Safety & Health Information for Visitors to Italy

Italy has a low rate of violent crime, little of which is directed toward tourists. However, petty theft such as pick-pocketing and purse snatching are relatively frequent in large cities. Most of these thefts occur on crowded buses and at major railway stations. Lately theft has occurred also at Internet cafes in major cities. From Rome north, Italy tends to be safer. Things get a little bit “lawless” in Naples and south of Naples.

I have never felt un-safe in Florence, Venice, or Rome, even walking on my own late at night. The streets in the center are well-lit and in high season there are usually plenty of people around. However, use your common sense like you would in most of the world's cities. Usually the train station areas are the worst. Try not to change money at an ATM late at night in a non-lit area. The most common crime to plague tourists is purse-snatching, and pick-pocketing on crowded buses. Be aware always, of your purse or your wallet, and hold on to it in crowded buses or if approached by gypsies.

Gypsies are relatively common in Rome and Florence. They often work in “teams”. For wallet snatching on buses, they’ll often be behind you as you get on, and will have a sweater hanging over their arms to hide what they’re doing. Be aware of your belongings when you’re getting onto crowded buses. Be aware of who is near you and always hold your purse in front of you with your arm securely over it.

Sometimes in the streets gypsies with babies will and distract you while other children surround you, often waving pieces of cardboard and creating a sense of confusion. Before you know it, your pockets or purse will have been picked clean. If you find yourself suddenly surrounded, make a scene right away. Don't be timid! But better yet, be alert to them and don't let them get close. If you see them, duck into a shop or get out of the area quickly.

Police in Italy

Italian police forces are divided into three color-coded units. The municipal police (Vigili Urbani) wear navy blue. They are the only unarmed force and deal with traffic matters.

The two forces with primary responsibility for dealing with crime are the state police (Polizia Statale) in lighter blue, and the Carabinieri who wear black in the winter with a gorgeous cape with a red splash across one side, and dark blue in the summer, always with the handsome red stripe down the outside leg of their trousers. The Carabinieri are often on impeccably groomed white horses. They are part of the army and are the ones to turn to if you have been robbed.
Make sure you get a denuncia (statement) as it will be needed for making an insurance claim. A lost or stolen passport should be reported immediately to your embassy or consulate.

Emergency Numbers

General emergency - 113
Carabinieri - 112
Fire - 115
Medical emergencies - 118

US Consulates

Florence
Lungarno Vespucci 39
Phone: 055 266 951
Open Monday-Friday 9-12:30

Rome
Via Vittoria Veneto 119
Phone: 06 467 41
Open Monday - Friday 8:30-12:30

Health

For Urgent Medical care go to the Pronto Soccorso

Florence
Arcispedale di Santa Maria Nuova
Piazza S. Maria Nuova 1
Phone: 055 27 581

English Speaking Doctors
Associated Medical Studio
Via Lorenzo il Magnifico 59
Phone: 055 47 54 11
Open Monday -Friday 11-12:00 and 5-6:00 and Saturday 11-12:00

Rome
Policlinico Umbert I
Via del Policlinico 155
Phone: 06 499 71

English Speaking Doctors
Rome American Hospital
Via Emilio Longoni 69
Phone: 06 22 551
For a list of English speaking doctors in Rome, check out this link:
http://www.usembassy.it/cons/acs/doctors.htm

The Vatican Pharmacy, located just inside the Vatican City and open to the public, is one of the world’s most well stocked, with foreign products as well as Italian ones:
Via di Porta Angelica
Phone: 06 686 4146