Italy Safety Tips: Scams, Areas to Watch and Emergency Numbers

Is Italy safe to visit?

Italy is a very safe country for travellers. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and most trips pass without any trouble. The real risks are petty theft and scams in crowded tourist areas, so a little awareness goes a long way.

Common scams to know

• Pickpockets on public transport. Rome's Metro Line A, bus 64 (Termini to the Vatican) and Naples' Circumvesuviana to Pompeii are classic hotspots. Wear bags across your body and zipped.
• The "free" bracelet or rose. Someone ties a bracelet on your wrist or hands you a rose, then demands money. Keep your hands in your pockets and walk on.
• Fake petitions. Often near the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain, a group surrounds you with a clipboard while an accomplice picks your pocket.
• Restaurant overcharging. Always check the menu for the coperto (cover charge, usually 1-3 euros) and confirm the bill. Avoid places with no prices or pushy waiters near major sights.
• Taxi tricks. Use only official white taxis with a meter, or apps like FreeNow and itTaxi. Agree airport flat rates in advance (Rome Fiumicino to the centre is a fixed 55 euros).

Areas to be a little careful

• Rome: Termini station and its surroundings, especially late at night.
• Naples: the area around the central station and parts of the old town; keep phones out of sight.
• Milan: the Duomo square and Central Station for pickpockets.
• Florence and Venice: crowded bridges and queues are prime pickpocket ground.

These are not dangerous areas, just places to keep your valuables secure.

Emergency numbers

• 112 is the single European emergency number, with English-speaking operators. It works for police, ambulance and fire.
• 113 national police, 115 fire brigade, 118 medical emergency.
• 1530 for emergencies at sea.

Save these in your phone before you travel. Pharmacies (look for the green cross) are excellent for minor health issues and often have a rotating night service.

Practical safety habits

• Carry a photocopy or phone photo of your passport, not the original.
• Beware of moped "snatch" thieves in southern cities: keep bags on the wall side of the pavement.
• Tap water is safe to drink, including the free street fountains (nasoni) in Rome.
• Validate train and bus tickets before boarding to avoid fines.

Stay connected in Italy

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land, so you can use maps, translate menus, call a taxi app and confirm bookings with no roaming fees or hunting for Wi-Fi.