Looking like a tourist
I’ve been reading up on Italy, since we’ll be going there soon, and I’m getting kind of worried that there are so many warnings about theft. It feels like there’s more info on preventing theft than about the places themselves! Anyway I’m a little worried because we often look like tourists here at home when we go out shooting photos. (People often ask us where we’re from, and are shocked when we say “here”.) There’s something about camera = tourist, and tourist = prime target. So we will be taking some precautions.
We’ve gotten a rider from our insurance company for our personal cameras and for the equipment we’ll be renting, in case they somehow get damaged. I’ve made copies of our passports, and will make them of our credit cards (including the numbers to call in case of theft). I remember the instructions from a Manhattan relative on how to act to deter thieves (and with the exception of where I normally carry my purse, I usually act that way anyway.) We’ll probably get a money belt, and will split the cash we do carry among ourselves to lessen the chances of it being stolen. And we’re leaving everything we won’t be using while in Italy at home. (No need to bring my my voter ID or driver’s license, for example.) I’ve also read up on how to protect yourself from pickpockets.
July 23rd, 2007 at 6:26 am
Read this somewhere…….carry a local newspaper with you ….can’t hurt.
July 23rd, 2007 at 8:57 am
When I was in Italy all the tour guides warned us about was theft. Their main theme was avoid swarms of children and gypsies, no joke. Keep your purse in front of you, men’s wallets should not be placed in the back pocket of pants or shorts. As long as you stay aware of your surroundings and the people around you you should be okay. Every major destination in Italy is overrun with tourists, don’t worry about sticking out.
July 23rd, 2007 at 9:27 am
Americans always look like Americans when they are abroad – its particularly difficult for anyone to pass as either French or Italian.
I’m sure you’ll take all the relevant precautions (as you should) but the most important thing to remember is that there is nothing to fear, but fear itself. Nothing is irreplaceable and if you are unfortunate enough to be pickpocketed, look upon sorting it all out as an adventure, the sort of thing you can tell your grandkids about.
July 23rd, 2007 at 11:11 am
plonkee, I am usually mistaken for a German while in Europe, but that’s not going to help me in Italy ;)
July 24th, 2007 at 7:14 am
This video was full of stuff “not to do”. As a frequent foreign traveler, nothing screams “tourist” like a backpack. I don’t use them. And the purses should always be carried in front of a person, not behind as is the norm. For men, keep wallets out of the back pocket. Do not wear white tennis shoes and faded blue jeans. These are two dead give-away that an American tourist is present.
July 24th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
My mom travels overseas each summer for three weeks with 40-50 honor students from across America. She carries her money, passport, credit/debit cards, etc., in a bag that’s made from parachute material. It’s got a velcro top & has a loop (like a necklace) attached. She wears the bag around her neck & under her shirt. That’s they were taught to use by the group that trains them for foreign travel. She was told not to carry a purse because thieves have been known to cut the handle of the purse & pull/snatch it from the carrier.