Am I Paranoid about Pickpockets in Rome?
Comments on the Web and in RS books suggest pickpockets prevail in Rome, everywhere, and especially in transit/Metro stations, airports, and crowded tourist sights. I thought I could handle this, but lately, the reports are so many that I'm wondering: a) are there really that many thieves around? b) besides just demanding no one get near my personal space, how can I keep them away? c) what's the quickest way to get rid of them...what words or actions do you use? d) should I forget public transit totally......or when I'm arriving from the airport?
I do want to experience Rome, and enjoy it, but I don't want to be bothered by pickpockets.........even though I took precautions with money belts, etc., I had my wallet and passport stolen in Mexico! e) How safe are Venice, Naples and Tuscany?
Robert
Robert
Abbotsford, BC Canada 1/29/12
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Robert, the good news is that as a tourist in Rome, or anywhere in Italy, you probably will not experience ANY crime. The worst that might happen is petty theft. Pickpockets are a problem if you fail to protect your money, passport, or jewelry. If you secure money, credit cards, and passport in a money belt that is worn completely under your clothing whenever you leave your hotel room, you should be fine. Do not leave valuables sitting around your hotel room. Leave jewelery that is easily snatched (necklaces, for example) at home. You can't keep people out of your personal space while using public transit or while walking around a bustling city. Pickpockets might attempt to create a diversion, but generally they are "invisible" in that their victims never even notice them. So, just keep everything tucked away in an inaccessible money belt.
You win by not having anything for them to steal.
Keep anything important in a moneybelt or neck wallet. For me that means passport, tickets (if you have any paper tickets), credit/debit cards and back up cash. Never access it publicly, use a restroom or other private place and look around carefully before you leave (in case something accidentally fell out).
Reduce what you are carrying to "one handle" and keep track of it. If you're shopping put everything into one bag. If you're taking a metro to your hotel, carry one bag only (not one bag plus a purse). The more you carry, the harder it is to keep track of - you become an easier target. A little distraction gives thieves the opportunity they need to take something without you noticing. I lost a camera on a bus in Munich because I was carrying too much, since then the one-handle rule seems to work.
I don't wear anything that makes me look particularly well-off. No expensive jewelry or camera equipment. Thieves will target the person who looks like they have something to steal, they won't take rings off your fingers but they'll probably pay more attention to someone with a big diamond ring.
Finally, I do carry a little cash in my front pocket (no wallet). It's just spending money so I don't have to get into my moneybelt. If I lose that, it's not a big deal - so far I haven't lost it (maybe because of the other measures I take, or maybe because the worry about thieves is overblown).
Robert,
While there are pickpockets and scammers in most towns in Europe, I wouldn't be too "paranoid" about them. If you take normal precautions (Money Belt, etc.), you shouldn't have any problems.
On your questions.....
a) There will be thieves in Rome and other cities ("Union Rules" as Rick often says). They typically operate in "teams", but whether there will be "that many" is impossible to say.
b) Sometimes it's unavoidable to have others in your "personal space". Crowds are a part of travel in Europe, whether in public transit or in Museums, etc. Try to be "situationally aware", especially if distractions occur. If a "helpful individual" points out that you have Pigeon dung on your clothes, politely tell him to p!$$ off. If there's something on your clothing, deal with it yourself.
c) Words to get rid of them - similar to described above. Actions - eye contact and body language. If they know you're aware of what they're up to, they will usually disappear.
d) NO! Public transit is generally safe. I've ridden on the Metro in Rome, Paris and other cities, and never had a problem. I've also used the dreaded #64 & #40 Buses in Rome in very crowded conditions, and no problems. The Leonardo Express from the airport has always been safe, in my experience.
Venice, Naples and Tuscany are as safe as anywhere else in Europe. Of course, there are "dodgy" areas in each of those cities that wouldn't be advisable to travel at night. I've seen examples of travellers becoming complacent in more "rural" areas (ie: C.T.) and being victimized, so the bottom line is "always be vigilant".
I'm sure you're aware that a Money Belt shouldn't be accessed while others can see.
Happy travels!
Robert,
One additional point to add (ran out of room in the previous reply).
During travels in Europe, I'm usually carrying a rather large and expensive DSLR Camera. While that should be a "beacon" for thieves, I've never experienced any theft attempts. I'm a "larger" individual who visits the Gym regularly, so perhaps that helps?
Robert, that's all good advice above.
On a related note you said you were using your moneybelt in Mexico yet you had your wallet and passport stolen.
This helpline has been searching for a person who has lost items while wearing a moneybelt. I think you are the first. If you don't mind, can you relate how it happened?
Thanks.
Assume you'll be pickpocketed - don't carry anything you don't mind getting pick-pocketed. All big cities the same. Barcelona is very bad in areas too. Use your room safe.
S
Money belts are very useful, but they don't prevent anyone getting robbed; they simply cut your losses. By keeping excess cards/cash, and passport in your money belt under your clothing, you limit the loss from a robbery to just a days spending money stored in your wallet.
You say "I took precautions with money belts, etc." but your wallet and passport were stolen in Mexico.
How exactly did that happen?
It is relative. People will always post and talk about the bad experience, those that were pickpocket, etc. and those that don't have problems, don't. Since the earlier 90s we have spent nearly a year traveling in Europe in some of the great pickpockets capitals of the world - three weeks in Rome, two weeks in Madrid and the infamous flea market, etc. and have never had a problem or even close to a problem - that we know of. We take the usual precautions, dress appropriately, etc. I am more apprehensive when I go to New York city. The vast majority of tourists have no problems.
Hi Robert. As others have noted, a properly-used moneybelt will almost completely eliminate this problem. As the previous response noted, New York City is probably much more dangerous than most any place a tourist is likely to go in Europe. Having said that, I was a potential pickpocket victim in the Metro in Rome. After I boarded and as the doors were about to close, a young woman with a baby slung in front of her boarded quickly. I soon felt somebody trying to rummage through my (empty) pant's pockets. I turned and stared her in the face and she quickly moved on. As I was wearing my moneybelt, it didn't really bother me at all--just one of those cultural experiences that Rick mentions! As with most aspects of travel, proper preparation makes things go much more easily, and can in this case ease any paranoia about pickpockets.
More of a philosophical question for all. Why visit a place that is going to make you paranoid the entire time? A lot of money is being spent - surely you'd want to spend it somewhere where you feel relaxed? Regardless if the threat is real or imagined, there's about a million other places to see in this world, so what draws you to a place that will cause worry?
Almost all European thieves work with stealth. A victim will never even know it untill later when they reach for their (missing) wallet. If you have a proper money belt, that simply cannot happen. At least in no way that I know of.
In rarer but not infrequent (in some cities) cases, thieves work in groups and distract a victim while another picks the pocket. Roaming bands of gypsy children or a mommy carrying a baby that distracts you are the most common. When approached by them, immediately and forcefully say no and wave your hands to brush them aside. They will run off to their next target. And again, if you have a proper money belt, they cannot access it anyway.
In even rarer cases, a thief will use a grab-and-run method. Say you leave your camera sitting on your cafe table, or sling a purse over the back of a chair. Or even if you pull out your valuables in crowded public conditions. The best defense against such actions are to limit or avoid having anything valuable in easy reach and to be aware of your surroundings when accessing valuables.
I too would like to know how your passport was stolen in Mexico if you had it in a money belt. Don't be embaressed, it helps us all to learn from others.
I read all the same stuff and was apprehensive (make that paranoid) about going to Rome. I wore a money belt and my wife left her purse in the room we were so paranoid. Turns out she loved not carrying anything and didn't have a care in the world. I only had a little cash in my pocket and never worried either.
Turns out Rome is so magnificent that we soon forgot about petty theft and just loved our time there.
I spent a week in Rome two years ago, and had heard all the stories. I was actively looking for pickpockets, but never even had a hint of any issue. I can say that I have never felt safer in a major city than I did in Rome.
Keep your smarts about you and enjoy your visit!
Richard made a couple of good points. ......Turns out she loved not carrying anything....... I have quit recommending no purse. Because every time I did Pat jumps on me for not understand female need attachments. It took my wife about three trips to completely scale down to no purse and break the attachment. Now we carry a few critical items in an old, scruffy day bag along with some other junk and never have a concern or problem. There has been several postings about purses going missing. Just remember, if you don't have a purse, it cannot go missing.
I'll be Robert doesn't carry a purse, so no worries there.
It sounds like you're also confusing pickpockets - who are going to do your best to not let you know they're robbing you, and scam artists.
I haven't been to Rome but I carried my purse all over Barcelona and Paris, including in neighborhoods that RS deems "sketchy". I only used public transit in these cities. I carry my purse on my shoulder with my hand over it, which is both comfortable and completely prevents someone from putting their hands in my bag without my knowledge or quickly grabbing it away from me.
I agree it can be nice to travel without a purse but that's unrealistic for me. My purse is big enough that I can put most purchases in it as well. No need for hassling with extra shopping bags. At restaurants, particularly outdoor ones, I don't hang the bag over the back of my chair, but I put it at my feet. And needless to say, this is a cheap Target purse, not the latest Coach bag, so it's OK if it gets dirty and it doesn't scream "I'm rich!"
For a guy, it depends on how much you need to carry. My husband uses a messenger bag worn diagonally across his chest, keeping his hand over front when in crowded areas/on public transit. I think this is a much better alternative to a backpack - which is easily robbable on public transit. Otherwise, moneybelt is fine, or even keeping your wallet in in a deep front pocket (provided you have a nice thin wallet - too many dudes travel with giant easy target wallets!)
As far as scams go, just make sure you're up on what they are. Learn to spot the scammers and if approached, say "No" loudly (preferably in the local language) and keep on walking. They can't force you to listen to their scam. If someone starts talking to you and you realize it's a scam - just walk away. You aren't obligated to listen to them.
Frank is making me laugh because Pat from Victoria sure does love her purse! Now, Pat, don't get mad at me, but it reminds me of my great-grandmother who had to carry her pocketbook with her from room to room. I have been purse-free for years in real life, and only carry a day bag for travel stuff like book, map, and water when I travel.
Robert, the important thing is to divide and protect your stuff. You don't want everything in one place because if it's stolen or lost, you then have nothing.
how is a "daypack" different than a backpack? are you just talking about a backpack?
why on earth would anyone under 24 carry a backpack around? it's like screaming "hey i'm a tourist and i'm a target!" it is so easy to get into a backpack on public transit if it's crowded and you're standing.
you know, locals in all these places? CARRY PURSES. they carry messenger bags and they sure don't use moneybelts. I'm not saying moneybelts are bad but a lot of the obsesssion over this topic is so overblown. Locals also carry their credit card and their money in their purse. and other valuables. so much for "living like a local."
but jeez, even if nothing in your "daypack" is valuable - although I imagine at least the camera is - it's better to not have stuff stolen. just, you know, take the same precautions you would in a major U.S. city, since all the major European cities are safer anyway.
i mean really anything you carry will be fine if you have situational awareness and are aware that people might be trying to get into your bag or pocket. that's it. it's so not worth freaking out over.
edit: I just realized that RS recommends a daypack - his daypack. huh. it's a stupid idea imo, unless you're really totally fine with anything in it being stolen. i can't fathom a travel logic where a purse is verboten but a backpack makes sense. a camera is something most people don't want to lose or have stolen.
"...I just realized that RS recommends a daypack - his daypack. huh. it's a stupid idea imo, unless you're really totally fine with anything in it being stolen..."
A day pack may look a bit like a small backpack (designs vary - some only have one strap) but are usually worn over only one shoulder for easy access. They are intended for keeping things like guide books, food and water, more than valuables - though if you need to carry electronics with you, that's where they would be.
Thieves are not very interested in anything but cash. They don't care about your camera or your electronics. They want your wallet.
It is true that if you are walking around with a giant backpack on your back - in and out of tight spaces like trams and subways - people could, without your knowing it, sneakily unzip a zipper. But unless the zipper has a sign on it saying "All my tiny, easy to palm valuables can be found in here", they are unlikely to go that route. For all they know, the'll just get a handful of unwashed underwear. Plus, that puts their hand near eye level - not where they want them.
The only thing that was ever stolen from us on any of our trips to Europe was a camera in a case with a strap that my DW left draped over the back of a chair as we walked away from a cafe. 5 minutes later, it was gone. We were stupid. If you avoid being stupid, it is very unlikely you will have any trouble
Which, by the way, is exactly the same logic you should apply in any city, anywhere, even in the good ol' USA.
No need to denigrate Mr. Steves for suggesting a day bag. Many people use them. There is nothing wrong with purses either, and long as they are something close to tamper-proof and as long as you don't sling it over the back of a chair and then walk away.
"Thieves are not very interested in anything but cash. They don't care about your camera or your electronics. They want your wallet."
lol um you just told me your camera got stolen. why would that happen if thieves didn't want it? i lived in a major crime-ridden u.s. city and had my home broken into and my cars broken into several times. thieves were not looking for cash, they were looking for valuables to pawn. electronics and jewelry.
electronics are absolutely at risk of being stolen and should not be kept on your back if you are traveling in crowded areas or on public transit. it's just too easy. i mean unless you just don't care about them. but are you really saying thieves don't want to steal iphones? really? they absolutely do.
a bunch of people on this thread are going on about the dangers of carrying purses. are they all carrying backpacks - sorry, daypacks - instead? this is boggling my mind right now.
This thread is about pickpockets of the bump-n-go variety, not burglers, and not crimes of opportunity like leaving a bag unnattended.
Ah, some people confuse their opinion with facts. Narrow minds are easily boggled. They want to take their experience and project it to everyone. We have used a day bag for over 18 years. Much different than a purse. Never had a problem and never lost anything. It is really a matter of how you handle it. There was a posting within the past six months where someone lost all his money from a money belt at the Eiffel Tower. When the details were finally extracted from him it was the improper use of a money belt that did him in. A properly handled day bag is fairly secure except for a mugging where someone rips the bag from your hand. But up to that point it works well.
The whole issue is not whether or not you use a money belt, carry or don't carry a day bag, use or not a purse, etc. It is how you handle those items, how you present yourself, and how you deal with crowded situation such as buses and subways. You have to have a sense of security or else they will get you.
I don't carry a wallet to Europe at all. I use a "hidden pocket" type money belt, have the RS zippered wallet in a front pocket with only one day's worth of spending money. I think that's being sensible not paranoid. Beyond that, Frank's advice is good-be aware of things around you. I've never had a problem, even on subways in Barcelona.
What I call a day bag you might call a purse-it's a messenger bag. I use only when travelling because that's when I need that stuff. I don't need a map at home, my book is in my house or my car, as is my water bottle. Don't need a mini first aid kit or ibuprofen or reading glasses because all that is either in my car, at home, or at work.
I've spent several weeks in Europe in major cities (Rome included) and have never had any issue. I don't carry a money belt. I bring only the absolute necessities in my messanger bag purse for the day and lock everything else (passport, etc) in the hotel room safe. If you look like you're aware of your surroundings, you won't have an issue. As long as the purse has a zip closure and you keep your hand over it when riding public transport, etc you will be fine. Pickpockets like easy targets, like people who look especially "touristy" (young people especially), people who look lost or confused, and people who look oblivious to what's going on around them (concentrating on their phone, their map, etc). I live in downtown Charlotte right now, and I'm more afraid of being mugged here than I was about being pickpocketed in Rome, and Charlotte has an extremely safe downtown area. Theives here have knives and guns. In Rome the worst case scenerio is you lose a few Euros and credit cards that can easily be cancelled. Stop worrying and enjoy yourself!
Randy, the whole conversation seemed to start from an original poster who confused pickpockets with scam artists. The conversation then went into the dangers of carrying purses. This obviously is at this point a conversation about street crime against tourists in general.
Frank, I knew my response would rile some people as it goes against RS dogma but I'd never been called "narrow-minded" for having an opinion about shoulder-wear before! A new for me! As a resident in Europe, I carry a purse. Locals do not carry backpacks which is what the RS daypack is. I agree that most people here won't be able to pull off looking like a local anyway, but making it obvious that you're a tourist is never a good idea when it comes to deterring crime.
"Opinions vs facts" lol whatever dude. It's a fact that most locals in European cities do not wear backpacks. My opinion is wearing one will make you stand out as a tourist and thus more prone to being targeted for theft.
I agree that in general situational awareness is more important than what kind of bag you carry - as I stated in my first post on this thread - and there are ways to be safe carrying almost anything, even the dreaded rolling luggage or whatever. But I find this cult of the moneybelt stuff weird when the same people are advocating "daypacks" which are backpacks. And I find it weird when people advocate moneybelts and backpacks while they also talk about "living like a local" and act as if carrying a purse is begging to be robbed. It's just nonsensical.
It's become clear that a lot of people get a sense of false security from the moneybelt thing while continuing to not understand the big picture. But what do I know? Everyone's been to europe for 100 nights or whatever, I clearly have no knowledge of the issue.
Actually, Sarah, I was surprised when I was in Paris in December at how many young Parisian men & women I saw with backpacks going to work in the morning and they were too old to be students. On the buses and on the metro ...maybe they have their laptops in them? But then, that was only Paris, I can't speak for the whole of Europe or all Europeans.
I find this argument all a little absurd. Europeans wear daypacks, carry purses, carry messenger bags, carry laptop cases. This is all personal preference. People should carry what works for them.
Gee, when I lived in Europe I was issued a backpack for my laptop by my European company. In fact, the backpack that I still use when I need one was purchased in Sweden.
When I travel, I carry a purse. It is my preference. If I needed more space, I might take a messenger bag or daypack ... but I don't carry a lot around with me.
And the argument about what people do when they live in Europe versus what they do when they travel really does not apply. It is all about how much risk an individual wants to assume.
I had my wallet nicked from my purse in London when I lived there. I was careless ... coming out of a tube station with the purse dangling behind me. It was no big deal because I lived there and could go back to my flat where I had food, cash, etc. If I had been travelling this would have been far more inconvenient. So if people want to wear a moneybelt when they travel, who cares?
While theft is not as common as it seems to be hyped to be, I know plenty of people who have lost things while travelling. A Swedish friend of mine put her purse under the table at a German beer hall (she was living in Munich) and when she went to leave it was gone. Another set her purse down on a dock in Sweden during Midsommar and forgot to bring it onto the boat.
It is kind of hard to lose something that is strapped around your waist. If someone wants to wear a moneybelt on their trip and that allows them to feel safer from theft, who cares?
I must live and travel in a different Europe, I guess? Because I have been to Paris 4 times just this year, and Berlin 4 times, and I could go on but it would bore people. I generally only see backpacks on student types, students may be older than you're used to seeing in the U.S. since Europeans tend to delay college/stay in college longer than in the U.S.
My point is not that one type of bag is inherently risky, that the idea that carrying a wallet or a purse is automatically risky but a backpack is not is what strikes me as absurd. I think I've made that abundantly clear. I don't care that people use moneybelts, I hate the cultish fearmongering that if you don't use one, you're automatically going to be robbed, and found this incredibly bizarre when I realized it was also contrasted with RS advice to use a backpack to store electronics in. That is what boggles my mind but apparently isn't clear.
It just seems so arbitrary.
I think carrying a brightly colored RS daypack will make you stand out, if you're cool with that more power to you. I don't obsess over crime and theft because I think basic awareness is more important than how you store your money. I am just irritated at the idea that if you don't use a moneybelt, you're an idiot who is asking to be robbed.
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