Are you planning a trip to Italy?
There are so many amazing things to see and do you will not be disappointed. Just like in any new country you visit the culture and customs are going to be different.
Hopefully, this post will help you learn what to expect as you travel abroad to Italy. If you prepared right you will have no problems adjusting to this new environment.
Let’s get started with safety travel tips for Italy!
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Is Italy Safe?
I felt very safe in Italy. However, Italy is known to have petty theft so let’s explore some of the ways you can protect yourself and your belongings.
Major Pick-Pocketing Problem in Italy
When planning a trip to Italy you may ask yourself “is Italy Safe?” This is a great question! It is super important to be concerned about your safety. To put your mind at ease, Italy is not a major crime area but petty theft is a huge problem!
- Sweet talking con artist will most likely be at train stops
- Nicely dressed people could target you on buses
- Children that look like beggars that hold up signs to confuse tourists
- Even moms with babies and children attempt to pickpocket
How to Avoid Being a Target of Pick Pockets in Italy
- Secure your money! We bought a pouch that you wear under your clothes. It is called a pickpocket proof wallet. I liked that it was comfortable and it really worked well! Purchasing one is a great idea if you are going to be touring all day!
More Safety Travel Tips for Italy
- Do not get distracted with your phone
- Do not trust kind strangers (this makes me a little sad, I love people)
- Keep nothing important in your pockets
- Be aware of your surroundings when boarding and leaving buses and subways
- When boarding a train take the end cars and avoid the middle cars; they will be less crowded
- When purchasing products make sure to have a clear itemized bill before handing money over and then count your change
- Do not trust someone who pretends to be a police officer who asks about counterfeit money, this is one scam that is common
- Always check ATMs to make sure there is not a plastic piece inserted in the card slot
I do not want to scare you. Italy is an amazing place! Just be careful and aware of your surroundings!
Electrical Outlets In Italy
Quick Lesson on Italy Power Adapters and Converters
The purpose of the adapter is to basically help the plugs on your electronics fit into foreign outlets. A Converter’s job is to change the voltage used in an outlet.
Europe’s electrical system operates on 220 volts, while in America we have 110 volts. Most newer electronics, battery chargers, cell phones, and hair dryers switch over automatically. I would personal buy a converter and an Italy power adapter plug.
Hot Tip For Italy Power Adapters
When I went to Best Buy to buy a Italy power adapter kit it was over $40. I did not purchase it and waited till I got to Europe. (I was taking a chance) It was worth it because I was able to buy a Italy power adapter at the hotel I was staying at for 5 Euros. Crazy!
I don’t know if I recommend that but I lucked out! It might be a good idea to call your hotel ahead of time and check when planning your trip to Italy.
Why You May Need the Italy Power Converter
You may only need the adapter but I learned the hard way that my really expensive hair straightener did not convert automatically. Unfortunately, it broke and my hair was wild the rest of the trip!


What Currency Is Used In Italy?
You may be asking “What’s the currency in Italy?” Don’t worry, if it is your first time it can be confusing!
The simple answer is Italy uses the Euro. It is apart of the European Union or eurozone.
Exchange Rate for the Dollar to the Euro
Exchange rates change all the time! Sometimes in your favor and sometimes not. Typically, your bank at home will have the best rate. The airport exchange will charge extremely high fees to exchange your money.
ATM’s at the airport are a another option. Although, you may be charged by your bank as well as the ATM provider.
Do You Really Need Euro’s in Italy?
The question I would ask myself is “Do I carry cash in America?” My answer is No. I never have cash! I always use my cards. You will have to ask yourself this question as well. If you feel better having a few 100 euros in your pocket than your answer is yes! Exchange your money.
As we were in Italy I felt that we were able to get by just fine using our credit cards with the exception of souvenirs. There were many African refugees that sell products on the streets (mostly in Pisa). Cash was all that they accept. So when planning your trip to Italy keep that in mind.
How to Prepare your Credit Card for Travel
Credit Cards
Using credit cards in Italy is easy. Major cities will have the ability to take your card. Some things to think about as you use your credit card in Italy are as follows:
- Have at least two different cards on hand
- Visa and Mastercard are more accepted than American Express
- Call or check online with your credit card company before you leave and let them know you will be out of the country
- Most of my credit cards automatically convert currency
- I found that most places took credit cards
- If you are interested in a Travel Credit Card with great points and value check out Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred
Debit Card
- You many want your debit card to get money out of an ATMs
- Use the airport ATMs when you arrive or one that is located near a bank – for safety reasons
- Remember transaction fees
- Remember withdrawal limits
- Get the emergency numbers for where you bank
Cash (Euros)
- I found we didn’t need too much cash; most places accepted credit cards
- Use ATM to get Euros
- I used cash for buses and cheap souvenirs
These tips will come in handy when you are buying your Italy gifts and souvenirs.
Refunds
- If you spend more than $155 at one retailer you are entitled to receive a VAT refund of 22%.
- Have the retailer fill out the paperwork (you will need your passport)
- Get stamp at the airport border
- Collect your refund at a Global Blue or premier Tax Free location in airport
Tipping In Italy
- It is not expected but appreciated
- Restaurants include the charge in your bill
- Minimal taxi tip; round up to the nearest Euro
- Tip for great service (bell man, housekeeper, etc)
- Ask a local to see what is appropriate
Plan Ahead
Itinerary for Italy
Your trip is going to be awesome. To make it even more special make sure to put some time into planning. If you need itinerary ideas check out my post on One Week Itinerary Options. This will give you 4 options on where to go.
I highly recommend getting a Italy Travel Guidebook before you plan your trip.
Italy Tours
Make sure to set up all your tours and buy tickets ahead of time. This is so important especially to the very popular attractions. A great place to get great deals on tours is Viator.com
They are in almost every country and are probably known best for their hop on hop off bus tours. Although, they do have a variety of other tours.
Booking Hotels in Italy
Finding the right hotel is so important. It really makes or breaks a trip! Using Hotels.com is a great option to find the perfect place you want to stay when planning your trip to Italy. I have also stayed in home rentals and booked them through VRBO.com
Each city is different and will take some research to find the best parts of the city.
Car Rentals in Italy
We booked a car in Italy and it really gave us the freedom to explore the entire country. Starting in Venice and traveling down to the Amalfi Coast was our path. It really was a fabulous way to travel. If you are looking to book a car try Auto Europe for some really great deals.
Booking Flights in Italy
Sometimes it is just cheaper to fly in Europe compared to trains or driving. We rented our car in Venice and returned it in Naples. Booking a flight from Naples to Venice was the right choice for us as it was really cheap. We love using Ryan Air and Easy Jet. They are budget airlines and are great for cheap flights.
Book Trains In Italy
Some trains can be booked the day of. However, knowing the routes you want to use is helpful when you are ready to buy your ticket. Use the official website for more information.
Here is some helpful information about booking trains:
- During busy season you may want to book a few days ahead of time
- Arrive 15 minutes before departure
- Check the time boards
- Fast speed trains vs. slower speed trains
- Rail pass
- Use ticket machines to purchase tickets
- Children under 3 are free; 4-11 are half off
Cell Phone Connection
- Check with service provider before you go
- Use Wi-Fi
- Skype
- Times have changed over the last 10 years with most phones now days will work in Europe (10 years ago we had to buy a special phone for our trip) That is not necessary now.
Recommendations
- Buy Rick Steve’s Italy Book
- Download Free Rick’s Audio Europe App
- Download the Google Maps App ( download maps with Wi-Fi to use later)
Are you ready for your Italy Trip?
Hopefully, these tips for planning an Italy trip come in hand as you plan and prepare for your trip to Italy. If you love Italy check out my other post listed below!
Where will your next stop be? Maybe Florence to Rome or maybe down to the Amalfi Coast? We loved everywhere we visited in Italy be sure to check out my adventures in Italy!
If you are planning a northern or central Italy vacation be sure to check out my other posts Venice , Pisa and Lucca, Romantic Venice, and Siena.
If you are looking for a southern Italy itinerary be sure to check out Capri, Pompeii, Gaeta, and the Amalfi Coast.
In addition, if you are looking for another reason to visit Italy you won’t be disappointed touring this amazing country!
Facebook Community
If you have any question join our Facebook Travel Community. We love helping our readers plan trips! Plus, I will always share special coupons companies send me in this group!
Julie Gazdecki
April 11, 2019 12:05 pmSo many great tips! Too bad you have to worry about stealing so much. And I had no idea about the refund opportunity.
Lisa
April 11, 2019 1:40 pmI know it’s sad that so much petty theft is around, but honestly I saw a few of these types of scam but for the most part I felt safe and not affected!
Hera
April 11, 2019 1:04 pmGood general tips to cover first time travelers to Europe.
Lisa
April 11, 2019 1:38 pm🙂 Thanks!
Heather
April 11, 2019 1:13 pmGreat tips! We had an interesting experience in Florence. People would throw these prints down on the ground and you had to be careful not to step on them. One of the ladies in our group did and they chased her, telling her she needed to buy it. She was so sorry, so she did. Well in Italy if you buy something from one of these “street people” and they are not an approved vendor you may be fined 5,000 euros. Our guide made sure the drawing disappeared. Crazy!!
Lisa
April 11, 2019 1:38 pmI haven’t heard of that one! Thanks for sharing! I did see people in Venice try to take a picture of you and give you a rose and then expect to get paid. We knew about this scam before hand and sure enough one of these people approached us but we just walked away.
Tricia Snow
April 11, 2019 8:33 pmYeah, I don’t think my huge Versace bag would work in Europe. I would make myself a serious target. That pouch looks perfect!
Lisa
April 12, 2019 11:52 amSuper target for sure!
Shannon Delaney
April 11, 2019 8:49 pmGreat tips! I wish I would have had these when my straight iron was fried in Singapore!
Lisa
April 12, 2019 11:53 amI know right!
Clara T. Reck
April 11, 2019 10:15 pmI actually use the exact same money belt when I travel abroad and have yet to be robbed (knock on wood). Also, that’s how my hair always looks when I travel hahahaha Always…. literally.
Lisa
April 12, 2019 11:53 amHa Ha seriously! Those money belt’s are awesome and they give me a piece of mind!
Pam
April 12, 2019 9:31 amGreat tips. I haven’t been to Italy yet, but it’s a country I’d like to visit someday.
Lisa
April 12, 2019 11:56 amIt is worth a visit! There are so many amazing things to see in Italy!
Shirley
April 12, 2019 12:24 pmGreat tips! I especially love your pics…so fun!
jen
April 12, 2019 1:07 pmSuper fun post!
Lisa
April 12, 2019 2:56 pmThanks!
Missy
April 12, 2019 6:42 pmAwesome suggestions. I loved your hair photos. So funny. 🙂
Heather
April 12, 2019 7:31 pmThe last time we were in Italy – Venice and Rome – we didn’t have any issues with pickpockets. We did have the issue in Paris when a group of guys tried to steal my husbands phone. My husband grabbed his phone back and yelled pickpocket at the guy.
Life Beyond Zebra
April 12, 2019 8:16 pmSo many fabulous tips!! I am going to have to save some of these.
Lisa
April 12, 2019 8:21 pmThey are pretty handy if you are going to travel to Italy!
Lara
April 12, 2019 9:14 pmGreat tips. We also found it useful to not “look” like a tourist. We tried to blend in as much as possible, and avoid the really busy areas at night.
Lisa
April 12, 2019 9:22 pmThat is a really good Point! I always feel like I stand out as an American!
Michele
April 13, 2019 7:13 amI love this honest advice! Travel is wonderful and I recommend it to everyone, but it is important to be safe everywhere you go! Better safe than sorry!
Lisa
April 13, 2019 9:25 amFor Sure! I get a little nervous as a tourist that I will stick out!
Jessica Dana
April 13, 2019 8:08 amItaly is on our bucket list!!! These are great tips!
Lisa
April 13, 2019 9:24 amItaly is amazing! I hope you get a chance to go someday!
Brianna
April 14, 2019 1:36 pmAnd again another amazing post! So insightful!
Trisha
April 15, 2019 4:36 amWhat a great list that covered many topics! I’m thinking of getting a fanny pack just for everyday use! 😉
Lisa
April 15, 2019 7:48 amThat’s awesome!
T.M. Brown
April 16, 2019 2:18 pmThese are great tips! In fact, I have a friend who just visited Italy a few months ago and was pick-pocketed as soon as she arrived. They took her phone and wallet. She was caught completely by surprise.
Lisa
April 18, 2019 6:04 pmThat is crazy!
Holly Bird
November 8, 2019 1:16 pmGreat advice! Safe travels and being prepared for anything is so important to a fabulous vacation! Italy…my bucket list to see where my family is from!
Lisa
November 8, 2019 3:36 pmMy husband’s family is from Italy. It was amazing to go a see the city the came from!
Lee Anne
November 8, 2019 1:18 pmAll wonderful tips! I hope to visit Italy soon. I will revisit your post when I do!! Thanks for sharing.
Lisa
November 8, 2019 3:35 pmYes, Pin it for later!
Tricia Snow
November 8, 2019 2:26 pmLisa, you have so many great tips in here I have to bookmark this for later! Thanks!
Lisa
November 8, 2019 3:35 pmThanks! I hope it helps!
Jill DeMasi
November 8, 2019 4:41 pmThanks for sharing this Lisa! I pinned this right away to refer back to when I plan my trip to Italy. Looks so amazing!!
Lisa
November 8, 2019 10:06 pmOh yes if you want my free guide I made lots of Itineraries there is a link at the beginning of the post.
Caitlin Westwood
November 8, 2019 5:34 pmWow what a valuable post. I recommended this to a friend who is going to Italy soon. Thanks for the tips!
Lisa
November 8, 2019 10:05 pmOh good! Italy is amazing she will have so much fun!
Natalie
November 8, 2019 6:28 pmThanks for the tips! I’ve never traveled aboard, but I am like you I like people and also found it disappointing that you can’t trust them. I also had no idea that Italy had a pick pocket problem.
Lisa
November 8, 2019 10:04 pmOh yes, It is really bad there! You have to be super careful!
Karen
November 8, 2019 8:18 pmYour picture of you and the hair straightener is hysterical, My daughters would probably want to go home if their hair straightener broke.
Lisa
November 8, 2019 10:03 pmIt was a rough moment! Got to love traveling!
Karla Petersen
November 8, 2019 10:55 pmI am impressed at the thoroughness of your posts. SO incredibly helpful!
Lisa
November 9, 2019 8:37 pmOh good! I always like to think of questions people might have when they travel!
Suzan
November 9, 2019 8:16 amGreat tips and suggestions! I never had heard about the refunds when spending $155 or more before!
Lisa
November 9, 2019 8:35 pmYes, When we got to the London airport I saw a window dedicated to this. I didn’t spend that much money, I actually bought souvenirs in the airport duty free.
Kim
November 9, 2019 9:12 amI was a tour guide in Italy back in the 80’s. This really made me miss it! Thanks.
Lisa
November 9, 2019 8:33 pmThat would be awesome! I loved Italy!
Ellen Mika Zelasko
November 9, 2019 10:07 amItaly is on my list. Looks like you had a fantastic trip and your post is very thorough! Love the video!
Lisa
November 9, 2019 8:32 pmThanks! It was a wonderful trip!
Jordan
November 9, 2019 3:34 pmGreat tips and advice fo an Italy trip. I have never been before, but it is on my bucket list, so this is so helpful. And it always seems like the straightener or curling iron dies during international travel. I have heard that happen to so many people!
Lisa
November 9, 2019 8:31 pmThat was a sad day!
Kendra
November 9, 2019 10:56 pmGreat tips! My daughter experienced the pick-pocketing and petty theft issues in France too. Yikes!
Lisa
November 11, 2019 12:58 pmThat little pouch was a life saver for sure!
Tracy
November 10, 2019 6:20 amWow! There is so much information here. I will pin this for when we finally get to travel to Italy in a few years! Thanks!
Lisa
November 11, 2019 12:57 pmThat is awesome!
judean
November 10, 2019 2:20 pmWhen I used to travel overseas for work, I learned very quickly about the electrical outlets! Also, pick-pocketers are everywhere! You must be very, very aware of the people and the surroundings…..yikes! I watched someone do this in eastern Europe–I thought there was a name for these individuals…that would make you think they were ‘friendly’ but I cannot for the life of me remember – nor can I find it on google.
Lisa
November 11, 2019 12:56 pmIt is so sad! I’m sure it happens in the US, it just isn’t as common place.
Cindy
November 11, 2019 9:09 amGreat tips! I loved Italy and spent 12 days there. My grandson, daughter and I traveled with Globus so these things were all addressed before we met up with our tour group. Otherwise I wouldn’t have known about many of these things!
I can’t wait to visit Italy again!
Lisa
November 11, 2019 12:55 pmI am sure a tour group would be really nice!
Lisa
November 11, 2019 9:19 amThank you for posting! We love traveling to Italy and it helps to be prepared!
Lisa
November 11, 2019 12:52 pmFor Sure! Your Welcome!
Tara
November 11, 2019 11:31 amItaly is our favorite country to travel to. I love your breakdown of the different places in Italy. I could go back year after year and visit a different spot each time…so many places to see!
Lisa
November 11, 2019 12:46 pmme too! I want to go back with my kids!
Maria Gustafsson
November 11, 2019 11:40 amI had a converter in the UK (220 Volts), and thought it was enough, killed my flat iron. Now I own a flat Iron with a UK plug, and have a North American converter plug over it! That way no problems when I go to Europe, and it works just fine here. Though that extra 110 volts in the UK speeds up the process by a lot!
Lisa
November 11, 2019 12:43 pmA borrowed a really cool flat iron with a UK and EU plug from my friend last month and it was awesome!