OK, I've read all about the #64 bus in rome, the Gypsy children, etc. So how should you carry your money, credit cards, cameras, etc? The more I read the more concerned I am that I may spend all of my time in Italy worrying about getting ripped off instead of enjoying the country.

Carry your money in a money belt under your clothes, and just be aware of your surroundings. If you are traveling with someone else have them keep an eye on your backpack on whatever your carrying your personal belongings in. We lived in Europe for 3 years and spent a lot of time in Italy. We never had a problem. Just stay alert to whats going on around you.<BR><BR>Have a great trip!

Sharon. Get a money belt for the important stuf, suchs as large bills, credit cards, pasports and the likes. Wear it under your clothes as for cameras, purses and other things, hang on to them. Be alert at all times.

Sharon. Get a money belt for the important things, suchs as large bills, credit cards, pasports and the likes. Wear it under your clothes as for cameras, purses and other things, hang on to them. Be alert at all times.

We didn't know about bus no. 64 until after my wallet was stolen. Such a neat, quick pick, I didn't even feel a thing. The problem with that bus is that it is VERY crowded, and you're jammed in there. The wallet, by the way, was in my purse, my purse zipped up and a baby diaper bag in front of that. Amazing job, that pickpocket. After that, everyone said, ohhh, bus 64, from the hotel front desk, to American Express (where we got another card in 45 min.) to the police station, where we spent an interesting hour in one of those I Love Lucy 4 person translation situations. Actually, it was a pretty unique and, dare I say it, amusing experience, and made for a great back home story. The police station was kind of fun, like getting to go behind the scenes in a movie. But my word of advice (which all the Italians told me AFTER the fact) is: don't take bus 64, take the metro to the vatican.

When it comes to European pickpockets, if your money, etc. is not in a money belt under your clothes, IMO it is not safe. They can get in to any pocket, purse, wallet, pocket, jacket with zippers, etc. However, if it is under your clothing, you have a MUCH better chance of them looking for another target.

<BR><BR>Q: What do pickpockets pick?<BR><BR>A: Pockets.<BR><BR>Q: So, where should you NOT carry your money, credit cards, etc? <BR><BR>

I agree with everyone - be very aware of your surroundings - we got to &quot;pick&quot; (excuse the pun) those around us who were going to be targetted by the pickpockets around via Nazionale in Rome. They expensively dressed guy with his coat slung over his shoulder, the girl with her handbag hanging casually on her side. The gypsies are generally very easy to spot and you should be wary of them at all times, they generally operate in groups but spread around on either side of the footpaths so they can come at you from either side. They will also, it has been said - but I've never observed, throw their babies at you. They are very silent and very clever. <BR><BR>Money belts are a good idea but not fool-proof. Nothing is - but it better than your wallet in your back pocket or a purse in a beautiful italian leather bag you just purchased in Florence slung over your shoulder.<BR><BR>Just one note - Rome was the only place we spotted gypsies this time around - as it was last time. Venice and Florence seemed very safe and has done both times I've been there, however we were also heartily forwarned about the pickpockets in Pisa.

I disagree with the &quot;moneybelt is safer&quot; idea - if you're not used to wearing a moneybelt, you're likely to find it awkward and uncomfortable. In any case, there is not way to get money out of it without drawing attention to yourself (unless you can find a lav or dressing room to use to pull the bag out and get what you need). A better idea, especially for women, is a bag made of some tough material (that is not easily slashable) which fits close to your body with either a short shoulder strap or a long strap worn across the body diagonally. Make sure the bag has one long zipper along the top, and make sure it is zipped forward, and then hook your thumb over the strap and around the zipper when you are in a crowded place. Fold your elbow down over the whole bag, and there you are - no one can get anythiong out without attacking you openly. (Obviously, if the bag has outside pockets, don't use them for anything you don't mind losing.)<BR><BR>Also (excuse digression), Sharon (and Danielle), I think you meant to say that you are concerned about theives, not about gypsies. It is the actions of these people that find concerning, not their ethnicity, correct?

As a male, I used a leg holster. It was very comfortable, relatively easy to get to, a little obvious getting into it, but I felt I would probably realize a pickpocket crawling around on his hands and knees reaching up my pant leg. I tried a neck pouch and money belt before we left and felt there was no way they would work with the type of shirts I was going to wear. I can't tell you how many times I saw people walking around with their neck pouch hanging out of their shirt, or their money belt sticking out from underneath their shirt. At Pisa, I stopped a young girl and told her that her money belt was sticking up in the small of her back.<BR>I also bought several pair of Dockers Mobile pants, which have several security zippers in the pockets. I only carried enough cash in my pants for immediate needs.<BR><BR>A side note, I was totally freaked out about pickpockets and gypsies after following this board prior to my Italy trip last June. However, much to my surprise, we had absolutely no problems and we went to all the high risk locations. The Gypsies kept a very low profile and never approached us once. The one piece of advice seen here that you should follow, is be aware of your surroundings, take reasonable precautions, but don't let your apprehension spoil your trip.

Hi Sharon,<BR> A safety pin closing an inner pocket is helpful.

I agree that bus 64 is notorious for picpockets..Also beware,there is a group of south american women that are famous in rome.. they always travel together in the bus..Also the metro in Paris is quite bad.. expecially around Montmartre.. normally there is a group of 3 people that work together.. Just be aware of your surroundings and have a great time.. By the way , i feel much safer walking in Europe that in the USA,,, at least the people there dont take your life for a penny....

I completely disagree with Maria. There is NO WAY anyone can keep their thumb over the zipper and strap while out and about. When on the bus or metro, for example, there will be occasions when you will have to steady yourself with BOTH hands, and this is exactly what the pickpockets watch for. <BR><BR>A bag, if you insist on carrying one, should have TWO zipper pulls which you twist tie together.<BR><BR>Even so, NEVER carry all your valuables in a shoulder bag or tote - what if the entire thing is grabbed?

I have a hard time understanding the people you see who have their neck pouch out of their shirt, or are trying to raise their shirt to get to a money belt. Those things are supposed to be hidden. Carry some cash with you and a credit card in a separate wallet to use for the day. Your money pouch should never be seen. If you do have to get into it, use a stall in a restroom. Again, the idea of the money pouch is to keep it hidden.

Frankly, I feel safer in Rome or Madrid than I do in Miami or Chicago. Europe is safe when it comes to violent crime, but Americans do get targeted by pick pockets and purse snatchers. This is especially true in the crowded areas of the larger cities. We have never been victimized during any of our European sojourns. However, we did get a small camera stolen from our luggage in, would you believe, Salt Lake City.<BR> Here are some tips that will hopefully make you less vulnerable:<BR><BR> 16. Wear a money belt for those items you cannot afford to have stolen--passports, travel documents, credit cards. Operate with just a few Euros in your pocket at a time.<BR> 17. Keep purses /cameras on your person and around your neck--do not lay down.<BR> 18. Stay alert and vigilant ! It is when you are distracted that you are vulnerable. <BR> 19. Of course, always lock your car and leave nothing in view that you want to keep.<BR>_________________________________________ _______________________________

<BR><BR>I don't understand the suggestion, or implication, from people who say that because a money belt won't GUARANTEE you won't get pickpocketed, you therefore shouldn't wear one. <BR><BR>Nonsense.<BR><BR>Short of not carrying any cash, credit cards or other valuables at all, NOTHING can probably guarantee you won't be successfully hit. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to at least make things more difficult or challenging for pickpockets. <BR><BR>

I was also worried about getting pickpocketed in Italy after reading so much about it. However, to my surprise, the situation wasn't anything I'd expected.<BR><BR>Don't get paranoid over it; enjoy your trip - Just be aware of your surroundings! Wear a moneybelt if you feel more comfortable with it, however, I gave it up after a few days ...

Hi.<BR><BR>My two cents: Keep your valuables in a waist pouch worn bandolero style over one shoulder and across your chest under your shirt. Carry a cheap wallet with cash for the day in your front pants pocket. Wrap a thick rubber band around the wallet making it harder to slide out of your pocket. If you REALLY want to keep that wallet, afix a safety pin inside your pocket keeping the pocket closed. Finally, put a vulgar note to the pickpocket in your wallet...just in case.<BR><BR>By the way, does anyone know for sure if gypsies REALLY throw babies at people to distract them? Is this urban myth?<BR><BR>Frankly, if I had my wits about me, I'd let the little bugger drop. One less future scam artist.

We had someone try to pick us in florence twice and venice once. We knew they could never get our $ attatched to our jeans tucked in front near our crotched) but it was fun to CLOCK two of them in the head.

The gypsy baby throw did happen to my cousin in Florence a few years ago. Turns out it was one of those realistic dolls, and her suitcase was stolen. In reply to the origial poster, while there is no benefit to worry, your awareness will be your best defense. Stay alert and skeptical, and avoid suspicious looking characters and situations, especially when you are transporting your luggage. Once you're checked into your hotel, you can be more relaxed if you keep your valuables and passport locked in the safe or in locked luggage in your hotel room. Just carry the cash that you need for the day and one credit card. I prefer to carry my Citibank Visa card which has my photo on it. Leave the rest of your wallet locked in your room safe, together with a copy of your credit card and the number to report loss or theft.