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Italy
- Travelers to Italy should primarily be aware of risks associated with petty theft and distraction scams in crowded tourist locations and transportation hubs.
- Italy is vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic activity, while heavy rainfall and snowstorms also affect several regions.
Risk Factors
- Petty theft, including pickpocketing and bag snatching, is prevalent in areas crowded with tourists. Travelers are advised to secure their belongings, especially in major cities such as Rome, Milan, Venice, and Florence. Passports and mobile phones are target items for theft.
- Organized criminal groups are known to operate in Italy’s southern regions, though such criminal activities are highly unlikely to impact foreigners. Violent crime remains rare in Italy.
- The use of ATM skimming devices is on the rise. Use ATMs in well-lit public areas or inside banks or businesses. When entering your PIN, cover the keypad with one hand.
- Navigating Italy’s roads requires caution due to aggressive driving habits and poor road conditions in certain rural areas.
- Public transportation is widely available, though it is advised to keep personal items close to avoid snatch and grab thefts.
- In cities, opt for official taxis, which are white with a "Taxi" sign, and can be found at designated taxi stands or booked through apps like Free Now. Uber and other ride-sharing apps are also suitable options for travelers. Avoid unlicensed taxis or accepting unsolicited rides.
- The safest means of intercity travel in Italy is by train, particularly through well-established services like Trenitalia and Italo, which offer reliable and secure transportation.
- Protests occur regularly and industrial action is common. The risk of violence during protests and strikes is low, even though such demonstrations can cause significant disruption to travel plans.
- Italy’s geographical position makes it susceptible to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Italy has several active volcanoes including Mt. Etna in Sicily and Campi Flegrei in Naples. While seismic and volcanic activity can occur without notice, travelers are advised to monitor for updates while traveling in these regions.
- Localized flooding is often reported in areas closer to the sea and lakes, particularly during November and December. Flooding is more common in Piedmont, Sardinia, and Sicily.