Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
» Pickpockets are highly active on crowded transport and in crowds. Avoid keeping
money, credit cards and other valuables in easy-to-reach pockets, especially coat and back
pockets.
» Never leave your bags unattended - some thieves walk through trains before they depart
in search of unattended bags to pinch. At cafes and bars, loop your bag's strap around
your leg while seated.
» Be cautious of strangers wanting your attention, especially at train stations.
» Wear bags and cameras across your body and away from the street to avoid scooter-rid-
ing petty thieves.
» Be aware of your surrounds, especially at night.
» At archaeological sites, watch out for touts posing as legitimate guides.
Scams
Avoid buying mobile phones and other electrical goods from vendors on Piazza Garibaldi
and at street markets. It's not unusual to discover you've bought a box with a brick. At
Stazione Centrale in Naples, ignore touts offering taxis; use only registered white taxis
with a running meter.
On the Road
Car theft is a problem in Naples, so it pays to leave your car in a supervised car park. If
you leave your car on the street, you'll often be approached by an unofficial (illegal) park-
ing attendant asking for money. Clearly you don't have to pay them, but if you refuse, you
run the risk of returning to a damaged car. In case of theft or loss, always report the incid-
ent to the police within 24 hours, and ask for a statement otherwise your travel-insurance
company won't pay out.
Traffic
Neapolitan traffic requires some getting used to. Drivers are not keen to stop for pedestri-
ans, even at pedestrian crossings, and are more likely to swerve. Locals simply step off the
footpath and walk through the (swerving) traffic with determination. It is a practice that
seems to work, but if you feel uncertain, wait and cross with a local.
In many cities, roads that appear to be for one-way traffic have lanes for buses travel-
ling in the opposite direction - always look both ways before stepping onto the road.
