What to Do If You Drop Your Phone in a Venetian Canal: Prevention & Recovery Tips

Contents

Common Situations Where Phones Fall Into Canals
What to Do If Your Phone Falls Into a Canal
- 1. Ask Local Authorities or Tourist Offices
- 2. Consider Hiring Divers or Specialists
If Recovery Isn’t Possible
How to Prevent Dropping Your Phone in Venice
Extra Risk Management Tips
- 1. Use Cloud Backup
- 2. Check Travel Insurance & Credit Card Coverage
Bottom Line: Stay Smart and Enjoy Venice

Common Situations Where Phones Fall Into Canals

Venice is stunning—but with canals everywhere, it’s also one of the easiest places to accidentally drop your phone. Many travelers have faced this unfortunate surprise.

Whether it’s snapping photos by the water, enjoying a gondola ride, or pulling out your phone on a crowded bridge, one slip is all it takes.

Risky Moments for Dropping Your Phone

During a gondola ride when the boat sways
Taking selfies on bridges
Leaving your phone on a cafe table right by the canal
Sitting by the water with gelato and it slips from your pocket

What to Do If Your Phone Falls Into a Canal

If your phone ends up in the water, don’t panic. Here are the main steps to consider.

1. Ask Local Authorities or Tourist Offices

You can try contacting the local police or a tourist information center. Here are two useful contacts:

San Marco Police Station
Address: Sestiere di S. Marco, 52/E, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Phone: +39 041 274 7070
Venice Tourist Information Office
Address: Calle Larga Ascensione, 1257, 30124 Venezia VE, Italy
Phone: +39 041 529 8711

2. Consider Hiring Divers or Specialists

Some divers and local services can attempt recovery, but it comes at a cost—typically €100–€300—and success isn’t guaranteed due to water depth and currents.

If Recovery Isn’t Possible

In many cases, retrieval isn’t realistic. If so, here’s how to move forward.

1. Buy a Replacement Phone Locally

You’ll find carrier shops in Venice where you can buy a new device:

Note: some shops close mid-afternoon (around 2–4pm), so check opening hours before heading out.

2. Contact Your Carrier for eSIM Reactivation

If you use an eSIM, you may be able to restore service quickly on a new phone by contacting your carrier online. Physical SIMs are harder to replace abroad.

3. Reinstall Apps and Restore Data

As long as you know your login credentials, you can restore essential apps and access your accounts on a new device.

How to Prevent Dropping Your Phone in Venice

A little preparation can go a long way. Here are four simple prevention hacks:

Use a phone strap or waterproof case
Hold your phone with both hands when taking photos
Avoid leaning your phone over the water in gondolas or near canals
Don’t walk around with your phone in a loose pocket

Tip: A crossbody phone case is one of the best ways to reduce risk. They’re inexpensive and well worth bringing for Venice.

Extra Risk Management Tips

1. Use Cloud Backup

Before your trip, back up photos and data to iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Even if your phone is lost, your memories and important files won’t be.

2. Check Travel Insurance & Credit Card Coverage

Some travel insurance and credit cards cover device loss or damage. Check your card’s terms—sometimes coverage applies only if you booked part of your trip with that card.

Bottom Line: Stay Smart and Enjoy Venice

Venice’s canals are magical—but they also pose risks for your phone. Knowing how to respond and preparing with a few simple precautions ensures you can relax and enjoy your trip without worry.

Related articles