5 Tourist Traps / SCAMS in ROME, ITALY

[@brincatstrasse]

there is only 1 RULE when going to Rome, IGNORE EVERYBODY! Just keep moving. Don't say "no, thank you" or whatever, just keep moving

[@williampower6534]

Good advice. Buy responding you provide them with a good indication of your nationality and temperament. When you demonstrate that you are polite you provide scammers with the knowledge that you do not want to be rude. Some scammers will exploit this by creating situations where you will have to be rude to get rid of them. Remember that these characters do this for a living and will have prepared a selection of clever answers designed to keep you engaged while at the same time searching for your vulnerabilities.

[@avoice1049]

That's degenerate

[@KeemieKEZ]

William Power YUP!!!

[@John-pl8fe]

Absolutely true!!

[@babor_]

That's exactly what I did and it worked, nobody bothered me again 😂👍I just said yes or yeah and moved on ... Best thing is to not stop and talk, keep on moving 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♂️

[@nicoledallin7]

Don't even say "No, thank you" say "No" and be direct. They don't care to listen to you or respect your space...so don't be polite. Be firm in what you tell them. If you seem skiddish you'll be taken advantage of easily.

[@TheSocratesian]

Exactly what I did. I pretty much said fcuk off and was very impolite and they backed off very quickly.

[@grafplaten]

Don't say anything to them at all. Just keep walking without acknowledging their existence.

[@lotusfeet]

Good advice.

[@matthewstoddart3552]

I just tell them to fuck off.

[@TheSocratesian]

@trek2space Anything is possible but it didn't even come close to angry words in my case. They just went on to their next target.

[@mauriziomizio793]

I was born in Rome and I live in the city ... you're right about everything and as a citizen I wanted to apologize for these situations that ruin the city.

[@hellonickitravels187]

Thank you for the words, Maurizio. But it's very understandable as most beautiful and touristic cities have this problem. London, Paris, New York... There are many many MANY good things about Rome that make the bad ones quickly forgettable 😁

[@tacyak198]

They do not ruin anything. I live close to Washington DC and we have the same people who try to take advantage of visitors! I think its any big city that has a lot of visitors. People just need to be street-smart! If you're a tourist travelling to any country, anywhere in the world you should do your research and know what to look out for.

[@chuckc7815]

@@hellonickitravels187 it's basically aggressive begging and the cops should police this, that's why I satay away from tourist rip off traps like Paris, Cairo and Rome..it attracts North African scam artists..

[@sm-vu4er]

Sydney does not have this problem.. it’s only got bums begging for money and everyone in Sydney is a tightass

[@daisycardoso3998]

Hi Maurizio I will be visiting Rome in November. Mid November to be exact how’s the weather like :) ?

[@Giardintek]

Hey, I lived and worked in Italy for 3 years. The "No thank you answer doesn't go down well for these jerks. You have to be more confident and just say NOOO, loud. You also have to watch out for lill kids trying to sell you newspaper, make sure they never get too close to you. Water is everywhere in Rome, so don't buy any, Just fill your bottle. The best places to eat is in Trattorias and small stores. If you ask them to make you a sandwich, they will and make it for ya, just pick a ham or salami and point out the type of cheese you want in it. Also go for the smallest cafes and you can have a latte or cappuccino for 1 Euro.

[@p1rgit]

oh yes...i went to small cafe every morning and had the best 'cafe latte' (don't say latte in Italy if you really want coffee...it's possible that they really think you want milk, or they do this, i.e. give you milk if you ask for latte, to teach stoopid foreigners that 'latte' is italian for 'milk', not 'coffee with milk') for 1.20€ - i guess it was so expensive because of vicinity of circus maxumus and aventinus hill and such. or maybe it was just exceptionally good. it was. :)

[@idkimlikereallybored9533]

@@p1rgit if you ask for milk you get milk, pretty obvious 🤷‍♂️

[@Kolobkova]

We went to same cafe in Florence with my friend, every morning. We ordered coffe and same pastry daily and didn't mind overpaying a bit - it was 8 or so euroe for 2. Since it was winter we sat inside on one of two tables available there. One morning I was crying, I felt it was impolite to sit inside in front of counter and sob. We sat outside even though it was winter. He came out and asked if we'd like the same order...we told him to bring what we have every morning. I couldn't speak because I was crying. When he gave us bill it was around 15 euros....we were shoked because we asked for the same order. He coldly answered that it is because we sat outside. The entire Cafe was empty and he could see that we sat here because of special situation. Even after we told him that we didn't know and we didn't expect to spend so much on coffee - he insisted to get this much. It's so different from India, where even in simple places they would try to give you smthing extra for free or Russia, where owner of Cafe would even give complementary coffe since you have become friendly or if they know it's your last visit here and they just want to be nice to you. I remember in Turkey I ordered tea and owner of the shop kept on sending complementary sweets. Even though I didn't want to eat sugar, they insisted that it's free and refused to get payment for them.....in Italy it feels like anyone is trying to pull out a bit extra from you no matter how poor or rich they are.

[@5150Rockstar]

I like walking around Rome with an open backpack full of fishing hooks🙂

[@spikefivefivefive]

Gypsy bait

[@ambrosius4603]

OMG YESSS GURL

[@blackjack444....]

Ur AMAZING

[@davidhcobbald3632]

Brilliant idea!! 😊

[@Filippa698]

setmedic ... Why even walk around Rome with fish hooks in you backpack?! Stay at home and watch Rome or any other place on TV. The world is full of problems. Venturing out of one's pond may not be a pleasant experience for anyone. Reality check!

[@kcstone101]

I am in Italy right now, and I had a guy in Venice literally grab my hand and pry it open to put bird feed in it to feed the pigeons, and then more again after I dumped it out. Some people are relentless! Another commenter also said this and I completely agree, you have to just say a firm "No," not even "No thank you," because any signs of hesitation or even politeness will only encourage them more. I feel like a rude person not even acknowledging people, but unless you want to get hassled you have to 😕

[@mayaniverse2081]

The same has happened to me yesterday. But unfortunately for him i just had a fight with my boyfriend and he just took off after giving him my angry stare😠 and said no! My boyfriend saw it and laugh his lungs out to the poor guy. (I somehow feel bad for him but was also i had of fun.😁) they asked 2Euros once you get the bird food bait btw.

[@jeffreymodesitt3345]

Literally the same thing happened to me when I was in Venice...

[@nishhnishh1088]

😂😂

[@FoxtronX]

😂😂🤣🤣

[@Mtl1508]

Put something in his hand that starts with the letter s .

[@gabriel-contentwriter5578]

Hello, dear. I am American and I live in Rome. You forgot about the gypsy type women inside the train station who pretend like they work there and "help" people get their travel tickets, and then request money. Some of them work in groups and are really pick-pockets.

[@Dita_21]

Yes, that also happened to us but by then we were smart enough to just ignore the 'free advice' they seemed to give.

[@roxannetucker1526]

Thank you for the advice

[@rosehenderson2874]

Travelled all through Italy never had any problems..be aware of your surroundings....no different than living in your own city back home

[@younggunz4081]

No different than any major city. Don’t be a puss

[@ericknguyen5962]

So true. They do work in a group and each one has a specific job.

[@noyb-yb]

sadly this applies to Italy, Spain, France as the top (worst) in Europe for scams. Note the scammers (mostly not locals) only approach tourists. So ideally try to dress and act and look like a local. I know in some cases it is impossible but for those who can look like locals please do. In any case, push scammers away and walk on, dont stop, dont slow down, dont accept anything, dont give them anything, dont sign anything, a semi-angry look may also help, do not try to be polite with them, they are trying to rip you off or rob you.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

Also keep moving and don’t give eyecontact

[@jo5678]

We visited the Spanish Plaza a few years ago and a guy handed me and my sister a flower saying we were beautiful and then demanded we pay him. I tried giving it back but he said no and demanded money in return. I just walked away with my flower 🙅🏽‍♀️

[@ericknguyen5962]

Oh dang, your ovaries must be made out of bronze to walk away with their flower. If it were me, I would put the flowers down and walked away.

[@MrSupernova111]

Good one! lol

[@Jayden-hs8kn]

Ill give you a garden without paying anything at all...

[@HappyLittleSoulProd]

Walked away w my flower 😭

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

Well if they wouldn’t take it back you did the right thing. And I heard it at least they don’t give you receipt they’re doing something illegal.

[@williampower6534]

I asked the price of a can of Coke at a vendor in a van near the entrance to the Vatican. The fellow behind the counter immediately pulled out a can and popped it open while advising that it was 9 EU. I told him no thanks and walked away while he screaming at me.

[@juanbrito5832]

Well done

[@meryemm.2820]

Well done! I am Italian and those places charge extra for tourists, because they know you won't be asking for receipts. In Italy it is illegal to buy anything without having a receipt and you should ask for it if they don't issue one for you. It just means they won't be paying taxes on that already overpriced Coke of 9Euros.

[@rey_nemaattori]

@Yazzie Mazzi No you're being ripped off so hard it'll still hurt by the time it's Christmas xD Italy is a pretty average EU country in prices, good food will cost ya, but that's everywhere.

[@williampower6534]

@Yazzie Mazzi The vendor was just trying to see how much he could extract from a foreign tourist. I walked a couple of hundred meters downhill away from the Vatican entrance toward the Flower Markets and found a shop that sold a cold can of Peroni beer for less than 2 Euros. The fellow in the shop was polite and friendly and prices were marked.

[@mat2941]

Yea right...

[@Vlad-tc8ds]

How about buying things from stores and the cashier not giving you the exact change. Happened twice to me, please ask for a receipt and count your change.

[@mat2941]

That could be a legitimate mistake...

[@sharrk3461]

Yes they do that. They think they are so smart and you dont get it

[@dsolomin1974]

100%. Experienced. Cheaters everywhere.

[@markolondon6735]

That happens in London, Paris and Berlin too

[@jacquespansegrouw5513]

South Africa too

[@stina6225]

I found that when I dressed a bit more fancy and wore a purse instead of a backpack, the scammers assumed I was a local and not a tourist and left me alone. It also helps to learn how to say "leave me alone" in italian (or the more rude version of it, haha)

[@valerius8985]

I am so curious how to say that now XD

[@Mayra9148]

wait how do u say that

[@LaureninGermany]

I think it’s “vai via” for go away, polite ish (ie not cursing, but strong enough)

[@crBudgetWatches]

I was so tired of the haggling that I bought a paper pad and pretended I was asking for s petition support. Everybody stayed away from me.

[@riccardos2955]

@@valerius8985 say: tene ai a fa n gul... they will assume you are from neapels

[@karenmueller8885]

My husband and I visited Rome 3 years ago and we had many people try to hand us things. Luckily it wasn’t my husband first time in the city so we knew not to accept anything. I also had a man approach me and ask if he could use my cell phone to call his friend that was running late. 😂 I answered with a loud NO! And walked away. A beautiful city but you must stay on your toes

[@anradies7836]

What if he actually lost him and his phone didn't have battery 😅

[@suzycreamcheesez4371]

@@anradies7836 tough

[@FilosofiadiCazzeggio]

@@anradies7836 that happened to me recently as a Roman citizen, I entered a store and asked to use their phone, I wouldn't go about asking for someone's phone on the street, and certainly not to a foreigner, as it would have looked like a scam to them

[@williampower6534]

@@anradies7836 If you handed your phone to him he will probably run off with it then pass it to a nearby accomplice.

[@forgottonbabyforgottendeca1483]

Doesn't sound like a very good vacation I think I'll give somebody else my money

[@hannahdebruin284]

Oh my gosh I ran into the same orange-bearded rose guy over a year after this video was uploaded at the Spanish steps! This is wild!

[@abreise]

Hannah DeBruin Same like 2 weeks ago

[@MrSupernova111]

That scumbag!

[@thescrutineer7022]

Obviously a regular there.. just wondering how he's remained around there to scam yet more people. Police?

[@danieledragone423]

He is still around. Last week in Fiumicino

[@konstantinNeo]

Just yell POLICE everytime someone is being a hassle. You will find them disperse really fast.

[@seanmcmenamin788]

Yell "Ladro" it's Italian for thief

[@elguada123]

lol

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Shouting "I don't want your Marijuana" seems to make them disappear too.

[@Zenocavallari]

actually if you yell "how much for cocaine" they will disperse much faster! @@tomjeffersonwasright2288

[@kekw5153]

I would scream AIYO THIS GUY GOT THE BEST WEED IN TOWN

[@elisabetta4571]

You're totally correct on everything you pointed out. As an Italian, I feel ashamed and wish to apologise for such disgraceful behaviours and, even more, for the legal and social system behind that which, regularly, tolerates that reality. And what you mentioned is not even all, sadly...As a very partial consolation, please keep in mind that tourists are certainly the first and easiest target sadly, but not the only. We are fooled too, trust me on this. I'm so sorry. If only we had decent administrators...

[@tiffanythomas5750]

I am soooo happy that you made this video. We went to Rome Nov/Dec 2017. We encountered ALL of this. Every word you state is completely true. We dealt with it everyday on a daily basis. They are all very relentless, to the point that they will follow and harass you for blocks!!!! Thanks for making this known for tourists!!!

[@MilesNauticus]

As a current Roman citizen, I thank you for your precious guide that deals with a long-standing and deplorable problem that afflicts Rome. However, I would like to point out that most of the scammers are neither Roman nor Italian citizens. This does not solve the problem but it is a significant fact that dilutes the responsibility of true Roman citizens, but increases the responsibility of the Italian government for the deplorable policies of uncontrolled reception of foreign citizens.

[@mi24sturm35]

Ok italian racist go back to your white power rally

[@littleruiners]

Not a scam, but also to make you aware of. If you go near Metro A trains in the center (especially Termini to Flaminio) keep an eye for some teen girls in groups with big bags. Those are not Italian people, but what we call them 'rom'. They go there just to pickpocket you. Pay attention at your bags every time.

[@mahybomba1bomba420]

Lotta Italy have scammers like all countries they are not angels so don't lie

[@hellonickitravels187]

Thank you for the advice! I heard about the pickpocketing issue in Rome. Fortunately, it never happened to me. I was always cautious.

[@foekevanacker8927]

@Mahybomba1 Bomba, Lotta does never says that Italy don't have scammers. ;-)

[@pawala7]

Ah yes, the Romanian gypsies. They're pretty much everywhere in Europe and are famous for the same wrong reasons.

[@sondercichlidaquariums4951]

Yeah we got the Romanian gippos on the underground in London also. They're good at it though lol

[@Jdjwjdjzbsjwbb]

Its really sad that every local in European countries have to apologize because these scumbags and their behaviour ruin it for everyone. I love italy a lot but these scammers and their audacity just makes my blood boil

[@md65000]

They wouldn;t have to apologize so much if they would elect MPs who aren't afraid to do sonething about it.

[@anamikasingh1319]

Hey are you still in roam Italy ?

[@furdiebant]

I went to Rome by myself and wore headphones and sun glasses, dressed nicely and was never bothered. Americans draw a lot of attention to themselves, which admittedly often they cannot help as they are inexperienced travellers. Enjoy Rome!

[@emilyharrington6129]

I just went to Italy two months ago and when my family was getting a bus to go too our apartment a creepy dude came up to my family and asked if we needed a ride and we said no thank u and we walk away and then he kept on following us and asking us are u sure?? Over and over again. do not trust anyone without any proof to take u on a ride..... also one time me and my family were standing on the sidewalk and this random dude came up to me and my twin sister mind u we are 13 and he came up and lightly brush his hand against me and my sister bum I did not notice it at first and then when he walked away I realized how close he was to us and me and my sister said something just touched my bum so we realized it was him. just be mindful fur some men there. not all of them are like this just be ready to defend yourself if u fall in this situation but besides this it was an amazing experience!!

[@jenniferphelps9105]

Also watch out for people wanting to "help" you with directions. They want you to pay for their help. I also had a man grab my bag from me when boarding a train to "help me" with it, and then tried to get me to pay him for grabbing my bag when I didn't need help or want it.

[@DinhoMMA]

I’m in Rome right now and I went to the colosseum after I was leaving a guy with a Roman costume shook my hand (which I thought he was being friendly because everyone wanted to shake my hand idk why) but he tried to pull me in AND ITS THE SAME GUY FROM YOUR VIDEO WHOS TRYING TO TAKE A PIC WITH THE GIRL!!

[@jescorreia7679]

lol

[@carloclemente8026]

They are not even italian. They are from east europe

[@IsabellaCoelho]

Me too 😳 he also spoke offensive comments about my body (sexually) in Italian (what by the way I kind understand)

[@carloclemente8026]

@@IsabellaCoelho they are not italian they come from east europe.

[@timsummers870]

Did you think those mofos would be there for just one day and never come back? Can you imagine how many fools they scam every day? If it weren't worth it, they'd try something else for a living but, as the saying reads, there's a sucker born every second.

[@michaelstaengl1349]

There's a little update regarding the gladiators and legionaries next to the Colliseum. I was in Rome from May 16 to May 22 2022 (visiting my parents who lived in this city for 3 months). We had a guided tour through the Anfitheatro Flavio and the Foro Romano by a serious and highly engaged and excellent guide from a reliable guide service. Since I already had been to Roma in 2004, I wondered where they are since in my 2022 stay, I never saw them in 2022. I asked our German language guide where they are. She explained that it's now forbidden to masquerade as such and so, they were nowhere to be seen. And the guys handing you stuff remained. I and my parents (in the Rome 2022 vacation) completely ignored them. Now, they also sell power banks, surely of the cheapest and worst quality. Otherwise a great video and my overall impression of Rome was great. I hope to return to Rome at a day in the future.

[@Robert-oj9vp]

I'm currently in Rome on my fourth day. The one thing that works on the rose and bracelet scammers are to completely ignore them. Don't look them in the eyes, don't even say "no thank you". Any form of attention gets you on their hook. Look away from them, and just walk past. Haven't had a single encounter with them because of this.

[@Kim-ss5bb]

Did it ruin your holiday at all

[@kensellar]

For sure. No eye contact. Just keep walking. All they need is ONE SECOND to grab you and hook you in. Do not answer, do not even slow down. Usually I don't even feel sorry for the people who do get scammed and then they blame it on the city. So many people do zero research when they plan to travel, and that research includes how to protect yourself, how to get a ride from a legitimate taxi, which restaurants are rated high among locals and tourists. I can't count how many times I've read that people just like to go with the flow. Well, get ready to watch your money "flow" out of your wallet!

[@OoxB505]

I went to Rome recently with my family and the number of beggars and con artists on the streets is crazy. There’s the ones that look like ‘traditional beggars’; then there’s the men outside of the Colosseum and the Vatican that try to sell you water, selfie sticks, scarves; then you get guys giving you roses (one guy gave me a rose and then proceeded to tie a coloured bit of string round my wrist); and finally there’s the men who say ‘I like your shoes, where are you from?’ and chuck you a bracelet. This happened to us and we chucked them right back to him. What frustrates me is that these people give you things that you don’t want without telling you that they expect money in return. It needs to be illegal. We had lunch in Vatican City after visiting St Peters Basilica and I’m not kidding you we had about 7 beggars disturb us as we were eating. You just gotta tell them ‘NO’ firmly or they will keep hassling you.

[@coombem1978]

Bethany Howe spot on. Frustrating

[@Filippa698]

Bethany Howe... I found the same thing in Chicago. A lot of beggars! A lot! One can not even park anywhere without receiving an unfair ticket that follows the person home for ever. Insane!

[@FuckFeminists]

Beggars and conmen/hustlers are mostly different people. Many beggars are genuine. The hustlers are not. Beggars usually come up to people because no-one is helping them when they beg from the street. And you should be as polite to them as you would to anyone else. Hustlers can be distinguished by their 'enthusiasm' or upbeat greetings. And also that theyll often give you something, or act friendly, before pressuring you. Most genuine beggars are far too demoralised to put on an act after every previous rejection and the desperation they live with.

[@danisgabor4363]

Actually one of these guys near the Colosseum (just after exiting Palatine hills) was selling water for 1 euro, but he was sitting in his OWN place and did not follow or harrass you. That seemed correct and we bought the water, was well worth the price in the hot. That said, the other 99.9% were really aggressive and annoying.

[@millag93]

@@FuckFeminists you are so naive. beggars are usually mafia. and this "desperation" is an act. and they probably make more money/daily compared to you

[@alessio7702]

as an italian I confirm everything she said

[@ianthomasthomas3354]

That is the most relaxed dog I've seen.

[@FaithJourney989]

Very helpful information, thanks for sharing. We're planning a trip to Rome and this info was very helpful. I appreciate that you covered things that I've not seen in other videos about traveling to Rome, like the people who try to get into your pictures. Great info to know!

[@ryana.jimenez6713]

I almost fought a person trying to give me a bracelets because they were trying to go through my family members bags for money when they gave us the bracelets for “free”

[@Sezenian]

If they try to shove flowers in your hand,.. Sneese and scream "Ur U troyin' to kill meh?!" Like a Scotich tourist... Worked for me... (Once XD)

[@alishanightshade3270]

I'm Asian. This doesn't work for me 😆

[@Sezenian]

@@alishanightshade3270 There are Asian Scotts XD

[@bessmcneill971]

It takes nerves of steel but I simply never acknowledge the people who approach on the street even when they try to assert themselves into the conversation with friendly questions. Works very well when they approach your table at dinner too. Don’t look and don’t acknowledge just keep talking to the people in your party. They leave almost immediately. The second you acknowledge them, even with a “no” they get more persistent.

[@dtown902]

From Canada, I'll be going to Italy next month. I've been researching stuff for about a year now, this info was helpful. Thanks!

[@JayCeeMax]

03:01, 03:26 I've experienced similar scams while vlogging in Rome recently. Thanks @Hello Nicki Travels for the list of scams and an in depth review. Keep up the great work. 👍🏽

[@w2385-i2s]

I got scam at the Rome airport. Someone pretended to work there and people were lining up. He told me the trains to Rome were sold out and sold me shuttle van ticket. The ticket was a hand written note. I checked the vending machine and the trains were not sold out. For the same price, I could have got to Rome in a first class train, instead of a crowded mini-van.

[@ThymeforBouldering]

Those are common around the world tho,not oly in Italy. Never trust them.

[@barrankobama4840]

Usually these mini van are cheaper than the train and can take less time if you are not going to Ostiense or Termini. Anyway, I advise to take the regular taxi, the white one, and share the fare with other passengers.

[@jxmeeds2018]

I had the same experience and when in termini took taxi to vatican guy ask for 50 euro. But now I know have to be really aware.

[@timsummers870]

Never trust people that look like the guy that sold you that ticket and you'll be alright.

[@furdiebant]

Did he tell you that his brother was the Pope so you could trust him?

[@amykatherinex]

just got back from Rome. The amount of scammers trying to sell us selfie sticks, water, portable chargers, bracelets. Honestly it really put me off enjoying the experience

[@furdiebant]

What a terrible scam

[@oscardiaz3968]

Thanks for the heads up. I'll be visiting Italy and this info is very helpful. I watched and liked both vids about Rome.

[@bradthompsonuk2011]

There is no ground floor in the Colosseum. No Gladiators or displays /battles inside. The guys in the outfits don't work there and can't sell you a ticket or speed your entrance. They are there only for a photo op and expect a tip. Most attractions in Rome do have an express lane and reduced rates for groups (numbers vary). The queuing for groups is usually in a different location and require a blue-badge guide to accompany. The price of the guide brings the entrance price back up, but saves you lots of time.

[@ernestkovach3305]

Thank you. I just returned to USA from Rome and loved it, overall. Your presentation was right on accurate, informative, and educational.

[@hellonickitravels187]

Thank you for your feedback, Ernest. I appreciate it a lot! I just uploaded part 2 expanding on some of the lesser-known tourist traps too. But you're right about restaurants and hotels adding extra charges. I've found this practice to be very common around major European cities, sadly...

[@valeriemg7434]

This video is so great!!! Inhavent found any other video like this so far about Rome and my husband and I are leaving on two weeks for vacation and im trying to do as much research as possible. Thank you so much

[@mubrunheira6740]

I had been in Rome fours days ago and felt in love for the city and i was looking for a video “How’s life in Rome” coz now i want to get a job and move to there, and then i found yours. Loved how you seems to be humble and simple person. Keep uploading more. :)

[@billcypher7286]

"Non-authentic Italian restaurants" In America, we call that Olive Garden

[@dianelaag2944]

While living in Rome for months at a time , I learned to protect myself from the scammers and pick pockets. If you just ignore them like the Romans do, they will not bother you. Do not speak to them because it gives them a clue as to where you are from with your language/ accent. Just ignore them. You must also protect yourself on busses and at the train stations. Sometimes people will try to assist you while purchasing your ticket. Firmly say no! Just be careful and have fun!

[@mandiekellett9597]

I visited Rome when I was 16 and was felt up on the metro by a really old dude. I don't know if he was a pervert or a pickpocket or both. It's so messed up.

[@dianelaag2944]

@@mandiekellett9597 Yes! I believe you. I have had my skirt almost pulled off me by a bunch of young boys. Boys have spit water on my friend and I. It’s really not like that now. I guess it’s just not tolerated anymore. Luckily, my friend had a huge, mean Schnauzer that we were happy to walk around Rome. She was the biggest Schnauzer I’d ever seen. No one bothered us while walking her. She wore a muzzle in the supermarkets but when on the streets the muzzle came off.

[@w2385-i2s]

I used an ATM inside Rome's main train station. When I got home, there were unauthorized cash withdraw from Sri Lanka. There must have been a skimmer on the ATM.

[@debraladams9140]

Bummer. Always use a bank ATM--and one that has a machine INSIDE the bank, not on the oustide.

[@soldat2501]

@Dan They put entire false fronts on ATM's now. They fit perfectly over the old front and are made to look exactly like the machine they are covering, the bank logo and all. The only way to tell now is there's an unusually deep gap between the screen and the cover. Most people aren't astute enough to recognize that as a lot of screens are recessed to keep people from looking over your shoulder. There are no parts now to wiggle and see if they are loose. The only way to avoid those spoofed machines is to use the ones that are inside a bank secure lobby. Never use an ATM in a major transportation center like an airport or train station, or one that's on the street or pub.

[@bigpapaplantman5126]

Please note that a majority of these scammers are not Italian at all. They are Romani people from Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary.

[@dianafuentes4328]

The guy who tried to give you flowers is the same guy who basically forced one in my hand over the summer 😤 I loved the video, it was very genuine and honest,

[@hellonickitravels187]

I am sorry you had to go through that! I hate when people do things by force too... But thank you for the comment!

[@kimdee4275]

Headed to Roma in 1 week! While I'm so excited, I definitely don't wanna feel ambushed! #yikes! Staying in Civita, but arriving a day before my family. Is it best to stay in an Air BnB for 1 nite or a Hotel? #budgettraveler

[@courtneya9859]

I just got back from Italy about 2 weeks ago and you are so spot on! Something that I learned about traveling overseas and people try to sell you things is to avoid contact and to not say anything. Awesome video!

[@hellonickitravels187]

Thank you for sharing your experience, I completely agree with you!

[@foekevanacker8927]

Expensive tourist restaurants are in all tourist places (also in Bruges, Brussels, Paris, Madrid,...). They are companies who never cared about the customers, but are only out to earn so much als possible money.

[@ddub8116]

I am taking my wife to Rome for Valentine's Day. Thanks for the tips!

[@ducasx3094]

The answer to this video is really simple: Rome, Venice, Milano (Florence is Ok) are overrated. Everyone who went more than a time in italy will say that to you: go out the big cities, explore the little towns (borghi)and the surrounding countryside (in Tuscany).

[@p1rgit]

Recommend Treviso, Viterbo, Orvieto, Siena, Bologna... Rome has some nice places, like Aventinus hill. naturally, avoid Colosseum. go to St Peter early morning, or avoid.

[@E4create]

Great video! You are a great speaker and have an amazing voice! Keep on creating quality content!! Don't ever let someone bring you down and stop you from making more videos! Stay confident and proud!!

[@hellonickitravels187]

Thank you, I appreciate your kind words!

[@ciucia2222]

Italian laws and regulations are just too weak and not reinforced by nobody out of the fear of being called racist (most scammers are not Italian). In my country begging forcefully, aggressively is plain forbidden, selling stuff without giving a bill, without having a company, forcing the buyer is also forbidden ....Italian police and government is just weak. They will loose this way one of their major income source: the tourists.

[@francescotellini1389]

I totally agree with you.

[@daisyna38]

Thank u so much! 4 of is are traveling very soon and this truly helps. Thanks once again

[@norcicoso]

most of the flower men are not italians, the same rules apply to any tourist city, any restaurant near a tourist site is a tourist trap!

[@susie9893]

Yes and no. Sometimes locals will still go to SOME of those places (Sometimes just cos they wanna be seen 🙄 but SOMETIMES some of those places are actually good - here in Oz anyway - I can think of a couple of examples I've met friends for years). But yeah, away from the tourist track is usually best. Not sure about other countries but here in Oz we tend to have certain suburbs that are kinda gastronomic centres and if you're going out to dinner this is probably where you'll go

[@amy4291]

Thank you so much, for this helpful video! I appreciated how honest you were, yet, you still presented everything in such a calm way. 💕

[@serenagiavesu]

Bravaaaaa 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 It’s all true!!!! Great video, and by the way you’re not a tourist but an amazing traveller with open eyes☺️

[@hellonickitravels187]

Grazie mille! Your comment really means a lot, thank youuu!!

[@cristletower]

Same in D.C I found lots of vans and trucks full of water and this dude just yelled "Water for one dollar best price" it kind of annoying.

[@meowsaidthecat5338]

When I went to Rome, I stayed in some cheap motel and went out to some cafe's to get a breakfast. One day I went to one of those in a side street. It was too noisy inside so I decided to eat a bun outside and have a cup of coffee. I know this is going to sound horrible, but I just disliked the manipulation of a homeless guy who decided to stand next to my table and keep staring in a theatrical manner at me and the bun I was eating ( a bit like a dog might get watering eyes with you eating something he wants). He created a tense situation where the only socially acceptable thing would be to give him food or money. I actually support homeless people on a regular basis and also have sheltered a homeless guy from Bulgaria for a few months to get him back on his feet. But at that moment, I thought, if I give into this I give into the manipulation. Tourists inside the cafe were getting ' outraged'....the situation lingered on. Eventually I did give him some money, however I didn't like being manipulated in feeling guilty for eating a sandwich. If he had approached me differently, or took a less confrontational approach I would have still handed him some food or money. I btw knew some locals who introduced me to real Italian restaurants.

[@williampower6534]

I worked for a charity for several years and when I am approached by someone who 'has not eaten' approaches me here in Sydney I offer to take them to a charity run soup kitchen where they will receive food. In all cases the individuals obviously want money as none accepted my offer to go to the nearby soup kitchen.

[@sukiosartchannel3689]

I live in London and this happened to me in London!!! The number of homeless people coming up to you asking you for money is crazy, I tend to get 4 to 5 a day.

[@emilyr8668]

this is so interesting because where i live in the states it is like. (as far as im concerned) extremely safe to give homeless people money. like at least in my hometown i dont really think twice about opening my wallet, but i guess it must be more the issue of us being foreigners that creates the uncomforatble situation, rather than simply being the person giving some money

[@StrongnBeautiful]

That's a shame. Couldn't be me. I wouldn't have felt bad at all. 🙄😤

[@williamdonnelly224]

Back around 1990 a friend took a train into Rome ( I forget from where) and was a victim of a pickpocket before he even got outside the train station.

[@mstudies3528]

I was in Rome and I recognise the men trying to sell the flowers😂

[@annemeerkerk9248]

Same 😂😂😂

[@rexiioper6920]

Anne Meerkerk all brown people don't look alike gels.

[@annemeerkerk9248]

@@rexiioper6920 believe me, a brown men with a bright red beard. You'll remember that 😂

[@rexiioper6920]

Anne Meerkerk it's a v common look amongst Muslims.

[@PlanetaryCitizen]

Thanks for telling us about the coins in the fountains and what happens to all the money collected. That's good! 👍

[@martye4273]

I got scammed in Rome in an Italian restaurant for dinner.We paid with a €100 note and got a €50 note which we discovered at the train station the next day was FAKE.Rage!!!😈😈😈😈😈😈

[@bradthompsonuk2011]

Hope they traced the note back to the restaurant for you, but more than likely someone had stuck them with it earlier.. I assume if you were at the train station, you were enroute home and not likely to follow it up.

[@ingrid44556]

That's why you break the notes as soon as you can so if you get a fake bill, it's nothing bigger than 20

[@normiukkeli3739]

Marty A thats why credit cards exist

[@p1rgit]

@Diego87 what?

[@p1rgit]

@@normiukkeli3739 no, that's why you don't use 100€ notes. where did you get it anyway? bc cash automat, ATM only gives you 50€ notes and smaller. safest is to take maximum summa minus 5 or 10, like, 495, depends what is the smallest note available in the machine. or play totally safe and take 45€. card scams are also big in Rome - my friend got her money stolen from bank account after her card got copied in some restaurant. they can do it even if you keep your eyes on your card all the time. advisable, if you do not deal with cash, is to have esp account with just enough money for the trip and card for that. if you have your other card, keep it safe and separate.

[@Coccolinodc]

Very nice video and advice Nicki. Love your little Pinscher s(he)’s very cute 🥰

[@jojolee841]

Seems Rome hasn't changed since the last time I was there 28 years ago. Romanian women and children surrounds you with drawings whilst trying to zip your bag beneath their pictures. Luckily a local told them to go away otherwise we would've been robbed.

[@DiscoGlacier]

This video reminded me of when my dad and I visited Italy for our European vacation. We were incredibly naive as world travelers, and neither smartphones nor sites like Yelp were commonly used at the time, so it was likely we made every mistake on the list save for #3 (which we did run into in France, but got out of without paying them anything).

[@dawnm2647]

Thank-you NIcky! My daughter and I love you and your videos. We are going to Italy this coming June 2019.

[@midlands8819]

One of the most helpful videos on things to look out for in Rome before Travelling. Thank you Nicki

[@irobu]

I got ripped off by the colosseum...worst food ever!!! It was like chef boyardee can food! Luckily my last day in Rome I spotted a little place crowded with Italians speaking Italian! Best food ever!!! This was back in 2002...good vid

[@dinocarlucci2105]

rob u Didn't you always know that. Eat where the locals eat. It even applies in your home town depending on the amount of ethnic eateries you have. It can work the other way. I knew a noodle bar which was entirely used by the local chinese community for years then non chinese thought mmmm!! Always eat where the locals eat ay? must go in there. Within 6 months it was totally non chinese the Chinese moved to another restaurant lol. Which was fine for the owner but not the locals.

[@irobu]

@@dinocarlucci2105 yeah but I didn't even know where the locals ate. I accidentally found that little local spot. This was back in 2002 (pre yelp and smart phones) when i was 23 and it was my first trip to Europe. The food in Eiffel tower was good as well as most places in Barcelona. What I did learn: in Italy, Do Not eat near a tourist attraction!!

[@PaulOutsidetheWalls]

3:05 This was so true. Guy gave me a “gift” of a little frog statuette. I told him perfectly clear: “I have no money to give you.” He insisted I have it. I took it and walked. He followed me and said he needed money for his babies. I said “I told you: I have no money to give you.” He rolls his eyes at me, like we haven’t been over this already. Watch out for scammers!

[@numbereightyseven]

Why the hell would you keep adding the word "thank you" to your "no". That's just telling someone that their aggressive approach to you is still acceptable.

[@alopez9149]

Seriously. I would just say no, and if they ask again, f@ck no!

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

I wouldn’t even say no. Or make eye iContact I would just keep walking.

[@lifeiseasy5181]

Thank you for such an informative video

[@virginiahowell2743]

Sounds exactly like walking on Hollywood Blvd! Always say a stern no & walk swiftly!!

[@wem-c9f]

Very good tips! We are going in March. Thanks!!!

[@ItalianFilipina]

i was last january in rome with my italian husband who was aware of the tourist traps and we went to a place called "vineria del chianti" next to fontana di trevi and the food was so good, not very expensive and we ended up going there three days in a row, lol. but it is true that especially in tourist places there are some/ many tourist traps

[@Sorryagain123]

Got two nasty bruises from someone trying to give me a bracelet by the Coliseum. Avoid them like the plague.

[@sofiabianchi5284]

This was very true, beware of these people that try to scam you and don’t let them ruin your trip. Just be firm and don’t acknowledge them.

[@roxannetucker1526]

You did a great job of the video. I enjoyed listening to you. Thank you

[@virdeo9152]

we had some days left on our metro tickets and we tried to hand them for free to the people, it was harder than i imagined it, everyone looked at us like we was going to steal/scam them xD only some young people took them and said thanks

[@superphysiologicallevelsof1349]

Loving the vibe your dog's giving

[@avikpaul]

So very helpful ! I've had my share of tourist traps in other countries and learned the heard way that it's a must to know before going to new place as tourist

[@FoxesontheGo]

I enjoyed watching your video. My family and I recently got back from a 3 week vacation in Europe where we spent time in Rome exploring the sites. It was amazing. We can't wait to go back!

[@LouiseM99]

Thank you, this video has helped, I’m going to Rome next month, I’m very excited about it, I will be re watching this again before I go to remind myself

[@anaarancibia5391]

Amazing video! Thank you!

[@frankb1]

Great glasses!

[@kikinnit]

Good tips ! I experienced just about all of them first hand

[@thegreatinterpreter8382]

I went to Las Vegas for the first time a few months ago. There were two girls in Flamingo outfits who were very aggressive in me taking a picture with them. So I finally agreed. After the silly picture was taken I pulled out my wallet to give them $5. They they said, "Oh no, that's $30 each girl." Yuk. I gave them $20 and walked away while they yelled at me. Bad experience.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

It’s best not to give aggressive people any money than that leads them to use the same strategy on other people that may be even more taken advantage of.

[@joslynfarkash6416]

Thanks for the spreading the word. These scammers will persist as long as people open their wallets, resist firmly.

[@maryannecalora9893]

I’ve only seen this video now but I went to Rome in July, possibly the worst time EVER. We were harassed by sellers literally non stop as it was tourist season and we went to restaurants only for drinks in the tourist areas as we knew the food wasn’t authentic and pricey, and we got charged almost triple the cost for “sitting in”for any drink even non alcoholic. I wish I had a better experience of Rome but I must say your points are spot on for people who are unaware of tourist traps and scams, but unfortunately we were still caught up in one after being aware of so many. Would love to visit again to make up for my bad experience but definitely not a city to visit for those who are easily led on and more vulnerable

[@mmhmmmyearight7183]

Very informative thanks

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Don't make eye contact with scammers. A waggle of the upraised index finger says get lost. Other fingers may be even more emphatic.

[@jamfreefall]

I used that tactic in Paris and it worked instantly every time. I also added a look away in disgust as I waggled my finger

[@isamaaltaein8672]

Hi Nicki from my experience it happened at every where. I been in France, England, Spain , Netherland, Mexico all I mean the scammer every where, but you have to be smart and prepper your self for those situation .Keep you Passport and money close to you and be aware for any body talk with you be safe and enjoy your vacation .

[@RAFSystemsUK]

when you go just wear loads of bracelets and carry a rose, and then they will think you already been scammed and avoid you.

[@9636657331]

nice tip

[@rowanb4395]

Also, always keep a smile on your face when dealing with the trinket peddlers. Keep it light. If they say 'I have six kids', Tell them you have the same amount of kids and how much a coincidence it is. If they actually throw their wares at you, you lightly throw it back saying the same thing. Wish them well and walk off.

[@alw6912]

“No thank you?” It should be “vaffanculo” or at least “via via”

[@swatisaxena5397]

Thankyou so much for sharing .. very helpful

[@72sunrise]

I'm sorry to say, living in Italy and visiting other EU countries that a majority of them are Africans/Eastern European Gypsies and Muslims immigrants or refugees. Some of them are very aggressive and hostile and will curse at you when you tell them "No, no thank you or sorry no". The local Italians hate them because they ruin the traveler's experience in their country. When waiting for metros or in the metros, always turn your backpack and carry them in front, to avoid pickpockets or having your backpack cut from the bottom or sides and your contents stolen.

[@jrvilchis55]

Much better video than the last one. Congratulations. Keep upneith the good work.!

[@usuarioyoutube2000]

Very same flower guys are still on top of Spanish steps.

[@abreise]

Augusto Brazil still.

[@karinalebedeva7335]

Oh my, it gave me flashbacks about my trip to Milano. I was walking from Duomo to the next spot, and one of those bracelet guys simply put this bracelet on the top of my wrist (not even closing it). I didn’t even notice it until he started shouting at me. I was lucky to be with a male companion who literally took my hand and started dragging me further away and I instinctively just threw the bracelet on the ground. That seller continued shouting at us and I was happy that we almost run away from there. It was not only annoying, but even scary in a way.