Tourist Scams in Italy

[@adamweishaupt2846]

I've travelled around Italy quite a lot, most recently a couple of months back around Milan, Turin and Bologna and I actually noticed a huge reduction in scammers and annoying street hawkers. It's made me very hopeful that the Italian authorities have finally started to crackdown on this nuisance.

[@woltersworld]

That's great to hear

[@yaowsers77]

That's heartening

[@kzulia13]

I agree! We just came back and in Roma we barely seriously barely got bothered by street annoying sales.

[@loryt690]

yea but ppl that steal now steal way more and harder

[@allium2718]

Same, I've just come back from travelling through italy for two weeks, I have not noticed a single scammer.

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

The BIGGEST scam is only going to Italy during the summer tourist season. The last time I went was end of winter early spring and it still had wonderful views, food, wine and attractions to see with a hundredth of the sweaty bodies around you. Sure it a little chilly and might rain but I personally enjoy cooler days.

[@jirlam1]

I agree I went this year in Feb and it was the best.

[@jamescarr99]

Yeah but not great if you have school aged children.

[@paolafattori4357]

How spot-on for American tourists! As an Italian traveller, who has been lucky enough to visit many places in the world, these precautions are what you take everywhere, including the USA. Such a big country where, in many cities, you have to be very careful so as to avoid scams. Unless you want to visit one of the "flying State", but who wants to go there, if not for work?

[@paolafattori4357]

This is a comment to tge video, not a reply, sorry!

[@feraudyh]

That's not a scam.

[@gurimuka7786]

Very very well put together video ! As a citizen of Italy (Rome) I must say you really nailed most of the common stuff that happens You could definitely focus on the metro pickpockets because it seems that recently they have been organising even more in groups… especially in the stops of Termini and Colosseo where they might follow you inside the metro, steal something from you then they arrive to Piramide stop and they hide somewhere to get the valuables off your wallet and then dispose it for example.. For more info there’s this Italian KZbinr that has done several videos on that topic by going directly to the stops and even identifying the groups of pickpockets! His KZbin channel is called Cicalone Simone Props for the vid and have a nice one man!

[@concernedcitizen7175]

Big fan here!! My daughter, and I arrived in Florence, and I have a habit of buying oil paintings from local artist when I travel. We were scammed right away from a local who said this was a music college that produced these paintings to raise funds for their program. Hook line and sinker. I fell for it and we continued to see the same prints throughout our time in Italy. Now it is a funny story and it hangs beautifully on our wall. We get so many compliments and it makes us laugh, and brings joy to the memory. We were never scammed again :)

[@woltersworld]

They have such good stories. It's hard not to fall for them.

[@alessandrom7181]

A local?? A Florentine?? LOL Not even remotely, believe me.

[@risatedarte5366]

​@@woltersworld 👍

[@DeuDeoEgo]

The 'local' as you put it, was probably north African, in Florence they specialised on scamming tourists.

[@anthonywolf943]

They will have someone filming, but a bunch of dumb photo copies out, people will step on them, they will run after the person yelling that they ruined the picture and now they have to pay for it. This is fake, they are fake, they don't pay taxes, even if you do step on something yell for the police and they will stop.

[@geeianna7708]

Olives and bread on the table. Even before you order. If you don't touch it, they still charge for it. Check the receipt. Make a fuss. They will back down. Just stay alert. Buona vacanza

[@heathermichael3987]

I like olives and bread ,

[@alederi2144]

as an Italian, I say thank you for letting tourists know these Italian cities features, they really are frustrating.

[@AliHaidarConsultant]

Guide me I'm coming

[@katjaxxx7353]

I was never bothered in 59 yrs travelling to your country. Very honest people. I don’t like this video.

[@badouplus1304]

@@katjaxxx7353 Scammers exist everywhere, including Italy

[@CAARaeed]

Another scam (one that was unfortunately tried on me) is that taxi drivers and trinket sellers will quickly snatch a note out of your hand, swap it for a smaller denomination and say you short changed them. Then you have to hand over more cash but you'd given them a big note the first time. It comes as such a shock that you gaslight yourself into thinking you probably just got the bills wrong since you're new to them

[@woltersworld]

Oh I've had that one before and I have raised hell

[@lulugoulart5014]

To avoid that it's best to have change on you at all times!

[@PowerControl]

Had this in France, too.

[@3rdStoneObliterum]

istanbul

[@stefano_etrusco]

I always say the value explicitly before handing them the banknote: “Here you are sir, 50 euro”. That implies they have to acknowledge before taking it.

[@harrisonandrew]

Nice Content. I went to Rome in 2004 and my wife had her bag stolen. It wasnt so much what we lost which got to me, it was the sight of my wife shaking when she realised it had gone. It was a hassle cancelling cards and getting money wired, but all the important stuff was in the safe at the Hotel. In August this year we returned to Italy, Florence, Pisa and Rome, and learned big time from the previous experience. We followed all the advice you gave in your video and had a wonderful incident free holiday. You give great advice.

[@elem382]

I will add to be aware of kids who come up to you, either to beg or just interact, they will try and pick your pockets. And don't be afraid to be "rude" to those people, especially when they try to guilt you into giving them money.

[@alessandrom7181]

You know that those are gipsies right?

[@NothIng-bd9ci]

Rude and LOUD, very important.

[@stella-gx8ne]

Papa papa with 3-4 little girls. Vai Vai

[@danliutikas]

Another popular one in Italy is laying out replica art prints on busy sidewalks and then trying to make you pay for it when you step on them. These are always all over Florence.

[@luke211286]

During my 3-week stay in Italy, I was targeted several times by scammers. Fortunately for me, all were unsuccessful attempts

[@rosariacarlostella9105]

I’ve just returned from a five week visit to Italy. All of the things you mention happen everywhere in the world where there are lots of tourists … a sad reality… (except perhaps in Singapore). We had a very good train experience in Milano going to Lodi where we were pleasantly helped by a railway assistant in a high vis vest who helped us with our tickets etc. and in Milan, we were offered free vegan “magnum” type ice creams to try as a trial… no money asked and it was legit. The expensive rides in gondolas or horses are a given… these types of rides are expensive everywhere in the world and any traveller should know the price before they accept a ride.

[@katjaxxx7353]

Excactly. In 50 yrs i was not bothered at all.

[@mpwheatley]

I've never known this happen anywhere else I've visited in Europe recently. Certainly not France, Spain or the UK.

[@doctorj6030]

I watched one of your other videos before I went to Italy, I had a money belt, watched for scammers, pickpockets. We had guides in Rome & Florence who we arranged in advance. Went to out of the way places to eat. Used the subway in Rome or walked a lot. I am Italian American & felt at home & thanks to your tips, had great 1st visit to Italy & Europe.

[@SilveiraWTraveler]

Florence and Rome is full of pickpockets. Lol it's is crazy specially when you leave the subways and trains

[@Chrisb8s]

When we were in Milan the scammers would come up to my wife and say “ni hao “ but my wife is Filipino. So if really irritated her

[@yaowsers77]

​@@Chrisb8s OMG that's hilarious! So I actually am Chinese and couldn't believe how many Chinese people there are in Milan. Made language much easier for me since I can speak English and Chinese but not Italian😁

[@hazhoner5727]

The capital of pickpocketing is Paris not Rome

[@hazhoner5727]

@@Chrisb8s WOWWW such a crime lol

[@littlesusieofficial]

When I was still a child, we were taught in school to NEVER talk to or accept ANYTHING from strangers. I'm already 46 years old and I still carry it with me.

[@jcnlaw]

Never had a problem in Italy because I only typically only speak to people when I initiate the conversation. Don’t let anyone place something in your hands. It is such a beautiful country with so much to do and experience. Just be smart. Be aware. All of my experiences and interactions in Italy have been very positive.

[@hazhoner5727]

You must be aware in all Europe nowadays, UK, France etc. are MUCH worse than Italy

[@blondecomet2002]

I was in Florence early in the morning back in 2011, and I watched the beggars meeting up to decide who was going to beg with which photo that day. After seeing that, I definitely don’t give them any money.

[@woltersworld]

I've seen something similar in Lisbon. Changed my whole outlook

[@artisceniche]

and you are so sure that they were italians?

[@hazhoner5727]

@@artisceniche Obviously they are not

[@hazhoner5727]

They are gipsies, migratnts etc More the enriching "diversity" grows and more you wil find that

[@jackconnor6172]

I'm never in my life giving money to beggars, I've been living in Prague for 3 years now and I've seen enough to never trust any of them ever again.

[@VercumPraeses]

My wife and I went to Rome last year. Lesson learned, always look for and ask to see the meter in a cab. I was scammed with this.

[@woltersworld]

Ouch

[@scottshrader5872]

The fake painting layed out scam was all over areas of Florance in the large public areas this week. Also the bracelet scam was going strong there. One of friends scamed them back when they asked what they were going to give them back, she said "World Piece". Which she walked away.

[@woltersworld]

Love it :)

[@scottb6269]

I saw many many people get scammed last week in Florence with the ol' bracelet trick. I had on guy throw it at me and I proceeded to kick it down the walkway a bit.

[@brianmacmahon6103]

Best way to deal with the bracelet scam, is to completely ignore them. Don't even say no thanks. Just say nothing, keep walking. Pretend they are invisible. Even if you say no grazie, ift will be an incentive to continue the conversation.

[@waltereturner]

Agreed. My wife and I encountered a few bracelet scammers, while in Italy. 1st day, we would say no, thank you, but engaging in any conversation with them just left the door open for an annoying interaction. The next day, we just flat out ignored them. They tried multiple greetings, but when they got zero response, they would just move on.

[@travelwithwill1]

Hi, great content. I just vlogged in Milan. I noticed the restaurants add on 20% for no reason, my little tip for you, cheers

[@0verWay]

Why do they do that? Tourism tax?

[@travelwithwill1]

@@0verWay Hi, I’m not sure but it adds up! It seems to be for tourist only

[@Alex_Rome]

​@@travelwithwill1that's bullshit, 20% more at restaurant for tourist only 🤣 you are just posting this so we're gonna watch your ugly vlogs...& btw this is a scam too

[@geridelbello4480]

Milan is more expensive than other Italian cities, and not just for visitors! I live in Milan and I pay 35/50 € for a dinner in a mid-range restaurant. If you order two glasses of good wine, a plate of risotto alla milanese, a cotoletta impanata and a coffee, you can spend 50/70 €

[@tubercelli]

Thank you for this helpful informative video. Your presentation and the comments are well balance. All humans traveling are subject to this in every country. I speak fluent Italian and consider myself smart but have quickly reminded to be cautious. I check into a hotel after asking the price. $1200 for the week included breakfast I thought. NO that was the daily rate for a week stay and my bill was $12,000 when I checked out!!!! Ouch almost had a heart attack. They were not scamming me I was not in my right mind - lord have mercy. So this video really helps people to look at reality with a sensible perspective. Wish I’d have seen your videos years ago!!! God bless us all with wisdom and keep us safe from our own mistakes and scams. Please continue to share your wisdom.

[@kennytam9514]

I have friends experienced two other scams in Italy: 1) he used a gondola owned by an independent operator. Half way into the canal the price doubled or he has to swim back. Make sure you use a licensed operator with a posted price; 2) another friend bumped into a gypsy on the street recently (in 2023). The gypsy dropped a baby onto his arms. While he was holding the baby 3 to 4 accomplices came up and ransack his pockets and wallet. Then the gypsy lady took the baby back. Keep your arms crossed and keep your valuables hidden/difficult to access. Better yet avoid anyone coming beeline to you.

[@t.vanoosterhout233]

Very useful heads-up, better to hear it from you than find out the hard way.

[@paolah1828]

These scams are committed by people who are not Italians. I’ve been there many times….

[@p1ssedoffchristof48]

Yeah I was in Rome and its usually African guys with the bracelets.

[@SilveiraWTraveler]

I was in Florence in 2018, and there are many out there doing that. You are completely right.

[@hazhoner5727]

Yes it's full of fakefugees, gipsies, migrants etc.

[@CharleneCTX]

Older woman here. I was struggling to get my suitcase off a train and a man grabbed it and exited with it. I didn't know if he was being helpful, annoyed that I was in his way, or stealing it. Fortunately he wasn't a thief.

[@Brian-vn4xb]

I found your channel while looking for videos about Ireland and I’ve been a big fan ever since! I watch your videos everyday.

[@woltersworld]

Thanks Brian. I appreciate you sticking around for our tracel videos. All the best on your travels

[@tauronval1404]

Bentornato in Italia! A lot of scammers that you listed are in Italy but not Italians trust me, and please go on smaller city or village for real Italian life style👌🏻…

[@BigSmallTravel]

Real Italy exists everywhere from north to south. You can enjoy Milan as much as a small town in Puglia like Gallipoli.

[@fabriziopastorino3792]

Listen, I have to go on a trip to America, what kind of bulletproof vest do you recommend I buy, how do I defend myself against crack sellers

[@natalyalande]

Stay home

[@fabriziopastorino3792]

@@natalyalande I certainly don't come to America, no history and art, but it's fun to see all those fat guys, like the one in the video who also says a lot of nonsense, thinks about the thieves of his house

[@joaograca4657]

Don’t worry, Superman will save you

[@fabriziopastorino3792]

@@joaograca4657 😂😂

[@pattid8729]

Stay out of the big cities.

[@november132]

Wow Sistine Chapel? I didn't think pickpockets would bother pickpocketing somewhere where they have to pay to get in

[@drybackground]

thank you! so helpful. Hard to know what is real from my mom's stories of Italy 3 decades ago who has a tendency to be a bit too cautious. Helpful to have a recent perspective!

[@olivier3472]

I would still stay away from the fake bags. Travelling through some airport (Paris in particular) with counterfeit luxury goods can cost you thousands of dollars in fine, if not jail time. Better find a no name bag with a cool design!

[@jrm2fla]

Go to a legit shop and buy something there. Italy has beautiful handmade leather goods. They will not be cheap and cost for the manufacture. You get what you pay for. However, beware of items made elsewhere, marketed as made locally. We were in San Gimignano, looking at a Pinocchio marionette that the shop owner said it was handmade locally, but it clearly had a tag on the bottom of the foot of the doll, it that said it was made in China. That cracked us up. We loved having the story to tell, and wanted proof when we got back home - so we bought it anyway!

[@mamdaero_24]

@@jrm2fla 😂

[@tone-talk]

Thank you. Very helpful as we are going to Rome Sunday

[@woltersworld]

Have fun!

[@antoniogalindo3982]

I was last week in Rome and in the area where taxis drop off people near Vatican city, there was a couple of people, a woman and a man, trying to sell entrance tickets to the basilica 😂, I was walking with my family and they began to talk to me in several languages and quite aggressively, of course I just ignored them and kept walking to the queue to access the basilica, maybe this is a new scam, so I wanted to share this in here

[@SD-co9xe]

I saw this also.

[@violett.9874]

This happened to us too, they are selling tickets but its FREE to get in, just wait in line. Unfortunately those scammers has connections to the insiders to be able to have priority access.

[@freefire-ew2xr]

Valuable information delivered from your side.

[@Darkslide820]

Definitely recognize some of these from our trip to Paris in '14. Worst was at Sacre Couer. Walking up the hill we had a bunch of people try to put "special bracelets" (just rope) on our wrists. At the top, a lady was WILDLY begging at the door of the church like she was trying to win an Oscar. And on the way down we had people trying to get us to sign a petition. Disgusting that the authorities allow this to go on (esp the one camped out right at the door) but since it's been almost 10 years I hope they've cleaned it up a bit.

[@luiza2021]

Nope. Went this year and it was the same.👎

[@BukovinkaLada]

We went last July and nothing of the sort happened. I believe the authorities did take care of it.

[@rufen78]

You forgot the Gelato scam, where if you don't specify the size of it, they won't ask and just give you the biggest one at 25 euros.

[@Chrisb8s]

Great advice, so true and those videos of Italy makes me want to go back today. Love Italy ! I think I’ll make an aperol spritz later today 😊

[@woltersworld]

Yummy!

[@36flamingo63]

Yes, but (for me) the Spritz is better with Campari (Aperol is too sweet). Prove it!

[@newbelarus7047]

Thanks for the tipps, I live in Austria and I became too chillled when it comes to these things. heading to Italy soon and I gotta prepare:)

[@richardShackleton-kt9ld]

never go "off menu" in restaurants - however much you are told about his mothers delicious traditional recipe. It probably will be delicious, but three or four times the price of any menu item.

[@heathermichael3987]

😱

[@goodcitizen3638]

A few years ago I was in Florence and went to the Academia museum. Some clown had thrown down posters on the pavement and I stepped on one. He went off shouting and waving his arms. Well, I was in no mood for that and I calmly told him to get his s..t off the walkway and to stop being so stupid. I then walked into the museum and enjoyed my visit with the Michelangelo sculptures.

[@Mike-br8zt]

Yeah, they are all over the place and I noticed that they are not Italians.

[@Gameflyer001]

Went in 2015 as part of a Europe tour, and had a great time. For much of it, especially in Rome, I wore my backpack frontwards, and had cargo shorts to keep my wallet and other valuables in my front pockets. Also, when I sat at a restaurant, I put one leg through the slings to keep it anchored. One of my tourmates was almost not as lucky, as she put her purse down on the ground, and a few minutes later, it was taken. Fortunately, another noticed the purse as the guy was leaving, hopped the restaurant fence and chased him down to get the purse back; turned out he had about a dozen pickpocketed purses in his possession. Regarding the Gondolas, I knew full well the prices before I signed up for it, but 90 Euros for a 20-30 minute ride along the canals in Venice is still insanely expensive.

[@andreitudoroprea9733]

90 euros in 2015. Try 150 in 2019. They actually invest a lot of money into maintaining the boats and they pay a lot to the city authorities for permits. But yeah, it is expensive. You can do it at least once in a life time.

[@NothIng-bd9ci]

​@@andreitudoroprea9733per boat or per person? How many can fit into a boat?

[@jorgeeduardodussanvillanue46]

​@@andreitudoroprea9733I was in Venice yesterday and the half hour costs 80€. Deflation?

[@jamescarr99]

@@jorgeeduardodussanvillanue46 doing research it depends who you use it seems. One couple was complaining about stepping on a boat and having to pay 200 euros when they got off!

[@peko7446]

I remember when it was 60 Euros for a 30 minute ride.

[@vijaymujumdar5617]

I was robbed by a gang of children while crossing a road with baggage in Rome. They appeared suddenly, surrounded me, put their hands in my pockets, pulled out money and my airline ticket and vanished into by lanes.

[@nikkibelmont9199]

thank you, thank you for the heads up

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, awesome video

[@woltersworld]

Thanks Tobi

[@rickybobby1055]

I cant tell you how many times your videos have helped me on my travels. You guidance is absolutely amazing. Going to Italy for 20 of 35 days this summer and cant wait. Thanks always for the awesome information!!

[@woltersworld]

Awesome! I'm jealous! That will be a great trip!

[@diokhans.3504]

good job bro, just what I needed before flying to Italy :) thanks!

[@DirectionlessStudent]

Not sure why anyone would "expect" to pay less for a gondola ride in Venice -- the rate is standard and posted all over the internet. Daytime is 80 euros for 40 minutes -- Dusk and on it goes up to 100 euros. The price goes up in increments of 10 minutes from there -- 20 euros per 10 additional. It is POSSIBLE to negotiate a BETTER price if you choose a time when they are not busy and many of them are standing around, but don't count on it. The rate is for the gondola (not per person). If you can't afford a very expensive taxi ride, or feel it's not worth it, don't get in one. As for the scams, these are pretty much the same all over Europe and realistically they are easy to avoid if you follow basic "major city common sense" rules. Never accept anything from anyone -- keep your hands in your pockets if you must to avoid accepting anything someone tries to hand you. Assume that anyone selling anything on the street is a scammer, and that any name brand/designer item outside of a high end store is a fake. If someone is offering you a Gucci bag for $20, you are the mark -- this should be obvious if you have a lick of common sense.

[@XelitexX360]

I recently and randomly stumbled with your channel Wolter (I guess its the algorithms as im going to Europe soon) and this videos are great info, im preparing myself and my gf the most for our trip to prevent any scam or inconvenience. Thanks for all the tips and information! I will definitely comment again on your videos once im back to tell about my experience and if I had to deal with any of these examples (thats seems ill most certainly will!).

[@jonlilley9161]

This is good to know before I get there! Thank you, Wolter! It's very appreciated!

[@lynharrop9273]

10:04 We're going to Italy next year and I have been watching sooo many of your videos to get all the best tips. Just a note on the fake bag sellers - I read that in Italy, the customer can also get in trouble with the authorities for purchasing non- genuine products from these dodgy sellers. Is this true?

[@michaelkrupar9808]

The "friendly helpers" at the train stations that you mention are also showing up in the airports, especially by the automatic ticketing machines for connections on the local rail. Airports like Rome or Milan where you can hop on a train to get to the city center are crowded with these helpful souls.

[@woltersworld]

Ugh 😞

[@jjinwien9054]

I experienced the friendly helpers at Grand Central in New York; they are all over the world!

[@multiyapples]

Definitely beware of the scams. I encountered bracelet “for free” but was asked to give money. It happened to me in Rome at and near the Pantheon yesterday and today.

[@teraysa919]

Lovely video. Possible suggestion if you could include prices. For example, gondola ride what a tourist should pay and what the scammers may charge. Thank you again!

[@Nozylatten]

To be fair most off these are commited by non italians.

[@omeryehezkely3096]

and yet the law enforcement in Italy does nothing to prevent it...

[@36flamingo63]

there are too many people (non-Italians, Africans in general) who have entered the country illegally and don't know how to make a living... This is thanks to the "magnanimity" (illusion) of the "comrades" on the left, who would like to welcome... all of Africa

[@TheAMBULOCETUS]

@@omeryehezkely3096 If the police does anything, they get accused of racism. Seems to be the trend everywhere.

[@markhousel7936]

Ever been to New York city, Las Vegas? Scammers are everywhere.

[@taylorshipman1045]

@@markhousel7936 Las Vegas is literally called sin city

[@sethroganlegend]

Funny story when I was in Lisbon guy selling sunglasses in the street , I said no thanks and pointed to the sunglasses I was wearing and he replied with ‘oh okay what about drugs do you need any’ 🤣

[@claracofino1178]

Your videos are very helpful. I'm heard to Rome in a few days the 1st video i watched on the trains and this one have been very helpful. Kudos on your videos 👌👍👏

[@michaelc8651]

Walter Thanks for the nostalgia. Just before Covid hit, I visited Rome and you videoed about 6or 7 places I went to including a cute little bar.

[@jgnocon]

I thought you were describing the Philippines. It’s the same here. Thanks for sharing your tips!

[@kittymarch4203]

this is very helpful since im going to Italy soon!

[@m.montague5228]

Very helpful! Thank you!

[@LuminosoDePuebla]

Thank you for the tips

[@philipdavey9182]

2 euros to cut a sandwich in two at a restaurant in Florence! Charging for cutting a birthday cake into portions! It’s enough to turn anybody off Italy for good, and that’s coming from somebody who’s been to Italy many times. It’s self defeating, because tourists will take only so much of this before they think, ‘oh, to hell with it’ and go elsewhere. Quite sad really.

[@mikeperri7246]

Yep - have experienced all of this in Italy. Here's a tip. Learn some choice Italian swear words. Let them feel bruised for the attempts at fleecing you. For the really persistence ones, reach for your phone and while dialing say to them your calling the police.

[@matthewwindisch9449]

Heading to Rome in July, then Leaving from there for a cruise. I bought a cross body bag just for this trip. We also booked our tours on Viator and arranged our ground transportation prior to the trip.

[@kittoybig]

The scammers may be non Italians but what I don't understand is why the Italians are not doing anything to stop them? They just walk by and do nothing even though they know a scam is happening right Infront of their eyes.

[@michaelheckman9576]

Got it ! Thank you. I’ll subscribe !

[@catherine9515]

The last time I was in Italy, men approached us telling my friend and I they were Italian-It was so obvious they weren’t. So not to offend anyone, we were told who they were and where they migrated from…A business owner helped us. What bothered me the most as Mark said, they get super close to you. I was not happy. Luckily we said no and they went away. Heads up.

[@christianebehr138]

Nice of you to help traveling people😊

[@rodericmitchell8496]

Another scam to look out for on the Milan metro is the fake ticket check. I was on an organised tour from the UK. After an evening event, a few of us took the metro back to our hotel near Milano Centrale. All tour members had been issued with 72 hour passes for the metro, trams and buses. To access the metro system you pass this ticket through a machine to open the gate, and the same to exit the platform at your destination. On alighting from the metro train at Centrale, I spotted three men standing behind the exit gates. They were grabbing people's tickets as the machine spat them out, apparently pretending to be ticket inspectors, tho' they wore no ID badges. I quickly deduced this was a scam and shouted a warning to my friends. I held on to my ticket and stared out the guy trying to grab it, but others surrendered their tickets. The scammers realised they'd been rumbled and headed for the exit, but a valiant lady in our party chased down the ringleader, grabbed him by the collar and retrieved three tickets. I can recall a similar scam with Oystercards on the London Underground, which helped raise my suspicions on this occasion. I'm not sure how prevalent this type of scam is in other cities. May depend on your ticket being required to both entry and exit gates, as well as staff being around at all times. We encountered other scams and pickpockets during our tour in Italy. We were lucky to have an excellent tour manager who foiled thieves on several occasions.

[@aszechy]

It's been 10 years since I've been to Rome but the armies trying to hand me roses/take our picture etc. were so aggressive it made visiting some of the most popular places really unpleasant. Sure, we were able to avoid getting scammed but having to say "no, thank you" 10 times per minute does unfortunately interfere with the experience of an otherwise unbelievably, incredibly awesome city. (On the flipside, it's sad to think how desperate these people - mostly African immigrants - must be to do this for a "living".)

[@quirkyelephant]

Funny how everyone is scared to mention to race of every scammer I've seen

[@Scorpiosue1102]

We had someone right outside trying to get us the sign a petition. Signed it & they wanted money. They weren’t happy when we said no.

[@woltersworld]

Exactly

[@jbhann]

Curious what the *fake* petition was all about. Was it to make it illegal to prosecute scammers or thieves? Many people sign petitions without reading these so-called petitions…even if they are fake.

[@Scorpiosue1102]

@@jbhann It was on climate change. There were multiple people with this “agency”, same polo shirts & table with a table cloth.

[@TheCaulfield1]

We've just come back from Rome and had two ladies come up to us to sign a petition against drugs and then they wanted money. I just said No and walked away... So Annoying!!

[@davidz8286]

Had same thing. Outside pantheon I think. “Just sign this petition”. Had fake list of people supposedly having donated 100 euros. Had some sort of official license. When I didnt paynthem, they got angry. “ you dont wat to help people on drugs?!!!”

[@CaroLiaGrace]

Another scams that we had in Italy (Venezia), it was raining and the restaurent offered us a Spritz drink because we had to wait a lot. But at the end, the Spritz was on the bill… it was not free!!! Even in portugal, the restaurant qill drop olives and bread on the table (and for me being a canadian, we almost have free bread everytime we go to a restaurant), so we ate the bread and olives and they charged it on our bill!!

[@Glametalbarbie]

Same with fries 🍟 in restaurants lol

[@jjinwien9054]

Of course you had to pay for those food items. This is normal everywhere in Europe.

[@kbrownco]

@@jjinwien9054 In the US, most if not all sit down restaurants provide free bread. Yes, it might be normal in Europe but if someone is from the US and has never heard about this we are going to be shocked or maybe even offended because we feel like we are being taken advantage of. We hear lots of things that restaurants supposedly do if they think you’re a tourist to get extra money that don’t apply to locals.

[@perfectallycromulent]

@@jjinwien9054 it is not normal in much of the world to put food on a table in front of someone unless it is already paid for, or free. it can seem like a rude violation of the rules of hospitatlity to some people. you look like you're offering a gift, and then you ask for money.

[@jjinwien9054]

@@perfectallycromulent What I have NOT experienced in Europe are the horrendous tip requests at restaurants that you have in the USA. Eating out in the USA ends up with the scam of 20% - 30% added onto the bill. You will never have that in Europe (except of course maybe in England, that is not part of Europe).

[@costaricanaturephotography3027]

Saw a guy playing a guitar at the Trevi Fountain and listened to him for a while. He and his friends invited me to a party that evening. I figured it was some kind of scam so left everything of value at the hotel. Turned out, no scam and had a wonderful time even meeting a super cute Italian girl who made it a very memorable night. Guess I got lucky as I never got hit up by a scam in Italy. Now Paris was a totally different story.

[@PoppyStat]

Glad you were lucky :) for me it's opposite, Paris was just lovely and without any incidents

[@michaelstaengl1349]

Nice video with great hints and tips: I was in Rome twice in my life. - The first time was in 2004. - The second time was May 2022. During my second trip with my parents who stayed in Rome not just a week like me but three months I wondered where all those "ancient legionaries" went I saw in 2004 around the Amphitheatrum Flavium (Colosseo). Our guide during the antiquity trip (Colosseo, Foro Romano, Palatino) told us that the city government banned them for their scam. I never stumbled upon such a "legionarie" or "centurion" in plastic armor. But my parents saw the reenactors parades in truly authentic ancient legionaries armors during the birthday parties of the Eternal City, the Caput Mundi in early April 2022. Close to many points of interest, I saw soldiers (1) guarding them (Churches, old temples) and a bit more police as in my German home city. Only my father had bad luck, his wallet was stolen in the subway of Rome. Luckily, he had no important documents in that wallet. Bonus warnings and tips to make the journey through Italian cities better: - Don't buy the power banks, some street traders try to sell, these are cheep ones with bad quality. Luckily, I had my own high quality product with me I bought back in my home city of Munich. - Better go to the restaurants farther away from the tourists destinations. The food there is much more authentic and the prices lower. In many restaurants directly at the Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the food is heavily internationalized. - In Rome, you don't need to buy yourselves water. There are city operated fountains with cold and fresh high quality water (2), so you don't have to spent a penny. I saw them in Pompeji too, I mean, newly built ones for the tourists. - In Italian cities in general, don't buy ice cream at the mostly green colored "Bibite, Gelati, Snacks" stands. Better goe to the real gelaterias. In the gelaterias, the ice cream is of much better quality and truly Italian. (1) from the army branch, the "Esercito Italiano", part of the whole "Forze armate italiane" (2) One of the cultural heritages from the ancient Roman times.

[@Wanderlust3]

One more scam I thought of specifically for Florence. Florence is known for their leather goods but BEWARE where you actually buy leather goods. There are legitimate shops around the touristy areas that sell wallets, purses etc claiming their items are “made in Florence” when they are not. They import their leather goods from INDIA and CHINA and stamp the leather “made in Florence”. You can avoid this by doing your research ahead of time to locate authentic Florentine shops. You will notice that the price of genuine Italian made leather goods are much higher than the other places.

[@lawrencelewis2592]

I was in the outdoor market in Florence 20 years ago. An African guy came up to me with a handful of wristwatches. I said "Yes, you give good price?" He followed me around and I kept saying 'Yes, yes, good price, good price? " He followed me down the street until I told him to piss off. The same exact thing happened in Prague a few years later. In the 1970s when I was in the US Navy, our ship was in Naples and a friend and I were having a drink with a Marine Corps officer in a basement bar. A nice quiet place. A guy came in yelling how someone ripped him off on a drug deal. Now the officer has to deal with this stupid Marine. The guy ran out, threatening violence on somebody. A few minutes later he was back and it looked like someone hit him with a brick and followed up with a concrete block.

[@peterraab9004]

How about the paintings they set up on the floor in crowded areas around Florence? I assume the scam is to make you pay if you step on one.

[@jaroslav22100]

I remember my visit to Rome, these scammers are all over the place, lurking around each corner and coming to you like "hello, my friend!" with a rose or a bracelet or some stupid cheap item that they wanted to give you for "free" as a "gift"... also, those stupid "legionaries" that invite you to take picture with them and then they want money and start to be extremely rude... it was so annoying and such a disappointing experience... it would be nice if local authorities would do something about this... the only place we really enjoyed at our trip to Rome was Ostia Antica... no scammers in that place as you have to pay for the entrance, what a blessing! :D

[@hmj1116]

I bought an umbrella near the Leaning tower once I thought at a good price but someone told me later I paid too much!

[@mikek2876]

Heading there in June. Thank youuu for the up to date tips!!

[@woltersworld]

Awesome! Have a great trip!

[@mikek2876]

@@woltersworld I appreciate it!!

[@selini52]

I used to live in Italy for 6 years and food is Italy. Last year I took a study tour starting out from a hotel in Salsomaggiore. The worst hotel I have ever been to, or more, it was indescribable. So what we were expecting as food offered was even worse than imaginable. Finding out the hotel was owned by non Italians (Arabs)

[@anthonydefex]

In NYC we have the equivalent of the Colosseum beggar Roman soldiers, we have the beggar costume characters in Times Squre

[@kevinreily2529]

I just came back from Spain, and this has happened to me in many European countries. Every time someone tried to give me something it has been a female gypsy. There were three waiting at the entrance to the Alhambra with twigs. One female approached me, she said it was good luck and trying to get me/other people to give them money for nothing. Don’t talk to them, when you see them coming walk away.

[@woltersworld]

Exactly. Just try not to engage with them

[@labtechsuperstar]

I saw that in Lisbon (Belem) near the Monastery - gypsy women and they were selling junky stuff - sunglasses, necklaces, whatever. We just said no and walked away from them.

[@sylviov8560]

From an Italian you are truly TRUE, nice to let others know.

[@paulbrungardt9823]

Last year, I bought an original oil painting from a street vendor in Milan, He sold me an original Andrea di Giovanni (1463AD to 1502 AD) painting for $20. Is it possible it is not authentic ?

[@woltersworld]

Seems legit to me 😉

[@davezanon3021]

Another thing to keep in mind when in Italy is that there are many shops which don't necessarily put price stickers or tags on their merchandise. Make sure to ask for the price up front so you don't pay more than you wanted or expected.

[@francescoconte9665]

No non è così per legge i prezzi debbono essere esposti e per quanto le truffe nelle stazioni e nei siti queste sono fatte da persone entrate in Italia in modo illegale che una certa politica ha permesso e che oggi si cerca di rimediare

[@alfioalfiani4261]

Bullshits..and you can refuse to pay if you don't want.

[@ryanmarler442]

I've always watched your videos before we travel, and I appreciate these kinds of videos. Back around Christmas, my wife and I were in Brussels, and I notices two guys moving around the subway car, staring at us. When they got off, they posted up on the side of a pillar and continued to stare. I had all our important stuff and cash in an under shirt bag and had on two coats. These idiots got on the escalator behind us, and a lady above us started yelling and pointing in French and slapping her pockets. The two guys were running down the up escalator as I looked. Be aware of your surroundings, people.

[@woltersworld]

Yep. Sad

[@nassermj7671]

You actually gave a synopsis of what goes on all over Europe. GD job

[@Hayhoestudios]

*_Thanks for the tips!! Italy looks beautiful and amazing! Unfortunately beautiful and epic tourist attractions also attracts the scammers. Thanks for the heads up, there's many that I haven't even heard of (and I used to live in Hollywood lol!) So I'll have a better idea and will be more prepared next time!_*

[@woltersworld]

Glad to help out

[@user-kj1mp9eo9v]

When I got off the train station in Rome in 1985, a group of young dark-haired ( not Italian ) girls surrounded me and held out these pieces of cardboard, under which they place their hands, and began grabbing at my money belt ( and other areas I won’t describe) , basically committing an assault on me… yelling at me… (And it was not in Italian )…Luckily, I was able to get away…. )Because I was 24 years old and in good physical condition.)…. Now, however, we are going to Italy on the trains again soon and I pray we will not encounter this my wife and I. God bless …great channel ( my aunt Regina Rossi worked for the American government in Italy for 30 years and had her purse stolen in Sicily, but Regina was about 5’9” and strong, and chase the young boy down, tackled him and got her purse back

[@claireryan8074]

Good for her!

[@alfreire72]

These schams also happens in Portugal. Pickpockets are also common in Lisbon, for instance.

[@davidp7442]

I am in Italy right now. I have seen people get scammed right in front of me….happened most at the ticket booths area.

[@AletheAce]

It was really bad between like 2010 to about 2018, but fortunately Italy has finally began to crack down on the annoying street peddlers, scammers, and thieves. Now, visiting Italy is a lot better

[@timberwolfe1645]

Hey Mark. If the Gucci bags and squares are fake, then WHY aren't the police doing ANYTHING to stop them? Arrest the scammers and take away their ill gotten goods

[@woltersworld]

Well they do... sometimes

[@36flamingo63]

behind the counterfeit goods is the neapolitan mafia ("camorra")

[@nuudelz3711]

The big one right now is going after the guys selling water bottles. They’ve been known to tamper with them and a couple tourists were hospitalized from drinking their water. We saw a few get arrested at the colosseum last week

[@michelesantolini4342]

Me, born and raised in Rome, always watching ur videos about Italy idk why ahahaa It's very entertaining and interesting to see someone else's perspective of your own country

[@woltersworld]

I love your city!!!

[@sparklecinnamon]

Same xD

[@unshakeablestar]

Being from NYC I am on edge about everything. I'm traveling there in the winter so like in Paris, my valuables are inside my long coat with a beltbag and my handbag is usually just for water bottles and brochures.

[@UA_in_USA]

I grew up in Ukraine and all of those tips were learned early in my life, helping me with travels around the world. And I did see those scams in most country we visited, all same old. Stay safe out there and enjoy exploring the world! ❤

[@cihangirkavuncu859]

I lived 5 years in Milan 3 years ago. I have seen some acts as mentioned but these are very common in any country. These can not shadow it's beautiful people

[@stevenweii]

thanks for these tips, did you hear or know robbery in main tourism cities in Italy? I may go to Italy in Sep.