Be wise and other Rome, Italy Warning Or Danger Tips

Beggars:
Rome, like any other major European city, has it's share of beggars and pickpockets. Beggars will be a fairly common sight around the Vatican (especially standing in line while entering the Vatican Museum). Some can be quite pushy about getting money from you and will use their kids to make you feel guilty. Just ignore them, and be firm with saying 'no'. Also, the street sellers all along the tourist sights are there illegally. During our 4 days in Rome, we witnessed 2 police busts on these groups. You can clearly see who they are, they sell junk and are usually grouped by their ethnicity (asian women selling scarves, african men selling purses). It is illegal and while some are simply trying to make a few dollars, others will work together to try to rip you off. So if you buy something, buy from a legitimate shop and not a vendor on the street.

Pickpockets:
Rome has such a problem with pickpockets that the gentleman we rented our flat from actually decided to pick us up from the airport in order to avoid Termini Station. I feel that was fairly warranted because in the week preceeding my trip, I had spoken with 3 people who had been robbed in Rome. Therefore, you must be smart and take precautions. Lock everything. Keep your valuables very close to you. A fanny pack or inside pocket to keep money and passports isn't good enough. On buses wear your backpack in front so you can clearly keep hold of it. Pickpockets work mostly on crowded busses (nr. 64), subways, in and around tourist sites, as well as the main train station Termini. Also, for transport to and from the airport, rely on public transport or pre-book a private car for a flat rate. Taxi drivers often don't adjust their meter for tourists and overcharge.

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