Turin Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Turin.
Healthcare System
Turin operates under Italy's national healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale - SSN), which provides universal coverage. EU/EEA citizens with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) receive free or reduced-cost emergency treatment. Non-EU visitors typically pay for services unless they have travel insurance. The city has excellent medical facilities with highly trained professionals.
Hospitals
Major hospitals include Ospedale Molinette (Corso Bramante 88/90), one of Italy's largest and most comprehensive hospitals; Ospedale Maria Vittoria (Via Cibrario 72); and Ospedale Mauriziano (Largo Turati 62). For private healthcare, Fornaca Clinic (Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 91) offers services to international patients with shorter wait times. Emergency rooms (Pronto Soccorso) are available 24/7 at all major hospitals.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmacie) are marked with a green cross and widely available throughout Turin. Pharmacists are highly trained and can provide advice on minor ailments and over-the-counter medications. At least one pharmacy in each district operates 24-hour service on a rotating basis (farmacia di turno); schedules are posted on pharmacy doors and available online. Many common medications require prescriptions that may differ from other countries. The Farmacia Boniscontro (Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 66) is centrally located and often has English-speaking staff.
Insurance
Travel health insurance is strongly recommended for non-EU visitors, as medical costs can be significant. EU/EEA citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Private insurance is advisable even for EU citizens to cover repatriation, private treatment, and services not covered by EHIC.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient quantities of prescription medications in original packaging, along with a doctor's letter explaining the need
- EU citizens should obtain their EHIC before traveling; it covers necessary medical treatment but not repatriation or non-urgent care
- For minor issues, visit a pharmacy first; pharmacists can recommend treatments and advise whether a doctor visit is necessary
- Keep all medical receipts and documentation for insurance claims
- The Guardia Medica (medical guard service) provides non-emergency medical care outside regular hours; call 011 5747 for assistance
- Tap water in Turin is safe to drink and of excellent quality, coming from alpine sources
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing is the most common crime affecting tourists in Turin, particularly targeting distracted visitors. Thieves often work in pairs or groups, using distraction techniques. Bag snatching from outdoor café tables and while walking is also reported, sometimes by thieves on scooters or bicycles.
Rental cars and vehicles with foreign plates are targets for break-ins, especially when luggage or valuables are visible inside. Car theft, while not extremely common, does occur, particularly for high-end vehicles.
Italian driving can be aggressive and fast-paced. Pedestrians should be cautious as drivers don't always yield at crosswalks. Scooters and motorcycles often weave through traffic and may use sidewalks. ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) in the city center can result in hefty fines for unauthorized vehicles.
Turin occasionally experiences political protests and labor strikes, particularly by students and workers. While generally peaceful, demonstrations can cause traffic disruptions and occasionally turn confrontational with police. Public transport strikes (scioperi) can disrupt travel plans.
The increasing use of rental bicycles and e-scooters has led to accidents, particularly among tourists unfamiliar with traffic patterns and cobblestone streets. Poor maintenance of some rental equipment can also pose risks.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Someone approaches you in a friendly manner and ties a bracelet or string around your wrist, then demands payment. They may become aggressive or work with accomplices who pickpocket you during the distraction.
Scammers approach with clipboards asking you to sign a petition for a charity or cause (often claiming to help the deaf or disabled). While you're distracted signing, accomplices pickpocket you, or they demand a donation after you sign.
Some tourist-oriented restaurants add unexpected charges like high cover charges (coperto), service fees, or charge different prices than listed on menus. Items you didn't order may appear on the bill, or complimentary items turn out to be charged.
Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs to capture card information, or someone offers to 'help' you with the machine while an accomplice steals your card or money. Some scammers distract you after you've withdrawn cash.
Unlicensed taxis or dishonest drivers take longer routes, claim the meter is broken, charge for luggage that should be included, or add unauthorized surcharges. Some refuse to turn on the meter and quote inflated flat rates.
Individuals offer unsolicited help with your luggage at train stations, then demand payment or work with pickpockets who target you while you're distracted.
Scammers pose as plainclothes police officers and ask to check your wallet for counterfeit money or your passport. While checking, they steal cash or card information.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Public Transportation
- Validate your ticket immediately upon boarding trams, buses, and metro to avoid fines; inspectors frequently check and fines are substantial (€50+)
- Watch for pickpockets on crowded trams and buses, especially lines serving tourist areas and train stations
- Keep bags in front of you and maintain awareness of your surroundings during rush hours (7:30-9:30 and 17:00-19:30)
- Purchase tickets from tobacco shops (tabacchi), newsstands, or automated machines before boarding; drivers sell tickets at higher prices
- The GTT app provides real-time transport information and allows mobile ticket purchases
- Metro stations and some bus stops have security cameras, but remain vigilant
Money and Valuables
- Carry only the cash you need for the day; leave excess money and cards in hotel safe
- Use ATMs during daylight hours, preferably those inside banks
- Notify your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocking
- Keep emergency cash and a backup card separate from your main wallet
- Photocopy important documents (passport, insurance) and store separately from originals
- Many establishments accept cards, but some smaller shops and cafés are cash-only
- Be discreet when handling money; don't display large amounts of cash in public
Accommodation Safety
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be hotel staff before opening your door
- Keep your room locked at all times, even when inside
- Note emergency exits and evacuation procedures upon arrival
- If staying in an Airbnb, verify the address and host identity; meet in a public place if picking up keys
- Research neighborhood safety when booking accommodation; areas near train stations may be less desirable at night
- Keep the hotel's business card or address written in Italian for taxi drivers
Food and Drink Safety
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Turin and comes from high-quality alpine sources
- Food safety standards are high; food poisoning is rare if eating at established restaurants
- Be aware of coperto (cover charge, typically €1-3 per person) and servizio (service charge) which are legal and should be posted
- Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated; round up or leave 5-10% for good service
- Avoid restaurants with picture menus in multiple languages near tourist sites; these often indicate tourist traps
- Make dinner reservations for popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Be cautious of accepting drinks from strangers in bars and clubs
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly when visiting churches; shoulders and knees should be covered (carry a scarf for coverage)
- Photography may be restricted in museums and churches; always check before taking photos
- Respect quiet hours (typically 14:00-16:00 and after 22:00) in residential areas
- Learn basic Italian phrases; effort is appreciated even if locals speak English
- Shops close for lunch (typically 12:30-15:30) and many businesses close on Sundays
- Queue properly and wait your turn; cutting in line is considered rude
- Greet shopkeepers when entering and leaving stores ('Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera')
Night Safety
- Turin is generally safe at night, but exercise normal urban precautions
- Stick to well-lit, populated streets when walking after dark
- The Quadrilatero Romano (old town) nightlife area is busy and generally safe, but watch for pickpockets
- Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than walking long distances late at night
- Avoid parks after dark, particularly Parco del Valentino and areas along the Po River
- Be cautious around Porta Nuova station late at night; take a taxi if arriving on late trains
- Keep your phone charged for emergencies and navigation
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Turin is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female visitors. Italy has made significant progress in gender equality, and Turin, being a northern Italian city, tends to be more progressive than southern regions. Women can move around freely, dine alone, and explore independently without major concerns. However, like in many Italian cities, women may experience catcalling or unwanted attention, particularly from men in groups. This is usually verbal and not physically threatening, though it can be uncomfortable. Serious harassment or assault is rare, but standard precautions should be taken.
- Dress as you wish, but note that overly revealing clothing may attract more attention; Italian women tend to dress elegantly rather than casually
- Catcalling (usually 'compliments') is unfortunately common; ignore it and keep walking confidently without engaging
- Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps rather than accepting rides from strangers
- When dining alone, choose restaurants where you can see other solo diners or women; avoid isolated establishments
- Be assertive and confident; Italian culture respects directness, so a firm 'no' is acceptable and understood
- Solo women should avoid parks and isolated areas after dark; stick to well-lit, populated streets
- The Quadrilatero Romano nightlife area is generally safe but can be rowdy on weekends; stay aware of your surroundings
- If staying in hostels, consider female-only dorms for added comfort
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself immediately
- Keep your phone charged and have emergency contacts readily available
- Join walking tours or group activities to meet other travelers if you want company
- Local women are generally friendly and helpful; don't hesitate to ask for assistance if needed
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Italy with the age of consent equal to heterosexual relationships (14 years). Same-sex civil unions have been legal since 2016, though same-sex marriage is not yet recognized. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal. However, Italy lags behind other Western European countries in LGBTQ+ rights, and adoption rights for same-sex couples are limited.
- The San Salvario neighborhood is known for being particularly LGBTQ+-friendly with several gay bars and inclusive establishments
- Avoid overt displays of affection in conservative areas, near churches, or in working-class neighborhoods to minimize potential negative reactions
- Use LGBTQ+ travel apps to connect with the local community and find gay-friendly establishments
- The Cassero LGBTI Center (part of the Maurice GLBT network) provides resources and organizes events; check their website for activities
- Popular LGBTQ+ venues include Bliss Club and Centralino Club; the scene is smaller than in Milan or Rome but welcoming
- Hotels in Turin are generally professional and non-discriminatory; international chains are particularly safe choices
- While hate crimes are rare, they do occur; report any discrimination or harassment to police (112)
- Trans travelers should carry ID that matches their gender presentation to avoid complications, though legal gender change is possible in Italy
- PrEP is available in Italy through the national health service and private clinics
- The local LGBTQ+ community is active on social media; Facebook groups can provide current information on events and venues
- Turin Pride is a major annual event that demonstrates the city's support for LGBTQ+ rights
- Outside the city center and progressive areas, discretion may be advisable, particularly in suburban or rural areas
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all visitors to Turin, regardless of origin. While Turin is safe and has excellent healthcare, unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or theft can result in significant costs. EU/EEA citizens with EHIC cards receive emergency medical treatment, but this doesn't cover repatriation, trip interruption, or many other scenarios. Non-EU visitors face full medical costs without insurance. Given the relatively low cost of travel insurance compared to potential expenses, it provides essential peace of mind and financial protection.
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