We are going on vacation to Italy: travel rules. What does a civilian risk if he is stopped by the Italian police and does not have identification documents? Where in Italy there are no police

26.06.2023

Italy consists of 20 regions that are very different from each other, so tourists visiting a new region each time find themselves in a “new country”.

Although Italy is a mononational country, and 95% of the population is Italian, residents of even neighboring regions often do not fully understand each other, because each has its own dialect.

The official language in Italy is actually a Florentine dialect. Only after Dante wrote The Divine Comedy did it become common, but still 20% of the Italian population does not understand the official Italian language.

Not so long ago (half a century ago), the Italian language was used only in literature, because all regions spoke their own dialects. And only thanks to television, it spread throughout Italy.

In the region Aosta The main language is German, but Italian is not spoken and is poorly understood.

At the same time, Italians and Spaniards understand each other well due to the similarity of languages.

All Italian words end with a vowel.

The letters K, Y, W, X, J are not found in the Italian alphabet. It’s strange for us, but they somehow get by.

Modern Italians (as a people) cannot in any way be called heirs of the Roman Empire, although they live on the same territory.

It is believed that the further south the region, the friendlier the people living there, as well as the more often men sincerely kiss when meeting and saying goodbye.

Every city or village in Italy has its own patron saint.

Sanctuary of Saint Francis, patron saint of Calabria. Paola. Calabria. Italy.

About 80% of the country's territory is occupied by mountains.

In Italy you can find almost all climatic zones, except extreme ones.

It is believed that most Italians have never traveled south of Rome.

Florence (the administrative center of the Tuscany region) has the largest pedestrian area in the world.

The states of San Marino and Vatican City are located within Italian territory.

There are no orphanages in Italy and no stray animals.

Life expectancy in Italy is one of the highest.

Italy is home to 60% of the world's cultural heritage.

98% of Italians are Catholics. And when filling out your annual tax return, you must make a donation to the Catholic Church.

Italy, together with Poland, are the most religious countries in Europe.

About 80% of business structures in Sicily and Calabria are connected with the mafia and pay tribute to it. It is “not without the help” of the most greedy and socially irresponsible mafia - Camorra in Calabria, the only motorway in the region, Salerno - Reggio, has been under construction for more than 40 years, because... money is constantly stolen.

All police organizations in Italy (and there are 54 of them) have the right to bear arms. This even applies to traffic controllers.

Italian police uniforms are sewn by a well-known Italian company specializing in the production of fashionable clothing and shoes - Prada.

According to driving rules in Italy, it is allowed to warn with high beams when overtaking, while in other European countries you can be fined for this.

Expressways ( Autostrada ) in Italy are almost always paid. And although their speed is limited to 130 km/h, few people pay attention to this. Moreover, police with radar are extremely rare here.

Previously Lamborghini was known as a tractor manufacturing company.

The letter "C" on a water tap means not cold water ( Cold ), as can often be found here, and hot ( Calda ).

It is not recommended to drink tap water throughout almost all of Italy due to problems with the plumbing.

Italians hardly drink juices, just as you won’t find them in many restaurants.

In practice, Italians do not drink strong drinks either, since they drink mostly water or wine. Sometimes beer.

A tobacco shop in Italy serves many functions. There, among other things, you can top up your phone, buy a parking ticket, and even pay some taxes.

The best restaurants in Italy often have no signs and can only be accessed by recommendation.

Italians laugh at tourists who visit cafes in central squares and pay huge amounts of money for poor quality food.

In bars and cafes, prices for locals may be lower than for tourists. And if you ask for coffee in English at a bar, the drink can cost 2 times more.

Olive oil in Italy is recommended to be purchased from farmers in the countryside, while taking it from the supermarket is considered bad manners in most regions. The same applies to wine, although to a lesser extent.

It is customary to buy high-quality meat, fish, sausage and vegetables in small shops from people you know.

The main meal in Italy is considered to be a hearty evening dinner.

Pasta in Italy they call not only pasta, but also any other made from flour.

Spaghetti alla Bolognese – this name is only for tourists. Italians often call this dish - Spaghetti con ragu , not accepting Bologna's attempt to appropriate it.

Real Italian pizza is pizza baked in an oven and on wood.

The European Union is trying to impose a ban on the production in Italy of certain types of cheese, types of ham, as well as wood-fired pizza, as not meeting hygiene standards. For example, when preparing pizza, ash gets on it, and the production process of some cheeses involves burying it in the ground.

When purchasing, including products, it is strongly recommended to always take a receipt. When leaving a store or even just on the street, financial police can always ask where you got this product from, where you bought it, and fine you for not having a receipt.

Italians can send one or two invitations to a wedding. The first gives the right to attend an official ceremony in the church, the second allows you to get to “feasts and other less official events.”

When speaking, Italians actively use dozens of gestures. In general there are hundreds of them. They were born as an aid in communication due to the significant differences in languages in the country

Also in Italy, when talking, they often take the interlocutor by the elbow, for persuasiveness.

When women gesture, it is considered vulgar.

The most offensive gesture is the “goat” made with the index finger and little finger up. This means that you are a cuckold. A similar downward gesture with your fingers wards off damage.

The most popular sport among Italians is, of course, football. Next come motocross and cycling.

Italy football team - squadra azzurra – translated means “blue team” (based on the color of the uniform, of course :)); and the players themselves are called azzurri (“blue”).

Italians are passionate fans of all kinds of lotteries and sweepstakes. It is quite difficult for our people to understand all this diversity, but they both know how and love.

Music and theater are very popular in Italy, so it is quite common for Italians to purchase annual tickets to visit.

It is curious that access to the Internet in the Internet club is possible in Italy only upon presentation of a passport. As well as purchasing telephone SIM cards... And football tickets too.

In Italy, connections and recommendations are extremely important. Almost everywhere. If you just come (“from no one”), say, to a doctor or hairdresser, this may seem strange.

Some laws in Italy are “non-binding”. For example, the existing thousands of illegal buildings, including in the coastal zone, have not surprised anyone for a long time.

The schedule of buses, trains and planes is quite a conditional thing, since the times on information boards are often approximate, and the numbers of platforms and gates may not coincide with those indicated at all.

Italians are not punctual, so they often prefer to arrive later so as not to have to wait.

Only tourists carry a bag on one shoulder in Italy. Italians always put it on over their heads for fear that it might be snatched by passing motorcyclists.

Italians really don’t like to work, but they are extremely offended if they are told about it.

The concept of an “Italian strike”, a form of protest consisting of extremely strict (without retreating a single step, to the point of absurdity) performance by employees of their official duties, is not a myth, but often a means of entertainment at work.

In August, all of Italy goes on vacation. Even large enterprises are stopping work.

In Italy, clans are quite common, and some organizations may generally consist only of members of one family.

In Italian families, many husbands are terribly afraid of their wives.

After a spouse divorces, a court in Italy may oblige a man to support his ex-wife if she does not have enough funds. The official divorce procedure usually lasts about three years.

It is considered quite normal for men in Italy to live with their mother until the age of 40.

In Italy, like here, it is customary to congratulate women on March 8th.

Italians love children very much, allowing them to do almost anything. And even if someone’s baby “accidentally” spills tomato sauce on you, you should smile and say how cute it is.

Friday is considered men's day in many regions of Italy. In restaurants, as a rule, you can meet companies consisting of only guys, and it is indecent for girls to go to bars on this day.

In Italy, when addressing a respected person, they can add the word “Doctor” before the last name, which absolutely does not mean he has anything to do with medicine or an academic degree.

Everyone is accepted into public universities in Italy. And you don’t even have to take entrance exams.

In many universities in Italy there are no sessions, and exams are taken as soon as they are ready - whoever wants and can.

Students in Italy, as a rule, rent housing, since there are no dormitories or campuses at Italian universities.

It is prohibited to be on the beach at night in Italy, and the fine can be about 1 thousand euros.

It is also prohibited in Italy to draw with crayons on the asphalt.

And what is quite surprising, they say it is forbidden to take sea water home with you.

In non-tourist areas, Italians tend to dress modestly, and short skirts for girls and shorts for men are not encouraged.

In general, Italians dress very “so-so”, one might say - casually. They prefer black colors. The exceptions are, perhaps, Milan, Rome and some resort cities.

It is better to buy clothes in Italy in big stores. outlets (special shopping centers) outside the city. Here you can buy clothes and shoes from different brands from previous seasons with 30-70% discounts, all year round.

A mandatory accessory for any (non-public) toilet in Italy is a bidet. You will meet him even in the most “shabby” hotel.

You can often see Italians loudly and extremely emotionally exchanging remarks with each other. But, believe me, they don’t shout or swear at all, they just talk like that.

In Italy, it is customary to give red panties for Christmas. And whoever sleeps in them on Christmas night, as the Italians believe, will certainly find happiness.

In a word Natale Italians call it Christmas. And Santa Claus, accordingly, Babbo Natale .

In some regions of Italy, there is a tradition that when three men smoke, the youngest of them should put out the cigarette first.

Oddly enough, Italians are wary of blue-eyed people. It is believed that they can put the evil eye on you.

According to Italian beliefs, an umbrella open indoors brings bad luck. So, do this only on the street.

The number considered unlucky in Italy is 17 , whereas 13 - quite normal.

But spilling wine on the Italian table is lucky.

Imagine that you are calmly walking around the city and suddenly your appearance somehow attracts the patrolmen: the police stop you and ask you to show your identification, but you do not have a single document with you. Of course, you explain that you are not driving, but are just walking or just went out to run to the store, so you left your license and ID at home. The policeman, however, tells you that if you do not show him your documents, you will have to follow him to the police station.

Does a patrolman have the right to detain a person who is “guilty” only of leaving his wallet at home? We will try to find out in this article.

The first question to answer is whether a police officer can stop a person walking for no apparent reason and ask him to show his identification. The law answers in the affirmative: an agent can at any time demand that someone identify himself, even if there are no prerequisites for this and he obviously has nothing to justify the check.

The citizen, however, also has the right to ask the agent to identify himself by showing his identification. If the officer doesn't do this, you can legally not charge him with anything and continue walking. This is done in order to avoid any abuse by third parties who, posing as law enforcement officers, can stop other people and commit illegal actions (for example, obtain personal data).

Can the police ask for your first and last name?

The policeman has every right to find out your personal data: first name, last name, date and place of birth, place of residence. The agent, however, cannot ask for specific details such as tax code, ID number or driver's license number. If a police officer demands to see your identification and you do not take it with you, you cannot be taken to the police station unless there is reasonable suspicion that you are lying.

In fact, the Italian criminal code stipulates that a citizen has an obligation to provide his official details to the police - that is, to identify himself - but does not specify that they must be supported by documentation (except, of course, if you are driving a car, in which case a driver's license is mandatory for presentation always and everywhere).
Therefore, detention without apparent cause is only possible if the person refuses to answer the agents' questions.

If, however, the police have reasonable suspicion that the information provided by the person is false, the citizen may be subject to identification at the station. This means that the police and carabinieri can force a citizen to follow them to the nearest police station. The same applies to the military, who keep order in the city. They can also stop citizens.

How long can the police detain a person in a police station?

The maximum period of detention for this reason can be 24 hours. After 24 hours, the citizen should be released if there are no problems with his identification.

If I refuse to go to the police station, is it a crime?

Those who refuse to follow police do not commit the crime of resisting a public officer (unless they are attempting to escape or resisting arrest), but may be fined.

Does a police officer have the right to search me for no apparent reason?

Without a court warrant, police cannot begin a body search, unless they suspect you have committed serious crimes, such as possession of drugs, weapons or explosives.
Before the search, the agent must read you your rights.

If a police officer is dressed in civilian clothes, can he ask for documents?

Yes, a police officer can request documents from a citizen even if he is not on duty, but only after presenting his own police officer ID. If he does not do this, the citizen is not obliged to obey.

Incomparable Italy is a dream for many tourists. If you are planning your holiday in this fabulous country, then before visiting it, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the basic rules of conduct, which apply to almost all areas of Italian life. Today’s article will tell you how to behave in a temple, hotel, shopping, restaurant, on the street and other hot tourist places.

Entry rules to Italy

You will begin your first acquaintance with Italy in your homeland by completing the necessary documents and reading customs regulations. So, a legal visit to the boot country involves:

all travelers have a visa;
availability of the required amount for a comfortable stay in the country;
knowledge of customs control rules. Thus, it is prohibited to import into Italy narcotic drugs, firearms and bladed weapons, ammunition, pornography, flowers and plants with soil, birds and animals, leather and fur products from rare animals, etc. Some foods, drinks and products can be imported in strictly specified quantities .

Italian laws

Tourists who want to visit Italy must have at least a superficial knowledge of the laws of this country. Below we list the main essence of the basic legislative acts that all guests of the state on the Apennine Peninsula should know.

From 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., people are prohibited from being on municipal beaches. Violation of the law faces a fine of 150 euros.
You cannot take up space on the beach and not use it (for example, after a morning swim you decided to “mark” your territory with an umbrella or towel, and return to “your” place only in the evening). Violators will face a fine of up to 1 thousand euros.
Smoking in public places is prohibited throughout Italy. Violators face a fine of 200-250 euros.
Littering is prohibited throughout the country.
In Italy it is not customary to swim in fountains. Have you decided to take a risk? Don't forget to prepare 500 euros to pay the mandatory fine.
In a boot country, every person must carry identification documents with them. The punishment can be not only a large fine, but also imprisonment.
The purchase of fakes and counterfeit goods in Italy is prohibited. The fine in this case can exceed 10 thousand euros.
It is illegal for drunk drivers to drive in the state. The penalty is a fine of 500 euros and deprivation of a driver's license.
In some Italian cities (Lucca, Venice) it is prohibited to feed pigeons in the streets and squares.
After purchasing any items, you must keep your purchase receipts. If you are stopped 300 meters from a retail outlet and you do not provide a receipt, you will be fined.
You cannot cross the highway in the wrong place. The fine is approximately 50 euros, but its amount may vary in different localities.
Riding bicycles on sidewalks (where bicycle lanes exist) is prohibited. Fine – 50 euros.

Note: each city has its own regional and municipal laws, which can be the subject of a separate article. If you decide to go to a specific locality, then try to find on the Internet as much useful information as possible about the legislation in force in that region.

Rules of communication

The inhabitants of Italy are a unique nation with an interesting mentality and traditions (you can familiarize yourself with the customs of the country’s inhabitants in). You will learn how to communicate with Italians below.

Let's start with the fact that the official language of the state is Italian. Therefore, when talking to a local resident, try to communicate in his native language. In tourist areas and big cities, you can try starting a conversation in French or English.
Italians are a noisy and expressive people who love to chat about nothing. During a conversation, try to avoid conflicts and pronounce words correctly. If you doubt a certain phrase and don’t know how your interlocutor will perceive it, then it is better to choose a different expression to convey your thoughts.
In the boot country, it is customary to address interlocutors on a first-name basis, and also inquire about the health and well-being of the interlocutor.
Be prepared for the fact that when you meet, an Italian may greet you with a kiss and a hug. It is also customary in the country to hug the interlocutor’s shoulders or hold his palm during a conversation.
Punctuality is not a trait that Italians can boast of. When you make an appointment with your interlocutor, be prepared for the fact that he will be late for it by about 5-20 minutes.

Safety regulations

No tourist is safe from the sudden appearance of criminals, thieves and scammers. To avoid getting into trouble, use the following tips.

You should not travel with strangers, even if they offer you a ride to the right place with a radiant, friendly smile.
If they try to rob you, do not resist. Give the criminals what they want and then call the police. Keep in mind that police stations will only consider reports that were filed no later than 24 hours after the robbery took place.
It is not recommended to carry all the money you took on your trip with you. When moving around the city (including on public transport), carefully monitor your wallet and equipment.
Avoid night walks along unfamiliar alleys and narrow streets, and avoid neighborhoods where emigrants live.
Walk carefully along the streets along highways. Some young people on scooters and motorcycles will not mind having your bag or camera.
Try to look at the map as little as possible. This will make you look like a tourist and become a target for street thieves.
When you get in a taxi, prepare money in advance. Hide the rest of the cash back in your wallet.

Rules of etiquette

The whole world knows about the gallantry and good manners of Italians. How should a Russian tourist behave? Read below.

In any establishment (restaurant, hotel, store, museum), be friendly and friendly. Italians are positive and cheerful people who want to see well-mannered and grateful foreign tourists next to them.
Before shaking hands, interlocutors must remove their gloves.
Italians consider it bad form to have a “snack” on the street or in a public place.
Most of the rules apply to table etiquette. If you are invited to lunch or dinner by an Italian family, then sit at the table with clean hands. Ask the owners of the house to show you where this procedure can be done.
After sitting down at the table, wait until all the guests have food on their plate. You can begin to absorb it only after the owners have done so.
In Italy it is not customary to eat with your hands. The exception is bread and baked goods.
It is not customary to use a camera while eating.
Don't put your phone on the table. Put it in your pocket or bag.
Learn how to twirl spaghetti on a fork. Do not make any noise while eating this traditional dish.
Using toothpicks in public is considered bad manners.

Of course, this is not the entire list of Italian table etiquette rules. Most of the regulations are known to residents of all countries, so we see no point in describing detailed instructions.

How to behave in a restaurant?

Going to a restaurant also imposes several obligations on the tourist related to knowledge of local rules. We will tell you about all the subtleties below.

It is not customary to leave a tip in Italian restaurants. As a rule, this amount is already included in the total bill. If you take a seat at the bar, they won’t charge you a penny for service, but you will have to pay a small amount for tables. The further your seat is from the bar, the more expensive it costs.
Keep in mind that in Italy the serving of dishes differs from the traditions of the Russian feast. Instead of the first course (soup and borscht), they first serve a cold appetizer (antipasti), consisting of cheese, cold meats, mini “baptism” sandwiches, pickled olives and onions.
Most Italians order wine along with their meal. If you want to order fish, then take white wines, if you want meat, then red ones. Don't want to drink alcoholic drinks at lunch? Then order plain water.
Italian spaghetti is a separate dish that does not need to be seasoned with sauces and pastas.
Cappuccino is considered a morning drink in Italy, so don't order it after lunch.
Also, compassionate Italians treat American Coca-Cola with contempt. You should not order this drink in a restaurant.
After dessert, locals order espresso coffee, followed by digestivo liqueur, which, according to the Italians, normalizes digestion. After paying the bill, do not rush to the exit. Sit a little longer and talk with your interlocutor. In Italy, such behavior will be received with respect.

How to behave on the beach?

Beaches are one of the main reasons that motivate foreign tourists to visit Italy. Below you will find out how to behave in Italian coastal areas.

Do not hang wet clothes on sunbeds and umbrellas, otherwise you may be fined.
You can only change clothes in the cabins.
You cannot walk or swim in the nude on public beaches. Women can only unfasten the top of their swimsuit when lying down.
Drinking alcoholic beverages in coastal areas is prohibited.
If your neighbors on the beach ask you to keep your voice down on your cell phone, you must comply or you'll be in trouble with law enforcement.

How to behave in the temple?

Most Italians profess Catholicism and regularly pay the 8% tax to the Pope. Local residents treat their shrines with reverence, and expect the same respect from visiting guests.

Under no circumstances should you enter temples, churches and basilicas in swimwear.
A woman must cover her shoulders, head and legs; men are allowed to visit religious institutions in trousers.
Consumption of food and drink in temples is prohibited.
When visiting the basilica and temple, your cell phone must be turned off or set to silent mode.
In some temples, photography and video shooting are prohibited. Before visiting the selected object, we recommend that you clarify this point.

How to behave on the street?

When walking around an Italian city, remember the following rules.

Follow generally accepted rules: do not litter, do not smoke, walk only in pedestrian areas.
Be careful: in big cities you can become a victim of a scammer or thief.
Don't be afraid to ask locals for directions. When speaking, you need to clearly and accurately state the essence of your request.

How to behave at a hotel?

Visiting tourists definitely need to know the norms of behavior in Italian hotels. To avoid being considered an ignoramus, use these rules.

In most hotels, breakfast is included in the room price. If you are not given a dish at breakfast, ask the staff to bring it from the kitchen.
It is not customary to dine in hotels. When you arrive at the hotel, be sure to check the restaurant's opening hours.
In Italy they have dinner at 19:00-19:30. Drinks are not included in the evening meal price.
If your hotel has its own beach, find out where your designated area is located.
Leave valuables in the hotel safe. If it is not in the room, then use the locker located next to the reception.
In 3-star hotels you will be asked to pay extra for the use of air conditioning and minibar.
In the bathrooms of Italian hotels there is a special rope that serves as an auxiliary device for calling for help. When you pull it, expect a call from the administration. If you don't answer the phone, staff will knock on your door. If you don’t open it, then meet your guests in the bathroom.

How to behave while shopping?

Shopping is another good reason to visit Italy. Promenades through boutiques, markets, shopping centers and outlets also require compliance with certain rules.

It is not customary to bargain in Italian retail outlets. And it doesn’t matter whether you went to a company boutique or to a market.
Be sure to keep all receipts issued to you. If the seller did not give you the coveted receipt, then urgently demand that you have it in your pocket or wallet.
You can pay for purchases by card or cash. However, be prepared for the fact that if your purchase costs less than 10 euros, you will be asked to pay for it with banknotes and coins due to a large bank commission.
In Italy, it is prohibited to purchase goods worth more than 12 thousand euros in cash. Payment for such a purchase must be made through a bank or by check.
For shopping in Italy you need to have a special bag. Using a plastic bag for shopping is considered bad manners.

How should girls behave?

Italy is a country of temperamental men, so visiting female tourists need to know some rules of conduct that will protect them from trouble.

Italians love to dress beautifully and see fashionably dressed tourists next to them. However, there must be boundaries in everything. Don't attract attention by wearing too revealing clothes, dress according to the weather and don't hang tons of jewelry and unnecessary accessories on yourself.
Single girls should behave modestly. Your behavior should not be provocative or attention-grabbing.
If you do not want to meet a man, then tell him that you are waiting for your husband. Do not show your fear, be confident in your words and actions. And under no circumstances provoke conflict.
Be on the lookout if on a crowded street an unfamiliar man decides to please you with a bouquet of flowers. Most likely, this is a diversionary maneuver, the purpose of which is robbery.

How should men behave?

It will also be useful for male tourists to learn about some rules of conduct in Italy.

Be careful when talking to Italian women. Perhaps your interlocutor has a jealous husband or a protective older brother who will be against your nice, casual conversation.
Try to be calm and restrained, do not be fooled by various provocations from the Italians.
You should not flaunt your expensive jewelry, accessories and equipment. So you can lose these things in a matter of seconds.

Several significant rules of individual Italian cities

Each individual city has its own rules and laws that all guests of the selected locality need to know about.

Do not sit on monuments or pedestals in any Italian city.
Quarrels in public places, as well as playing football in the wrong place (street, park, beach, squares, boulevards) can lead to financial sanctions in any city in the country.
Swimming in Roman fountains is subject to a serious fine of 500 euros.
Also, in the Italian capital you cannot eat hot dogs on the street. The punishment for this “crime” is a fine.
In the city of Tropea, overweight, elderly and ugly women are prohibited from undressing on the beach.
In Venice's St. Mark's Square, you can only sit and eat in designated areas.
In Eraclea there is a ban on building sand castles on the beach.
In Sicily and Sardinia it is prohibited to take sand and shells with you.
In Lerici there is a law according to which no one has the right to dry their towels in the windows.
Milan law forces every person in a public place to smile broadly (funeral processions and hospitals are an exception).

What not to do in Italy?

Also, tourists planning to visit the boot country should familiarize themselves with the list of prohibitions that are relevant for Italy.

In markets and shops in Italy, you should not touch vegetables and fruits with bare hands. To do this, you should wear special gloves.
Don't buy travel tickets from bus drivers - it won't work anyway. They are sold in newsstands and tobacco kiosks.
You shouldn’t greet and say goodbye to Italians using the phrase “Ciao,” beloved by many tourists. Local residents are unlikely to view this favorably.
You cannot walk around the city in swimsuits.
It is forbidden to massage another person on the beaches (the ban was introduced by the state Ministry of Health).
You cannot drink water from fountains and other sources if they do not have the inscription “Potabile” on them.
Wi-Fi is available only to those tourists who have shown their passport details to the administrator.
Do not season spaghetti served in a restaurant or cafe with mayonnaise, ketchup, sauces or pastes.
Do not drink sweet tea with confectionery. The locals won't understand you.
Don't plan excursions on Monday. As a rule, most attractions are closed on this day.

Italy is a fabulous country where tourists feel comfortable and safe. When planning a trip to a certain Italian city, be sure to take into account all the nuances of local legislation and norms of behavior that will protect you and your wallets from unwanted expenses.

Fake law enforcement officers - there are countless options for “attacking” tourists. The effect of surprise and the apparent plausibility of what is happening often leads to tourists giving documents and valuables to criminals without objection.

Unsuspecting local residents often become victims of criminals. The last case was recorded on August 24 in Genoa. A criminal dressed in a police uniform, under the pretext of a routine check, entered the house of an 87-year-old Italian and asked to see, among other documents, a passbook and cash. The imaginary policeman took 1,700 euros with him. However, statistics show that fake police officers prefer to operate in areas where there are many foreign tourists. As a rule, these are organized groups that work on a tip from one of the members.

The situation will be complicated by the fact that foreign tourists rarely speak Italian well and are not familiar with the details of the uniform, the distinctive signs of law enforcement officers, and the standards of police checks and searches in Italy. If we add that there are several types of police in this country, the picture becomes more than confusing.

Fake cops

You can be stopped on the highway, pushed into the emergency lane and forced to stop with a stick or a flashlight. The same thing can happen while walking in the evening. You will be shown a spectacular Hollywood-style (fake) police medallion, asked to get out of the car and/or show documents. Some precautions won't hurt you.

If you are traveling by car

Real police officers in Italy will first ask you for your driver's license, car registration and insurance. If instead you are asked to show your passport with a visa and/or a credit card, you are dealing with a scammer. Wherein not necessary get out of the car. The policeman has a medallion, but unlike Hollywood, on Italian roads the most important attributes are a stick of a certain type, police symbols of the car (color, inscriptions and beacon) and a special shape. No one has the right to stop you by showing you a sheriff's badge.. They push to the side of the road only in special operations with the participation of several patrol cars. They stop you not with a flashlight, but with a stick, which, according to the law, must be shown very clearly and unambiguously to the driver.

If you are walking

You can usually be stopped by fake plainclothes police officers. You have every right not to show any documents and offer to call the police or carabinieri in return. Often such a proposal in a categorical form and in a raised tone will be more than convincing. Don't be afraid to make noise: sometimes it's your only tool. The phrases "Aiuto!" (Help!) and "Kyamate la policea!" (Call the police!) work flawlessly. Rest assured, real plainclothes police are not engaged in nightly checks of walking tourists - they have completely different tasks.

All this means is that in any case no need keep money and documents in one place (wallet). If you have a hotel card or hotel business card in your hands, a photocopy of your passport is enough and you can safely go for a walk. Instead of a passport, you can take an international driver's license - for Italy this is a valid document certifying your identity.

In the photo on the left(click!): fake police ID.

Italian peace officers - how many are there?

Police forces in Italy are dispersed across ministries and departments. At the same time, the inscriptions on sticks, medallions, car symbols, weapons and uniforms are strictly different. The Carabinieri, for example, are subordinate to the Ministry of Defense (Arma dei Carabinieri), have official uniform during regular service and combat uniform during law enforcement (see photo below). There are state police (Polizia di Stato, subordinate to the Italian Ministry of Internal Affairs), prison police (Polizia penitenziaria - Ministry of Justice), forest guard police (Corpo forestale dello Stato - subordinate to the Ministry of Agriculture), financial police (Guardia di Finanza - Ministry of Economy), etc.

Carabinieri combat uniform

When going to an unfamiliar country for the first time, you need to know what dangers await us here. Take the time to prepare for your trip, be careful on the streets, and you won’t have to waste precious vacation days resolving various misunderstandings.

Responsible attitude towards documents

Losing documents in an unfamiliar country can be a serious nuisance and take up a lot of your time. To avoid such troubles, we recommend that you scan all documents in advance, save these files in the cloud and ensure yourself access to them at any time. It is also necessary to make photocopies and have them certified. It is the copies that you must have with you, and the original documents should be kept in the hotel safe.

Don't neglect insurance. You may need medical services while traveling. From an economic point of view, it is much more profitable to pay an insurance premium than to receive a bill from a doctor. Study the terms and conditions of your policy in detail, add additional items to the contract and pay for them if necessary. Be sure to carry the policy with you and enter the operator’s number into the memory of your phone.

Don’t be lazy to check the validity period of your passport, because it is your main document in a foreign country. The preparation of documents should begin in advance in order, if necessary, to obtain a new passport before travel. This approach will help you avoid troubles on vacation, and you will be able to devote all your time to sightseeing and exciting walks.

No one is safe from terrorist attacks

Terrorist attacks are rare in Italy. However, in any country you must be careful and careful. If you see someone’s forgotten bag or package in a crowded place, be it a waiting room, a subway car, or an airport, immediately notify an administration employee, security guard, or police officer. A simple precaution can save many lives.

Pickpockets never sleep

In queues to attractions, in crowded squares, or on the subway, you can become a victim of a pickpocket. Avoid displaying large sums of cash, expensive cameras, or jewelry in public. Take with you only as much cash as you will need on your walk. Place money and credit cards in the inside pockets of your clothing.

Dangerous motorcyclists

On the streets of Italy, a motorcyclist driving at high speed can easily rip your bag off your shoulder or snatch your cell phone out of your hands. Such cases occur especially often in Naples. Keep this in mind and carry bags over your shoulder rather than on your shoulder. So that the bag is on your stomach, and hold it with your hands. Thieves on motorcycles move extremely quickly and if your property is stolen, the police are unlikely to be able to help you. When hiking, you need to keep your eyes open, this is the only way you can make your vacation safe.

Street robbers

Cases of open robbery in Italy are quite rare, but do occur sometimes. Most often, lonely tourists who walk far from the central streets in the evening or at night are robbed. If you decide to take a break from the tourist bustle and look at the life of people in remote areas of Rome or Naples, then you should take basic precautions. Do not wear gold jewelry, do not demonstrate expensive equipment, and do not respond to provocations. If you do encounter robbers, then do not enter into conflict and do not shout, it is better to pay 50-100 euros and preserve your health.

Intrusive sellers

In Rome, near the Trevi Fountain, a smiling flower seller may approach you, give you many compliments and “give” you a rose. As soon as you take the flower, the seller will begin to insistently demand money for it. If you find yourself in a similar situation, do not raise your voice or swear. Just give the flower and leave, not paying attention to the florist's indignation.

You should not participate in various supposedly free street tastings of wines or cheeses; they may start demanding money from you for what you have already drunk or eaten; it will be quite difficult to refuse and not pay, since the police may take the side of the scammers.

In places where tourists gather, you can often meet people who offer you to buy an expensive phone or camera for ridiculous money. Sellers may look completely harmless and sound very convincing, but in most cases they are scammers. Politely but firmly refuse the purchase; if the seller continues to persistently offer something, then threaten to contact the police. This is usually enough for scammers to lose interest in you.

Bicycle theft

A leisurely ride through the narrow streets of Naples or Rome on a rented bicycle will leave many pleasant impressions. But here, too, we should not forget about basic security measures. Buy a reliable bike lock and use it whenever you leave your bike unattended. Even if you just go into the store for a minute to buy water, do not be lazy to fasten your bike to a special rack or fence. This will save you a lot of time and money. Local children may offer you to look after your vehicle and even wash it for a nominal fee; you should not agree to such offers; upon your return you may not find either the bike or the children.

Smoking ban

If you smoke, then you should know that in Italy there are quite large fines for smoking in public places. Before lighting a cigarette, make sure you are in an area where smoking is permitted. Some cafes and restaurants have special smoking areas; ask the waiter whether smoking is allowed in their establishment. Throughout the Vatican there is a complete ban on smoking, including electronic cigarettes. Violators will face a fine of up to 500 euros.

What to bring from Italy

When we hear “shopping in Italy,” we most often think of fashion boutiques, then we think of olive oil, pasta, cheese; some may have associations with Venetian glass or carnival masks. So what is next? Next, we bring to your attention a list of popular, original and simply interesting souvenirs and other goods that may interest you, and some will even turn out to be very useful.