Avoid These Tourist Scams in Italy! 🚫🇮🇹

[@GregorBrown]

Need an Essential ITALY TRAVEL GUIDE ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJjVc5SMg9-SjqM

[@andsch0172]

@@GregorBrown Italy doesn’t have ATM? Best is to use ATM. Mostly they have a better exchange rate if you don’t „except exchange rate of this bank“ and the additional fees. I have a credit card where I don’t pay fees for the home bank and get a better rate. When you go to pick up money then use the maximum limit for withdrawal and keep the receipt. It’s a different game if you withdraw 10€ and pay around 6€ ATM fee. It’s better to withdraw 400-500€ daily max limit. I had it before that the exchange rate gave me nearly 10% of the withdrawal amount

[@cristinacucconi7411]

La cosa positiva dell'Italia, le persone non hanno le armi, al contrario degli U.S.A

[@pelekeososhio5627]

I wanted to share a recent (10 days ago) experience I had with a taxi driver in Rome. I attended a Three Tenors concert at a beautiful church really close to a Metro station, which is how we got to the concert. When the concert ended we discovered the Metro A Line was closed for maintenance, so we walked to the Termini train station to find a taxi back to our hotel. The fare was $13 Euros, so I gave him my last $20 Euro bill and told him to keep the change. He handed me the change and I re-explained that the change was for him. He smiled at me and said "It's ok.", and gave me the change. So you can get an honest taxi driver who really just wants to get you from A to B.

[@GregorBrown]

That is great to hear, and thank you for sharing the story

[@judithmaca1570]

@@pelekeososhio5627 About sixty years ago my cousin and I were camping near Gaeta (in the south). We took the local bus to town (about six miles away) to have an evening meal. The return bus had finished very early so we had to take a taxi to get back to our campsite. The elderly driver spoke excellent English and explained he had been a prisoner of war in the UK. When we arrived at our campsite the driver refused to accept any payment, saying he loved England and its people, but knew that he would never manage to return there. Instead of accepting any payment, he asked us to kiss the English ground for him! We felt so very humbled by his great kindness and of his only time in the UK, as a prisoner of war! We wept as we walked back to our little tent. I have never forgotten him and that incredible experience!

[@rstraveladventure4987]

Most taxi drivers in Rome are quite honest.

[@MM-sq5pf]

@@pelekeososhio5627 you found the honest one

[@pramotejutaporn2965]

A great story to hear. I know there are always good people out there who just want to do their job honestly. However, I'd like to know if such incidence is the rule or an exception.

[@Alexdrod]

Italy eating rule #1: Good restaurants NEVER ask you to come in or sit down. They don’t need to do that.

[@Excelsior2043]

EXACTLY

[@0007tad]

True, and the REAL restaurants also dont have Pictures of the food on the menu..,,

[@paulcapaccio9905]

Simply stated but very true

[@kevtea6199]

Never trust a place that needs a tout to get you in. Rule 101 on street smarts.

[@SergioBracali]

@@Alexdrod absolutely true. And not only in Italy, of course.

[@zoobie2000]

I live in Florence. When I am bored I walk on the paintings for fun. Makes no difference.

[@rbejva]

Total flip side as well, I was buying bread in Venice from a cash only bakery in a non-touristy street. It was early in the morning and the baker didn’t have enough change, so he charged me less! Some of the nicest, kindest people I’ve come across have been in Italy , overall the Italians are wonderful people. Back to the baker, he was thrilled when ten minutes later I came back and made up the difference.

[@GregorBrown]

Well said

[@jovifan674]

@rbejva yes. For us, the bad experiences were with foreigners. Like the ones giving you "for free" a bracelet and asking where you are from and starting a conversation. And then they play the poor immigrant, struggling and ask you for money. When you don't give it to them, they get very nasty and intimidate you. The ones stealing on streets, busses, trains, etc, are mostly Western Europeans, gypsies. I am Peruvian and live in the US, but I felt more insecure in Italy and France than I do in Latin America.

[@GregorBrown]

@@rbejva that's great 👍

[@screenfixer1936]

​@jovifan674 you mean eastern, gypsies are from east

[@jovifan674]

@screenfixer1936 yes, sorry, Eastern Europeans .

[@Mario-lj7gm]

My best advice about paying by credit card in other countries is this: Always choose the local currency and NOT U.S. dollars or wherever you’re from. The credit card terminal gives you an option. When you choose local currency, you pay exactly that amount and your credit card will always give you the best exchange rate per the going market rate. If you choose your card’s currency, for example US dollars, the vendor or restaurant or whatever you’re paying for will calculate the exchange rate and may charge you as much as 30% extra!! That can be huge if you’re paying for something expensive like a rental car. Always choose local country’s currency! Your credit card will take care of the rest. Also, make sure to use credit cards that don’t charge foreign transation fees, which can be around 2%. Visa signature cards don’t have them but check with your credit card first.

[@GregorBrown]

Yes, always choose the local currency option and not USD. good advice.

[@PatrickSch-md7vy]

100 this!! Watch out for merchants who try to push you to do the transaction in your home currency - they claim it's a convenience for you but really they just want to manipulate the exchange rate for their own benefit!

[@SergioBracali]

@@Mario-lj7gm right. This is very important and it's the same for any currency and for ATM machines. Always choose local currency.

[@yegim8036]

14:20 ⚠️ when sitting outdoors, never put your phone on the table, in a matter of second, someone snatches it! I saw it several times. Also, backpack and bags. Never leave them behind the chair. Always on the eyesite or on the lap.

[@vibekered7784]

@@yegim8036 That goes for a lot of places and countries.

[@ryk84]

My wife and I were in florence last month, while she was waiting in line at the academia and i grabbed our tickets. There were tons of "painting in the ground" scams. As I was getting out from the ticket area they moved it right in my path, and i stepped on it, guy was like "whoa whoa, watch out" i knew exactly what was going on. I immediately starting yelling and cursing randomly like it was their fault and started a small scene and I just kept walking away without apologizing, the confusion on those guys' faces were priceless. They didnt know what to say as I kept walking away i just started laughing my ass off.

[@truckingwithtobee]

@@ryk84 what this scam? You explained nothing about it?

[@romulonunes441]

@truckingwithtobee they were about to ask them money for the “damaged art”

[@TheWhiteWolfFang]

A big tip: most of the guided tours I did in Florence tended to give me a verified list of restaurants/gelato places which were not tourist traps, and tended to be down some of the side streets. They will also explain a lot of these scammer methods along the tour

[@dizz_dila]

Could you give me recommendations too for restaurants and cafes?

[@HistoryMovieCritic]

Not necessarily. Tour guides get kickbacks from the places that they recommend for you, so you may not be getting an honest and unbiased referral.

[@andreabaront2240]

As said be careful because guides will get a percentage for the amount of tourists they bring to restaurants.. so be careful, check also the reviews first do not trust blindly

[@martinbootneck]

Definitely agree with eating in a local restaurant. We were in Sorrento and 2 people in our group decided to go out for a meal in the evening. My late wife and I did the same. We had been watching the locals and where they go to eat. We found a family run restaurant and it was unbelievable, the service was great the food was out of this world and we were introduced to the whole family LOL, we even had a free glass of Limoncello and at the end of the meal a Vecchia Romagna brandy on the house. We were there for 3.5 hours LOL. When we spoke to the couple next day, they said they went to a nearby restaurant, told us what they had and it cost them €40. We told them our story and it only cost us €22 and food that was all homemade and cooked fresh. Bellissimo.

[@aaronstark7676]

@@martinbootneck where is this restaurant, ill be there in 5 days?

[@Sharylanne]

@@aaronstark7676 ..it may have been years ago

[@ivandalessandro9550]

A quick tip: all the restaurants MUST have a menu and price list exposed outside. If you don't see one, avoid that place.

[@susanware6702]

We were in Rome some years back. No one tried to scam us but street vendors were everywhere and some were really aggressive. I refused to buy anything but my husband ended up buying a figurine after they dropped the price to really cheap. It fell apart after we got home. I laughed for a week. Odds are you wouldn’t buy from street vendors at home. Don’t do it when you’re traveling.

[@richardsteele6776]

I’ve visited Italy twice. Everything you said was true. I never buy anything from a person on the street. Always buy from a shop. I told a tall black man no thank you in Italian and he persisted to make the sale. I gave him a firm NO! Then he says “You don’t like black people. You are a racist!” He’s screaming this over and over while following me. I was in shock. Thankfully a woman stepped in and told him to leave the man alone.

[@GregorBrown]

Sorry to hear about that experience, Richard. Stay safe out there! 🚫

[@Samael6685]

They try It whit every one. The tourist are the perfect victim, we are used to the trick so don't even came close tona local

[@akbr980]

yeah sadly we don't have your police in italy. Policeman can do nothing, if he touches somebody they will sent him to court, not the criminal :/

[@Deb10086]

While in Malaga an African gentleman tried the bracelet scam and towards the end he gently tossed them in our laps. We didn't flinch. We didn't touch them. He then had to pick them off the ground and left. We felt badly about it but always remembered the rule of Thumb.... Don't touch the merchandise.... Great video!

[@josephjames9387]

@richardsteele6776 I'm sorry to hear you ran into a real jerk. There are a LOT of guys from Kenya near the Vatican right now. They will offer you a "free gift" from Africa (expecting that you will be nice enough to give them money for the small trinket). We found some guys who were pretty aggressive. We began to just walk away. That worked for us. That said, we had a great experience with the first Kenyan. He addressed us in English because we must have been obviously American. I switched to Italian for a bit and found him fluent and to send a message that I was on familiar ground (although I'm obviously not of Italian descent). Once I learned he was from Kenya, we shook hands and exchanged names. With that, I tossed in, "Nafu rahi kukuwona" (spelling?)... which is Swahili for "Pleased to meet you!" The man Freaked on me...! "Oh, my black brother!!!" (I am extremely pale!) My son (who is black) and his family nearly fell over laughing. And, we had a great time with him. I visited Kenya in '91 and they're GREAT people who are very rich in languages (as each CHILD speaks 4 or 5 different languages). But many people are still very poor financially. So they set out from home out of desperation (and famine) to send money back. I hope others will be open to buying a little something from them. This fellow you mentioned (calling you a racist) is a lousy representation of the group.

[@ILOVENJ00]

When I travel to Europe, I buy food and snacks at the local grocery store. Much cheaper! I have one or two meals at a restaurant as a treat.

[@MyaMango1]

@@ILOVENJ00 I’m glad I’m not the only one. Lol 😂

[@lynettecederquist6354]

I’m planning to do the same when I go next week!!!

[@Keepingitsane54]

I watched one of your videos that said bring an extension cord for charging multiple devices at once. I am in Italy now, and what a great piece of advice. I bought one with multiple ports and I use it every day! Thank you!

[@GregorBrown]

Awesome, and i'm happy to hear it that it's helped and I use mine all the time

[@IlseFannes]

We just returned from Rome today, and for me the biggest scam were the reseller ticket companies. I bought some tickets in advance. Ok, you can skip the line, but we have 12,5 euro in stead of 5 euro for the Panthenon, 35 for the colloseum, in stead of 20 euro The other days we’ve just bought tickets at the official ticket offices, and payed the normal price. I’ve learned my lesson

[@TheWhiteWolfFang]

15:45 "Me, I don't do that" This is the dude that got me last week! Caught me while I was eating, "for my baby, please" The brecelet broke after 30s

[@Samael6685]

Yeah... If it's not a shop don't even speak to them.

[@elenawhite88]

Yep, if they're scammers, they're also liars. Never give them the benefit of the doubt.

[@Excelsior2043]

To add on to the first scam, I was almost scammed by a ticket official in Circumvesuviana Naples station believe it or not. Essentially one of those ticket helpers approached me when I seemed to have trouble with the ticket machine and told me to go to the staffed ticket office to get the tickets. Little did I know, he was in cahoots with the staff. The staff asked me to pay in cash which was sus because there was a card reader right in front of her. Anyway, I just assumed the card reader was faulty and I paid her in cash. When I was expecting my change, she immediate told me to "go go go". Luckily, I knew the train schedule and it was not time so I insisted on my change. She then gave me part of it and hesitated to give the remaining, even consulting her colleague in Italian. Eventually, she did give the remaining change probably because it was a small change and it probably wasn't worth it to scam me. And I think she splits the profits with the ticket helper at the beginning. TLDR: Be warned, do not trust any ticket officials at stations who ask for cash, all of them accept cards now.

[@joecowan3719]

This is a great list of known scams Gregor! One I would like to add is young people hanging out near the entrance to public pay toilets. Since it usually costs €0.50 and many people don't have coins on them, there is a bill breaker machine right outside. The young people in a large group will be pretty pushy asking for money. We observed that at the Florence Train Station, and made a U-turn to the Bus Station toilets instead. Keep change on you, unlike in the States, it can actually help a lot!

[@GregorBrown]

Thanks for adding to the list, Joe!

[@tse7794]

Never accept a torn bill / Euro as change. I was given change after a purchase that included a $50 Euro with a small rip. No one would accept that bill assuming it was a possibile counterfeit. Finally we found a bank that would exchange with the help of the hotel. Concierge.

[@GregorBrown]

good tip

[@jonathantatler]

Just returned from Naples, Alamo screwed us and was quoted €18 for taxi then at destination he spanked us €90, both left us feeling sour and I'll NEVER use Alamo for car hire again.

[@paulgerrard9227]

Not sure how alamo run the taxis?

[@loisfolk5492]

When they ask me where I’m from I say in this life or my last they usually walk away.

[@michaeljohnangel6359]

That was a nice little walk through the centre of Florence. As I wrote elsewhere, I've lived and worked in Florence for the last 35 years, and it's a 7-minute bus ride for me to the centre of town, but I don't go into the centre anymore. It's been spoiled by the hoards of tourists. The centre of Florence has become Disneyland-which is fine, if you're a tourist, I guess. Like Venice, most Italians don't live in the centre. Florence has a population of 360,000 people, while 18,000,000 tourists come here every year.

[@TheWhiteWolfFang]

Using an ATM in Siena, a message came up saying it was going to charge me 15% markup for the exchange. Clicked cancel, and it did the conversion using my bank rather than the atm, at 2.1%. So watch out for that one, don't just hit Continue

[@GregorBrown]

Yes smart man

[@jeremytidman2414]

Where was this video in 2018! Traveled to Florence as a teenager and totally got roped into one of those free gift scams. Only lost a dollar, but was so crushed that people would do that to make money. Thanks for the great video, and the great tips!!

[@ShinobuSensei_]

Good ways to avoid scams? Eat/drink in places packed with a lot of people, you'll be sure the prices are honest and affordable. Also give a look to the menu to see if there are extra costs for some services. If you see something "handmade" by someone during your walk, Always ask for a discount. This it's for everything, even handmade stuff in shops and not only on the road/sidewalk. Don't use Taxi, even if "cheap", they are always a lot more expensive than a Train or Bus. Don't be afraid to be helped in South Italy, they are all friendly and loves to help the others, especially the tourists. If you have to pay something cheap like a coffee and they say their POS (the electronic stuff to pay with card) is out of order, then just leave or they'll start saying they doesn't have the change so you're "forced" to buy something more to arrive at their change.

[@akbr980]

It is a bad manner to use POS for coffee or any low expense. It means take out money from real economy of real people to give to (robber) banksters. Use cash in italy

[@tlanc1283]

I'm almost afraid to travel overseas, but glad I am aware of these scams and tactics just the same!

[@GregorBrown]

It's always good to be aware! Knowing these tactics will help you feel more confident and prepared when you decide to travel. 🌍✈️

[@davidpggarrett]

Don't worry about travelling overseas. You'll love it. Worse can happen at home!

[@michaeljohnangel6359]

I've lived and worked here (in Florence) for 35 years now. As far as the extra cost of sitting outside, my ex-wife used to say that one should think of it as renting a table, and getting a free drink, Should anybody be interested, the extra cost harks back to the old days, when the waiters were not paid, and the surcharge was their wages. It's no longer true, but the tourist caffés still keep the extra table charge; caffés out of the tourist zones (out where the Florentines live) don't charge extra to sit outside.

[@juliogonzales6356]

A scam I experience in Florence outdoor market in 2012, They sold me water buffalo belt and switched for cow hide. I was disappointed when I got home, but it turned out to be a great belt for price and I still use it.

[@DaaanG73]

I second the recommendation to use the ATM in a post office. I’m partial to the one in Florence, near the Mercato de Porcellino.

[@InvestedAdventure]

I visited Italy and encountered some of these scams myself! I even shared it in my channel to help tourists to be informed and to be alert. Great tips for making the most out of a trip to Italy.

[@GregorBrown]

Thanks for sharing your experiences! It’s great to help others stay informed and alert. 🙌

[@winkpinky1445]

I’m glad we went on a tour. Airfare, hotel, breakfast and dinner were included as well as all our tours were pain for. Last on the list the hotels were including tax on everything. It was a dream to see the top spots as well as free time to browse. Our tour company gave us maps shopping and best bang for your buck lunches. I had the time of my life. 2 weeks in Italy was my best trip with the Portuguese Azores.

[@lomorse2158]

@@winkpinky1445 what company did you do this all in one tour ?

[@winkpinky1445]

I can’t remember the name but they were out of Boston. Fantastic 7 or 8 course meal atop a treacherous mountain road. We were out at the isle of Capri. That cavern was so popular. All oh us lying on the boats of the waves. When you splashed water it looked handfuls of precious gems., what a trip.

[@hellohello-tp4mb]

Your videos are always well made, I’m so excited to go to Italy 🇮🇹

[@GregorBrown]

Glad you like them!

[@drjbo3]

We love Trattoria Nella. We’ve been going there since our first visit to Italy. Great reasonably priced meals. Going back in October!

[@SylviaWarner-e2e]

be aware : price on item might be for a local but for a tourist it could be much higher - had that experience in a small shop in Pisa

[@luiggimondoli]

I had no problem to take the train from the airport to central train station and it was awesome.

[@reyinfante5553]

Got scammed when somebody befriended me and suggested a bar. Next thing, he made an excuse to go to the restroom and never came back. I got slap with a ridiculous bill for a couple of beers and peanuts and when I protested, I was swarmed by ther staff and told me they also pay for the air condition. I stood my ground and I paid only what is reasonable. Learned from it and never happened again even with their other antics.

[@GregorBrown]

Yeah, that happens, and that's what I was explaining while I was in the bar towards the end of the video

[@Carlos-ux7gv]

As this not Russia/Indonesia, etc., I would ask for the police. Let's go all to the station if needed be.

[@RadiantTwilight]

I always carry an extra empty wallet to show to beggars and con artists talking me up in the streets, because I hate to act unfriendly and cold, that way I can have a short friendly conversation, and when its time for them to ask for money, I show them the empty wallet, and always get to keep all the "free" gifts like bracelets and figurines they hand you in advance. I love acting all naive and pretend I gave my last money for someones baby daughter a short while ago xD

[@SomeDudeSomewhereOverThere]

Back in March, we spent a week in Florence and then a week in Cetara and Gregor's video were super helpful to get around and know what to do (as well as helpful phrases). Love the content!

[@GregorBrown]

Great to hear! Thanks so much!

[@Okayletsg0]

Thank you for the advice :) you included tips I hadn’t seen anywhere else especially about the train tickets

[@GregorBrown]

I'm glad that helped out and funny about the train station. Because that guy scammer I filmed afterwards, The 2 of us had an argument.

[@erlbellacasa5325]

I agree to all what you have discussed. I have been and experienced some of these scammed. Right there in Piazza’s. From then on I learned to get away from these scammers in Europe. Keep it up.👍

[@_LostAndFound_]

my first day in Rome, I arrived in the train station and with my luggage I made my way out into the city. I ended up leaving through a side door and not the main door. I was dragging my luggage up the small hill... I realized I couldn't walk the 30 minutes with my luggage. I was very sick and just got into the first "Taxi" I saw. I knew what the taxis looked like and were to find them. we drove for what seemed like 30 minutes and my cost was 30 euros.... i didn't have anything less then a 50... he did the I cant break it line. Also I don't remember ever seeing a meter... but i was sick and really just wanted to lie down in a bed. the next week I took a taxi back to the train station at the same time of day and the same day of the week. that guy only charged me 18 and it was a 15 minute drive. Lesson learned.

[@GregorBrown]

they know tourists are vulnerable when they are with big suitcases. it's OK, lesson learned, we've all been in that position before.

[@maleeoctavia]

I had the same thing happen to me in Pakistan LOL when I was leaving and waiting to catch my flight back home at the airport a man kept coming up to me and asking me what I wanted. He got me food and other things (that I could have gotten myself) then he charged me a crazy amount … I never fell for that again!

[@InvestedAdventure]

That's wild! These scams pop up everywhere. What was your favorite part of your trip to Pakistan?

[@fedame6950]

Nice to meet you, my name is Federico and I am a Florentine by birth. I came across this video by chance and I found it very useful for tourists from all over the world. Obviously the recommendations that Gregor explains in the video do not always happen, but you must always be alert because being scammed is a moment. After the whole video I can only compliment Gregor for the accuracy and precision of the information. The most important thing is to always enjoy your vacation and keep your eyes and ears open to danger not only in Italy, but throughout the world.

[@GregorBrown]

Nice to meet you, Federico! Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your perspective as a native Florentine. I'm glad you found the video helpful. You're absolutely right - staying alert is crucial everywhere, but it's also important to enjoy the journey. Your advice is spot on! Grazie mille! 😊

[@TheLillabella]

Exactly.

[@marcocatelli1]

Great video! Cheers from Italy 🤗 in Piacenza you’re my guest…and believe me, I won’t charge you 🤣👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👋🏼

[@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele]

You should absolutely avoid using Taxis in Italy: they are a lobby, really expensive and many many times they don't even give the receipt (it means that they are not paying taxes).

[@alicetwain]

Taxis don't have to give receipts, unless you need personally one, and that's becase the the meter (il tassametro). It works like a cash register already connected with their tax account. It's all automatic: as long as the meter is working they can't evade taxes. It's the same reason why certain shops give you a receipt that bears "non fiscale". Their sistem is hooked up with the tax office and as long as the payment occurs through a cash register it's automatically accounted for.

[@josephjames9387]

​@alicetwain Thanks for your insight. I was taken aback at the blanket statement to never use a taxi. You explained the system beautifully (tante grazie). In '97, I was distracted and forgot my briefcase in the trunk of a taxi in Rome. Hours later, AS I WAS ON THE PHONE PANICKING TO THE U. S., I felt a tap on my shoulder in the hotel lobby. It was my cab driver from 2 hrs before.... returning my briefcase with 35 sets of train tickets to Paris and a few thousand dollars in lire! I have had other great experiences with taxi drivers, but this was the best!

[@SofiaMarie-AnneLejeune]

This is a very useful video, as I will move to Italy in August. First time visiting the country. Totally in love with your sunglasses by the way. Love that color. So stylish and with personality at the same time.

[@saadn.3348]

I love you man! You are the best! Keep up the good work!

[@1superduck]

Gregor.....We just got back from Italy and it was awesome....thank you for the tips and tricks...that lampredotto in florence is unbelievable 👌....already planning on our next visit..Grazie mille......to La Dolce Vita 🍷

[@GregorBrown]

Wonderful!

[@louisedasilva6046]

Lots of great tips!! I knew about some of them but it’s good to be reminded. Thank you for the video 😊

[@GregorBrown]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gilleslafreniere]

Thank you for the heads up advice. We are going to Italy at the end of the month and will keep my eyes open.

[@Iceageonmars]

Great advice especially the different menu pricing- thanks.

[@GregorBrown]

You bet!

[@JefitoBazanella]

Great video! Thorough, accurate, and entertaining!

[@GregorBrown]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jorgevillavicencio427]

Great content! Thank you for sharing many valuable tips for travelers. I just passed this video to a couple of good friends who will be traveling to Italy (first timers) mid month.

[@kessukane]

I had that free gift experience just exactly you described.

[@clairedsc5807]

Also beware if not mentioned already, that most touristic area in Europe has "tourist price" menu usually at least 20% more expensive!

[@faithsrvtrip8768]

I was able to study in Rome in the spring of 1997 at Campo de Fiori. It was amazing. But while we did a walkabout with our professor, near the Coliseum, another older female student was pickpocketed. I dressed like a slob (it was the era of grunge in the US) and so I looked poor and no one bothered me with my German black canvas army bag / purse!

[@jafongaro]

Another great and helpful video. Thank you!

[@GregorBrown]

Glad it was helpful!

[@IvetaDrobna-n8y]

Taxi driver tried to fool me also in Dubai...Not just in Italy

[@waikikilatino1]

These are great suggestions as to not get scammed. Luckily, before i went to Italy, I had studied Italian for a while so I had very good knowledge of the language and the culture but I can see how, many, are around trying to scam tourists! That's not good so your video, Gregor Brown is AWESOME! Congratulations on doing this for travelers. Bravo!

[@GregorBrown]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah. It's important just to keep aware and of course have fun and explore.

[@StevenCovey-ct3sx]

Avoid any restaurant that has advertisements for their food in English. They are tourist traps.

[@maurobernasconi932]

Yes but also not... now everywhere the menu are write in 4 or 5 lenguages...as Italian my advise is to go at restaurants away from the turistic point of interest, that usually is where the italians go, and to don't choose restaurant with hundreds of dishes. More is short the list, more is fresh the food.

[@fulconerra3055]

Ask for the menu. Check at the bottom of the menu; if there is a note telling you that “some products are frozen”: go for some place else. It is a legal requirement for restaurants to tell that.

[@fulconerra3055]

If there are (sorry) a lot of shabby, not italian looking waiters (nepali) hanging around in the restaurant, it is usually a moneylaundering place. Go somewhere else.

[@cristiandilella2337]

As an italian, if you see outside the restaurant a sign with Imagine and writing of most famous italian dishes, probably Is a Tourist scam and low quality.

[@davidtaylor2152]

When my wife & i travel we visit the local supermarkets to buy some groceries and occasionally visit a restaurant or cafe, and we want a menu with prices and definitely avoid eateries with no priced menus.

[@SergioBracali]

In Italy you should never use a taxi. They are expensive and most of the drivers are rude. Just take public transports or walk when possible. Italian cities are made to walk.

[@SergioBracali]

@@aris1956 intendevo dire che dovrebbero evitare ad ogni costo di prendere il taxi, finché possibile. Qualche volta non sarà possibile, ma se scompare quasi tutta la clientela forse qualcosa cambierà.

[@andrewg.carvill4596]

@@aris1956 Purtroppo e vero. Fra tanti troppi tassisti in Italia c'e la cultura di fregare il turista che non parla italiano. Si, io ho fatto 2 o 3 chilometri a piedi piuttosto che subire il vergogno di trovarmi fregato.

[@twatts1523]

@@SoniaGelli-y2oyou guys don’t have any ride shares apps like Uber or Lyft?

[@danfiorini785]

I took taxis for two weeks in italy and never had an issue. Can’t say I thought they were expensive either

[@vibekered7784]

I have taken many taxis in many different places in Italy. I have never met a rude driver. They are talkative and willing to help.

[@alessandrof2421]

I'm Italian, l take taxi only when I am abroad, in Italy try to avoid them whenever possible....

[@jennyh4025]

I’m German and I avoid taxis whenever I can. Last time I visited Italy (Roma to be exact), I used public transport and my feet to get everywhere. I think the last time I took a taxi was on a business trip, when I had to get to the airport extremely early and didn’t have a car.

[@pillekukac]

@@jennyh4025 how did u buy your tickets for public transport?

[@jennyh4025]

@@pillekukac can’t remember, I think a ticket machine.

[@jimbaptista7371]

Thank you for an entertaining video.

[@kathleen4083]

Friend had her luggage stolen from train right from overhead rack. They were focused on their iPhones and never saw it happen that quickly. Plus it was designer Louie Vuitton so targeted 😮🤬. WATCH OUT

[@twatts1523]

In a London, they would probably be apprehended within 5 minutes, with all their CC surveillance, lol

[@petemal931]

🎉Yep watch for scammers and pick pockets in every country 🎉

[@paulgooderham]

"Where are you from?" You: "I'm from XXX." Him: "Oh! I used to live in XXX, come into my bar for a drink!" They are always from your town.

[@vinhdinh539]

Thank you for sharing…….the most professional pick pocket in the world Remember they pretend like tourist…..will ask you something….just walk away. 🧔🏻‍♂️🧔🏽‍♀️

[@stevebartley628]

In France my wife didn’t know what one menu item was ( she speaks French ) and the waiter responded “That’s not for Americans “ !

[@GregorBrown]

😆

[@wmichaelh29]

Never pull out a wad of cash to pay. Thieves may be watching and are real fast. Money could be gone and you won't even see them.

[@claireg.710]

Very good tip, never been to Europe I think I am ready to travel to Italy Grazie!!!!

[@annettemornay5948]

thank you for this useful information will be traveling there next week.

[@NLW288]

Definitely will keep this in mind next time I come back to Bella Italia, Thanks Mate!

[@GregorBrown]

Please do!

[@oemolokupano4512]

Great info Gregor. Thank you very much !

[@justmeonthebeach]

@@oemolokupano4512 Yeah, you're right, no one I don't know is my friend..

[@louisjunho]

This is super helping. Thank you for creating this!

[@GregorBrown]

Glad it was helpful!

[@quintonhoffert6526]

Not sure if my comment will be seen or not, but just to check, in Rome you don't need to buy tickets so long as you have a tap credit card right? AFAIK, ATAC tap&go makes it so that you can just tap your credit card to either enter the subway or to validate a bus and it will automatically deduct the proper fare from your card without requiring you to get a ticket. Is this correct? I believe the system only works in Rome, but assuming that's accurate it would be a nice addendum for your video since tap credit cards are pretty common nowadays.

[@vibekered7784]

We tapped our card on a bus in Milano. No problem😊 I even tried to tap it again because I wasn't sure it was deducted, it wasn't deducted twice.

[@RcaTab]

Looks like great advice! Thanks. I haven’t travelled in years so I need to get my savvy suspicions polished up again😃 before I venture back into the wild. On that note, we’re those subscriber fans you bumped into real…or part of the script? 😉. No matter, you might be worth following anyway 🤔 I really liked how friendly you were to the bracelet scammer. It takes confidence. I would have gotten highly annoyed & it might have ruined my day

[@MrMike-zm8ex]

Regarding currency exchange. I went to post office in Naples. Terrible exchange rate, about 20% less than actual Forex rates. Never found a good place to get cash in Italy. Not like Thailand, where exchange booths everywhere, with close to worldwide exchange rates.

[@hadiwi56a]

the only place to get cash is bank ATMs, never money exchanges

[@brewswithviews]

Im hoping that by learning and speaking the language would give me the respect that a restaurant wont try and rip me off 😂

[@purpletoo12]

just returned from Rome...wish I had seen this first!

[@wilson9hern]

Fantastic Tip Video Thanks For Info On Post Office Money Exchange

[@GregorBrown]

Most welcome

[@retrogamingnmore2513]

The biggest scam is that sitting fee and then they want a tip after you eat. Sorry you got your tip in that sitting fee

[@user-gh3pz7do4o]

I loved using the Taxi app when in Rome last month. Hard to get a taxi during tourist summmer season in Rome. I heard the government was going to add more taxi licenses to help.

[@GregorBrown]

You are right; there are more taxis. But Italy does have a taxi problem overall, and they are too expensive.

[@sitthapromwasphornsaran5085]

Very helpful, thanks for sharing.

[@GregorBrown]

My pleasure!

[@robmoore5907]

very informative . going in may. will adhere to your advise

[@GregorBrown]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shraddhajhaveri4893]

U are fantastic sooo helpful !! Good work dear learnt a lot before my trip !!!!!

[@GregorBrown]

My pleasure 😊

[@SteveLaston-ji7gv]

Many of those SCAMS, are done in NYC too !!!!

[@gennyjustdownthelane8967]

Your phone on the table made me nervous!

[@pierrelesage7097]

the "chieva" phrase in restaurant, "Sto imparando italiano"

[@NotaBotZe]

When paying a bill verbally says the denomination your using and count change in front.

[@deborah3709]

If I step on your floor painting I will stand my ground.

[@davidfromdownunder]

Great tips mate 👍

[@GregorBrown]

Glad you found the tips helpful. 👍

[@mczeljk]

At 12:29 you can see a ‘best and fast’ exchange location. Avoid these at all costs they will charge you a fixed fee AND at least a 13% commission

[@alicetwain]

Some airports have a fixed fare with the taxi cooperatives, so the meters does not get turned on. The fixed fares should be posted on the car's window. Also. by law any business, including taxis, in Italy are supposed to be able to accept electronic payments, so you should really pay with a credit card or an ATM.

[@caleahmarie365]

Free gifts- most are super friendly. We were at the colosseum and the guy literally threw it at my husband and then “gave” it to me. We tried to give it back and he literally wouldn’t take it and before we knew it was demanding money. The whole time he was complimenting us, telling us we were good people, that he knew we liked black people, etc. it was awful because we COULD NOT get away. Ended up giving him 10 Euros just to get away. Next time I’ll throw the bracelet back and run lol

[@olgaotkina3037]

Awesome video! Thank you!

[@GregorBrown]

My pleasure!

[@kevtea6199]

Back in 96 when I moved back to Japan I met a guy that told me the worst country he'd ever been to was Italy. I think it was because of everyone trying to scam him. The petty crime like pickpockets etc. I can believe it. These scams are everywhere and I read so much about Buenos Aries one time but I went downtown to the main square and didn't have anything like that happen to me. I try not to look like a tourist but walk around like I belong there. I never trust anyone trying to be friendly who randomly comes up to me. Sussed that stuff out long ago. Had a nice indian man in Bangkok come to me and a friend who had lived there for a while asking us if he could help. We got rid of him in a hurry. Also back in Fiji once I had a guy carve a gift with my and my mother's name for me in a little balsa wood thing, handed me it and then did the ask for money. I told him I only had enough money to get back on the bus to the airport and that there was no way I could accept such a nice gift without paying so I handed it back and he could say nothing to me.

[@Excelsior2043]

I almost got robbed in Milan. We were in the Starbucks Roastery and I had just ordered my Tiramisu and butterscotch coffee. I came to my seat at the bar around the roasting machine and placed my bag on the table to settle down. Out of nowhere, a guy in green shirt asks us where is the toilet. When we told him, he kept saying he couldn't hear us. Suspecting that something was up as I heard about these kinds of distractions, I then turned to secure my bag. At the corner of my eye, I saw my bag just moved. I quickly grabbed the guy's hand who was about to stuff my bag into a bigger rucksack. He then dropped it and walked into the crowd, pretending nothing happened. My friend then tried to shout to the guard to catch him, but to no avail. If I did not know of such crimes, I may have been a second late and lost my bag. TLDR; Keep your bags on you at all times and keep a hand and eye on your bag if possible. Even better is to have your bag be inside your clothes.

[@GregorBrown]

Thank you for sharing your crazy story. And I'm glad everything worked out okay. And I hope this can also help the community to always be vigilantThank you for sharing your crazy story. And I'm glad everything worked out okay. And I hope this can also help the community to always be vigilant.

[@josephjames9387]

Wow, thanks for sharing that one. Never heard of that trick.

[@LifeRNhungrynursetravels]

Love your channel! My husband and I will be traveling to Italy soon with a baby, would you be doing a video soon on Tips of Traveling to Italy with a Baby?