Piedmont (Piemonte) is a large region in northwest Italy, ringed on three sides by the Alps and sloping down toward the Po Valley. Its capital, Turin, is a city of elegant arcades, royal palaces, and the landmark Mole Antonelliana. Beyond the city lie the UNESCO-listed vineyards of the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato, home to Barolo and Barbaresco wines and Alba's prized white truffles, plus the serene shores of Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta. Piedmont is the birthplace of vermouth, gianduja chocolate, and the Slow Food movement.
Piedmont is a very safe region with low violent crime. The main concerns for visitors are petty theft and pickpocketing around Turin's stations and markets, plus natural hazards in the Alps (weather, avalanches, exposed trails) and Po Valley winter fog. Standard precautions make for a trouble-free visit.
Current safety advisory
Low
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Piedmont is a very safe region; the main risk is petty theft and pickpocketing in Turin around Porta Nuova station, Porta Palazzo market, San Salvario nightlife, and crowded trams and metro, especially after dark
When hiking in the Alpine valleys around Sestriere, Gran Paradiso, and the Susa Valley, check weather and trail conditions, carry proper gear, and note that Alpine rescue is reached via the general emergency number 112
Always validate (stamp) regional train tickets in the green machines on the platform before boarding; failure to validate can mean a fine of €50 or more, and inspectors are common on lines to Alba, Asti, and Cuneo
Trenitalia and GTT transport strikes (sciopero) happen periodically; check the carrier website for guaranteed service bands and confirm timetables before travelling between Turin and the wine towns
Po Valley fog (nebbia) is common in late autumn and winter, reducing visibility sharply on roads and motorways; drive slowly with fog lights and allow extra time, and Alpine roads may need winter tyres or chains
Summer heat can be intense and humid in Turin and the lowlands; carry water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and avoid strenuous midday activity in July and August
Mosquitoes (including the tiger mosquito) are common near the Po river, rice paddies, and the lakes in summer; bring repellent and consider window screens, as older accommodation may lack them
In winter, the Alpine ski resorts around Sestriere carry avalanche risk off-piste; respect closures, check bollettino valanghe avalanche bulletins, and ski within marked areas
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging
Some drivers at Turin Caselle airport or Porta Nuova station quote inflated flat fares to the city center or wine country
How to avoid: Use official metered white taxis from ranks or booked by phone or the IT Taxi app, agree or confirm the fare in advance, and prefer the train or airport bus for longer trips
Restaurant menu overcharging
A few tourist restaurants near Turin's main squares and the lakes show low prices outside but add high cover charges (coperto) or charge by weight for premium dishes
How to avoid: Check the printed menu and coperto before sitting, confirm the price of items sold by weight, and always ask for an itemised bill (conto)
Fake truffle and counterfeit goods
Around the Alba truffle fair and markets, low-grade or fake truffles, truffle oils, and counterfeit wine or designer goods are sold to tourists
How to avoid: Buy white truffles only from licensed sellers at the official Fiera del Tartufo or reputable shops, ask for certification, and be wary of street sellers offering deals that seem too good
Friendship bracelet and petition scam
Strangers in busy areas such as Piazza Castello and Via Roma tie a bracelet on the wrist or push a clipboard petition, then aggressively demand money
How to avoid: Politely but firmly decline unsolicited items, keep hands in pockets, and walk on without engaging
Distraction pickpocketing
Pairs work crowded Turin trams, the metro, and the Porta Palazzo market, with one person distracting while another takes wallets or phones
How to avoid: Wear bags across the body in front, keep valuables in inside pockets, and stay alert when boarding and leaving packed trams and carriages
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No specific vaccinations required; ensure routine vaccines are up to date and standard EU travel health guidelines apply
- Water
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Piedmont and available at public fountains, including Turin's historic green toret bull-head fountains
- Food
- Very high food safety standards; licensed restaurants, trattorie, and markets are generally safe, including fresh pasta, cheeses, truffles, and Piedmontese beef dishes
- Facilities
- Good public hospitals across the region; the main hospitals are Le Molinette (Città della Salute) and the Ospedale Mauriziano in Turin, with Pronto Soccorso (A&E) departments in Turin, Cuneo, Asti, and Verbania; pharmacies (farmacia) are widespread and display a green cross
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 113 (Polizia di Stato) or 112
- Medical
- 118 (ambulance) or 112
- Fire
- 115 (Vigili del Fuoco)
- Child Emergency
- 114 (Emergenza Infanzia) for child protection emergencies
- General Emergency
- 112 (works from all phones, even without a SIM; Alpine rescue is dispatched via 112)
- Forest Fire
- 1515 (Corpo Forestale / forest fire and environmental emergencies)
- Main Hospital
- Ospedale Le Molinette (Città della Salute e della Scienza), Corso Bramante 88, Turin
- Embassy Us
- US Embassy Rome: +39 06 46741
- Embassy Uk
- UK Consulate Milan: +39 02 723001