Tourist Traps and Pushy Vendors in Rome

A very common one: If you go to a bar for coffee, drinks or ice-cream, you will be charged double or more for sitting down; this does not apply to restaurants where they serve regular meals as the charge is already factored in and sometimes appears as ‘coperto’ 1 to 3 euros per person. 

According to the law, prices of food and drinks should be posted somewhere visible. If you don’t see it, you should ask to see a menu. This law was implemented because tourists had their repose ruined after being outrageously overcharged for a coffee break, breakfast or a few drinks.

If you don’t want to pay their rates, you can get up and leave. That might teach them not to overcharge. However, if you are in the center of Rome sitting in a cafe or bar enjoying a beautiful view, though not always exorbitant, expect it to be reflected in their prices. 

If you feel you are being overcharged at the end of your meal or for a purchase, don’t be afraid to contest it or question your bill. You might be pleasantly surprised by the results.  But it is always best to know how much things cost before you order.

Pushy Vendors

If you don’t want to purchase their wares, be like the Italians, ignore them, pretend they don’t exist: harsh but it works. If you don’t want to do that, you have to look at them straight in the eye and say a firm and serious: No, thank you. There is no need to be rude as they are trying to earn a living albeit in an annoying way. Remember also, there are no free gifts.   

However, another important fact, the vendors are poor people, they work long hours, live in cramped quarters; at least they are working and 90% of them send money back home. If you empathize, bargaining is not illegal. They expect you to bargain, so they raise the price before you have asked what it is.