Common Tourist Scams in Italy

Know these common scam patterns so you can avoid them.

Street hustle

Costumed "centurion" photo fee

Men dressed as Roman soldiers wave you into a photo near the Colosseum or Vatican, then demand €20–50 per person once the picture is taken. The costumes are illegal in Rome, but they reappear anyway.

How to avoid it: Do not pose, do not let them hand you a helmet or sword, and keep walking. If you already took the photo, offer a couple of euros or walk to the nearest police post – they will not follow.

Forced gift

Free bracelet that isn't free

Someone grabs your wrist, ties on a string bracelet "as a gift", then blocks your way and demands €10–20. Common around the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Rialto Bridge and Florence's Duomo.

How to avoid it: Keep both hands occupied or in your pockets when approaching busy monuments, say a firm "no" without slowing down, and never let anyone touch your wrist. If one is already tied on, cut it off later rather than paying.

Transport

Unmetered rides and fake airport fares

Touts inside airport terminals offer "taxis" at €80–120, or licensed drivers refuse the meter and quote a flat price. Rome's airport fares are fixed by the city at €55 from Fiumicino and €40 from Ciampino to the historic centre.

How to avoid it: Only use the official white taxi rank outside the terminal, check the licence number on the door, state that you are going inside the Aurelian Walls at the fixed fare, and always ask for a receipt (ricevuta). Ignore anyone who approaches you indoors.

Dining

Tourist-trap menus and per-100g fish

Restaurants right beside major sights push "specials" with no written price, then bill fish or steak per 100g so a plate becomes €60–90, and add an inflated cover charge (coperto) or a service fee that was never mentioned.

How to avoid it: Only order from a printed menu with prices, ask the total price in euros before agreeing to anything sold "all'etto" (per 100g), and check that the coperto (normally €1.50–3.50 per person) is stated on the menu. Walking two or three streets away from a monument usually halves the bill.

Theft

Distraction pickpocketing on transport

Crowded buses (Rome's 64 and 40 to the Vatican), Metro Line A, Termini station and packed vaporetti are worked by teams: one blocks the door, one bumps you, a third takes the wallet. Clipboard "petitions" and spilled drinks are the same trick.

How to avoid it: Carry a cross-body bag zipped and turned to the front, keep your phone out of your back pocket, and hold nothing in your hands while boarding. Wave off anyone pushing a clipboard at you, and if a stranger suddenly touches or bumps you, check your pockets immediately rather than later.