Smoking and other Rome, Italy Warning Or Danger Tips

Since January 2005, smoking has been banned in all enclosed public places that do not offer sealed off rooms equipped with smoke extractors. The new law covers bars, restaurants, offices, public buildings, public transport and cinemas. Smokers face fines of up to €275!

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Rome is not the most disabled-friendly city largely due to the number of hills, raised pavements and cobbled streets. Buses are wheelchair-friendly whilst remaining public transport in Rome is partially accessible. Leading visitor attractions are mixed: a lift is provided to the top of the Colosseum, whilst the Vatican's Sistine Chapel is only accessible via the long route through the Vatican museums.

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Popular tourist and shopping areas such as the Colosseum, Via Condotti, Via Nazionale and Via del Corso often attract pickpockets. Take care at Rome's Termini Station.

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Crossing the road can be dangerous for tourists in Rome, and you should stay alert. Where there is a green man indicating that you can cross, be aware that cars may still be entitled to turn onto the road and cross where you are walking. Where there are no lights, crossing places are indicated by white stripes. As a pedestrian you have the right of way here, but drivers are quick to spot a nervous foreigner and are likely to accelerate as to stop. You will need to set foot on the road before any vehicle will even consider stopping for you. Make sure that the drivers in approaching cars have seen you and that they have a reasonable stopping distance - and walk. Traffic etiquette here in Rome is about survival of the most fit. However aggressive they may seem, drivers are aware that they could pick up penalty points or fines from running over pedestrians, and will be good if given no choice in the matter. However, you should always remain alert, particularly in wet weather!

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There are occasional incidents of harassment and touching of women on crowded buses, but staying alert can usually prevent this. Elbows sticking out, or a throw of a shoulder bag can help. In terms of chat ups, Italian men are quite aware of signals women give off. They will generally leave women alone unless given strong encouragement. Around tourist areas you'll find men who look for women who are desperate, so unless you are this sort of lady you should make it clear that you're not a drunken tourist looking for an Italian romance and then they should move away to look for easier prey. If you with a man you shoul dbe ok anyway but beware if you are women together or a woman on your own. As with street sellers, looking through them, or looking away with total disinterest will make them go away.

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