Safety

Safety in Italy

Italy ranks as one of Europe's safer countries for residents and visitors. Violent crime is rare, though petty theft requires awareness in tourist areas.

Overall Safety Picture

Global Peace Index: 31st safest country worldwide (ahead of UK and US)

Violent crime: Very low by international standards

Main concerns: Pickpocketing in tourist areas, some property crime

Perception vs reality: Headlines about organized crime don't reflect daily expat experience

Safest Regions and Cities

Safest areas:

• Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Trieste)
• Trentino-Alto Adige (Bolzano)
• Veneto (outside Venice tourist spots)
• Emilia-Romagna (Bologna area)
• Marche

Cities by Safety Index (Numbeo):

Petty Crime Hotspots

Watch for pickpockets:

• Rome: Termini station, Colosseum area, crowded buses
• Florence: Santa Maria Novella, Ponte Vecchio
• Venice: Vaporetti, Piazza San Marco
• Milan: Metro, Duomo area
• Naples: Spaccanapoli, train station

Common scams:

• Distraction theft (fake petitions, flower sellers)
• Fake designer goods sellers
• Overcharging tourists at restaurants (check menus)
• Unofficial taxi drivers at airports

Organized Crime

Italy has historical organized crime (Mafia, 'Ndrangheta, Camorra) primarily in:

• Sicily (Mafia)
• Calabria ('Ndrangheta)
• Naples/Campania (Camorra)
• Parts of Puglia

For expats:

• Almost never affects foreigners or tourists
• Operates in specific sectors (construction, waste, etc.)
• Safe neighborhoods exist throughout these regions
• Puglia's growth as an expat destination proves daily safety

Practical Safety Tips

General:

• Keep valuables secure (money belt or front pockets)
• Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash
• Stay aware in crowded areas
• Trust your instincts about situations

At Night:

• Major cities safe to walk in most neighborhoods
• Normal precautions in less-lit areas
• Avoid deserted train stations late night

Women travelers:

• Generally very safe
• Some catcalling (less than reputation suggests)
• Normal precautions, especially in tourist areas

Emergency Numbers

• 112: General emergency (EU standard)
• 113: Police (Polizia)
• 115: Fire (Vigili del Fuoco)
• 118: Medical emergency (Ambulanza)
• 1515: Forest fires

Natural Disaster Awareness

Earthquakes: Central Italy has seismic activity

• Buildings have varying earthquake preparedness
• Know earthquake procedures

Vesuvius: Dormant but monitored (Naples area)

Etna: Active volcano in Sicily (generally safe)

Flooding: Venice (acqua alta), some coastal areas