Pick-pocketing and "Accounting"

We just heard that one of our Drury colleagues was pickpocketed and had his backpack, including ipad, stolen on the train from FCO to Termini. 

While that has  not been a common experience in the last 5 years of travel to Rome (only my mother had someone extract her passport from her ZIPPED purse in 2008 on a subway), it is important to be aware that this is much more of a common pursuit than in the United States.  

I once had the contents of my purse extracted at a concert (where bodies were quite close) at a concert in Germany back in the day, so it happens! 

These sorts of things are much more likely to occur on tourist routes like Bus 64 from Termini to St. Peters, and so staying off the tourist tracks by simply walking can be useful. 

But no real worries, if you protect yourself well, like keeping your purse around you and on your lap when sitting; and your money tucked away. I have really not had any issues in past trips—but it is true that there are more economic trevails in Europe right now and so that might influence more activity.

Guys, do not keep your wallets in your back pockets. We do recommend a money belt: the kind that attaches to a belt. 

We were just in Paris where scams were much more prevalent than in Rome—but it's always good to be aware of scams, those asking for money (which means you get out your purse), making sure that you receive EU money back (rather than British or Croatian), counting your change you receive, and counting out your bills separately for the cashier or taxi driver (rather than turning over a wad of money which can be disputed). 

Finally, everyone will probably be scammed once—even someone who has travelled a lot. So don't take it personally. It's hopefully a minor inconvenience and not a big part of your European adventure. 

We hope this helps!