Press "Enter" to skip to content

初めてのイタリア・フランス旅行で気をつけたい5つのこと|実例つき防犯・安全対策ガイド 5 Safety Lessons from Italy and France – Real Travel Scams & How to Protect Yourself

 

 

It’s now August, and I was recently asked by a customer who said,
“I’m visiting Italy and France for the first time this summer.
You’ve been traveling to Europe for years, right?
Is there anything I should be careful about while I’m there?”

 

 

「ご自由にお持ちください」
 

とアピールしているような
もの。通りすがりの一瞬で
あっという間に盗まれて
しまいます。

 

 

 

In Japan, it’s not uncommon to see people leaving their smartphones on café tables while they eat.
But overseas, that’s a definite no.

It’s practically an invitation that says, “Please, help yourself.”
In just a split second, someone passing by can snatch it and be gone.

Even on trains, if you’re absorbed in your phone, it can be grabbed right from your hands as the doors close—leaving the thief outside and you helpless inside.

There are also cases where young women or even children work together to pickpocket tourists—
the kind of people you’d never expect to be involved in crime.
So always stay alert.

 

 

 

 

Protect your valuables.
Watch your back.
And never let your guard down.

These are the most important things I hope you’ll keep in mind.

 

 

 

 

Italy and France are countries I truly love,
but I’ve had my share of moments where I thought,
“That was close…” or “I shouldn’t have done that.”

Today, I’d like to share some of those real experiences with you—
so you can travel a little safer and smarter.

 

 

 

写真はイメージです  

 

 

That day, my father and I were waiting in line for a taxi with our suitcases and bags.
Most people taking taxis from the airport are either returning from a trip or seeing someone off.
But the young man standing right behind me felt… out of place.

 

写真はイメージです   

その男性、旅行帰りにしては
荷物を全く持っていません
でした。

 

 

 

 The man had no luggage at all—unusual for someone returning from a trip.
And if he were just seeing someone off, buses and trains from the Paris airport into the city are cheaper and faster.

It didn’t make sense for a young man with nothing in hand to take a taxi that could take nearly an hour and wasn’t on a fixed fare at the time.

Just as I was thinking, “Something feels off,”
I suddenly heard a loud splash behind me.

 

 

写真はイメージです  

 

 

 

 

It was the sound of a large number of coins scattering across the ground.
Not a casual clink, but a deliberate, loud crash—coins rolling in every direction.

As my father bent down to help, saying, “Oh dear,”
I instinctively felt, We’re being targeted! and stopped him with a quick “Wait!”

The man who dropped the coins glared at us, gathered what he could, and walked away from the line. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If it had been an accident, he would’ve returned to the line. I was certain it was a distraction. When the plan failed and people noticed, he walked away. Had I let my guard down, I would’ve crouched with my father—and in that moment, an accomplice could’ve taken our bags. It was likely a coordinated theft attempt.

 

 

▶ Tip:
In crowded places like airports and train stations, avoid wearing earphones or getting too absorbed in your phone.
Simply being aware that “this is a place where I could be targeted” can greatly reduce the risk of trouble.

 

 

  

写真はイメージです  

 

 

 


 

 

 

When my father traveled alone to Italy, a man in a police uniform stopped him, claiming to be conducting a drug search. He checked my father’s wallet, and though nothing seemed wrong at the time, later at the hotel, my father realized high-value bills were missing. Local contacts later told him such tricks are known—sometimes it’s fake police, other times real officers targeting tourists for extra cash. They said, “As Italians, it’s truly shameful.” 


警官に声をかけられたとして
本物かニセモノかをその場で
見抜くのは困難です。
少額の現金を入れた
“ダミーの財布”を持ち歩いて
おくと、被害を最小限に
抑えられます。

  

▶ Tip: 

It’s hard to tell on the spot whether a police officer is real or fake.
Carrying a “dummy wallet” with a small amount of cash can help minimize potential losses.

 

 

This one is a fellow retailer’s firsthand experience.

 

 

写真はイメージです 

 

 

After settling into a seat on a long-distance train, the traveler arrived at their destination—only to find their suitcase missing from the luggage rack.
They recalled being told, “You can leave it here,” by someone wearing a staff-like vest when boarding.

As has become an issue in Japan as well, cases of thieves simply walking off with suitcases from luggage racks are on the rise.

 

 
支柱などにチェーンで結ぶ
または一等車など「目の届く
場所に置ける」クラスを選ぶ
 

 

▶ Tip:
 

Use a chain to secure your luggage to a fixed object, or choose a first-class seat where you can keep it in sight.
Don’t assume it’s safe just because it’s in the designated luggage area—assume it could be stolen the moment you look away.

 

 

  

写真はイメージです

 

 

 

 

When my father and I were traveling from Milan to Florence,
ticket machines were our only option, as there were no online reservations and the ticket counters were crowded.

While we were struggling with the unfamiliar machine,
a friendly-looking man approached us and said,
“Need help? I can buy the tickets for you if you’d like.”

 

 

black flat screen computer monitor
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com 写真はイメージです

 

  

He smiled and said, “Florence? Got it! Leave it to me,” then quickly tapped through the machine like a pro.
But when the tickets came out, we noticed some were for unrelated destinations.

He casually slipped one into his pocket, said, “Oops! That one’s not for you—sorry!” and dashed off with a cheerful, “Have a nice trip!”

 

 

The whole thing took less than two minutes.
And yes, he used our credit card to pay.

By the time we realized what had happened, it was too late.
We wanted to report it, but with the language barrier and time constraints, we had no choice but to give up. 


 

 

 

 

▶ Tip:


Whenever possible, book train tickets online in advance. If you’re unsure, speak only with official station staff.

Be especially cautious of anyone who approaches while you’re handling money or cards—whether at a station or anywhere else.

If someone suspicious comes close, firmly say “NO!” to stop them in their tracks. 

 

 

Let’s end with a story from our staff member, Hayate Sato’s personal experience.

  

 

 

 

Nine years ago, during his graduation trip to Paris,
Hayate found himself drawn to a street game near the Eiffel Tower.

It was the classic shell game, where several cups are shuffled quickly, and you guess which one hides the prize. 

 

Hayate joined the game out of curiosity. At first, he guessed correctly and was thrilled—but after a few rounds, it turned into an obvious sleight-of-hand trick he couldn’t win.
Caught up in the moment, he kept playing and ended up spending more and more money.

A passerby, unable to watch any longer, finally stepped in and said, “This is a scam—you’re being tricked!”

 

 

 

Nine years later, during his trip to Italy this June, Sato spotted the very same scene he’d once fallen for in Paris…

This time, he said, “There’s no way I’d fall for that again.”

Good to see he’s learned.

 

 

 

▶ Tip:
Never join street magic shows or shell games.
Even just stopping to watch can make you an easy target for pickpockets or bag snatchers.

Also, be very careful about trying to take photos or videos out of curiosity—doing so may provoke threats or aggressive behavior from the scammer or their accomplices, who don’t want evidence recorded.

 

 

 

 

 

Now, speaking of Hayate—
one thing he said he truly felt during his business trip in June was
“the importance of not cutting corners when it comes to safety.”

When traveling from Florence to Milan by train,
we chose to prioritize his security by booking a seat in First Class.

 

 

 

 

 

In Executive Class, there are only eight seats in the entire carriage,
which means plenty of legroom and a spacious, open feel—even with a suitcase placed right in front of you.

Not only is your luggage within arm’s reach,
but the carriage is also restricted, so no other passengers can enter—
providing an added sense of security.

 

 

For more details on Frecciarossa Executive Class,
please check the link below.
You can also enjoy a video of the experience.


 

  

 

 

 

He also mentioned using the exclusive lounge that came with the ticket.
Compared to standing in a crowded station while staying alert in all directions,
he said, “Waiting inside a tightly controlled lounge felt completely different—mentally, it was far less exhausting.”

 

 

また、これはわたくしの体感
ですが先述の駅の切符の
件などにも通じる事として
「手間取る」「スムーズに
動かない」ことが悪い事を
たくらむ人間にとって
「格好の標的のサイン」と
なりうると感じています。

 

From my own experience—especially in situations like the ticket machine incident I mentioned earlier—
I’ve come to feel that appearing confused or struggling to act smoothly
can serve as a clear signal to those with bad intentions that you’re an easy target.

 

 

こちらはわたくしが撮影した
自分の旅の動画です。
20㎏ほどの重さになった
私物のスーツケースで
実際にフランスを歩いていた
のですが、ご覧の通り
指一本で重い荷物が
スムーズに運べました。 

 

This is a video I took myself during my travels.
I was walking through France with my personal suitcase, which weighed around 20kg—
but as you can see, I was able to move it effortlessly with just one finger.

  

 

 

Using a suitcase that rolls smoothly to move quickly through stations,
and making sure you’ve reviewed the necessary information in advance—
these kinds of careful preparations, I believe, can significantly improve the safety of your trip.

 

With the weak yen, it’s natural to want to save as much as possible when traveling in Europe.
But as Sato rightly said, never cut costs when it comes to safety and preparation.

 

 

  

旅のお勧めアイテム

 

ここからは、旅先で活躍
するお勧めアイテムを
いくつかご紹介します。

 

お写真をクリック頂きますと
オンラインストアで各商品の
詳細をご覧頂けます。 

 

Here are some recommended travel items that can make your journey safer and more comfortable.

Click on each photo to view more details on our online store.

  

 

薄手のストール

 

Lightweight Stole

Even in the middle of summer, airplane cabins and indoor spaces can often feel unexpectedly chilly due to strong air conditioning.

Having a lightweight stole that folds up compactly but opens wide enough to cover your shoulders is a smart and reassuring item to keep in your bag. 

 

軽量・撥水のバッグ

 

 

Lightweight & Water-Resistant Bag

Leather bags are elegant, but often heavy—even when empty.
They can also stain easily in the rain, making them less practical for travel.

That’s why we recommend a soft carbon bag.
Praised for being “as light as a paper bag,” it’s water-repellent and resistant to dirt.

A crossbody style you can wear diagonally across the shoulder is perfect for travel convenience and security.

  

 

 

長袖のジャージシャツ

 

 

Long-Sleeve Jersey Shirt

For long flights or extended periods in the same position, a stretchy jersey shirt is an ideal choice.

It’s easy to hand-wash while traveling and also offers protection from UV rays.
I personally wear and recommend this versatile piece.

 

 

 

 

 

By prioritizing your security and peace of mind,
you can truly relax and enjoy the beauty, scenery, and cultural richness each destination has to offer.
I hope this blog helps you do just that—and makes your journey a safer, more rewarding one.

 

 


 

 

Register as a member and receive 5% points for your next purchase. Currently, we are also offering a 2,000 yen discount coupon for new members. Don’t miss this opportunity.

 

 

 

 


We encourage you to take this opportunity to register on https://ginzahiko.com/.

 

 

問合わせ先


インスタグラムでも様々な
お写真をご閲覧いただけます。
下記QRコードをクリックまたは
スマホから写真読み込みにて
アクセス下さい。
 

 

 

 

 

◆ お電話
03-6264-4450

 


◆ 銀座HIKO 公式LINE
 


下記バナークリックまたは
QRコード読み込みにて
お友達追加の上、トーク画面
からご質問下さい。

 

 

 

実店舗での販売

 

銀座HIKOはブルガリやシャネル、
カルティエなど高級ブランドが
立ち並ぶ中央通りの銀座2丁目
信号から、徒歩2分の場所に
ございます。

 

銀座中央通りからあづま通りに入る角には銀座HIKOの看板がございます。
赤い消火栓標識下のオレンジの看板を目印にお進みください。

 

 

中央通りの一本裏道の
あづま通りにございます
文具店 伊東屋 ( K.Itoya )
様の左隣で、

 

ガラス張りのビルの
「2階」(1階は時計店
ダニエルウェリントン
様 ) です。

 

ビル奥のエレベーターにて
2階へお越しくださいませ。

 

  

詳しいアクセス方法はこちら

https://wp.me/p49vlD-vA

実店舗 案内

銀座HIKO

東京都中央区銀座2-8-17-2F
Tel 03 6264 4450

営業時間 11時 ~ 20時 (平日)
     11時 ~ 19時 (日曜・祝日)
定休日 大晦日・元旦

 

 



 




 

 


世界の逸品探究 by 銀座 HIKOをもっと見る

今すぐ購読し、続きを読んで、すべてのアーカイブにアクセスしましょう。

続きを読む