Beware Rome
 

Good, the “Beware-Rome” title got your attention. If I’d used the title “I was really dumb, and so got ripped off by a cab driver in Rome – his name was Giacomo” you’d have ignored it. This is a bit of a follow on from a Fodors thread entitled “Beware – Budapest”, which contained some really good advice. Advice like getting a ticket before using the public transport system in Budapest.

I love how people will use so many words to describe an unfortunate incident that happened to them, a surly ticket inspector, an expensive meal, or a lousy meal in a tourist trap. The links are here:


http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-budapest-.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-in-venice.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...he-vatican.cfm

The Scene in Rome:
We arrive at Termini.
A most polite gentleman, speaking better than good broken English, ushers us to a cab.
“Us” is me, my wife, and my mother in law, aged about 85.
Giacomo, cab pilot extraordinaire, advises us that half of down town Rome is closed because of student rebellion, armed insurrection, or a procession to some church. Fare will be about half the euro deficit of Greece, Portugal and Eire combined.
By this time, we are ensconced in Giacomo’s conveyance, in a hurry to get to our B&B, not really feeling in a position to argue.
Giacomo provides us, not exactly free gratis, views of Rome that we had no need to see.
Arrive.
Pay.
Feel grumpy.

I should have waited until we were out of the cab, with luggage on the footpath, and then said, “Look, Jack, old son, we’re paying about what it should have cost. Problem with that – call a cop. Feel free to get knotted”.

Polite gentleman that I am, I just paid. Maybe I’m just a wimp.


Based on the above, I have no plans to return to Rome, possibly for as long as two years. And if you are in Rome, say Hi to Giacomo for me, and choose another cab.

Since then I have read guide books that warn of this scam, and I fell for it totally.

This is what usually happens. I thought everybody on the plant would know this by now :-).

On TV, they usually first send the German reporter with accent free Italian, to check the real price and then the non italian speaking tourist in the same cab. Once the tourist arrives at the hotel, he pays twice or 3 times as much. Then the italian speaking reporter tries to make an interview with the cab driver. That is fun!

Don't see why the fact that you were ripped off by a cab in Termini should impact your decision one way or the other to return.

Peter! I'm sorry you did totally fall for it. No need to blame Rome!

NEVER get in a taxi with someone who approached you! Take a moment, orient yourself, find the taxi stand, go the the first one in line, comfirm that the meter works!

Then, ask how much (knowing you have already received an estimate of what it should be from your hotel/lodging host). Know in advance that there are extra charges per bag, and extra charge for a night or weekend too.

Then - you get in. It also helps if you have a map to your lodging printed out - or well imprinted on your brain. Giving your destination to the driver in Italian is a good idea too.

Never let someone hustle you the minute you walk out of Termini. They will try every single time.

<< Don't see why the fact that you were ripped off by a cab in Termini should impact your decision one way or the other to return. >>

I believe this is tongue-in-cheek. Peter did not say he would not return to Rome but that he would not return for perhaps 2 years.

If I didn't return to every place where I was cheated by a cabbie then I would have no place to go!! LOL

Peter - loved your post. Maybe Fodor's needs a special "Beware" section for those people who feel cheated if everything about their vacation was not perfect. Some of my favorite memories were when things didn't exactly go smoothly.

Adrienne, we’ve been to Rome three times, and now have this little tradition of getting, if not ripped off, then perhaps on the wrong side of a bargain.

First trip – the leather jacket stunt (turning out to be vinyl jackets) by the Tiber. After feeling grumpy for fifteen minutes, we laughed about it. The driver pulling the stunt departed with the words “You’ll never forget me”. We haven’t.

Second trip – a regulation, by the book, handbag theft.

Third trip, the cab driver noted above, plus another thing. Buying a watercolour that turns out to owe its creation to Xerox technology. The funny thing about that one is that we’d previously bought a work by that guy, and had sought him out near the Trevi. He did warn us, though, saying “there are lot of paintings that are just reproductions” – including the one that we bought!

And all these are completely outweighed by the delightful people that we’ve met. That’s why we’ll be back in Venice in a couple of years, and maybe go to Rome again.

What? No 5 star, that is 5 star hotel. A hotel with 5, count 'em stars?

When he said, “You’ll never forget me”, did he say it in English? Those people sometimes won't speak English to you. It's their way of tricking you. I'm glad I could clear that up for you.

Tourists are fair game for scams in Rome. We are tourists, so naturally fair game. We were stung in the most memorable fashion a couple of years ago, when we managed to purchase a pair of leather jackets (“I’m on my way home from the Milan fashion shows, where are you from?, my sister lives in Adelaide, I’ve lost half my map of Rome (shows half map), can you direct me to the bank, my Visa card is broken (shows Visa card with broken corner), here take these two leather jackets – they are just samples, I don’t need them, could you spot me 50 Euro, I’m about out of petrol (points to petrol gauge)”. 50 Euro for two leather jackets – unbelievable, and they had an Italian label – pasted over the other label that said “Made in Beijing”. A few polyvinyl chlorides were killed and their skins tanned to make those jackets. And he was right when he thanked us for our help – “you’ll never forget me”, he said. We haven’t.

So we were chuffed this time when a guy pulled up, asking to be directed to the Tiber – all of 50 metres away, bridge in full view, jackets in plastic bags on the back seat. Anticipation of sweet revenge. Same dialogue, up to the point when we were advised that his sister lived in Perth. And then he drove off – he must have spotted Lou’s grin as she poked me in the ribs. Damn. Hate that.

What are we doing wrong? Or right?? Been to Rome six times over the past six years for a total of about three weeks and have never had any of the above problems. If you fall for these scams, have to assume your have some responsibility.

Perhaps there really should be a "warning" or "scam alert" forum. I hate to hear about these unfortunate events, but appreciate that you would write about them. I didn't know about the tour-guide/avoiding the protest cab or leather jacket scams and because I've had pretty good luck on my trips, I could easily have fallen for them as well. Thanks to you all for reminding us to be street smart and savvy travelers!

Next an expose on the defecation habits of ursines in forested areas and the religious preferences of the top man at the Vatican

I do think a title for posts describing in a few words typical scams worldwide would be an assest for all travellers.

Alan, very good.

I had to consult Google to find out what an "ursine" was. For those as ignorant as me, ursines are bears.

The top man at the Vatican is allegedly a Christian, of the Church of Rome persuasion.

Question - if it the Church of Rome is domiciled in the Vatican, how come it is not called the Church of the Vatican.

Something I should maybe explain - my "Beware Rome" title is taking a gentle dig at all the "Beware - some place" threads that get started. We've been in Italy for two months now, and I suppose been ripped off to the tune of about 50 euro in total. Nobody can complain about that.

A guy tried the leather jacket trick on us this time in Rome, and it was very funny, because we knew exactly where it was headed. He was a very high class scam artist, as he claimed to work in textiles, for no less than Armani.

Another scam that is happening right now in Venice – and we saw it two years ago and also four years ago. Girls who ask you to sign “The petition against drugs”, who mostly operate in Calle Larga 22 Marzo, about half way down. If you sign, you’ll then be asked for a donation to support drug rehab, the methadone program, or to fund the purchase of a packet of smokes.

The petition of course is just a way to get you engaged, and when you decline the invitation to donate, the apparent courtesy evaporates.

This is a good-natured and interesting post.

A friend fell for the leather jacket scam -- right down to needing to get back to Milan -- on the Champs Elysee in Paris.

I am constantly approached to sign things in Boston. I either tell them that I am a Canadian or pretend not to speak English. This also works with the kids who try to sell you overpriced chocolate bars to support their "club".

The problem with satire is that many people fail to recognise it.

Geez. I have only been twice but nothing has happened like this to me. What am I doing wrong?

Last trip to London, on the day I landed (bit jet lagged) walked to City. Standing around, a gentleman approached me, some kind of guru/yogi. He asked a few questions, wrote a few things down, and did some kind of a slight of hand trick that had info appearing on a piece of paper he gave me. Neat, gave him a couple of bob. He then asked that if he could expand the trick and tell me some personal things (one true love,etc..), would I give him more. OK, I should have walked away. I was tired, plus, I'm an engineer. I like to think I have the logic to see how it is done. I was wrong, he was very good, and it cost me :)

Taxis...I like the last trip when I went to Africa. You tell them where you want to go ask a price. When you hear the price, you make this funny face, like you have been quoted a ride in the Queen's carriage, then offer 1/2 the price. Usually they accept of a little markup. The funny thing is, it is the equivalent of $3 versus $5, but you always negotiate.

On a serious note, I'll second Dayle's advice to get an estimate from your hotel ahead of time as to how much the cab fare should cost.

hi Peter,

fun thread.

we came across the folks with the petition several times on our last trip to Venice, and found that telling them we only spoke Cornish [in english of course] confused them enough to make our get-away.

as for scams, I like the one we encountered in tunisia many, many years ago [the president that got deposed BEFORE this one]. as we were driving along, [yes, we were brave/foolish enough to hire a car in tunisia] we see a small boy standing by the side of the road, next to a clearly broken-down car. the boy waves to us to stop, and we oblige. he asks for a lift to the next town where co-incidentally we are headed [not a great co-incidence, it's the only place that road goes to] where his uncle has a shop [unspecified] and he can get help for his father/cousin/brother whose car has had a puncture.

of course, we reply, and he hops in. when we get to the next town, he directs us to his uncle's shop, which turns out to be a CARPET shop, where we are welcomed with tea for being such kind people, and would we like to see and of the carpets, no pressure, great discounts as you've been so kind etc. etc.

sound of penny dropping.

cost to us - nothing, as we didn't buy a carpet, but as the saying goes, made our excuses and left.

be grateful Peter, that the only scam you've fallen far has only cost you €50. and the extra cab fare of course.

CYESQ & lincasanova: There is a "scam alert" forum on Rick Steves' web site where people describe the scams they have been tried or pulled on them. Fodor's could put something like that under "Travel Tips" thread. It's interesting to read.

There are scams and pure out-and-out crime.

Crime is theft, pickpockets, all the usual suspects.

And there are scams, as per my cab driver.

But there are other scams that, in retrospect, can only make you smile. We took the train to FCO airport at Rome. As soon as the train pulled in, a guy with “CREW” on his vest started helping people put their bags onto the train, and was most helpful. “Wow”, we thought, “this is really good organization by the rail, helping to get trains away on time”. A few minutes later, our CREW-man strolled through the carriage, suggesting that we should give him the odd euro for his assistance. No pressure, and I gave him a euro. He should be rewarded for his enterprise. Scam – yes, maybe. But leaving me with a smile on my face.

Here is a good resource for people who are interested in estimated taxi fares http://www.worldtaximeter.com Not 100% accurate (I think quotes are on low side) but at least provides ballpark amounts. Supported cities in Europe are: Aberdeen, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Dublin, London, Madrid, Malaga, Mallorca, Paris, Prague, Rome, Zurich.

As other posters noted traveler should find the driver not the other way around. And taxi should be the official one with working meter.

Hey Peter; The mid 90's in Rome. My daughter and I walking towards the 'old Roman bridge' and a car stops. Do you know where a gas station is? NO. You American's? I love American's. Been to San Francisco. I want to give to you this green leather jacket. Maybe you could give me money for gas. I offered him 100 lira. [1500 lira to each 1 dollar US] Just then his hand started to dig into my daughters handbag. I took evasive action and left a welt on his arm and away he went. We got to the bridge, met our other family members and what did we see? A VERY HAPPY couple with the green leather jacket. Good for them. Richard

I agree that some scams are annoying, some are entertaining. The woman who handed me branches of rosemary branches in Granada was very entertaining.

She gave me some rosemary, "you will soon meet a handsome man." Another branch, "you will get married" here comes the other one. Final branch, "you will have many children together."

I said, "Oh, oh, I don't think my boyfriend going to like that at all." Handed her some rosemary, "Gee, the children just aren't going to happen." Returned another branch, "but thanks so much anyway."

She looked a little stunned but recovered quickly enough to snatch the last branch out of my hand.

When last in Rome, I had to give a desperate thief some credit for his direct style. The young man had several leather bracelets for sale on his arm -- 5 euros each. My son decided to buy one. He handed the young man a 10-euro note, got the bracelet and waited for his change. The young man immediately did a Usain Bolt and ran down an alley with the change.

I told me son the moral of the story was that he should have bought two bracelets.

From Mark Twain, and when one laughs at being scammed:

Then pretty soon Sherburn sort of laughed; not the pleasant kind, but the kind that makes you feel like when you are eating bread that's got sand in it.

I also came across the petition girls last September, in Piazza Santa Maria Formosa. They didn't approach me but I never realised it might be a scam, looked innocent to me, however I DID think it odd they would ask tourists to sign such a petition. Thanks for letting me know.

....The mid 90's in Rome. My daughter and I walking towards the 'old Roman bridge' and a car stops. Do you know where a gas station is? NO. You American's? I love American's. Been to San Francisco.....

Good heavens, you begin to get a certain affection for these people. In our case, the driver asked for directions. The spiel was exactly the same if you substitute England for America. I forgot which part of England he had loved visiting when he was travelling for Gucci.
When he caught sight of three pairs of sceptical and slightly amused eyes, he grinned, shrugged and drove off.
This was in early March so he had started early in the season.

This happened in 2010 btw.
The gold ring scam is actually mentioned by Dickens as happening in London.
I bet the ancient Romans tried these very same scams on visiting provincials.

"You are from Egypt? I love Egyptians. I just happen to have this tunic......"

My dd and I took a more outgoing approach. We were resting in Champs de Mars when a herd of young ladies of unspecified eastern european origian descended. Each was coming up to people with a hand written note including some tale of woe. Since we speak fluent Hebrew we decided to start peppering them with lots of questions in Hebrew and talked back and forth with lots of animation (while holding on tight to our purses). They gave up on us.

Honestly this post has gone from good to hysterical. You have to give these folks credit for creativity even if the scams are old and borrowed! Thanks Sue for the great tip, I'll check it out.

But then as Peter says, there is real crime. I had the good fortune to stop a pickpocket in Lisbon on the infamous Tram 28. I had read lots of pickpocket warnings before going my first time and sure enough I watched a nice looking young man (with a sweater over his arm in June!) start to unzip an older guy's fanny pack. I just instinctively yelled at him and he bolted at the next stop. The tram driver acknowledged that the kid was a pickpocket. You'd think the city would want to try and stop this for the sake of their tourists. Anyway, this has been one of the most interesting posts in a long time.

We got sucked in to visiting a fake Colosseum. It looked like the real one except this one had a roof. Ruined the trip.

In May 2008 myself and another couple took separate taxis from the airport to the same hotel. I paid about the amount and as my husband is unloading the bagas I go to check on my friends. Their fare was THREE TIMES hwat I had just paid. The ONLY obvious difference? I speak Spanish fluently and and act like a local in Spain. My friends were more obvious tourists. My husband got a kick out of me arguing and chastising their cab driver...:-)

"By this time, we are ensconced in Giacomo’s conveyance, in a hurry to get to our B&B, not really feeling in a position to argue."

Thank you for reminding us of the usual FIRST MISTAKE

I'll bet this would not have happened if you had not been feeling responsible for the 85-year-old. Normal rules cannot always be applied.

tarquin, you are absolutely right. If it had been just my wife and I travelling, then we'd have just hoofed it.

But with an older person, with luggage, we needed a cab.

Sometimes, even when you know you are being exploited, it's easier to just go with it, hurl a bit of money at the problem.