🛡️Safety Guide Rome

Keep your wallet, phone, and passport in secure, zippered pockets or a cross-body bag. Be extra vigilant at major tourist sites like the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps, as well as on crowded public transport like Metro Line A and B.

Pickpocketing is common on Rome's buses and metro, especially the 64 bus route. Always keep your bag in front of you and be mindful of distractions. Avoid looking overtly like a tourist.

Always lock your apartment door and windows, even if you're just stepping out for a moment. Ensure all roommates understand and follow security protocols for the building.

If walking alone at night, stick to well-lit, populated streets. Avoid poorly lit alleys or isolated areas, particularly around Termini station and some parts of Esquilino after dark.

Avoid flashing expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics openly. Keeping a low profile makes you less of a target for opportunistic thieves.

Always use official white Roman taxis (with a 'TAXI' sign and meter) or licensed ride-sharing services like Free Now. Avoid unlicensed 'taxis' offering rides, especially at airports or stations.

If a situation or person feels off, trust your intuition and remove yourself. It's better to be safe than sorry, even if it feels impolite.

Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa, leaving the originals locked away in your shared accommodation. This simplifies replacement if originals are lost or stolen.

Knowing phrases like 'Aiuto!' (Help!), 'Lasciami in pace!' (Leave me alone!), and 'Chiamo la polizia!' (I'll call the police!) can be very useful in an emergency.

When out at bars or clubs, never leave your drink unattended. Accept drinks only from trusted friends or the bartender directly.

Someone might try to tie a 'free' bracelet onto your wrist or give you a 'free' rose, then demand payment aggressively. Firmly refuse, walk away, and do not engage.

Individuals will approach you with clipboards asking for signatures on a 'petition' for a charity. Once you sign, they will demand a donation. Politely decline and keep walking.

A person 'finds' a wallet or ring near you and pretends it's yours, hoping you'll check your own belongings, thus revealing where you keep your valuables. Ignore them and walk away.

Costumed 'gladiators' around the Colosseum offer photos, then demand exorbitant fees. Agree on a price beforehand or avoid them entirely.

Unlicensed taxis or official taxis refusing to use the meter are common. Always confirm the fare or insist on the meter before starting the journey from Fiumicino or Ciampino airports.

Some restaurants, especially near major attractions, might add extra items, 'coperto' (cover charge), or 'servizio' (service charge) without clear indication. Always check your bill carefully.

Before using an ATM, check the card slot and keypad for any unusual attachments or loose parts. Use ATMs located inside banks during business hours if possible.

Genuine Italian police (Carabinieri, Polizia di Stato) will always be in uniform and won't ask for your wallet or cash on the street. If approached, ask for identification and offer to go to the nearest police station.

This is the single emergency number for police, ambulance, and fire services across Italy, including Rome. Operators are available in multiple languages.

For direct medical emergencies and ambulance services, dial 118. Be prepared to explain your location and the nature of the emergency clearly.

For non-urgent medical issues outside regular clinic hours (nights, weekends, holidays), call the Guardia Medica (tel. 06 582701 or 06 582703 for English). These clinics provide basic care.

Pharmacies are easily identifiable by a green cross sign. They can offer advice for minor ailments and over-the-counter medications. Many have English-speaking staff.

If you plan to stay long-term, register with a 'Medico di Base' (general practitioner) through the ASL (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) for routine healthcare. This is crucial for accessing the public health system.

If you're an EU citizen, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU citizens must have private health insurance valid in Italy. Know what your policy covers before you need it.

Familiarize yourself with the location of major hospitals like Policlinico Umberto I, Ospedale San Giovanni Addolorata, or Ospedale Fatebenefratelli on Tiber Island, especially if you live nearby.

Save emergency numbers, your landlord's contact, and a trusted friend's number in your phone. Consider writing them down too, in case your phone battery dies.

If you lose or have something stolen, report it immediately to the local 'Carabinieri' (police) station. You'll need the police report for insurance claims or passport replacement.