Page 210 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italian Riviera

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Other Useful Information

In common with the other regions of Italy, Liguria does
not present any particular problems as far as crime is
concerned, even in the most popular tourist resorts. Visitors
should, however, always observe the usual rules of common
sense when travelling around. Every town possesses, besides
a traffic police station, a police (carabinieri) station, which is
open 24 hours a day and to which visitors should turn to in an
emergency. All towns have banks with cash machines where
visitors can withdraw euros.
Law and Order Personal Safety
In Italy the forces of law and Use common sense regarding A member of the carabinieri in his
order are organized into two personal safety. Do not carry distinctive uniform
divisions: the carabinieri and large sums of cash with you
the polizia. The former are when you are out, and do leave reception staff about these
responsible for public order, any valuables, at your hotel, in a areas.) In the countryside,
with communal, provincial or safe if possible. You may wish to however, and in the resorts,
regional jurisdiction, and are keep a separate photocopy there are generally fewer
commonly seen on patrol in of personal documents, concerns about personal safety,
the streets. The duties of the so that you can request though it pays to be alert if you
polizia are more wide- duplicates in the event of are out late at night.
ranging, being generally theft. Naturally, you If you wish to hire a taxi, make
more concerned with should never leave sure that you choose an official
criminal investigations. home without taking out one. Your hotel should be able
At local level, you also full insurance cover. to recommend a reputable taxi
find the municipal police, The places where you are firm. Make sure that the meter
including the traffic most likely to encounter is switched on, or that the fee is
police (vigili urbani), who pickpockets include agreed in advance.
can deal with minor or railway stations and ferry
emergency situations terminals, or in any Disabled Visitors
that do not involve traffic. crowded place, such as a
In the event of a theft, bus, a market or a street Liguria provides relatively
you should report the festival. If you are good information for people
crime at the nearest travelling by car, make with disabilities. Genoa has a
police station in order sure that you always helpful service called Terre di
to validate any Municipal leave the vehicle locked, Mare (www.terredimare),
insurance claim. Policeman and do not leave any which is designed specifically
items in full view. for tourists. The national hotel
Genoa is a large bustling port site (www.italiapertutti) is
Firefighters
city with, inevitably, some also a useful resource.
In Liguria, forest fires, often districts that it is best to avoid. It is always wise to phone
encouraged by the constant (On arrival at your hotel, it is a a hotel or an attraction in
wind that blows throughout good idea to ask the advance to check the facilities.
the year, are suprisingly
frequent. Therefore, if you
are exploring the countryside
it is essential to observe all
the standard countryside
code practices, especially
with regard to not lighting
a fire outside designated
areas, and making sure that
cigarettes are completely
extinguished.
The region is well equipped
with fire stations, even in
rural areas, and fire engines
respond rapidly to alarm
calls. Firefighters also attend
other types of emergencies. A firefighting plane in action during a summer fire in the hinterland

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