HEALTH  

Beware that toilet seats are often missing from public toilets, as are toilet tissue and paper towels. Museums and public places such as bars and restaurants, but also some shops or stores, have clean toilets. Many U.S. drugstores carry pocket-sized toilet tissue & seat cover dispensers (for when you are lucky enough to find a toilet seat).  Failing these, always carry a pocket-sized pack of Kleenex--it will come in handy in any country!

SAFETY

While Rome is as safe, if not safer, than many large cities around the world, travelers need to be cautious about petty crimes.  Pickpocketing is the most frequent crime perpetrated against tourists.  Be careful above all in the Historic Center (Centro Storico).

Tourists on crowded buses are particularly vulnerable. Since passage on buses is based on the honor system, everyone, including pickpockets, can get on at any of the multiple doors and jump right off at the next stop. Lines 64 and 40, which connect the main train station (Stazione Termini) and the Vatican, are pickpockets' heaven. As the buses on this route are normally loaded to capacity, they provide excellent opportunities for pickpockets to ply their craft.  The person bumping you may be distracting you so an accomplice can reach into your purse or pocket and remove your wallet, jewelry and other items without you noticing.  A couple may be kissing passionately while an accomplice unloads the distracted onlookers. They are very good at what they do, and you may not realize you've become the victim of a crime until you reach for your money hours later.  Ask at your hotel if there are any transportation routes or tourist locations that require special caution. 

One must also be wary of Gypsies who have devised several distractions that lead to your being separated from your valuables.  Sometimes, a baby or a large piece of cardboard is thrust toward you.  In the seconds it takes you to brush either aside, you will be relieved of your pocketbook, camera, wallet, and other valuables.  Women should not carry purses on left shoulders, where they can be snatched by Vespa motorscooter drivers or passengers.

Also be careful around the Colosseum and Forum area, as it is regularly worked by pickpocketing "gangs."  Wear a money belt or a pouch that goes around your neck and under your shirt or blouse, keep your camera in hand, be aware of where people are around you, and don't expect every pickpocketer to look like a street urchin--they dress like tourists (complete with cameras), businessmen, ... you can never tell.  Also don't think that by simply clutching your bag close to you, that you are safe--some people have had their purse sliced open at the bottom, and their wallet (and passport) spirited away before they noticed.  One recommendation for the Colosseum area is that you go early in the morning, start with a walking tour of the Forum, then enter the Colosseum when it first opens, and immediately go back across the street to Palatine Hill.  The crowds will be small and most pickpocketers will still getting ready for "work."

Be cautious in crowds at the Vatican, and in gift shops and in front of street vendors on side streets near the Vatican. People push up against you and feel for your wallet, or slice nylon purses with a razor blade on the bottom of the bag. Rick Steeve's website sells a great travel money belt to protect cash & credit cards under your clothing, it's soft and comfortable to wear. American women: (who are a bit chubby & carrying purses) are prime targets for pickpockets. Another place to watch out for is the metro terminal near the Spanish Steps. Walking out of the terminal there is an alley where young locals gather- they talk in a gregarious manner among themselves and bump up against tourists while groping for wallets. If you keep your cash stashed in a money belt under your clothes-- then these bumps and gropes are just an interesting cultural experience-- rather than a major theft that can seroiusly disrupt your vacation.

How to protect yourself?  Be vigilant in crowds and on escalators, buses, trams, subways.  If you're pushed move your hands to purse or wallet.  If you grab a hand there don't be afraid to make a fuss; pickpockets don't want attention. The Italian word for thief is ladro.

In addition to the other advice, carry only one credit card and just enough cash for the day. Use your  bank's debit card to obtain extra cash as needed- ATM machines are all over the city. Advise your bank before you travel to assure your debit card will work abroad.  Consider putting rubber bands around your money and credit cards as it makes them a little stickier in the pocket.   Leave passport, wallet, and other valuables in the hotel safe.  Women should carry their purses securely, typically over the shoulder and tucked under an arm making it more difficult to open.  Women who can bear to leave their purses in their hotel and put their necessities in the inside zipped pockets of a travel jacket are wise travelers.

There are also "scammers" who may engage you in conversations or ask for directions or other forms of help.  Once they gain your confidence they may give you a "gift" of appreciation or offer some merchandise at a loss.  Then you will be hit for "gas money" because their credit cards aren't being accepted or some such reason.  They are preying on your courtesy and friendliness.  Just say no and refuse the item. 

A new scam involves someone asking for directions, only to have two "police officers" flash phony badges (the badges might say "sheriff" on them -- in English), accuse you of trying to exchange money with the third man, and demand to see your passport and money. 

Moreover, be careful around the gladiators and centurions in front of the Coliseum. They are there for the tourists who want to take photos with them, but be careful to the price you might pay! And be careful to the price you will be asked to pay for taxi rides, as there are few controls and the drivers may decide the price on their own. Most cabbies are honest and cabs should be metered.  Expect some drivers to refuse to take you to nearby places! Taxi fees are negotiable- if you don't like the rate- haggle a bit and the rate might come down. Beware of extra charges for luggage- took a cab to the Termini station and at the end of the trip the driver asked for an additional 1 euro for each piece of luggage. Despite protests- he pulled out a  card from behind the seat with the printed luggage fees on it. Be sure to ask about/negotiate baggage fees in advance.

As well as in other European countries, it's not very common to meet people who speak English  well,or a language other than Italian. In fact, learning other languages in school has never been encouraged in Italy, so don't expect much from a pedestrian you might stop to ask for information (don't worry, there might be someone who does!). But in the shops, museums, hotels and so on you will find someone who speaks English.

Do not allow any of this to discourage you from visiting Rome.  Criminals and the downtrodden might try to use illegal means to get money from you, but most of Rome is extremely safe, and recently the level of safety is increased.  Romans are warm and generous people, and you will enjoy their hospitality and be made to feel welcome.