Protect Yourself from These Travel Pitfalls in Rome

We’ve all heard tales of the never-ending scams tourists need to watch out for — so many, in fact, that articles and entire books are written about them. Many European destinations are well-known for their scams targeting tourists, and as the number of tourists visiting them each year increases exponentially, so, it seems, do the scams.

One such destination is Rome, which has historically been a hotbed of tourist scams visitors are warned to watch out for. But there’s no need to skip the Eternal City. As long as you arm yourself with a bit of knowledge and caution, you won’t have to worry about the potential pitfalls awaiting you.

From the moment you land in Rome’s Leonardo Da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, you should be on guard against taxis wanting to overcharge you. Very clear signs direct you where to go for a licensed taxi. Follow these signs to the street where you will find a designated taxi stand. There is a good chance you will be approached by someone offering to give you a ride, however these are not licensed taxi drivers and will overcharge you for the ride. Taxis in Rome are white, will have a “Taxi” sign on the roof and a phone number printed on the side of the vehicle. For most points within the city, you should expect a flat rate of $50 from the airport.

Another important thing to note is pickpockets run rampant in Rome, as in most metropolitan cities. It’s extremely important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when in crowded settings (which, let’s face it, is just about everywhere in Rome). Women should invest in a theft-proof purse (one that locks and is made of slash-proof material) and men should either wear a money belt under their clothing or be sure to keep a hand on their wallet in their pocket at all times.

When you’re ordering food in a restaurant, be sure to order from a menu showing the price. There are hundreds of amazing restaurants to choose from throughout the city, but an unfortunate few have a tendency to upcharge their food for unsuspecting tourists. Once you’ve ordered and eaten something, if the price wasn’t advertised up front, the restaurant can turn around and charge whatever it wants, quickly depleting your vacation food budget.

Rome may have its flaws, but every city does, especially for unsuspecting tourists. This is no reason to skip Rome when planning your next European vacation — instead, arm yourself with knowledge before your visit to make sure your trip leaves you with fond memories rather than a bitter taste in your mouth.