Rome – a magical city that has millions of visitors every year, who come to admire its beauty and history. All in all Rome is quite a safe city, but like all cities in the world precautions have to be taken, especially if it’s your first time in visiting. Being a victim of a petty crime can be annoying and costly, and something that could easily put a downer on your holiday. Here are some of Rome’s most notorious tourist traps and scams, and a quick guide on how to avoid them.
1. Pickpockets
Pickpocketing is one of the most popular and annoying scams that is carried out in popular tourist destinations such as the Spanish Steps and overcrowded buses and subways. Pickpockets tend to work in groups and are good at what they do, and before you will know it, you will be left hopelessly searching for your mobile phone and credit cards. When visiting overcrowded areas make sure to keep your valuables in a front bag or an inside pocket, not in an easy to access back pack or loose pockets. Also be aware of distractions which will give them the opportunity to swipe your wallet within a blink of an eye.
2. Taxis
This has got to be the most annoying and frustrating part of your Italian holiday, when you are left haggling with a taxi driver who has over charged you. Rome is infamous for overcharging taxis and is something that should be avoided at all costs. Always make sure to take a registered and trustworthy taxi like Cabs4Rome. Also don’t forget to check if the taxi has a working taximeter, if it doesn’t but you decide to take it anyway, negotiate the price and pay upfront before taking the ride to avoid being stung. Illegal taxis tend to hang around outside train stations and airports, approaching their dazed, excited and confused prey. Tip: Keep walking!
3. Trains
Many tourists are unaware of the fact that by not stamping the ticket you have just bought, could see you getting a fine of up to 50 euros if you are unfortunate enough to get caught by a ticket guard. Train tickets need to be stamped by machines that are located on platforms before boarding the train. The stamp shows the date and time to avoid people using expired tickets. Although tourists are not made aware of this when purchasing them, a ticket inspector wouldn’t think twice about giving you a nice 50 euros fine. Tip: Stamp your tickets!
4. Costumed Gladiators
The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most popular tourist destinations, and quite rightly so as it really is a spectacular sight. A sight that is not so spectacular is being shafted by a bloke in a gladiator costume after he has kindly and very willingly taken a photo with you, and then charging you 5 euros for the gesture. To avoid a modern day medieval battle for the euros, don’t have a photo taken with them unless you are willing to pay the asking price. Tip: You can always just take a photo from a distance and then photoshop yourself in for free.
5. Restaurants
Restaurants are certainly worth researching and looking up before taking your chances at one you have just stumbled across. Getting straight to the crunch, don’t go to restaurants that have menus in 5 languages, or even worse, with pictures of the dishes. The food tends to be grim and ridiculously overpriced with lots of little, hidden extra charges. Tip: Stick to small family-run businesses on the side streets as opposed to the main areas, the food is amazing and reasonable priced.
Overall, something you will not be able to avoid is the sheer beauty of Rome, a magical city of romance that will leave you with everlasting memories to cherish and hopefully, your wallet.
