While it is extremely uncommon, pickpockets have been known to do their work in Pompeii. Because all of the people walking the ruins are tourists, petty thieves see Pompeii as being full of targets. Luckily, if you hold your valuables close to you and keep your wits about you, theft can be completely avoided. While so-called “money belts” have become a cliché, this is one of those cases where it might be a good idea to strap your cash, credit cards and passport under your clothes so they are completely out of reach. This isn’t just for thieves, but to protect against your own carelessness – losing one’s passport is far more common than having it stolen.

Scam artists, however, are a different story. People have been known to offer unauthorized tours of the ruins for an exorbitant price. The way to stay away from such money traps is to be skeptical and not pay any amount that seems inappropriate.

A final safety note is about the climate. During summer Pompeii can be quite hot and humid, and the ruins obviously aren’t air-conditioned! Do not overschedule yourself and be sure to bring your own bottled water so you don’t have to buy it from vendors within Pompeii’s gates, who are just out to make a profit.