can wear under your pants and shirt. I know of one that is very comfortable and can carry everything you need. It's very thin and has a cozy backing. You can also choose the type that hands around your neck. I don't like them because they aren't as secure and bounce around a lot.
Also, gypsies and children (and gypsy children) are to raise your suspiscions! If you see kids, especially a group, with cardboard, you are about to be robbed. One will try to distract you, and the other/s will use the cardboard to cover others from seeing them snatch your money. Keep people away from where you keep your money, especially on mass transit.
Someone wrote that St. Peter's doesn't have pick pockets. They have NO idea what they are talking about!! There are probably more there than the rest of the city because there are so many dumb tourists. Don't wear shorts or noticeable fanny packs as they will have you marked as a tourist (watch the cameras and stuff too, but basically it's pick pockets you have to mainly worry about).
If someone bumps you, don't grab for your money right away. This is a trick so they can tell where you money is (where ever you reach first to make sure your stuff is still there) and they will get you after that. If they bumped you and took your money, they already have it. If not, they at least won't know where you are keeping it and they will probably move on. Pay attention to when doors open and close and transportation leaves, etc. Often, these snatches are timed so the person can get away. If you have more questions, feel free to ask.

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BRI

To me, and according to my experience, Rome is the worst place in Italy. It's full of pickpockets everywhere in Rome. Even if u protect yourself well, you won't even feel it when they steal your money or valueables. And once you have something stolen, even if it's of huge value, there's nothing u can do. Hotel stuff, or police are so much used to these things that they don't do anything about it at all.
My first advice is to stay away from everywhere that's crowded, never ever use any public transportation, act a little paranoid and always hold you bag/purse/mobile etc under your arm tight in a way that you always feel it. Walking on the streets, don't get close to other people/locals. As i said act a little strange but keep your things close to your body so that you can feel it if anyone touches. Believe me, once you've something stolen in Italy, first you get anygry with yourself for not being careful enough, but then when you see that nobody (police etc) cares about it at all, you get twice angry for chosing that place as a vacation point. Good luck...

alessiom lt

Put the Francesco Totti n.10's T-shirt on and no one will touch your wallet!
Have nice days in Rome.. enjoy your time.. and take it easy! Everything gonna be all right!

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