Page 234 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sicily

232  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Personal Security and Health however, in the cities it is best
to leave your car in a car park
On the whole, Sicily is a safe, unthreatening place for visitors. with an attendant.
In the cities and at busy tourist spots, such as the ferry ports
and main stations, it is wise to keep a close eye on your In an Emergency
belongings. Do not carry more money than needed for the For immediate medical
day. Also, avoid leaving valuables in your car, especially if the attention, contact the First Aid
parking area is unattended. However, in the smaller towns, (Pronto Soccorso) department
villages and rural areas, petty crime is rare. of a main hospital such as
Villa Sofia CTO in Palermo or
signed form that Ospedale Vittorio Emanuele
you will need when in Catania. Alternatively, check
making an insurance the White Pages (Pagine
claim. If your car has Bianche) or Yellow Pages (Pagine
been towed away, Gialle) for a doctor (medico) or
request the help of a dentist (dentista). Emergency
the vigili urbani on care in public hos p itals is free,
the street. even for foreigners.
A typical vigili urbani (municipal police) car
Police What to Be Aware Of Lost and Stolen Property
There are different police forces When travelling it is best not In major cities bus stations,
in Sicily. The state police, polizia, to carry large sums of money. airport terminals and train
wear blue uni forms and deal Visitors should be wary of bag stations usually have their own
with criminal offences or issue snatchers who operate in quiet lost property offices such as
permessi di soggiorno (residence streets and especially in cities Prestia e Comandè at Stazione
permits) to foreigners and pass­ such as Palermo or Catania. Take Centrale (Palermo’s main train
ports to Italian citizens. The vigili proper care of your valuables in station). In small towns or
urbani, or municipal police, wear a crowded and busy market villages, it is best to inquire at
blue uniforms in winter and white place or while using public the ticket offices or at the
in summer, and issue fines for trans port. Also, beware of nearest police station.
traffic and parking offences. They beggars and pickpockets. To report stolen or lost items,
can usually be spotted patrolling Women travelling alone, or head to the nearest questura
the streets and regu lating traffic. even in small groups, may need (police station) or carabinieri
The military police or carabinieri to take extra care when going office. In the case of lost
wear red­striped trousers and out at night. passports, contact your
manage offences ranging from It is advisable to stay away embassy or consulate; for lost
theft to speeding. The guardia di from unauthorized minicab credit cards or travellers’
finanza, or the tax police, wear drivers, who are not insured cheques, contact the bank or
grey uni forms and deal with tax and frequently overcharge. the issuing company’s office.
evasion and customs. In particular, they operate at
Crimes should be reported to airports and train stations.
the police or at the carabinieri Hotel touts and unofficial tour Hospitals and
Pharmacies
office, where you can get a guides are also best avoided;
instead stick to the official Sicily has a network of first aid
tourist agencies. stations. All tourist resorts
Generally, travelling on Sicilian operate seasonal emergency
roads poses few problems; treatment centres (guardia
however, you may be stopped medica). For access to paed­
at a posto di blocco (police or iatricians, visit the Ospedale dei
army roadblock), particularly Bambini “G. Di Cristina” in
around coastal resorts. Palermo or the Ospedale
Roadblocks are routine and Garibaldi-Nesima in Catania.
should be no cause for alarm. For minor problems,
Officers usually check your ID pharmacists can recommend
and the vehicle, and they may over­the­counter medication.
also search your car or test your Pharmacies (farmacia) are
blood alcohol level. It is strictly open from Monday to Friday
against the law to drink and 8:30am–1pm and 4–7:30pm
drive and even a small amount and on Saturday mornings.
of alcohol can result in the A list of night and public holiday
suspension of your driving timings is posted on or near
State policeman City policeman licence. Parking is generally safe; the shop door.

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