One of the most-often discussed topics on any travel board is safety and security. More specifically, “How do I avoid the pickpockets in Italy?” For many first-time travelers the thought of losing your passport, money, credit cards, and identification in a foreign country can be intimidating. Many people ask, “Is Rome a safe city?”
Generally, Rome, like many European capitals is “safe.” Violent crime is almost nonexistent, but petty theft, and theft-of-opportunity… like pick-pocketing… is prevalent. And the pickpockets in Rome are artists! You may not even know you’ve been “targeted” until you reach for your wallet at a store. Believe me, they are that good.
For years we’ve enjoyed a secure feeling living in Europe. We’ve traveled all over, visiting various countries. But we’ve had a few experiences with pickpockets. Our first event… Years ago, we had just arrived in Paris. As I stepped onto an RER train I felt someone reach into my pocket for my travel wallet. I grabbed the hand and spun around. Standing on the platform was a 12-year old girl and I had a grip on her hand. The doors of the train slammed my hand and I let go… She didn’t run, but just stood there as the train pulled out of the station. Fortunately, I still had all my possessions.
In Rome, I’ve seen multiple male pickpockets exiting the metro carrying a woman’s purse. They empty the purse, toss it in the trash or over a wall, and then head back into the metro to get on the next train. One of my wife’s friends, who always wore his wallet in his rear pocket, had it lifted two different times in one year. A friend working at the US Embassy lost his credentials walking through town.
So yes, it does happen. This summer, after being overseas for years, we were first-time victims. We were not in Rome, but traveling in Spain. We drove into Granada, parked our rental car, checked into the hotel, and then went for lunch. After an incredible lunch we headed back towards the hotel for a break. My wife decided she wanted to do some shopping. So she headed to into Zara and I headed to the hotel. About 15 minutes later she came into the hotel room quite upset. She’d been pick-pocketed… and she knew exactly when it happened. Two younger ladies bumped into her while she was shopping, unzipped her over-the-shoulder purse and lifted her wallet.
Her feelings were those that everyone who has been pick-pocketed experiences: anger, frustration, feeling violated, unsafe, and of course kicking herself over and over for “being taken.” Because we both have international phones, we immediately called the credit card companies. Getting her US driver’s license and Danish CPR card (like a SS#) could wait until we returned home. Fortunately, I carry our passports in a money belt, and we had stored them in the hotel safe upon our arrival. I also had my own credit cards that accessed the same accounts so financially we would suffer no interruptions to our vacation. But the concern, anger and frustration can ruin your vacation. Fortunately, we were able to prevent any future events with our quick phone calls. Since the theft, there were no attempts to use the cancelled credit cards. This is common in Europe. These folks were just after the money and she lost about €140.
Preventing a Vacation Disruption
So what can you do to prevent a disruption on your vacation? There are many, many websites that can tell you various techniques and practices to help protect yourself. I’ll offer a couple, but I want to focus on some “equipment” that can help you.
First, before you leave home… Make copies, photograph, or scan your credit cards, ID cards, driver’s license, passport, etc. Or, just copy all the information from each item. Prior to our trip to Spain, I had scanned all our cards and ID’s and then emailed this information to myself. I also had a print-out of the credit card phone contact info stored with our passports. In our situation, using our International Mobile Phones, we contacted all vendors and cancelled all my wife’s cards within 15 minutes of the theft. Without that accessible information our vacation could have become quite uncomfortable. So plan for the worst-case scenario and hopefully you won’t have to utilize this option. I’ve been doing the same drill for 25+ countries and this was the first time we had to make these calls. When I returned to our home, I removed this “information” email from my email account.
Some folks suggest storing the information on a memory stick. I’m always afraid I’ll lose the stick…with all my info. So I’d rather email the images to myself. For the same reasons, we don’t store credit card numbers on our SmartPhones, but we do store all the vendor contact info, including NON-toll free US phone numbers. Often, the US 1+800 toll free numbers will not work when calling from overseas. We figure, in a pinch, we can work through their security questions if we don’t have rapid access to our email account.
If you and your significant other carry credit cards for the same accounts – make sure they do not have the same card numbers. That way if one of you loses your cards, canceling the card does not prevent the other from accessing your money. It sure saved us when our incident occurred. If you have a lot of money to carry, ask your hotel to keep it in their vault, rather than carrying it. Keep your credit and debit cards separate from your access codes. Even the info I store with my passports is JUST the phone contact numbers – no credit card numbers! In many countries they don’t carry wallets – especially in their back pocket. You will definitely stand out if you continue this practice in certain parts of the world. Living overseas, with so much coin for money, I carry a money clip and a small coin purse.
Once you arrive, be aware of your surroundings. You’re in a strange place and everyone is speaking a language you don’t understand. You’re easily distracted by the sites, the differences, and by the actions of other people. And all that stimuli makes you an easy target. You always need to be aware of where you are and who is around you. My wife, an experienced traveler, became distracted, lost her focus, and was taken advantage of. She’s usually the one prompting me!
Again, there are many websites that can better articulate steps to take to prevent a theft… but to me, protection and common sense seem to be the strongest tools.
For Security and Protection
Perhaps the biggest precaution you can take is to use a security system to protect your valuables. There are many options. Below, we’ll explore various alternatives. Some folks look for a strap-on fanny pack to carry their valuables in… but with today’s thieves, that’s perhaps almost an invitation. I prefer my most important, can’t do without items – like cash, credit cards, and passport – to be out of sight and solidly secured. I’ll carry a few Euro in my money clip but nothing that will cause me distress if it’s lost.
Your choice of a security device will certainly be impacted by personal preference, comfort and the feeling of security you will gain. It will also be affected by what you wear. If you’re wearing shorts and sandals, an ankle strap money belt would be unadvisable. The weather could play a part – it always does for me. What you need to protect – large amounts of cash – is also a consideration.
Wear a money belt. This is probably your best first-line-of- defense. Take your money, credit cards, passport, and ID cards out of your purse or wallet and wear them in a money belt close to you skin – that way you’ll feel any interaction to your most necessary possessions. I’m an experienced, seasoned traveler and when we head to a new-to-us destination, I always wear a money belt.
I prefer the light-weight silk options. When selecting light-weight belts I always purchase those that have a plastic liner – to keep my money from becoming “soaked” on a hot day! I must have 3 or 4 different money belts and depending on where I’m headed, what the weather will be like, and how much access I’ll need, I’ll select appropriately. I also like the belts that have two separate ZIPPERED compartments – no Velcro for me. I want to know the belt is locked. The separate compartments allow me to enter the belt less often or as needed for a credit card OR cash. The waist money belt can be worn either tightly against the stomach with your shirt or blouse covering it, or dropped loosely into the pants.
A waist money belt may be uncomfortable, but the do work! If you just can’t wear a money belt, we’ll show you some other options below – or you could sew pockets into an undershirt or camisole. Fortunately, there are more and more security devices being developed and sold world-wide. And that’s a good thing because a skilled pickpocket can get in and out of your pockets, coat, backpack, or purse in a flash – just like what happened to my wife, an experienced traveler.
Similar to the Waist Money Belt is the Belt Loop Wallet. These are about half the size of the waist type belt. It hangs inside your pants from your belt or belt loop. Usually these are made out of nylon or cotton and have one or two zippered compartments. Most of these belt loop wallets are small, just large enough to hold your passport, credit cards and money. You do want to make sure your belt loop wallet has a dual color belt loop – or you’ll have to purchase multiple versions to wear with black or brown belts. Belt loop wallets are usually designed with a variety of security pockets, so make sure you find one that fits your needs.
The Lewis & Clark Belt Loop Wallet
The Other Money Belt – I do have one of this style – truly a money “belt.” I think I’ve worn it only a couple times. It was great for storing my larger bills. My belt was not large (wide) enough for my credit cards or passport. If you’re carrying a a large amount of cash, this would be my preferred option. But I think I’d also have to have another system to supplement these belts.
In today’s world, where credit and debit cards are the primary source of payment for many, this form of a “money belt” does not have the flexibility necessary. But if I had to put a deposit down on an apartment and needed to carry €2,000 overseas … this would be the ONLY way I’d carry that amount of money. I will say this… when I did carry a large sum of money in this style of money belt, I did not even know it was there – and neither did anyone else. Perhaps that’s what makes this form of belt so effective. There is no discomfort as you may find in other forms of security options. Click on any of the above for more info or information.
The Neck Wallet – I have a couple of neck pouches. I’ve been using them for years, primarily in the States because I was often running to planes and needed quick access to my ticket and ID. Neck pouches are the most purchased of all money protection systems. They hang under your shirt or blouse and are easier to get to than a waist money belt. Many neck wallets now have woven into the neck strap a steel security wire, which is designed to prevent a snatch and run thief from grabbing or cutting the neck strap from behind and yanking it from around the your neck.
Depending on what you are wearing , a neck pouch can sometimes be easily seen. Therefore, most vendors would suggest a beige or neutral color. One of the first anti-theft neck pouches was the Pacsafe Luggage Coversafe 75 Neck Pouch
Leg and Ankle Wallets – Yes, I have one of these also. Living in Rome, I did not get to use if too often because most often I wore shorts and sandals. But mine is an ankle wallet so I found that I used it most often… when I walking for exercise or skating (I don’t jog!). When you don’t have any pockets, and you can put this on under you sock, it’s quite useful. I’m sure there are smaller versions designed for runners, but for me, this worked great as I could also use it when traveling. In cold weather, especially in snowy cold weather, I used my ankle wallet often. It was easier than digging through multiple layers of clothing or ski-type gear to get to a waist money belt.
I would recommend that if you go this route, get a leg or ankle wallet that has zippered pockets. If you are walking, running, skiing, etc. the rapid and constant movement of your legs can jar unsecured items. So always make sure you’re locked down before heading out. This is another area where I don’t used Velco pockets.
Some Other Money Belt Options
The Shoulder Holster Wallet. I suppose many neck pouches could be also worn under the shoulder, although I’ve never used one in such a manner. Fortunately, they make money belts designed for this style of wear. Often folks who will be wearing a jacket or button down shirt/blouse will use a shoulder pouch. A shoulder holster wallet is easy to get at, and is secure with many different compartments for you to use. If you’re wearing a coat or sweater, a shoulder pouch is often more comfortable than a waist money belt.
There are innumerable water-proof products. I wish I’d have some of these when we headed out to Lake Braciano, Ostia, or Fregene. Many times I’ve headed for the water but found myself constantly trying to stay in “visual contact” with my keys, money, ID, etc. hidden in my gear or under my chair. That great day at the beach … will get ruined if you can’t find your keys, money, credit cards, or ID as you’re getting ready to depart. The products above offer some solutions. I’ll probably have to get one of these for my next trip.
The Strap-on Option – If you don’t have any pockets, you can use a PortaPocket strap-on carrying case. These are great for credit cards, money, keys, and even your passport (you have to buy the larger version). The strap-on wallet can be wrapped around your thigh, above your calf, ankle, or even on your arm. These are a great supplement to a purse or messenger bag. 
Since you won’t need a hand to carry your PortaPockets case, you’ll have freedom of movement. The detachable pockets offer you ease of use in having both hands to work with while inserting and removing items from it, yet stays firmly in place when in mounted position. The PortaPocket is great for traveling, using at the gym, or even under that little black dress.
The Body Pouch – Similar to a neck pouch or shoulder holster wallet, the Body Pouch for women is designed to loop over the neck and lay against the body. This pouch was inspired by lingerie that came with small pockets. 
It provides discrete protection when traveling and is ideal for carrying cash, passport, or credit cards – really any slim item. All have an adjustable strap so you can wear the pouch where it will be coomfortable.
The Conceal-Wear Pouch – Until I researched this article, I had no idea these existed. Obviously I’ve never used a Conceal-Wear Pouch. Yet they appear to offer many advantages. They are beltless, so perhaps more comfortable than a waist money belt. There are no loops around your belt or strap around your neck, so they’re invisible to a pickpoket. The Conceal-Wear Pouch attaches to your clothing, (shirts, shorts, socks, undergarments) etc. The Concel-Wear Pouch is great for travelers, runners, etc.
The Bra Stash Personal Security Wallet – Okay, I definitely have not used this system. I have seen ladies in Europe store money here without a security wallet! This probably works better.
The soft lingerie fabric is lightweight and comfortable against your skin. This security pouch easily snaps onto most bra straps. You can’t carry your passport in the Bra Stash but it works fine for credit cards and money. And you’d certainly know if someone was trying to access this security system.
Other Bra Stash products includePersonal Bra Stash by Lewis & Clark, Braza Secret Stash Lace Bra Pocket Pouch, and the Bra Pocket Travel Safe.
One Last Rome Experience
A few weeks ago week we stayed in a friend’s apartment in Trastevere, adjacent to the Porta Portese Market. So on Sunday AM we went “marketing.” While my wife was shopping, an Italian lady – late 60′s and well-dressed – sidled up beside her at one of the “dig-through” tables. My wife had a zipped up, over her shoulder purse…
The lady managed to get the purse half unzipped before my wife caught on. When she realized that my wife knew what was going on… she slowly walked away, not a care in the world! My wife then told me… I glared at the vendor who’d witnessed the entire interaction and had not said anything. I went after the lady – to take her picture and give her a piece of my mind – but she quickly melted into the crowd. I returned and had a “conversation” with the vendor who basically turned her palms to the sky in a “whatever” gesture!
Fortunately, the thief got nothing … except my anger launched in her direction. The vendor got nothing , as we surely weren’t going to buy anything based on her attitude towards possible customers.
But our exciting day in the market was not over… As we continued walking, an argument broke out. Apparently a young man (25-30) was being accused of stealing from a table. His reaction was to get loud and push on the vendor and deny the charges. The young man appeared to be an Italian gypsy – the vendor, Filipino. After a loud discussion, the young man left the area.
Five minutes later in another section of the market, we heard shouting, and looked right. The same young man – this time busted with merchandise in his hands – again, head-to-head with a foreign vendor (Pakistani). At this point, caught, he again protested his innocence with items falling from his pockets! When in doubt – get loud! He was not a very good thief but he was big, loud, physical, and intimidating!
His “mother” came over and joined the argument, She pulled out her Identity Card and shouted at the vendors, “We’re no thieves or gypsies, we are Italian citizens, not like you!” Yes, not the finest moment for international relations in Italy! The police were about 45 meters away parked in their car and NEVER came out (Hmmm). This issue was to be settled among the parties at the stall. Other vendors came out to support their comrade and finally after some more heated yelling and pushing, pockets emptied by the coalition of vendors, the young man left.
Summary
You’re probably reading this article and saying, “Oh no, why am I going there?” Let me assure you, in 3+ years living in Rome, we were never the victims of a crime. Yes, petty theft IS common and prevalent in Rome. As mentioned, you must be aware of your surroundings… and even that charming, well-dressed 65 year-old lady may be reaching into your purse!
When I walk through Rome, I carry a money clip, a coin purse with my Driver’s License, a folded photo copy of my primary passport page, and a debit card – That’s it. The coin purse is usually in my messenger bag, in a pocket that is zipped and “latched.” I rarely go anywhere without a messenger bag… we’ll talk about bags, purses, and backpacks in another post. Locked in my motorino is my motorcycle insurance, bike registration info, and my International Driver’s Permit. That’s all I carry. And if I wasn’t on the motorino, I’d probably not even carry the driver’s license. (Although I often use it for ID purposes, substituting for my passport).
When we travel – like our ill-fated trip to Spain – I wear a waist money belt or a neck wallet/pouch. (Depends on my garb). In my money belt – or neck wallet – I have ALL my credit/debit cards that I’m carrying for the trip, our passports, my driver’s license and some cash. In my pockets, I’ll have my money clip – with no more than €70 – €80 – and my coin purse… with local coins and the folded photo page from my passport. That’s it!
When we get to our hotel, I lock the passports, all my credit cards (except one), my driver’s license, and our electronic items in the hotel safe. I’ll travel with the one credit/debit card and cash inside my money belt or neck pouch. On the day my wife lost her wallet this is how I was attired.
Even as an experienced traveler – and we’re “visiting Europe” 365 days a year – you still have to take precautions. Fortunately, we’ve only had to take “action” once! Our first line-of-defense when traveling is a money belt or a neck wallet. You’ll have to use what works for you. What will not work is a huge wallet in your back pocket or an inexpensive fanny pack strapped to your side. Those tend to make you a target.
Here’s an older video from ABC-TV, but it gives you some insight into some of the scams in Spain, Rome, and Naples. The police have been fairly effective handling many of the gypsy issues in Rome… but you do have to be careful.
So do some prep work before you come, copying or scanning all your I would hate to lose these items. Then, get yourself a “security system” for support. And finally, be aware of your surroundings. Hopefully, we’ve given you some options and an opportunity to protect yourself and your vacation. Good Luck!
The mantra of the Pacsafe company is Smart. Safe. Secure. Travel. And their bags live up to this mantra. Pacsafe bags are among the most durable and most SECURE bags you can travel with. On travel boards, they are the #1 recommended bag for security against pickpockets! For USA guests, see more Pac-Safe bags, and other luggage options and travel-related suggestions at our Travel Store, Magellan’s Travel Supplies, or look in amazon.com. Non-USA Guests can search for packing tips and luggage at amazon.co.uk.
The mantra of the Pacsafe company is Smart. Safe. Secure. Travel. And their bags live up to this mantra. Pacsafe bags are among the most durable and most SECURE bags you can travel with. On travel boards, they are the #1 recommended bag for security against pickpockets! For USA guests, see more Pac-Safe bags, and other luggage options and travel-related suggestions at our Travel Store, Magellan’s Travel Supplies, or look in amazon.com. Non-USA Guests can search for packing tips and luggage at amazon.co.uk.
Let Me Coach You, if you’re looking for travel assistance or some help creating an iitinerary! If you want to build your own vacation, please feel free use the information in the articles of the Ron-in-Rome website to help plan your next trip. If you need consulting, head to the Coaching page; For a list of all articles on this website, head to the Postings page. Or use the SEARCH Box, on the top right of each page!
Header: FCO – Photo by micmol
I love the PacSafe products. I have the CitySafe 200 cross-body bag. It’s got great organization and locking zippers. I’ve never had to worry about someone reaching into my bag unexpectedly — even while walking down the crowded Ramblas in Barcelona two summers ago. They have revamped their styles a bit and I’m considering getting the hobo styled CitySafe 400 now. Living in NYC, that would sure come in handy! Happy travels!
Just a Word of caution when using a loop wallet. If you are going thru security at an airport that requires you to remove your belt, it is easy to forget abut your loop wallet, and it may slide down your pants leg and end up on the floor. Happened to me.
I’ll heartily second the recommendation for the PacSafe Metrosafe bag. I bought the 200 version of this bag and had a similar experience – the ability to zip up and latch the compartment(s) on the bag as well as carry it cross-body kept my belongings safe at all time. Even on a cross-city jaunt on the #40 bus in Rome with about 200 of my newest close friends.
I saw a scam at work in Paris recently as well: a group of young people (girls, in this case) were in crowded areas circulating a “petition” to gain support for homeless deaf youth (of which they were ‘apparently’ examples). They’d distract individuals with exaggerated hand signals (which were not sign language, as far as I could tell) and then gather the goods from unsuspecting folks. I saw groups like this in a couple of different places in the city, and sometimes speaking to each other. After witnessing this, I heard a warning from a tour guide about the practice.
We experienced teen pickpocket girls on the Metro in Paris. Their scam was for one to hold the door, waiting for two more to get on, causing a distraction. They then crush up against the biggest most prosperous tourist they can find, in this case my husband. They had large bags with them, which they jostled next to and under his pockets. Thanks to another tall & savvy rider, my husband was alerted and grabbed at his zippered pocket just in time, it was half open. While no one seems to like to make a fuss, when my husband said “watch out for these two” I said , ah, “pickpockets!” loudly and made the international “I’m watching you” signal with two fingers pointing to my eyes and to them. “Pickpocket” is used by the French the same as it is used in English, but with a more charming accent, of course.
I was in a Prague church paying admission to enter when this 55-60 yr old woman was putting her hand in my bag. I felt the tug and screamed profanity at her, she threw her hands up in the air to the crowd and exited the church…. I looked down on the floor beside me and there was someone elses bag she had stolen.. I gave it to the clerk. This was my first experience on this trip..
Now we are in Vienna, in another church. My husband was thinking about lighting a candle for his deceased mom. I was watching this middle aged woman watching him… I knew what she was going to do to , so , I went very closed to my husband and in the middle of them… He didnt know what was going on and she didnt know I was with him… I saw her getting angry at my interference…. What was going to happen was, my husband was going to kneel and light the candle with his right hand, leaving his pocket unattended, she was going to put coins in the box with her right hand and slip her left hand into my husbands side pocket and take out the money she saw when he was putting the coins in the box….She didnt get away with it, because I was onto her and stood right there…. Two cities, Two pickpockets. I guess churches are no exception..
This is a very useful article indeed – and a good ‘refresher’ for a long-term resident, but I’d like to add that rather than allowing yourself to be pulled into conversation or interaction with strangers on the street (like the ones trying to give/sell you things) it’s better to totally ignore them. And always look like you know where you’re going (even if you don’t). Don’t stand looking at your map in the street and if you have to ask for directions go into a nice shop, bar or hotel and ask in there.
Whenever I’m visiting a new city or country I always pretend to know exactly where I’m going so that I don’t have to hover around places like train stations – I also do A LOT of research before I set off so that I know I’m not accidentally marching off towards the dodgy end of town. I usually head for the nearest hotel lobby or a nice looking shop and consult my map or whatever in there, away from theiving eyes.
I’ve also used reflections in shop windows to check if anyone is following me or getting too close, and if I suspect they are I cross the street (and sometimes cross it back again). This might seem like paranoia but in over 10 years living in Rome I’ve only ever been pick-pocketed once (when I first arrived, at a crowded outdoor evening event) and all they got was 5,000 lire (about £1.50).
I don’t use the metro at all and if buses are THAT full I don’t even get on them or if I really have to I look at the other passengers (see where their hands are) and keep a VERY tight grab on my belongings – even if this means I have to rudely push past people to get off – there is no way I relax the hold on my bag. One suspicious episode on a bus, was a team of what could have been 3 pick-pocketers. They seemed/pretended not to know each other and two of them (towards the front of the bus) started arguing (one accusing the other stealing) and while the passengers were distrcted by the very animated fake? arguement a 3rd accomplice (towards the back of the bus) would pick-pocket. I wasn’t sure if I was imagining it, and I don’t know if anyone had anything stolen, but they all got off at the same stop. I could be wrong but this would NOT surprise me as a tactic, so beware!
When I went on vacation to Italy (a tour package from Venice to Florence to Rome) back in 2007 I ordered the PacSafe Metrosafe bag. I prefer the hands free across the body way of carrying my bag, and the zipper lock feature left me feeling incredibly secure when carrying my big camera and all my other valuables. I still use this bag as I commute around my hometown of Chicago. I’ve never felt safer than I have with this bag. I highly recommend all the PacSafe products if you’re going to be traveling and are worried about theft. I also purchased the small pouchsafe wallet sized shoulder bags for the nights out that I didn’t want to haul a large bag around.
A small investment in a secure wallet, money belt or bag like these can really make a huge difference when going on vacation.