Milan

Emergency: 112. Save your address with the street name and building number, plus the airport or station used for each transfer. [S68]

What deserves attention

Italian travel advice highlights distraction theft around transport and tourist sites, theft from parked vehicles and drink spiking. Treat shopping, luggage handling and nightlife as moments when attention is divided. [S70]

Milan's official visitor guidance says licensed taxis are white and can be obtained at designated ranks or through booking channels. A white car alone does not establish that the driver or booking is genuine. Use the official rank or a verified booking and keep the receipt. [S83]

Arrivals shopping and onward travel

• Check the exact airport: Malpensa, Linate and Bergamo are different pickup arrangements. Send the assistant the booking reference and meeting point; do not accept a substitute offered by an unknown greeter.
• At Milano Centrale or another station, keep bags controlled during boarding. Do not leave the only device holding tickets and contacts with a new acquaintance offering help.
• After shopping, arrange delivery or transport with the verified merchant. Keep purchase details and hotel information out of public conversations. Do not leave shopping bags or luggage in a parked car.

Private invitations and business meetings

For a showroom, fashion event, property viewing or private dinner, confirm the organiser and venue independently. Keep your own transport and an agreed finishing time. A last-minute invitation to an apartment to “settle the deal” should trigger a pause.

Do not demonstrate balances or carry a signing device to establish credibility. A shared language or introduction through a Chinese business circle does not remove the need for counterparty checks. Use the EU process in chapter 29. [S79]

Apartments and family stays

Before accepting a rental, confirm the actual entrance, host identity, access arrangements and after-hours contact through the booking channel. For a longer stay, review cleaner and maintenance access, deliveries and building entry with everyone in the household.

Prepare a simple plan for a separated child or lost phone: a staffed meeting point, an adult contact and a paper address. Choose activities and transfers that work for the least mobile family member.

If property is stolen: reach safety, report to local police and activate the device response if needed. For a stolen passport, contact the appropriate consular authority and carrier about replacement documents. A police report alone is not a replacement travel document. [S70]