How Not to Get Pickpocketed in Italy
If you’re planning your Italian adventure, let me be your guide. I’ve been living in and traveling across Italy for over three years, soaking in its beauty and dodging its few pitfalls. One of those pitfalls? Pickpocketing. It’s the most common petty crime tourists face here.
You should know that Italy is a relatively safe country—and by that, I mean relative to the United States. For perspective, in 2019, you were more likely to get murdered in Hilton Head, South Carolina, than anywhere in Italy (yes, I have numbers to back that up: Is Naples Italy Safe?). Of course, always check your country’s Department of State advisory website before traveling.
The Day My Dad Got Pickpocketed in Rome
First—a story. A few years ago, my dad and I were in Rome, enjoying our last day of a whirlwind trip. We were relaxed—maybe too relaxed—as we hopped on a crowded subway. A group of women boarded with us, and the space was tight. When we got off, my dad reached for his wallet—and it was gone. It had been in his back pocket, despite my repeated warnings not to keep it there. I was pretty upset—at myself—for not understanding the situation better (full story here). Needless to say, that experience solidified a golden rule for me: never keep anything valuable in your back pocket, and don’t trust overly friendly people in a crowded area.
What My Travels Have Taught Me
In the past three years, I’ve traveled all over Italy, from Venice and Milan to Naples, Palermo, and everything in between. While I’ve been fortunate enough to avoid getting pickpocketed myself, I’ve seen plenty of unsuspecting tourists fall victim. The good news? Pickpocketing is avoidable if you know what you’re doing. Here’s how.
Planning a trip to Italy? Check out my resources page to see all the sites I recommend for booking trains, rooms, tours, and more.
Top Tips to Outsmart Pickpockets in Italy
1. Back Pockets Are for Things You Don’t Care to Lose
If my dad’s story taught you anything, let it be this: don’t put valuables in your back pocket. Use your front pockets, specifically jean-style pockets, or, better yet, a secure crossbody bag worn in front of you.
2. Stay Alert in Crowded Areas
Pickpockets love crowded spaces like metros, train stations, and tourist hotspots (think Piazza San Marco or the Colosseum), and especially at transition points like getting on/off a train. When you’re in a crowd, stay aware of your surroundings. If someone bumps into you, casually check your belongings. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Whenever I walk through a crowded area or enter/exit a crowded subway, I put my hands on my valuables.
3. Don’t Flash Your Wealth
Save the designer bags and fancy jewelry for another time. Expensive accessories make you a target. I stick to a low-key bag with a zipper and no flashy labels.
4. Protect Your Passport
Italian law technically requires you to carry your passport as ID at all times. So officially, you should have it on you. That said—speaking personally, before I was an Italian citizen—I didn’t carry my U.S. passport every day. I usually left it locked in my hotel room and kept a photocopy or a photo on my phone. If I knew I’d be on a train or traveling outside the town I was staying in, I brought the real thing—tucked deep in my bag or in a secure money belt. Random ID checks do happen, especially at train stations, so it’s best to be prepared. Use your judgment and understand the risk if you choose to do the same.
5. Consider a Money Belt—If You Can Stand It
On my first European trip, I wore a money belt. While it’s incredibly secure, let’s be honest—it’s awkward. Reaching into your pants for money isn’t the most elegant move. If you prefer peace of mind over convenience, go for it. I never use one anymore, though.
6. Be Strategic with Your Bag
For backpacks, wear them on your chest in crowded areas. For purses, make sure they zip shut and hold them close. If you sit down, the bag goes on your lap.
7. Keep Only What You Need
You don’t need to carry your life savings around Italy. Stick to one credit card, some cash, and an ID. Most places in Italy have tap-to-pay and Apple Pay, so you might not even need to carry a credit card. Leave backups in your hotel room or with a trusted travel companion.
More tips from a local: 7 Italy Travel FAQs for First Timers
Venice: Beauty and Pickpockets
Venice, with its winding streets and Vaporetto rides, is breathtaking—but also a pickpocket’s dream. One common trick I’ve seen here involves someone “helpfully” grabbing your bag as you step onto a water bus, only to swipe something during the handoff. Politely decline help and keep your belongings close.
Final Thoughts
Pickpocketing in Italy is a real concern, but it doesn’t have to ruin your trip. With a bit of awareness and a few practical precautions, you can stay safe while enjoying everything this amazing country has to offer.
Remember my dad’s story—and don’t make his mistake. Whether it’s your first trip or your fiftieth, keeping your wits about you ensures you leave Italy with nothing but wonderful memories (and all your belongings).