Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Festa di Ognisanti
(All Saints' Day) 1 November
Festa dell'Immacolata Concezione
(Feast of the Immaculate Conception) 8 December
Natale
(Christmas Day) 25 December
Festa di Santo Stefano
(Boxing Day) 26 December
Safe Travel
Rome is not a dangerous city, but petty crime is a problem. Road safety is also an issue. The highway code is obeyed
with discretion, so don't take it for granted that cars and scooters will stop at pedestrian crossings, or even at red lights.
STOP, THIEF!
The greatest risk visitors face in Rome is from pickpockets and thieves. There's no reason for paranoia, but you
need to be aware that the problem exists and protect your valuables with this in mind.
Pickpockets go where the tourists go, so watch out around the most touristed and crowded areas, such as the
Colosseum, Piazza di Spagna, St Peter's Square and Stazione Termini. Note that thieves prey on disoriented trav-
ellers at the bus stops around Termini, fresh in from airports. Crowded public transport is another hot spot - the
64 Vatican bus is notorious. If travelling on the metro, try to use the end carriages, which are usually less busy.
A money belt with your essentials (passport, cash, credit cards) is a good idea. However, to avoid delving into
it in public, carry a wallet with a day's cash. Don't flaunt watches, cameras and other expensive goods. If you're
carrying a bag or camera, wear the strap across your body and away from the road - scooter thieves can swipe a
bag and be gone in seconds. Be careful when you sit down at a streetside table - never drape your bag over an
empty chair by the road or put it where you can't see it.
A common method is for one thief to distract you while their assistant makes away with your purse. Beware of
gangs of kids or others demanding attention. If you notice that you've been targeted, either take evasive action or
shout
' va via!'
('go away!') in a loud, angry voice. Remember also that some of the best pickpockets are well
dressed.
Cars, particularly those with foreign number plates or rental-company stickers, also provide rich pickings for
thieves. Never leave valuables in your car - try not to leave anything on display if you can help it. It's a good idea
to pay extra to leave your car in supervised car parks.
Watch out also for short-changing - always check your change to see you haven't been 'accidentally' given a
note too few.
In case of theft or loss, always report the incident to the police within 24 hours and ask for a statement.
Taxes & Refunds
A value-added tax of 20%, known as IVA (Imposta di Valore Aggiunto), is slapped on just about everything in Italy. If
you are a non-EU resident and you spend more than €155 on a purchase, you can claim a refund when you leave the EU.
The refund only applies to purchases from affiliated retail outlets that display a 'Tax Free' sign. When you make your
purchase, ask for a tax-refund voucher, to be filled in with the date of your purchase and its value. When you leave the
