Firenze 2006-2007

Travel Guide Part XII: Identification and Theft

When traveling from Italy to another country, even another European Union nation it is a good idea to have your passport with you. This is a near essential and can help you avoid some major hassles. When in Italy, it is not a big deal to carry your passport with you everywhere you go, but you do need to have some identification with you at all times. This can be a driver’s license or Pepperdine Id card or pretty much anything else. You should also carry a photocopy of your passport’s front page and page with your visa in it with you at all times. Doing this can save you the trouble of having to find some suitable ID in a crisis and let the government know that you are legit, and while it is not as good as a passport, it is also not as big a deal if you should lose it. So, always have your photocopies with you, and carry the actual passport with you whenever you travel outside Italy.
Another time you need to have your passport with you is when staying at a hotel. The front desk will take your passport at check-in and return it to you after checking it with the Interpol data base. This is standard throughout Europe, so get used to it and expect it to happen. I don’t know about hostels though, can anyone help me out here? Do you have to show your passport when checking into a hostel?
Theft. Pickpocketing does happen across Europe, and in some places more than others. Buses and subways are always places you should be careful, as well as street markets. One way to avoid the hassle of having your wallet stolen is to wear one of those traveler’s belts that holds all that stuff in it in a more secure place than your pocket. This a pre-caution that I haven’t ever taken, I have always just been mindful of your surroundings and watch the people around you and you should be fine for the most part. When in a street market, pickpockets will try to get you in a crowd or by diverting your attention. This is when those belts are useful, but you can foil them by always moving and when you do pause, to keep a hand in your pocket or something like that. As far as the thieves go, they are usually either young men or children and are good at what they do. They will hardly ever be carrying guns- hardly anyone in Europe is allowed to, but they will occasionally be armed with knives. Just be aware and try to travel with company whenever possible.

posted by Daniel Williams @ 20:47