I have read that it is frequent in Italy to be short changed. Of course if it were possible to count the change while the person where there, that would be best, but the short-change artists know not to stand there, but to dance off to another part of their counter or store. What is the best way to handle confronting them (when you are not fluent in Italian!) when you immediately count the change and find it incorrect?

Patience is the only answer. I usually stand there indicating I'm counting it and looking puzzled. Usually they will come forward with the additional--or sometimes the recounting shows I'm wrong. M.

You're right... unfortunately it does happen frequently. Easiest way to avoid it is keep small bills and pay the right amount whenever possible. It's much easier with Euros. It's harder to keep track of all those millioni lire.