Avoid Getting Pickpocketed in Italy

One of the biggest fears of people when planning their first Voyage to Italy is getting
pick-pocketed. We went through the same fears and read many horror stories that are posted around the Web on travel forums. But the reality is, if you are used to traveling around any big city or crowded event, you are probably ready for Italy with the single most effective best tip: Stay Aware, but there are a few tips we can offer...

When staying in a hotel, B&B or agriturismo in Italy, ask for a business card of your lodgings, write the dates of your stay ton the card, then stick it in a prominent place in your wallet.  Example of how this can help: someone drops his wallet in a parking garage; someone later picks it up and returns it to the manager; the manager sees the card and calls the hotel; the hotel contacts the guest. Wallet successfully recovered!

If you have an agenda that puts you in Venice on day 1-4, then Florence days 5-8, and Rome from 9-10, write up your agenda on a small card and place this in your wallet (maybe a card like this in each piece of luggage, too). List the hotels/apartment managers, dates and phone numbers. Print it in small sized fonts to fit a standard Avery business card template, and put a title in both English and Italian on top, such as :

"If you find my wallet, here's where I will be:
Se trovate il mio portafoglio, ecco dove sarò:".

If you are using a smart phone in Italy, be sure to include your cell number.

As a preventive measure, try to not keep your credit card or ATM card in your wallet. I used a leg wallet that fit comfortably on my calf to hold our passports and extra credit cards--even some extra cash for the day. I tested a money belt, but couldn't stand the feel of it placed under my belt-line. Women can use a bra card pouch.

In general, don't carry too much cash at one time. I tended to get cash only when I needed to replenish our 2-3 day supply. I'd hold what I needed in my pocket and the balance would go into my leg wallet.

You might also consider opening a new bank account with a limited amount of funds you will need for your trip. We did this and got a debit/credit card with the account. In this way, your normal savings and checking funds can't be accessed in case of a lost card. And by all means, get a card for you and your spouse and if necessary, for your responsible teen (for the rare event of them being separated from you--and on another subject, make certain your children have phones to contact you).  

I also bought a new, slim wallet to keep my pocket money in. These thinner wallets make less of a bulge in men's pants. I would also suggest that men keep their wallets in their front pocket. Most rear pocket wallet pickpockets slash the wallet bulge with a razor and are gone before you know it's gone. In crowds, keep a hand tucked in the pocket so you can stay in touch with your wallet (literally).

For women, get a anti-theft travel bag. These have steel cables in the straps that can't be cut. Their fabrics are also resistant to razor slashes. The pocket should have a flap over a zipper, and many offer have locks.

In general, just be aware of your surroundings. If it doesn't feel safe, it might not be. If it feels safe, it still might not be. Trust your judgement. Be careful in crowds... crowded museum shops, buses, train stations, or lines leading into the more popular tourist sites. For example, even though it's an operational church, the Pantheon posts signs warning of pickpockets, and the lines can be long and a crush of people leading into the Colosseum, the Vatican or the Uffizi in Florence (and some in line with you might have intentions other than going where you are going.)

Traveling can be tiresome and hectic. There will be times your logic and preservation instinct are sidelined and replaced with fatigue, excitement, confusion or even sheer amazement about what you are experiencing. Don't let your guard down, keep your wits about you and things will be fine.

Think smart. Stay safe!

--Jerry Finzi