Tourist Scams to Avoid When Visiting Italy
Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about travel scams you might run into when visiting Italy. Italy tourist attractions receive a lot of international tourists all the time, so naturally, there are scammers who are going to try to take advantage of those tourists. Visiting Italy is typically pretty safe, but there are a few things worth mentioning so you can stay one step ahead of the scammers.
Free Gifts or Found Items
This is one of the most common scams in Italy. A stranger will approach you with something free, like a flower or a bracelet, or they might say you dropped something and try to return “your” item to you. Once you accept the item, they will demand money from you. The best way to avoid these scams is to just say “No Thank You / No Grazie” to any stranger approaching you on the street. Then just keep walking, don’t stop to explain yourself.
The Best & Worst of Visiting Italy
Unsolicited Train Helpers
If you are taking the trains in Italy, you will need to purchase tickets. The train stations have easy-to-use kiosks with multiple languages, but it might take you a minute to sort out which ticket you need. Oftentimes, someone will approach you and offer to help. They may offer to buy the ticket for you and take your money, or they may also be scoping out your luggage and distracting you. Again, you just have to say “No Grazie” and then move on.
Petition Scams
We see this in cities all over the world. A nice-looking young person will approach you with a clipboard and offer you the chance to help save the world. They will tug at your heartstrings to save sea turtles or whales. Don’t feel like a bad person by turning them down. You’re in a foreign country; your vote doesn’t matter. So most likely, they are scouting you out or actively picking your pockets while you are distracted and signing the “petition.”
Pickpockets
Pickpockets are a real problem in Italy, especially in crowded areas like the top Italy tourist attractions or public transportation. Yes, even in the Vatican under the eyes of the Pope, there are people who shall dare to steal! Not only should your valuables stay at home or in your hotel safe, but you should also take extra precautions to avoid being targeted. Money belts and front pockets are the best options for keeping your cash and cards safe.
Beggars
You might also see a lot of beggars in Italy, especially in the larger cities. You’ll see grandmothers, mothers with young children, and even children themselves begging for money. These people may be poor and they may actually need money, but giving to them is not helpful in the long run. This is especially detrimental to children who may be pulled from school to make money begging instead. If you show any interest, you may be harassed for quite some time, so just keep your head down and keep walking.
“The Spill”
Another Italian tourist scam is the accidental spill. Someone may bump into you and “accidentally” spill something on your shirt. Or they might try to kindly point out that a bird has pooped on you. Then, they will try to help you remove the spill or poop. They are attempting to distract you so their accomplice can pick your pockets. If someone approaches you to wipe something off you, just step back and say no thanks.
Receipt Checkers
Some businesses may be monitored by an official who asks patrons for receipts as they exit. This is to ensure the businesses are paying their taxes, so there’s nothing needed from you. We have heard that some people may impersonate an official, ask for receipts and then demand money as a fee. This is a scam; the true purpose of gathering receipts is to ensure the business is above board; there’s no reason a patron would ever be asked to pay a fine.
Price Gouging & Fakes
These aren’t necessarily scams, but Italian tourist attractions that cost way more than they should! For example, the gondola rides in Venice or the carriage rides in Rome. These things are insanely expensive, so while you’re not actually being robbed, the price tag feels like highway robbery. Before you jump in, make sure you are clear on the price.
You might also see characters dressed like ancient Romans in the street posing for photos with tourists. If you’re visiting Italy with kids, they’ll have your kid begging for a photo opportunity and then they’ll expect money in return. If you say no, then you’ve got an upset kid. It’s not a scam per se, but it’s going to cost you money so be prepared for that!
Additionally, those guys selling Louis Vuitton on the street? Those are definitely fakes, so don’t think you’re going to get a deal on an authentic Italian leather handbag!
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Hopefully, by discussing these travel scams and rip-offs, we can help you avoid becoming a victim during your Italy vacation. The majority of Italians are quite nice and helpful, and the police are used to the scams, so they can help you get the proper paperwork for claims and things. Hopefully, that won’t be needed, though! Need more travel tips for visiting Italy? Check out these blog posts!