Grinisa

Yes, I know what it means and I'll stand by my opinion that it is far more effective than screaming in English. But you go ahead and do it.

Girlspytravel

Well that's fine. If you want to calmly say "va via" to a pickpocketer, good luck-my experience is that's not going to do a damn bit of good!

Grassshopper

Poor Arizona. After reading spygirl's suggestions, I'd change my mind about going to Rome altogether! I agree with Grinisa. Her tactics have worked fine for me. But then, I've only been going in and out of Rome for the last dozen years, not 25. If I were a taxi driver and someone prefaced their ride with those comments I'd tell them to get out. I've only had very nice taxi drivers in Rome. Do watch out for the unlicenced taxis. Only take a taxi from the taxi queue.

Arizonagal, just keep your eyes open and hang on to your stuff. You'll be fine. Have a great trip to Bella Roma!

jjkbrook

You are basically right next to the station, just a block or two away if you go out the right (actually left) side. Get a good map and march right over there - you should have no problem if you stay together and MOVE, dont mill aimlessly. It seems to me that after an 11 hour train ride a little activity will be therapeutic, esp your boys, and you will be at your hotel before you would have found a cab looking around out front.

Just get a good map of the station and the route to the hotel, study it while you are on the train and it will be great.

Its not a scary neighborhood - its mostly commercial, not romantic or beautiful but no worse. Enjoy your trip - be prepared but dont worry too much. Have you ever been in NYC? no worse actually quite a bit less of a hassle than times square.

Girlspytravel

Hey Grasshopper-I don't know how often Grinisa (or for that matter, YOU) goes to Rome, (probably not often) but it makes me laugh that someone would calmly look a pickpocketer in the eye and say something, which would then make them go away! The professionals are not exactly swayed so easily!

And a taxidriver who wants to rip me off deserves every bit of abuse he needs to get-which more often than not, IS the case in Rome, hence my little lectures to the cabdrivers when I get in! I don't know about you, but I don't get ripped off in a taxi in Rome!

Girlspytravel

P.S. Telling someone off in their own language has quite a bit different effect than in English, by the way! (smile)

Grassshopper

Maybe it's the flip flops

Girlspytravel

Yeah, for the fashion flunkies who don't get it! (smile)

Grinisa

Oh, I see where this is going. Girlspytravel wants a pissing contest on who has been to Rome more and thus has more authority on the issue. Who cares? A first time tourist who successfully defends him or herself against a pickpocket/thief is more of an authority than a Roman who 1)was never robbed and therefore has no opportunity to defend or 2) robbed many times yet don't know the first thing about defending themselves.
So speaking rude things to a Roman cabdriver is OK because you are doing it in Italian? Yet, screaming in English to a pickpocket is more effective?
And, not that it matters in the least, but this summer will mark my 40th trip to Italy.

Girlspytravel

No, Grinisa, obviously, it is YOU who wants the pissing contest, since it was YOU who feels you are in the right, no? And it is YOU who makes the ridiculous comment that looking a professional pickpocketer in the eye will just make them skulk away, I guess?

That's a ridiculous comment, and you ought to know better.

Girlspytravel

P.P.S. And as to this GR-ASSS -hopper poster, is this not the same "Grasshopper" who was supposedly banned for life on Fodor's after threatening a poster on this board with harm because "it" didn't like something which this poster said, and so sent a threat off-line, to their email address?

If so, then I guess the "ASSS" part of the screenname is quite fitting-however, I will say this: if the same poster, were EVER to think about doing something like that to me, their "ASSS" would be the subject of a civil lawsuit, (along with Fodor's) so quick that it would make them quit "chirping" for quite some time!

suze

Just keep your wits about you, and your eyes open. You will likely not need any of the suggestions above.

StCirq

I was in and out of Termini four times last year. I encountered no taxi scama, no pickpockets, and no "gypsies," though I did see beggars on the streets of Rome and I'm sure the scam taxi drivers exist.

There's no need to get hysterical and scream at anyone. Just ignore anyone who tries to put you in a cab that's not legit. If you're walking, don't be falling over with luggage or consulting a map (know where you're going ahead of time), walk purposely, and just strut right by anyone who gets in your face without saying anything, or with a firm Va Via.

Nothing more to it.

Grassshopper

You have got to be kidding.

Girlspytravel

Well, I don't know, GrASSShopper-YOU tell us (smile) are you a new poster with an "old" screename? (smile)

Girlspytravel

Grinisa-perhaps in your limited experience, that works-however, even the police will tell you, (if you were to ask them) that to make a fuss is actually QUITE a bit more effective than just "quietly" trying to make a pro pick-pocketer go away. "nuff said.

kismetchimera

Girlspy, I agree wholeheartly with Grassshopper and Grinisa point of views.
After reading your posts a person that never been to Rome before would be scared to death upon arrival in this city.
I never had any problem with the taxi drivers in Rome but of course I never yelled at them also.
Remember that you represent the US when you travel abroad,you dont want be the Epithome of Ugly American, dont you?

MyriamC

Girlspytravel, there's no need to SHOUT TO US.

Grinisa

"That's a ridiculous comment, and you ought to know better."

No, not really. I stated it because it has worked. For me, on several occasions, for people I have known, on many occasions, and for Romans I've observed on countless buses and metros. The only one who is ridiculous is the one who screams (literally and online in ALL CAPS) and gets emotional, either when confronted by pickpockets or by opposing views on a message board.

Apres_Londee

Well, she thinks shouting is effective, so I guess it's no surprise.

arizonagal, the chances are slim you will have any problems. Sorry your thread has gone all WTF.

When I'm approached, I keep walking. Sometimes I shake my head, look away, and raise my hand in a stop sign gesture while walking. I never engage them, and this works 99% of the time.

For that persistent 1%, a low, firm *No* works for me. I like it because it is universally understood and I don't have to take even a split second to think about the words.

Scammers who approach directly will not waste their time on someone who won't waste their time on them.

If someone should aproach you, you give them about as much attention as you would an annoying piece of lint on your shoulder- What's this on my sweater? Oh....*flick*

IMO, yelling and causing a commotion is for serious, persistent harassment, muggings, or any other threat of bodily harm.

As for the silent, 'bumping' pickpocket types, you just have to smart with your valuables, and be organized and on top of things, so you don't look like an easy target and your pockets will have nothing to pick anyways.

You'll be fine and will have a great trip, so don't worry, just plan ahead.