Graffiti Wall: Tourist Scam Alert

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Tourist Scam Alert: 2005

Tourists are targeted by scam and rip-off artists everywhere in Europe. If you know the games (spilling the mustard, bus 64 in Rome, and so on), you're less likely to be a victim. By sharing the latest scams (and learning from each others' mistakes) we'll all travel more safely. What cons and scams have you encountered?

Remember, pickpocketing attempts throughout Europe can be expected unless you wear a moneybelt under your clothing. Smart travelers leave wallets at home and store their credit cards, passport, paper money and rail ticket(s) in a secure moneybelt. Visit our Travel Store for Rick Steves' recommended moneybelts.

Read the Distillation: Tourist Scams, 2005

Athens City Bus
We arrived in Athens 11/04/05 and took the city bus from the airport to Syntagma Square. We were traveling with two backpacks and two daypacks. Much to our horror, we could not find one of our daypacks upon departing the bus at Syntagma. After several moments of confusion, we decided to leave the phone number of our hotel in Nafplion with the bus service ticket agent. I was sure that we had been ripped off, as a pack of similar color to our was left on the bus, and it appeared to be filled with "junk". Much to our surprise, when we reached our Nafplion hotel, the city bus line had called to inform us our pack had been returned. Apparently a passenger had inadvertently picked up our pack. He even called our home phone in the US (we had an address/phone tag inside the pack)! We were able to retrieve the pack, and all the contents were intact.

Just think about it - how many cities in the USA of 4 million plus population would something like this happen?

Our thanks to the Greek citizens involved in this event, who proved their honesty and integrity.
Bruce <email>
Manitou Springs, CO USA Wed 12/21/2005

tourist scams
As for taxis anywhere, I always get the fare set before entering the cab. If they pull an "additional charge: deal on me, I ask them to explain it, while I jot down their info on their ID card displayed in the cab. Once arriving at the destination, I get my stuff out of the taxi first, then display what amount I'm paying to them in full view, counting it. You can always waive someone over if you're being dropped off at a hotel, airport etc... Most taxis are cool, but there are quite a few that take advantage of tourists. William
William
USA Wed 12/21/2005

Rome Taxis
We took several taxis over the course of 5 days while in Rome to the various sites around the city. The fare was very low and was truly worth every penny. The one time we were totally ripped off was when we arrived back in Rome from Florence for our last night. We took a cab from Termini to our hotel and those "additional" charges were tacked on at the end. Yes, the cabby's fingers start pushing the buttons on the meter like the buttons on a calculator. In a flash the fare was escalated by 30 Euro.

My advice is to stay away from taxis at the AIRPORT and at Rome TERMINI if you can (and it is possible).

From the airport either take the train (which unfortunately ends up at Termini) or prearrange a private driver or shuttle bus to pick you up at your arrival. Try to prearrange the same kind of shuttle from Termini if you know your arrival time.

Just know that you are highly likely to be ripped off at those 2 places. Everywhere else, taxis were wonderful!
Tim
USA Wed 12/21/2005

Beware of Official Taxis adding charges
My only bad experience in Rome was the ride from the airport via Taxi. I took a white official cab form the taxi queue as recommended and asked for the meter as recommended. The cabbie must have pegged me for a tourist and proceeded to add 35 EURO to the "additional charges" column of the meter. (Thanks Rick's simple italian phrase book as this was in there.) At my destination and during the ride I asked the cabbie what those charges were for (seeing that the fares are clearly stated in English in the cab). He said it wasn't a fare- it was the time (hilarious). When we arrived at my hotel, he added this to the base fare making the total bill nearly 100EURO! I made sure to get my bags out and then demanded a better explanation, indicating I was paying only required surcharges and the meter (plus some tip). FYI, the required surcharges looke dto be less than 10 EURO and the base fare was 40 EURO. When I handed the man the money, he promplty pulled a switcheroo and palmed my 50Euro claiming I only gave him a 5. When I demanded change, he took off. Since I was forewarned and demanded explanation and stood my ground in spite of my fatigue and jet lag, I ended up only paying what it should have cost me, so not net loss and my resumed it's very high note and this was forgotten for the duration.

Thanks on the advice and still be vigilant about this scam fellow travelers.
Scott <email>
Odenton, MD USA Tue 12/20/2005

Re: Rental Car
Contact Eurocar and tell them what happened. Most likely the will credit your credit card. It probably was a mistake and not an outright scam.
Barb
Seattle, WA USA Fri 12/16/2005

rental car gas level
The trouble is that at small British airports you just park the car and hand the keys in at the desk. There is rarely any company representative present when you drop the car off who will inspect it. USD88.00 works out at over GBP50.00. I'd like to see the rental car that holds that much fuel in it's tank. Even if you dropped the car off with nothing but fumes in the tank they couldn't have got that much fuel into it.
Al Bishop
Nottingham, UK Thu 12/15/2005

rental car gas level
why don't you just have the employee indicate on the rental paperwork that the tank is full on return of rental. this is what i have done in the past and i can say on the hertz paperwork thaere is a section indicating if tank is full or not. protect yourself by getting it in writing.
ro
USA Tue 12/13/2005

Gas Scam
Michael Backlund: Why would you say that "this is not really a scam". I would sure consider it a scam in a big way. Yes, always use a credit card. Also take a picture with your digitial camera of your full tank indicator as you pull into the car rental return area.
Tim
USA Tue 12/13/2005

car rental
We rented a car for a week in Scotland from Eurocar. No problems with the rental until a month later when the Visa bill came in. We had been charged $88 to refuel the car. We had stopped on the way to the airport and filled the car, but paid with cash. No reciept. This is not really a scam. But, I would recommend that a credit card be used for the final fillup. That way even if you lose your reciept you will still have proof.
Michael Backlund
Sulphur, LA USA Mon 12/12/2005

ATM Theft
Before leaving on any trip outside of the US, I call my credit card companies before I leave the states and tell them what countries I will be in and when. This helps keep the account from being accessed illegally in a country that I won't be in. If I'm not going to be in Italy and there is some kind of transaction trying to be made there, it won't go through. Of course, this all depends on which company your credit cards are with and how diligent they are.

On a side note: I've attached industrial strength velcro to a small wallet and also the bottom of my leather backpack. This keeps it in one place and is very difficult to remove without also spilling all the contents - a great deterent for would-be thieves. I only keep the money that I would spend for that day in it. I keep the rest in my money belt along with my credit cards.
Lisa <email>
Page, AZ USA Wed 11/30/2005

Car Ambushes
"A motorbike pulled in front of the car and a second man opened the back door of the car and quickly stole their expensive camera and a wallet with passports and credit cards. The first man drove around the car, picked the second man up and took off."

Lee, Kansas City: The same thing happened to me in Nice, France. I was waiting for the light to turn green and before I knew it, I was robbed in the same way you describe.

Lesson learned. I now make sure that all the car doors are locked, both at home and in Europe.
Ginny T.
Montreal, USA Wed 11/30/2005

Overall Crime Danger
For all reading these, realize that these are worst case scenarios. Don't cancel your trip, just be aware.

Yes, street crime is very prevalent in Europe, especially in the big cities. But they're looking for easy marks. Don't be the easy one, and they'll likely pass you by.

Take the precautions advised here - money belt or similar (I use an inside-the waistband extra pocket that attaches to my belt. My wife uses a leather pouch around her neck and under her shirt) with just daily spending cash in your front pockets. Leave valuables at home or in the hotel safe/safe deposit. Stay aware. Assume every commotion is a distraction. And keep close hold of your camera (a small in-front waist pack is a good idea, but I prefer it around my neck and tucked into my jacket when not in use).

Educate yourself before you go, and ask lots of questions (how do I get a subway ticket? What should a taxi cost from here to the airport) of your hotel clerk (even when you make your reservation), local police officer (in most countries, I have found them extremely helpful) or TI clerk.

Carry small bills so you can make exact change, or close to it - As soon as I arrive at a new country, I hit the ATM, stash most of the bills in my inside wallet, and then buy something cheap from a kiosk/snack bar so that I have small bills. Then when I get to the hotel, I break the other big bills.

The majority of the more pushy/dangerous crime is going to happen as it does in the US - near places you should avoid anyhow. If you hang out in shady areas, expect to meet shady characters.

Be wary? Yes. Cancel my trips and miss out on the experience? I think not!
Pat
American in Greece Mon 11/28/2005

Turkey Taxis and More
Just returned from a trip to Istanbul. Normal street smarts and info found on this board will keep you safe there - lots of pickpockets and scammers trying to find the easy mark. Just don't appear easy, and you'll miss 90% of it. Keep your eyes out at big tourist spots, trams, busses, and stairs - the kids tend to work in packs, just like in every other big city in Europe/Asia.

One couple got taken by one of the taxis - he didn't have exact change to pay the taxicab driver (big mistake), and while the taxicab driver was giving him his change, the 2nd taxi bumped him from behind - lots of confusion, and as both taxis sped away, he found out his 10 New Lira (YTL) change was actually a two very crisp 250,000 Old TL bills (worth 0.25YTL each) - they look just like 5YTL bills when folded. We knew that the old TL are still valid until 2014, but didn't realize bills smaller than 1,000,000 YTL even existed.
Pat
Greece Mon 11/28/2005

Glass Factories in Murano
Be very careful with glass merchants in Venice. We recently travelled to Venice and took a "free" water taxi to one of the glass factories in Murano. My advice is DON'T DO IT. If you want to go, go on your own. If you do buy something, be very sure about the conditions of the sale. I found a website that everyone should read before making an overseas purchase. http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/travel/overseas/overseas.txt
Julian Moore
New York, NY USA Sun 11/27/2005

ATM Theft
For a moment I thought Sandy's post had been written by my husband. Ditto to what she said. We had a wonderful time in Italy until we came home and discovered that our checking account was 'way overdrawn! The transactions were all from Marseilles, France. The bank refunded the money, including the ATM charges, but the experience was a nasty way to end an otherwise great vacation.

We are sure of when and where this happened. One rainy night in Rome, after we had withdrawn cash, a fellow approached the ATM and called after us that we had left behind a 50 euro bill and that we had to close the transaction by re-entering our card and pin. My husband, confused and suspicious, wanted to make sure we had not left our account open somehow and did what the stranger suggested. He tried to shield the keypad, but these guys don't have to see the numbers to know where your fingers are going. I was VERY uncomfortable with the whole thing, especially the way the stranger kept moving around. There was someone else waiting to use the ATM standing at a distance. He may or may not have been an accomplice.

I later checked our account online and nothing fishy showed up, so we just figured it was something screwy with that particular machine and that the guy was a "good Samaritan" after all. We even got to keep the 50 euros. The thieves, on the other hand, got to keep $1500.

We asked the bank rep why the thieves were able to:

1) use our account at an ATM without the physical card. (They either hack into it with a computer or counterfeit a card.)

2) withdraw more in a single transaction ($475) than we can (our limit=$300) (Seems you can do anything with a computer... Well, maybe not you or me, but THEY can.)

3) withdraw from the same account in France on the same day we did in Italy. (Like I said, anything goes in the computer age...)

Without encouraging paranoia, I would urge everyone to take precautions with any money or credit/debit card transactions and pay attention to that little red flag in your mind.
Marilynn <email>
Willits, CA USA Sat 11/26/2005

ATM Scam Update
I wrote in last week about the ATM scam in Rome. We thought that since my husband got his cash, plus his ATM card back from the machine, no real harm was done. 2 days after we got home he tried to use his ATM card but it wouldn't work. He checked his account and found that there was a huge amount of activity (from Italy and France) on the card, and the bank automatically shut it down. Over $4,000 worth of charges. Since it was a debit and "check card" the thieves were able to use the card like a regular credit card on the internet. We couldn't figure out how they did it without having the card. According to reps at the bank, the guys probably did a very quick carbon copy swipe behind his back while my husband was being distracted by the first guy. It swiped his account number as well as expiration date. These guys are fast and very good at what they are doing. Thank goodness the bank reimbursed us for all fraudulent charges against the account.
Sandy
Columbia, MD USA Tue 11/22/2005

Pompeii
In this post we are warned by Fred 'Also, avoid the hotel booking office in Stansted London Airport: they add 20GBP commission.' Holy Smoke - what were you expecting ? This isn't a scam. This is a perfectly legitimate company offering a perfectly legal and very necessary facility. Of course you are going to pay them a fee. How else are they going to earn a living ? Do you work for free ? Of course not and neither do these people. A scam is something illegal and deliberately dishonest. This is an honest service provided by honest hard working, tax paying, people.
Al Bishop
Nottingham, UK Mon 11/21/2005

St. Martin scratch-off tix
When alighting in St. Martin (French side) you get approached by these people giving scratch-off tickets. You win, you win a shopping spree at a souvenir store - but first you have to attend a timeshare presentation. It was pretty annoying because you're in port only for a certain number of hours, and if you're like me, you want to see both the Dutch and French sides of the island. As well, I _believe_ that recission laws work differently over there than in the US. Just avoid the scratch-off tickets at all costs.
Hart
Toms River, NJ USA Sun 11/20/2005

Pompeii
In the Naples CircumVesuviana Station I paid 16E for a "combination" train/entrance ticket for Pompeii. The ticket requires that you redeem it far from the nearest entrance to Pompeii and costs a few Euros more than buying the tickets separately. Also, avoid the hotel booking office in Stansted London Airport: they add 20GBP commission.
Fred
Kaunas, Lithuania Fri 11/18/2005

Pisa Short Change Artist
I bought a ticket at the Field of Miracles from a very nice, helpful middle-aged man--he was oh so nice and helpful. A few minutes later I realized that he had failed to give me the 10 euro change I was due. I stewed with myself about it for a few minutes then decided to go back and ask for my money. I said, "I think you forgot to give me my change." He reached into his cash drawer and handed me a 10 eu note without even hesitating. I guess that man walks home with quite a bit of extra cash at the end of his day.
Swan
USA Tue 11/15/2005

London souvenir shop scam
During a trip to London, I purchased souvenirs at two shops right of Picadilly Circle. I used my Visa debit card at both; other than that I had used cash the entire trip. The next day I went to withdraw cash and my checking account showed a zero balance. I was able to contact my bank from London, only to find out that my account was overdrawn $1500 by a third party in another country. The staff at one of the souvenir shops apparently took my card info and then passed it on to a "colleague" who made Internet purchases using my card information. Ever since that, I rely on getting small amounts of cash each day from an ATM in my hotel or inside a bank, and never use a debit card to make purchases.
RB
Seattle, WA USA Mon 11/14/2005

ATM scam
In Rome, my husband was withdrawing cash from an ATM. This was the only time he did this alone since I was with him all other times. As the machine started issuing the money, two young men came up to him, one of whom used his own wallet to block the slot where your card is inserted, using it to gesture towards the money, and saying at the same time, "Signore, this is where you get your money." Of course, my husband's eyes were on the slot where the money was coming out since he suspected the 2 men were going to try to take it. He soon realized that they were more interested in his ATM card; when he tried to get it out, nothing came out. The first man had slipped it out when the money came out, then must have handed it over to the second man. My husband loudly challenged them and demanded to see inside his wallet. The first man pretended to be very insulted and they argued. Meanwhile, the second man obviously re-inserted the card into the machine when my husband was preoccupied with the argument. Suddenly, the card was back in the slot. The two men took off.
Sandy
Columbia, MD USA Mon 11/14/2005

Don't forego Italy, I agree
I agree that there's no reason to forego Italy. Use a moneybelt or other secure method of your choice and use common sense and enjoy this beautiful country.

In respect to the hotel scam described below, more details would be useful. Many hotels can be obtained for reasonable rates in Italy, and there are also B&Bs, convents, and hostels.
Traveler
Canada Mon 11/14/2005

For Bruce, please reconsider!
If you are serious, that is, about cancelling your planned Italian vacation! I was there for five weeks, and had read these postings for months beforehand. Other than one pushy rose guy by the Trevi fountain, there was never a single incident. There were beggars, mostly gypsy women, here and there, mostly outside the churches. But they were not agressive. Consider: I live in a medium- sized west- coast city and today driving home there were people begging on every single corner. The times I used taxis they were honest and professional. The one time a taxi driver was less than honest it was painfully obvious- outside a train station he was trying to convince me the bus wouldn't get me where I needed to go and he would give me a special rate of like several hundred euro! All the same kinds of things can happen to you in the US- I hope you don't deny yourself such an opportunity!
Karen
USA Sun 11/13/2005

Amsterdam Taxi Ripoffs
The N. African taxi mafia are clearly at it at Central Station in Amsterdam. Three weeks ago they refused to carry one tourist 1.5 miles to his hotel for less than 100 Euros (One Hundred) and asked us 80E for 2 miles. The police will tell you that they are helpless because the city repealed or will not enforce any of the requirements that taxis carry you anywhere. The cabal at the Central Station prey on foreigners and those they perceive as "rich." This is a terrible problem according to the GM of our hotel. The black eye this gives a newly arrived visitor to Amsterdam is impossible to overstate. The taxi drivers in Prague are positively agreeable and honest by comparison.
100 countries and counting
Missouri, MO USA Sun 11/13/2005

Pierre Cardin jacket scam in Rome
I found this site googling a scam that my dad and I encountered recently in Rome. I just thought I'd mention that Michell of the Pierre Cardin "leather" jackets in Jim's post (15th July 2003) is still looking for the colusseum, although we found him on Via Cavour. Exactly the same thing: overly friendly guy in a car, in Rome on business, asked for directions, (on finding out we were British) said his wife was from Bristol, asked our heights, tried to give us a "leather" jacket and a (really ugly) tartan "silk" one, he said that he couldn't get cash with his french visa card and could we give him some. At this point we became very interested in something further up the street. I'm not sure what the point was but it definitely felt dodgy.
Rebecca <email>
Leicester, UK Sun 11/13/2005

amsterdam taxi scam
i just had an 80 euro taxi from amsterdam central station to schipol airport ... the driver claimed the main road was closed and that we had to take an alternate route. i was stuck between the unfortunate choices of missing my flight or getting ripped off by this guy. i have his cab no. and licence plate so will try to follow through but i'm not very optimistic about what options i have from afar.
md
nyc, USA Sat 11/12/2005

Shady deals
With all the crime I've read about in Italy I've decided to cancell my trip. The problem started when I inquired about rates at a few select hotels. When it was found out I was inquiring from the U.S. all of a sudden the rates increased 30-40 Euros! That did it for me. My plans are on definite hold as I am a target for rip off scams.
Bruce <email>
Charlotte, NC USA Sat 11/12/2005

Car Ambushes near Pompeii
A friend of mine just returned from Italy a week ago. She and her husband stayed in Hotel Grillo Verde near Pompeii.

One day, driving away from the hotel, they stopped at a train crossing. A motorbike pulled in front of the car and a second man opened the back door of the car and quickly stole their expensive camera and a wallet with passports and credit cards. The first man drove around the car, picked the second man up and took off.

My friend was told that they were lucky: if they had locked the back door, they may have had their tires slashed or been held up with a weapon.

So please beware! The whole operation was well planned.
Lee
Kansas City, Mo USA Fri 11/11/2005

Pickpockets in Rome
We recently returned from 10 days in Italy. On a really, really crowded metro in Rome I had someone's hand in my pocket. Fortunately, I only had a few coins and a cancelled metro ticket. I felt something on my leg and when I put my hand to my pants pocket, I discovered the metro ticket half way out of my pocket! As we exited the metro my wife turned around and berated this guy in back of her. She didn't realize his hand was in her pants pocket until she moved forward. The pickpockets are very skilled. Luckily, we lost nothing. After this incident, we only used the 1st or last car on the metro or waited for the next, less crowded train.
Dan <email>
Sioux Falls, SD USA Thu 11/10/2005

Pickpockets in Rome
Be careful on the metro in Rome! My friend and I both had our cameras stolen. The thieves also took two memory cards, cash, and a credit card from me. Pick pocketers are everywhere in Rome- never let your guard down! I wish I had taken that advice more seriously before my trip. Be careful.
Jessica <email>
Reston, VA USA Thu 11/10/2005

Florence and Rome
My husband and I had a chance to go to France and Italy in September. While we had read and heard many stories about the scams and pickpockets in Florence and Rome, we had no problems at all. We were very cautious, wearing a money belt, and kept mini combination locks on the zippers of our backpacks. I carried my camera but always had the strap across my chest and kept my hand on it the entire time. Making eye contact is key and know where you are going in advance. The key is to be smart and they will not target you - they will look for the tourists who are oblivious. We saw a lot of people asking for change or selling things on the street, but we were never hassled at any time. They left us alone when we said "no."
May
Winnipeg, Canada Sun 11/06/2005

Europe versus Egypt hassles
You want to know what real scams, annoyances, and salesmanship are like? Go to Egypt. I've been to over 20 countries, mainly in Europe, and this was the absolute worst. I read ahead in the guidebooks about how things are negotiable and how to deal with touts politely and firmly. Yeah, right! Here you are standing in front of the Pyramids and they are literally throwing things in your hands, asking you to pay them something. Got rid of him? Great, now here comes five others getting in your face. Knowing a few Arabic words does nothing to help. This was non-stop. Every sight. I had to pretty much walk away from many places becuase it was simply impossible to be left alone. Made me long for the rose sellers of Rome. It's back to Europe for me, thank you.
SM
MD USA Fri 11/04/2005

Rome subway tickets
There is always a real nice gypsy lady standing near a ticket vending machine to help you purchase your subway tickets from the machines for the Roma Metropolitana. She offered to work the machine for me to get me my 3 euro ticket. I said, "What?" and she corrected herself... Only 2 euros for the ticket. I speak Italian. I bought my own 1 euro ticket.
Bob C. <email>
N Little Rock, AR USA Wed 11/02/2005

Stupid Rose Pushers
If somebody puts a unwanted rose (or flower) into your hand then just drop it on the ground and keep on walking. Worked for us!
Tim
USA Wed 11/02/2005

Scams in Paris and Rome
In Italy earlier this year, my wife was constantly approached by a guy in front of the Trevi Fountain who wanted to give her a rose. Knowing that if she accepted we would have to pay him a ridiculous ammount of money, we politely said no thanks and kept walking to avoid drawing attention to the matter.

He continued to follow us and kept bothering her to take the rose. When I told her in Greek (of all languages) to ignore him he responded to me in Greek that I should be a man and buy my wife the rose and forcefuly put the rose in her hand while demanding I pay him 50 Euro since she took the rose. When I threatend him (in Greek and a polite smiling manner so as not to cause a scene) he took the rose back and ran. Next time I'll try Spanish and see if I have better luck.
Tom
Chicago, IL USA Tue 11/01/2005

Rome pickpocket beggars
In Rome, on the steps above the Colosseum Metro stop a couple weeks ago, we got to see the pickpocket game at work. I saw a crowd of teens-20s, some with babies, cardboard in hand, start down the stairs in front of us, so instead of taking the stairs, we went above and watched the setup. They talked among themselves, making sure they were on both sides of the stairs, covering about 20-30' of the area. When people would walk by, the girls with babies would try to distract by begging, while others would reach for dangling items or accessible pockets.

With all of our items stowed securely, we finally braved the gauntlet. A couple of Italian women were walking up as we were walking down, and they were targeted - we saw a pouch get grabbed, and I yelled "Ladro!" - the crowd scattered, the Italians turned around, and the thief, cornered with nowhere to go, handed the pouch (which she had already rifled in less than a couple seconds) back saying that the woman had dropped it. Evidently nothing of value lost - the women went on their way as did we.
Pat
Temporarily in Greece Tue 11/01/2005

Scam? For sure.
This is a scam and a rather nasty one at that. The wounds are fake ( although some minor self mutilation does take place ). It's not my business to tell other people how to spend their money. I never give to this nasty sort of begging.
Al Bishop
Nottingham, UK Mon 10/31/2005

Scam? For sure.
I'm sure the injuries were fake. People with injuries like you described would be lying around in shock, not standing around begging. People who train emergency workers have very convincing props called "moulages", which are molded from real injuries and include pieces of bone poking out and tubes pumping blood like severed arteries.

These props are expensive, which shows that begging must be a lucrative business.
USA Sat 10/29/2005

Scam?
This is the most desparate move for money I have seen,(or a very convincing make-up job!) When I was in Rome I saw people with gaping and huge exposed wounds on the street begging for money to help. I don't know if the wounds are self inflicted or what but it was by far the most disturbing thing I saw on my trip. I saw an old woman outside the Vatican with a crater-like wound the size of half a baseball, two men with leg wounds that looked like the ER was the only thing to be of any help. I saw this a few times in Rome. I really hope they were fake, but I believe they are not. Hard to call this a scam necessarily, but it is a cry for money.
Sierenitty
Tacoma, WA USA Sat 10/29/2005

Licensed Cabs in London [Black Cabs]
A lifelong wish came true this past May when my husband and I travelled to Great Britain and Ireland. I was dismayed to read some of the negative/scam/feelings of being overcharged comments about the black cabs. We caught a licensed cab [black cab] outside Heathrow - travelled to the Kensington Hilton - Holland Park area - cost was 41 pounds. This is exactly the price we were quoted by the hotel, our travel agents and by the london transit authority website. During our 3 week vacation we spoke to many of the locals who warned you NEVER get in an unlicensed cabs - there are horror stories daily about sexual assaults, robberies/muggings. Black Cabs are "licensed" for your safety and comfort.
Pat
Maple Ridge, BC USA Sat 10/29/2005

Wedding ring scam outside Orsay Museum
Just returned from Paris. On Tueday, a woman apparantly picked up a large gold ring opposite the Orsay and offered it to us. Demonstrated it was too big for her finger. I suspected a scam but was not sure. We refused and walked on.
Brian
Dorchester, Dorset UK Fri 10/28/2005

Paris Wedding Ring Scam Near Orsay Museum
A woman walking towards us "picked up" a gold wedding band on the street and the claimed she just found it. She claimed that she couldn't keep it because of her religion and it also happened to be her Birthday. She then gives you the ring and suggested that you give her a bit of money in exchange, afterall she did just give you a gold ring stamped with 18K on the inside... Thankfully we only had about 3 Euros on us. We ran into the same woman selling a gold ring to someone else about an hour later. She recognized us and unfortunately got away with the man's 10 Euros before we could warn him. We shared a good laugh with the gentleman and have a souvenir that we'll never forget.
Roemary
Norwood, MA USA Wed 10/26/2005

Hassel Free!
Just got back from a week in Florence and Rome. Had no trouble whatsoever w/ gypsies, packs of children, etc. that Steve mentions in the book. We did see gypsies in both cities, but they were easy to spot and didn't seem to be doing much more than asking for change. We were both wearing money belts but carried a backpack every day - no problems with the backpack either. We kept the zippers secured with twistie ties that you use on trash bags. We were so annoyed at having to un-twist and twist them to access our bag, that we figured no one else would bother, and it worked! The worst thing was men trying to sell umbrellas in the rain (by shoving them in our face) or trying to give out roses or flowers at major attractions and then demanding money for them. Just keep on saying NO loudly and you'll be fine!
Norfolk, VA USA Mon 10/24/2005

Cisalpino from Zurich
We flew into Zurich on September 3, 2005 and purchased a rail ticket to Venice with a connection in Milan. The Zurch-Milan portion of our trip was to be on the Cisalpino. When we were to leave Zurich we were told that the Cisalpino had mechanical problems and was replaced by other conventional equipment. Instead of a modern train we ended up on a coach that wasn't even air conditioned. In spite of assurances that we would still arrive in Milan on time, we arrived 45 minutes late: missing a connection for we paid extra for a reservation. The reason I see this as a ripoff is that we paid a supplement for the Cisalpino. What's worse, when I wrote to both Cisalpino and Swiss Railways stating that I should be refunded the supplement portion of my ticket, neither one saw fit to even respond. Take my advise: pay for a regular train and forget the Cisalpino. I have been checking the train status and note that cancellations occur regularly. The equipment is obviously not reliable.
Brian Huzel
Winnipeg, MB Canada Sun 10/23/2005

B&B Novecento in Florence scammed me!
These people charged my credit card for days i never stayed there 2 weeks after i left Italy without my consent or knowledge over $300. They took my card for the night I stayed and next thing I know there is a charge two weeks later. SCAMMERS and the place is way overpriced to begin with.
John
New York, NY USA Sun 10/16/2005

Re: Taxi
I found this past July when I was in Paris and London that taxi drivers now charge extra for your luggage. There was a set fee for me, the lone passenger, plus extra for my luggage, which included RS rolling suitcase, RS backpack and a purchased large suitcase for all the books/souvenirs bought (I'm a French teacher and brought back many school items). It was still cheaper than shipping the items home. Yes- next time confirm the price so there are no surprises - but this is not a scam on American tourists.
Debbie
Ontario Canada Sun 10/16/2005

Taxi in Paris
Having just returned from a fabulous 3 week tour of Ireland, UK, Italy, France and Spain, we only encountered one incident we label as a scam. Arriving in CDG in Paris late at night we took a cab to our hotel. Upon arrival the meter showed a fee of 9.50 E, but the driver asked for 14E. When we ponted out that the meter read differently, he argued that the extra was for our luggage. Instead of belaboring the point, I asked him to wait while I checked it out with hotel staff. He then wentr into the hotel and started jabbering with everyone he could about the luggage fee. The staff could no ( or would not) give us any info but did indicate that this was a normal fee. We paid the extra 5.50E but still feel that anyone taking a cab from the airport will have luggage and in our travels abroad and in the US have never been asked for a fee to transport luggage. Gave us a bad taste for a city notorious for scamming Americans. Next time will establish price up front as many here suggest.
Jackie
NC USA Sat 10/15/2005

they work in teams
frends of mine ( a couple and 6 year old son)visiting amsterdam were in a resturant. the father went to the mens room. a man came over and started showing the child porn pictures , distracting the mother. another person came and took their camera bag which had their passports. they spent the rest of the day getting new passports
vin
hamden, ct USA Fri 10/14/2005

Restaurant wine scam.
That wasn't a scam, far from it. You went to a restaurant thats selling point was it's use of local produce. I would expect this to include locally produced wine. A good restaurant owner will visit the vinyards personally and buy the wine. He/she will probably buy a cask if the wine is considered worthy ( bulk purchasing keeps the cost down ). The owner of the vinyard will include some labelled bottles ( so that he gets the publicity ). Back at the restaurant once the wine has settled and is ready to drink it is tapped straight from the cask or barrel into the bottles. In this instance no cork is required. You, as a customer, have asked for a bottle of local wine and that is exactly what you have received. All that is left to do is sit back and enjoy the wine - no scam has occured.
Al Bishop
Nottingham, UK Wed 10/12/2005

Rome menu switch
We went to a restaurant next to the Vatican. The guy waving us in should have been a clue, but we went in and ordered. The menu said service was included (in English). The food was high-priced, but wouldn't have been unreasonable for a good meal. This was the worst meal we had the whole time we were in Italy. We watched as table after table argued with the waiter, then an Italian lady, about their bill. Besides the food being overpriced, they switched the menus on us! The first menu they gave us said "Cover charge included". When we disputed the extra charge, they showed us a second menu that showed a 15% charge. We decided to just pay it. As we left, I found the first menu. We showed it to him and asked about it. He said the charge was for sitting inside instead of outside. I'd heard about many scams, but I wasn't prepared for that one. Be sure to look carefully at the menu before entering a restaurant.
Pam
Chicago, IL USA Mon 10/10/2005

restaurant wine scam?
On my first trip to Italy we went to Chianti and one of the first places we stayed was Greve in Chianti, a lovely area. One restaurant in the square is caled Giovanni da Verrazzano and their sign outside the door extolls (in Italian and English) what wonderful local produce they have, so we decided to have dinner there.

As part of dinner we ordered a bottle of wine and it showed up at our table, cork already removed! I looked around and most other customers were getting their wine the same way. At the time I was too surprised to react, mindful of Rick Steve's admonition that things may be different in other countries. But thru the rest of our time in Italy wine was always uncorked right at the table.

So I can't say I'm sure it was a scam, but it does seem pretty darn suspicious. Other travelers visiting restaurant Giovanni da Verrazzano in Greve might want to insist on an unopened bottle!
Mike
San Francisco, CA USA Mon 10/10/2005

Taxi scams in Rome!
Rome was great but BEWARE of taxi scam artists! The meter is normal until you get to your destination and then it magically increases! I arrived from Termini station got in a cab with my sister, hotel was 10 minute drive from the station and one minute before we arrived the meter read 6 euros. when the cab stopped it was 16 euros. I asked my sister about this and she thought it was a luggage fee (I had two bags with me). We were in denial I guess! lol But to make matters worse when I went to pay with 20 euro bill (its blue and white) the cabby tried to make me think that I gave him only a 5 euro bill (also blue and white but a bit smaller). At first I didn't know what he was trying to say, so after 5 minutes he finally gave up and gave me the correct change! What a scam artist!
Lena Matheou
Charlotte, NC USA Fri 10/07/2005

Train pickpocket
While boarding a train in Krakow a man helpfully lifted my rollaboard onto the train. When the train left the station I discovered that he had also unzipped my handbag, removed my wallet and rezipped the bag!
Ruth Russell
Orinda, CA USA Fri 10/07/2005

Paris Metro Short Change
Returned yesterday from 8 days in Paris. Was out 10th trip. Take usual precautions with money belt etc. Have never had a problem. Was not prepared to protect against Metro ticket sellers. Was short changed 7 Euros when purchasing a carnet. Seller counted on the fact that I was not familiar enough with coins to catch the error until too late because of the crowd pressure to move before counting. She got me. Pay with an amount near the actual cost and count change.
Tom
GA USA Fri 10/07/2005

show the money in Moscow
A similar con to several I see here was played on me in Moscow. One guy dropped a packet of money (US$ rolled up in a baggie), another guy picked it up and asked if it was mine. The first guy turned around and insisted that he had two packets of money, and wanted me to open my wallet to prove I didn't have the other one. Obviously a scam at this point. But up walks a guy with a badge who very gruffly demands an explanation. He asks to see all of our passports, and then wants to look in all of our wallets. I was perfectly aware he could have been in on the scam, but had no idea what kind of trouble I might get into by challenging a real Russian policeman. I still don't know, but feel certain it was a 3-man team. In any event, being broke made it all moot.
Jim
San Francisco, CA USA Thu 10/06/2005

High fines?
Regarding a previous poster's comments about fines for buying bogus goods, we saw signs to that effect in Florence. I think it's a little strange; if the undercover police can nab the buyers, surely they could nab the sellers. Maybe the sellers can't afford the 1000 euro fine...

We got careless in Florence, but dodged a bullet. While walking to the train station, I caught some movement out of the corner of my eye, near my wife's backpack. I stopped to look and found the backpack open and our camera in plain view. I apparently caught the young girl just as she opened it because nothing was missing. Still kicking myself; we were much more careful after that. Two other times I got the distinct impression that we were being sized up.

Rick's advice is to constantly be on guard, assume you're being stalked, and then relax and have fun. I know he's joking, but it does detract a bit from the experience. That being said, we had a great time seeing the sights, and would do it again. I just wouldn't exactly consider it a relaxing experience.
Steve
Lake in the Hills, IL USA Wed 10/05/2005

:( dancing card rip- offs
Another reason this graffiti wall is so helpful! I bought my little "Anime" paper figure (5 euro)in Rome...I couldn't be fooled by the roses or street vendors of fake guccis but alas I now know to stop trying to figure out how to get my little dude to dance to entertain my class for a treat! It's not much money but because they are so cheap, portable and child- friendly someone might be tempted to buy at least several as "cheap" (hah!) presents for kids as the last poster warned. I watched the vendors pack up their stuff in seconds when they saw a police car and then the second the police left they just set up again. It was sad- several were in the seats behind us on the train and they got kicked off for not having a ticket...
USA Tue 10/04/2005

Venice, High Fines new laws and scam
I have a warning for those of you that enjoy shopping.

If you are planning on going to Venice to do a bit a shopping, DO NOT purchase any false products from African men off of the streets. They are selling knockoff handbags, sunglasses, belts etc for 20Euro and up, however, it is now ILLEGAL to buy them and you will be fined up to 10,000 Euros if caught. There are pamphlets being passed out and can be found in hotels now however if you stay in a rental you may not see this information.

Some of my clients just got fined 1,000 Euros and are trying to fight it. Just because they "didn't know", doesn't mean they won't have to pay. Its a serious situation here now and I spent all day with them in the police dept. last week. We actually warned them when they arrived but I guess they just couldn't resist a lovely Gucci wallet for 25 Euros. Police are even disguising themselves as tourists so watch out.

Another scam are the dancing Mickey and Minney mouse cards that seem to dance beside radios. If you've been here you know all about these.

These are fakes and are tied to a string, (have a close look). You won't be fined, but your children will be disappointed when you get them home to see they don't dance.

Venice is a wonderful city and there are lots to do and see and enjoy but even the best of cities have their little problems too.

Have a wonderful and safe vacation.

Denise Marie
Denise <email>
Venice, Italy Tue 10/04/2005

SPAIN PETITION/PALM READING
I don't know about in other countries, but in Spain, people will spot you as an outsider and come up to you with a clipboard, asking you to sign their "petition". As they explain it to you, either they or an accomplice will pickpocket you. Also, especially in Southern Spain outside sites such as the Alhambra, Spanish gypsies will come to you with a "gift", a sort of natural "magic" leaf. They will try to give it to you and "read your palm fortune" while pickpocketing you. The best defense is to ignore both and keep walking. Don't be afraid of hurting their feelings, they're trying to steal from you. Never sign their petitions. I've always walked right past them and have never been pickpocketed. Also, wear a moneybelt and you'll never get pickpocketed!
Jordan
Oklahoma CIty, OK USA Sat 10/01/2005

Paris
Right at the base of the Eiffel Tower there are hordes of people trying to sell things. One man came up to me with a basket of roses and attempted to "give" me one. He forced it into my hand and I dropped it. He didn't miss a beat. He picked it back up and waved it in my face. I kept saying "Non merci" but he persisted. Finally my husband and I walked away. We knew darn well that rose wasn't free.
Shelly
Frederick, MD USA Fri 09/30/2005

Carrying Money
I'm staying at a B&B in Palermo. My "landlord" suggested that I leave my passport in my room and carry only about 20 Eu. He thought my money belt would be safe enough for the passport. I left my wallet in my room (empty), crammed a couple of bills into my coin purse, and carry that in a small back-saver bag. I think I am probably being short-changed a little at the fruit market (for some strange reason everything costs exactly one euro, no matter the weight). I'm not going to quibble as long as only a small amount of money is involved.
Swan
USA Fri 09/30/2005

Why do so many people carry wallets?
Carrying a wallet with you is so convenient for the thieves! I can't understand why a traveler would carry one. I only carry a small amount of cash in my front pockets. Everything else (incl passports, etc.) goes in a light money belt INSIDE of my underwear. If anybody approaches you in the street, assume they are con artists. To be safe, smile, say something incoherent that sounds polite, but never slow down or stop. By stopping you increase their confidence.
Rufo <email>
L.A., CA USA Wed 09/28/2005

In the thick of it Dublin/Rome
I was in the thick of it this Aug/Sept with the crowds and the heat. Dublin airport was so busy, you couldn't sit.Stayed 4 days in Dublin, visited all the tourists spots, flew to Rome, went by train to termini sta. caught another train to Foggia, came back to Rome for two days, one of those in torrential rain. Heavy tourists traffic rain or shine. I took the buses around , taxis, I even went in a gypsy cab down Via Nationale. I was in the galleria mall, used the ATM's. Ate at the tourists trap in Campo di Fiori. No incidents whatsoever. None. It was a joyful rollercoaster ride all the way. Flew back to Dublin and left the next day for home.
Marie
Verona, NJ USA Wed 09/28/2005

London Taxis
I travel to London quite frequently and rarely use anything but the tube; however 1:45 a.m. Christmas morning 2004 found me in search of a cab with my infirmed mother outside of Westminster Abbey. We tried in vain for over an hour to get a cab, but they where either full, off-duty or not willing to go all the way to Canary Wharf. Finally an off-duty cab took pity on us and altho' he was going home in the opposite direction, and his wife had dinner waiting, he took us all the way to Canary Wharf, even helping me with my mother, and then tried to refuse the tip I gave him for being so kind! He said it was the spirit of the season, altho' as a member of the Hindu faith he celebrated Dilwali...(I forced it on him anyway, lol...)The drivers of London's "Black" cabs are gems as far as I am concerned...
Traci Carraway <email>
Baltimore, MD USA Tue 09/27/2005

ziplock baggie
Thank you Wendy. I've been to Paris three times and haven't had any mishaps yet with the ziplock bag, but that's a very good suggestion.

Safe travels!
Kim J. <email>
Huntington Beach, CA USA Tue 09/27/2005

Prague Help
The easiest way to make sure you get a reasonable taxi rate from the airport to Prague central is to phone your hotel before you leave for Prague and ask them to send a taxi for you. Give them your flight details and they will have a driver with your name on a board waiting in the arrival hall. All the hotels have a fixed rate contract with reputable firms. You should expect to pay arround CZK900.00 from the airport to Praha 1
Al Bishop
Nottingham, UK Tue 09/27/2005

Barcelona caution/ Need Prague help
The only scam I have encountered occurred in Barcelona in Las Ramblas (Placa Reial) outside of Hotel Kabul. We had to leave very early in the morning to catch our flight back to london. Right outside our hostel door, a group of men approached me and my female companion and asked in French if we had a "light" for a ciggie. I had a bad feeling and said "NO" firmly but my more trusting friend stopped to say no more politely. He lunged for her purse around her neck and after a fairly violent struggle, he removed it! The police (just outside of the plaza in Las Ramblas) were very kind but there was nothing they could do. Be careful leaving in the early hrs, esp. off the main streets! Also, I am leaving to Prague shortly and am wondering if anyone has suggestions/cautions. I have been reading about the notorious cabs. The only cab we will need to take is on our arrival from the airport to the hotel. Other than that, we will use local transit. Thank you!
Jeni Lee
Fairbanks, Alaska USA Tue 09/27/2005

Re: Getting in There
Pinning a baggy full of money to your underwear sounds like a disaster waiting to happen. You really need one of those under-the-clothing pouches you find at good travel stores.
Wendy
Miami, FL USA Mon 09/26/2005

Noooobody is getting in there!
A ziplock baggie of euros and credit cards pinned on the inside of my underwear (front right hip). I hardly feel it and I know my money is safe, safe, safe! I keep the small bills and coins in my purse.
Kim J. <email>
Huntington Beach, CA USA Mon 09/26/2005

ATM/GAS AUTOMATE
I'd like to share some tips to limit the risk of being robbed while traveling to France. France is a nice and beautiful country and but you know that thieves have a highly developped instinct to hunt for "customers" so called "pigeons" in French.

1- Rental cars are likely to be identified by the renter tag near the windscreen. Also the license plates often ends with 60 or 51 because the main office gets the cars from the same area. So don't leave any valuable in your car and don't put in the trunk: there are always people watching.

2- When using an ATM, make sure that there is nobody close to you: go to another machine if you feel upset by people next to you.

3- Assuming you have a PIN code for cash withdrawal, ATMs normally DON'T RETAIN YOUR CARD unless you enter 3 times a incorrect PIN. If it does not return your card, you may be facing a trick called "Collet marseillais". A dummy card reader window covers the actual one and is equipped with a metal clip that prevents the card to enter the ATM. A "samaritain" may tell you that you have to wait till monday for banks to open and tell your story. You MUST call the VISA/MASTERCARD emergency number right away. Do not type in you PIN especially if you are requested to do so. Check out the reader's slot to see if it looks normal and can't be removed.

4- A new and more sofisticated way to get to card info is to use two new devices: A skimmer sitting in place of the "Collet marseillais" that reads your data and a pin-hole camera associated with a wireless transmitter that records your PIN while entering the code. ALWAYS put your hand over the keypad while entering the code. Watch also for accessories over the keypad where camera can be hidden.

5- Your credit or debit card doesn't "chip-on" and may not request a PIN for payments in store. Fraud is easier with this type of card.

6- Keep all your receipts, you will need in case of problem.

7- Often fly to the States and never had any problem with my credit card. People take your credit card away and come back with both card and receipt. DON'T let them do this way in France. Always keep an eye on it: Firmely ask for the card reader to come to the card and not the other way around.

I try to comply with my own advice especially with ATM. Hope that will be of some help for you.
PERANI <email>
LAMANON, FRANCE Fri 09/23/2005

London Taxis
I want to stick up for the Heathrow Taxi drivers. I agree that what happened to Nikki certainly seems like a scam at first glance. The problem is that Heathrow airport charges the black cab drivers a massive surcharge to queue for hire at the airport. Basically the taxi driver at Heathrow has to charge you at least GBP50.00 before you move an inch in order to break even. It's wrong - it's very very wrong, but don't blame the taxi driver, blame the shysters who operate Heathrow. On the other hand if you honestly feel you have been ripped-off by a black cab take the taxi driver's number ( it's not only on the documentation he/she has to wear around his/her neck it's also very prominent in the back passenger section of the cab ) and phone your complaint through to the regulation authorities ( your hotel will give you full details, but these also, by law, must be displayed in the passenger section of the cab ). Black cabs have got me out of a lot of sticky situations when I've been delayed flying into Heathrow and am running late for a meeting. It sometimes may seem that they go a long way around to get to a destination but often this is because they know that on the direct route there has been an accident or there is a congestion tailback that will delay the journey and increase the cost. London is like that.

One final thing. Paradoxically black cabs can be any colour - black, brown, maroon, blue, silver or any multicoloured combination or covered in advertising. Nothing is ever as straightforward as you would expect at Heathrow.
Al Bishop
Nottingham, UK Fri 09/23/2005

never billed for tapas in Madrid
We spent 10 days in/around Madrid in early March 2004 and never got billed for the tapas we were given. Of course, we were mostly in small neighborhood bars/restaurants. Only once were we billed for tapas and that was in a good restaurant where we ordered a full meal with wine, etc. loved Madrid!
M Ungrodt <email>
North Pole, AK USA Thu 09/22/2005

More on blending in
Yes, your're so right. Last summer I felt very out of place walking around with a baseball cap. However,other then that I thought I blended in pretty well. In addtion, I very rarely saw other Americans in the places I traveled. Paris was the only exception.
Wa USA Thu 09/22/2005

Hotel scam
We recently spent almost six weeks in Europe, traveling in Austria, Greece, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. The only place we had a compalint was in Rome. We had booked a room through cross-pollinate.com recommended by the beehive. This was at the Ricasoli Guesthouse. We were required to make a credit card deposit. When we arrived there was no one there and no answer at the contact number. Our credit card was billed for one night and we had to pay for an emergency room elsewhere!
Richard Nelson <email>
Port Orchard, WA USA Tue 09/20/2005

Hotel Pricing
True to an extent? No true all the way. I actually saw it with my own eyes. Of course if you get a discount they may put you in the worse room but if you're at a decent hotel no room is really that worse. And if you find that you would rather spend twice as much for a the good room then after they give you the worse room tell them you want to upgrade. This posting was just a tip to get the lowest possible hotel rate not how to avoid getting the worse room. How do you get the lowest price? Always ask if they have any packages or rate for your length (or potential length) of stay.
Willian
Chicago, IL USA Mon 09/19/2005

London Taxis
My friend and I took an official black cab in London from Heathrow. The driver charged 105 Pounds to get us to our hotel. We were too exhausted out to argue. Our return trip was 38 Pounds, our hotel booked it for us. ALWAYS ask the person directing taxis at the airport approximately how much it should cost to get to your hotel. Then ask your driver for a flat, not metered, rate. Ours got stuck in traffic then drove all around the city. We were new at this and exhausted. We only used buses and the tube when we didn't have our luggage. It's easy to figure out how to get London public transportation. Other than this one incident, our trip went very well.
Nikki
CO USA Sun 09/18/2005

Hotel Pricing?
The previous comment is true to an extent. However, it is often the case that those who get the dicounts also get the poorer rooms as well. Nothing worong with that, of course.
New York City, USA Sun 09/18/2005

Hotel Pricing Scam
This is not a scam as you think a scam is but it is in my opinion: You go to a hotel and ask the rate. They give you a rate and you stay. But what you don't know is the hotel has package and special rates that can be significantly less than what you are paying. You should always ask if there are any packages or special rates. For example there's a hotel that gives a price of $120.00 per night if you just walk in. However if you ask for the two day special the rate is $55.00 dollars per night. I happened to over hear the hotel give the $120 rate to one customer. Later I was riding in the elevator with him and I said "You know the hotel has a rate that is less than half the amount you are paying". He said "I wonder why they didn't give me that rate". Well, you didn't ask!
William
Chicago, IL USA Sat 09/17/2005

More on blending in
I noticed on a month- long trip to Italy this past summer that when we were in really out- of- the- way places (the only Americans)and as the previous poster said, blended in with our clothing and not waving maps around, we never had problems. We were surrounded by other Italians (mostly) on vacation, too. The several times when I was approached by a beggar or rose pushing huckster- type were at big tourist attractions. So maybe it's another reason to consider exploring lesser- known ETBD areas of a country after seeing the big sights/site...
USA Sat 09/17/2005

Travel Scam Artists along the road.
Love this subject. Once of the easiest ways to avoid attention of the scam artists is don't dress like a tourist! Brand new his and hers is a dead give-a-way. Safari Clothes are pretty much cliche. Waste belts are definitely a come on. BE NATURAL. BE CONFIDENT. Like any thief, they prey on the vulnerable and obvious. Just be YOU. It works!
TRAVELSAPIEN <email>
Vancouver, BC Canada Sat 09/17/2005

London Cabs
Some of the "Black" cabs in London now are covered with multi-color advertisements. They may not look like the traditional black cabs but they are. Look for the shape of the vehicle.
Andy Perry
Louisville, KY USA Fri 09/16/2005

London
I didn't mean to imply that London is dangerous- just that the minicab issue can be a problem! Overall, I found the city to have a pretty safe feel about it, more so than NYC for example. Additionally, Londoners proved to be some of the most friendly and helpful people I've met anywhere- I actually had an older gentleman walk me all the way to the Tate on his lunchbreak because he saw me searching for it on a map and didn't want me to get lost- I was so moved. Additionally, the black cab drivers I used wouldn't let me out of the cab anywhere but in front of my hostel door, because they didn't want me in King's Cross alone after dark, which they described as a bit 'dodgy'. It felt more like my Dad was giving me a lift! Ciao!
Hallie
USA Fri 09/16/2005

London cabs
Hallie, you are right about the posters that are now on display, but the assualt numbers, although terrible & disgusting, are really quite rare. The biggest risk is being charged a silly amount of money for a short journey! Recent moves to regulate the industry had led to licencing & badging of both Black cabs & Minicabs - whereby drivers have insurance & their criminal records kept. The police are very active in central London now & are making life difficult for the rogue cabs. I have heard of New arrivals getting stung for £200 for the journey from Heathrow in to Central London - when a black cab would cost approx £45-55, a licenced Mini cab £25-35.

You wouldnt take a lift from a man in NYC that you didnt know, then just apply the same common sense to LOndon & you will be OK!

Its not that bad here! Honestly
Moira
London, UK Fri 09/16/2005

London Taxis
About those black cabs in Britain- try to use nothing but these when you need a taxi. Licensed minicabs are one thing, but unlicensed ones, found cruising for patrons throughout London, can be dangerous. When I was in the capital on vacation this year, I saw posters in women's restrooms all over the city, warning against taking them due to a large number of rapes committed by drivers. These posters were not even targeting tourists, but locals, meaning that even an experienced Londoner is at risk, so imagine the increase in danger to someone unfamiliar with the city.
Hallie
USA Thu 09/15/2005

Money belts
I was at a local CAA (Canadian for AAA) office yesterday and saw some money or documents belts that attaches on the leg and below the knee and be hidden by pants.

These should be great for a money reserve or to put documents not needed during a day trip.
Andre Moreau
Québec Thu 09/15/2005

Money Belt
I just got back from Spain. We went to Madrid, Toledo, Nerja, and Granada. Did not have many problems with scams or thieves. In general, the people were very nice and honest. But traveler beware! The only incident was a girl attempted to pick my front pants pocket. I felt her hand and firmly said "Hey!!" She acted innocent and darted off the metro before I could do anything else. I am glad I was using my money belt!!!

My wife and I are very cautious and we both religiously use our money belts (a must for travelers). Although it does get a little awkward when you have to access it - we run interference for each other to block the view of others.
Wadum
Dallas, TX USA Wed 09/14/2005

Scams in Brussels, Belgium
I had just arrived in Brussels and was walking around the area around the hostel when an old man (40-50's) approached me holding a map. He asked if I spoke English. I responded, "yes". He said he was an Italian man on business and was looking for "Sofitel". Of course, I had no idea where anything was, having just arrived. He said "Sofitel" was a money exchange place. When I heard the word "money", I knew something was up. He tried to coax me to a side of a building, presumably so that he can hold the map against it. I started to back away while saying that I had no idea where "Sofitel" was. From behind, two younger guys (20-30's) in plain clothes came up and quickly flashed badges. They said they were "passport control". I just started yelling "No way!" and quickly left. They seemed stunned.

When I returned to the hostel, I told one of my roomates what had happened, just to warn him about the area. He said the same exact thing happened to him at the train station. However, he wasn't so lucky. He lost 100 euros. Everything happened the same with him except when the two guys approached for the passport, the "Italian" man handed over the passport, as if it was normal. The two guys checked his passport and told him to leave. Next, they asked my roomate to hand over his passport. He did so and they returned it, but they had seen his moneybelt when he pulled out the passport. They told him that they were also looking for drugs and conterfeit money. They grabbed for the contents of his moneybelt. They counted up the money and returned it to him. It wasn't until my roomate got to the hostel to pay for the room that he realized that 100 euros was missing.

-----

The very next day, I was looking at a map when a man literally pulled over in his car, got out, and asked if he could help me. When I said I didn't need any help, he asked me where I was from and started to walk towards me, the whole while his car was double parked in the street. I suppose people can be friendly and helpful to tourists, but it was a bit much. I quickly got out of there.

-----

I chalked both these experiences to big city crime. In the US, we don't deal much with petty theft. You're more likely to get shot than being scammed. (That's a joke ;)
Vinh <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Sat 09/10/2005

Have Some Fun with Pick Pockets
Before I travel to Europe, I buy a few cheap wallets at garage sales. I then make a few copies of an easily understood, single finger hand signal, & put one into each wallet. With all of my valuables in a neck pocket, I put the fun wallet in an easy to get at back pocket, & head out for the day. I've had two of them stolen, & would have loved to been around when they were opened!!!
Steve
Grand Rapids, MI USA Fri 09/09/2005

France - Count your bills and your change
In France, count your change while still with a vendor, and always, always check restaurant, etc. bills. We were repeatedly overcharged (at least it was attempted), and a few times, vendors tried to give us back incorrect change (sometimes more than once). Best bet: try to give exact change whenever possible.
Becky McIntyre <email>
san jose, ca USA Wed 09/07/2005

Taxis
Taxis.

In London, Use only Black cabs wherever possible. Dont use unlicenced cabs at any time - they are likely uninsured & may not have fdroveres licences. A local MIni cabd firm can be a good alternative, but book over the 'phone & confirm the cost when you book - they will expect this anyway. NEVER use any unlicenced cabs around stations & Airports - they make a living from ripping you off.

Europe - same rules apply, but ensure that meters a re switched on when you depart & avoid any call for surcharge etc, even of they show you a piee of official looking card or similar.Naples is appalling for this scam. Stay calm, refuse to pay any amount in excess of the meter.
`Zoltan
UK Tue 09/06/2005

Madrid Tapas Scam
Don't accept tapas from the restaurant staff unless you specifically order them.....As pointed out in Rick's Tour book of Spain, bartenders will keep "giving" you Tapas....followed by a huge bill.
Leo Schieffelin <email>
Saratoga Springs, NY USA Mon 09/05/2005

Latest Scams in Spain
You can't walk around Madrid at night without being hassled by scam artists and junkies.

Look out for alleged police officers checking for "counterfeit currency" and people "looking for directions."
Leo <email>
Saratoga Springs, NY USA Mon 09/05/2005

Latest Scams in SPAIN??
What's the lastest "Scams" in Spain? Particularly Madrid and Sevilla?
Michelle
Anaheim, CA USA Mon 09/05/2005

Credit card number stolen
I returned from a trip to France and Amsterdam on July 20th. I used my credit card to buy goods, food, etc. and kept all my receipts. Before I left I notified my credit card companies of the dates I would be in Europe.

Just yesterday, 6 weeks after my return, I received a call from my bank card company that someone was in France charging on my account. They were using an actual card.

I still had my card and I wasn't charging anything in France. The card representative said my number was probably sold and a new card was made. They of course closed my account and will reissue a new card. Luckily, I wasn't responsible for any charges. I highly recommend notifying all credit and debit card companies of your travel plans.
Lesley Sullivan
Seattle, WA USA Sat 09/03/2005

Nothing is for Free.
Nothing is for free. Our group hiked up volcano Vesuvio. An edlerly couple was handing out walking sticks. When we got back down. There was a box of coins that was not there before. And they wanted coins. In Milan, a couple of men gave me a handful of bird food to feed the pigeons. They asked to hold my camera to take my picture. I didn't give him the camera. Then they kept insisting for money. A man tried to give me a subway ticket for free probably hoping for me to buy it. I refused guessing that it was used and void. The simple rule is: mothing is for free.
Sunny
Austin, Tx USA Sat 09/03/2005

E-mail scam alert
Attention: I have been getting e-mail from a "Temitope Bada", asking for monetary assistance for upcoming travel expenses. I've reported this to the graffiti webmaster. This board is for advice, travel companions etc...not to ask for donations. It's one thing to share certain expenses like rooms, trains and such, but another to ask for $1400! Beware, it's a scam and this person's very persistant. Bill
Bill
USA Fri 09/02/2005

Scams
I just recently returned from a trip to Italy and Germany and the only places that I saw any scamming going on was in Italy. In Milan there were the "bracelet" people, who tried really hard to put so called "free" bracelets on you. But once they're on they want money. In Venice we were hunted down by several of the "rose" people. However, I found that a firm "No Thank You" put them in their place and they left us alone.
USA Thu 09/01/2005

Dangerous Activity
Friends told me that Switzerland is the only country to offer Canyoning due to the dangers. People have died doing this as reported on the news. But I figure once in my life. After having completed 3 hours of Canyoning, I can say that it is dangerous. Greatly magnified due to poor safety instruction. While we drove to the site, one of the instructors asked about our background experience. He called us "stupid tourists". We all just sat there quietly. I have been an Tae Kwon Do instructor, physics teacher, and restaurant manager for 10 years. There was no safety instructions given. They mainly told us what to put on, when and where to go, and how to operate the equipment. Only after someone slipped and landed on his head, did they mention how to identify the slippery parts. I couldn't hear some of the instruction, since they talked too softly and told us only once with the instructor sitting on the ground in a noisey waterfall environment. The instructor was huddled around and students couldn't see him. One of the students slid the wrong way and nearly landed on a pill of rocks (probably did). I have repeled several times before. But with the passive system, he just kept lowering me while I slide over all parts of my body down the cliff. At the bottom, I had a hard time unhooking since he was pulling too hard. He screamed "BIG STEP, BIG STEP, LISTEN, BIG STEP, LISTEN, BIG STEP". He did not tell me where to step, I had to use trial and error. I believe that with these dangers Canyoning may cost more than money, but someones life. Canyoning should be outlawed.
Sunny
Austin, Texas USA Mon 08/29/2005

Chill out and play it smart
As long as you take the normal precautions you would in an American city, you should be fine. And remember, if anyone insists they are a police officer (they may even have a badge) and demand to see your passport or money for some reason, just tell them you'd be more than happy to show it to them- inside of the nearest police station. Of course, they aren't going to continue their scam in there, so when they refuse, smile and walk away. Most European policeman are quite friendly and helpful; the Dutch police in particular are very kind.
Hallie
USA Sat 08/27/2005

Roses, too!
We've recently returned from a month in Italy and the ONLY negative experience ever encountered was the rose guy at the foot of the Spanish Steps- as my daughter and I came towards the bottom, this guy came forward smiling with an arm- full of red roses as we were starting to take a photo, so she took it, and then he started to get really agitated and pushy like we should pay him to take the photo. So I tried to give the rose back and then he wouldn't take it, and he kept following us for a few minutes, angrily. I had been reading postings about gypsies and all kinds of shady possibilities at major tourist hangouts so I think the flowers are "disarming" because it's so incongruous to think of flowers as a scam...
Sara
USA Fri 08/26/2005

Rose Scam in Rome
Beware of people selling roses on the streets in Rome. They would approach a couple and either place a rose in a woman's folded arms or outstreached hand, or they would act as if they were offering the rose for free to entice the woman to take the rose. Then they would relentlessly demand payment from the man despite the woman trying to give the rose back. The most effective action I witnessed was a woman just letting the rose fall to the ground and walking away. There are also similar scams with other trinkets - you might try the same approach. I found saying no while waving my hand and averting my eyes inspired them to just leave me alone - that method worked for the beggers too.
A.K.
USA Fri 08/26/2005

Scams for the Single Traveler?
I am going to Europe for the first time, and I am traveling alone. I'm a seasoned traveler as far as the US and the UK are concerned, but Europe is undiscovered country for me. I've been reading about the scams attempted on tourists, but the majority of them seem directed at large groups or couples. Are there scams I ought to watch out for specifically as a young, single, female traveler? This is an incredibly useful resource, thanks for all the tips!
A.H.
CA USA Wed 08/24/2005

ATM Withdrawals
Great email from Deborah, glad you wrote in about the Venice car park. Those con men are very agressive. Anyway one other item. My wife kept a running record of our ATM withdrawals from all the different cities we were in in Italy. We just got our bank statement and found duplicate entries. Probably honest mistakes but we contacted the bank and they said they would reimburse us for extras withdrawals. Also our ATM card from our bank has a VISA logo on it. Because of that our withdrawals went through VISA and not directly from our bank. We were charged a 1% foreign transaction fees through VISA. Our ATM card should have been issued directly by the bank and not gone through VISA to avoid the transaction fees. We thought we had the ATM issue straight before we left so we will know better for next year.
Jerry and Linda Skaggs <email>
Brentwood, Ca 94513, Ca USA Wed 08/24/2005

Safety in Europe: scams, thieves, etc.
I just returned from a 2 month trip to Europe which covered France, Italy, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. On the whole, it was a great trip, and our worst casualty was a twisted ankle. We visited Chartres, Bayeux, Les Eyzies, Beynac, Le Baux de Provence, Cassis, Antibes, Ravenna, Venice, Verona, Asiago, Varenna, Zermatt, Gimmelwald, Bern, Leiden, and Paris (whew!) with no serious problems.None of the below scams ruined our enjoyment, but I thought others might benefit from our experience. Here are some of the scams, etc. we encountered:

Paris - 1) band of 5 thieves forming a "toll gate" in the tunnel connecting Line 1 to Line 8 in the Place de la Concorde station. We (family of 3) pushed past them, and one pursued us, running up to my husband who was wearing a camera bag. I shouted, "Stop thief!", and he backed off (although he continued to make little runs in our direction, scaring my daughter). 2) At the park below Sacre Coeur, we encountered the same "toll gate" tactic from the bracelet hawkers. Their scam was to let the men through, then blockade women and children. I had to push an especially persistant one away from my 13-year-old my daughter - he asked me if I was crazy (in perfect English); I said, "Yes!" I don't suggest that anyone else try this, by the way. It seems impossible to bypass these scammers when coming from the Metro since they were also blockading the route to the funicular. Taking a taxi would avoid them.

Antibes, France - area around the post office is very seedy, with several grubby guys hanging out near the Post ATM. I don't recommend using this ATM.

Italy - 1) We encountered three hotels and one apartment which advertised air conditioning, but in which the actual units only produced hot air. In the hotels, queries about "frigo" air only resulted in shrugs or getting an extra fan for the room. In the Venice apartment, the propietor just shrugged, but we rebooted his A/C unit after he left and discovered that he had disabled the compressor. The result: wonderful A/C in Venice :) Watch out for Hotel Armando in Verona, Hotel Minerva in Ravenna, and the Villa Cipressi Hotel in Varenna (the last wasn't advertising A/C, but had a broken unit in a junior suite where it was too hot to sleep). 2) We encountered the "Tourist Info" guides at the Venice Pl. Roma car park who were leading folks away from the Vaporetto stop. They were abusive when we proceeded away from their taxi location. 3) The ATM outside the Post Office at the Pl. Roma Vaporetto stop withdrew money from my mother's bank account without giving her the money. A person at the post office checked their records and claimed that no money was withdrawn, but the machine gave a receipt for the withdrawal and a check of her U.S. account showed the withdrawal. My parents are taking action to restore the funds, but it is difficult after the fact.

Switzerland - Bern's train station is full of addicts (publically smoking crack, etc.) shortly after dark. We also encountered gangs of drunks, one of which physically hurled himself against a moving tram. Just lovely!
Deborah Padgett
Pasadena, CA USA Wed 08/24/2005

Pickpockets and thieves
Keep you back to a wall whenever possible. With your bag directly held in your front. Watch for thieves in pairs. There will be one to distract, the other to steal. On trains/buses, be either the furthest away from the door, or the closest. Again, keep your back to the wall. Even with your bag secure in your shoulder, watch for the razor blade thief who cuts the bag open from underneath. They will also cut your pockets without you knowing. All in all: KEEP YOUR WITS ABOUT YOU. You don't have to be paranoid, but be aware of everything around you. Watch your partner's back, make them watch yours. You both will be secure that way. Have everyone in your party look out for each other, especially in crowded areas. Try to have only one person with a bag/backpack (trade off carrying duties)...that way you can all concentrate on keeping it safe.
Paolo
San Diego, CA USA Tue 08/23/2005

ATM Scam in London
On the first day in London in August, we used our ATM card to withdraw 50 pounds from an ATM on a very busy street (Oxford Street). When we were finished, no money came out - instead we had a receipt that read "Transfer to Mobile Top-Up." Apparently, in England you can use your ATM to transfer funds to your mobile phone account. The bank and Metro Police told us that people hack into the ATMs and then transfer your transactions to their mobile phone account. The British police were very unhelpful, but we managed to get our ATM card cancelled after 2 hours and only lost the 50 pounds. My advice - only use ATMs within a bank - not on the street.
Marty Bach <email>
Cleveland, OH USA Sun 08/21/2005

Venice Car Park
Venice. Watch out at the Tranchetto Car Park, the main multistoried garage, when arriving in Venice by car. In this case our tour guide (new) and all of us were led to a parking place by what appeared to be a "parking attendants". By all appearances, they worked for the garage. They cleverly led us to parking spots, guided us in and then guided us right out of the garage, towing all our luggage, in the opposite direction of the real vaporetto stop. On the path they directed us to take we did not see any of the signs that are clearly marked "vaporetto", with arrows pointing in the right direction. Anyway by the time we figured it out we were well away from the garage, and on the way to a private water taxi and our tour guide proceeded to get into a heated arguement with the con men that got pretty ugly. Finally we just marched off back to the parking garage and found the vaporetto stop, which is right where you would expect it to be, at the very end of the garage on the canal. Next, while buying vaporetto tickets, two other guys in uniforms came up to the tour guide and said that he had parked in the wrong location, and was in an unsecured portion of the garage and that he needed to move our cars to a location that was more secure. Wrong. On the way to the cars the uniformed con men asked for $40.00 euros per car to move the cars to an different area of the same garage. I know these scams are mentioned in the Rick Steves Italy 2005 guide however I want to make you aware at just how clever these guys are. They have fake badges, uniforms, carry two way radios and are very clever, and very smooth, at manipulating tourists.
Jerry and Linda Skaggs <email>
Brentwood, Ca USA Sat 08/20/2005

Good advice on Venice
This is not an advertisement for a good place to stay in Venice, so much as it is a perhaps a good guideline to help you enjoy your stay. But I have found that by staying in the small inns that have a more personal approach, you will be made more aware of where to go and not to go in order not to scamed to death. My stay with my wife was at the Ca´dei Doge, a small six room in behind a restaurant near the Piazzo San Marco. The owner, from Milan, and his wife, from Japan, lectured us in about twenty tourist scams that went on, and by following them, help us to avoid having any bad instances. They also spent some of their time introducing us around the neighbourhood which made for our stay to be a more personal one. They told us where to go and where to avoid, even if it was a place that we wanted to go. We are older and can´t put off as many hucksters as when we were younger, but as a result of their guidance, came away with a very happy memory of Venice---and saved a bank full of money. Small places have the time for you where the big hotels only want to fill the rooms. Thank You so much for a great trip.
Peter and Marnie Winstock
Buffalo, NY USA Thu 08/18/2005

Passport Rules
In Spain, if you are travelling here, a certified copy of your passport, (either at the consulat/embassy, or at the Guardia Civil/Police National precinct), will run you about 13-15 euros and is completely admissable all throughout Spain in leu of the original. The copy must be signed by the officer in a police precinct where the copy was made to be valid, but once done, is usable in hotels, car rental agencies and stores. If you get any grief, just claim the original was lost or stolen and have them contact the relative authority that certified your copy. I have been here for 8 years and this has not failed me yet. Good luck.
Mike
Madrid, Spain Thu 08/18/2005

Loose Bags
To Kate and Others --- We have had a long practice that serves us well. Anytime we sit down, anywhere, with a loose bag, we immediately hook the bag or bags to a table, bench, chair leg -- anything-- with a light weight cable lock. It will be there when you leave.
Frank P. <email>
Centennial, CO USA Thu 08/18/2005

Just got back from Europe backpacking England, France, Benelux and Germany with my father. We used the metro in London, Berlin and Paris without any problems. However, close by Obelisk I felt someone swipe by my short pocket(as if to see if there was anything there). Luckily, I was wearing a moneybelt, so the thief didn't get away with anything. By the Eiffel tower a beggar asked if I spoke English and held up a card. I responded with a firm "Nein" and she left
WA USA Tue 08/16/2005

Paris & Metro
I was recently in Paris, Venice, Florence and Rome. My wife and I were at the Louvre and when we tried to get metro passes back to our hotel, the machine wasn't working. There was a lady who kept insisting she would sell me a ticket for the metro. Luckily, my visual memory is like a camera. The ticket was fake.

Just let you all know.
artdezine
los angeles, ca USA Mon 08/15/2005

Credit Cards
This past June I was in London. A female friend bought a shirt at one of the stores around Piccidily. At the end of the transaction the vendor was not going to give her back her credit card. I was outside and not aware of what was going on. I looked in and saw that something was not right. I entered the store and asked "Whats up" while glaring at the vendor. He returned the card.
Steve A
Canon CITY, CO USA Fri 08/12/2005

Friday the 13th
Friday the 13th in Rome. While my husband and I were eating breakfast in the hotel, a woman stopped by our table and asked if the coffee was only for guests or if she could buy a cup ... when we got up to leave 15 minutes later, my shoulderbag had disappeared. (It had been on the floor between my husband and me.) Always, always, always be vigilant. You don't have to be on the street or in the metro to loose your belongings. (The hotel employees had seen the woman, and had assumed that she was a guest.) We still love Rome, though ... but next time we'll be smarter!
Kate
USA Fri 08/12/2005

Rome Metro Pickpockets
We have lived in Napes, Italy for 1 1/ years so we thought we were pretty saavy about the scams in Rome. We were wrong! This weekend, we visited Rome with my wife's sister and her three kids. Add our two kids and you havean ideal target for pickpockets. The kids are all young and we were loaded down with strollers and backpacks. As we boarded the jammed Metro car at Republicca, three young men jostled their way on board. I was distracted with getting all of the kids safely on the train. Unbeknownst to me they lifted my wallet out of a velcro'd front pocket on my shorts. My advice is to wait to board crowded Metro cars if traveling with childen. If a train is packed, wait for the next one or better yet, wait until after rush hour.
DA Schnell
Naples, Italy Wed 08/10/2005

Iberia Airlines of Spain
Iberia Airlines of Spain may request purchasers of their cybertickets (e-ticket) to present credit card to receive boarding card. British Air, Ryan, Air France and Continental do not require credit card to be presented. Spanish and EU Regulations do not require credit card to be presented.
Paul Richter
Union Township, NJ USA Wed 08/10/2005

Life
These posted tips people could use everyday not just traveling.

Do not leave anything of value unattended or in open sight in a vehicle.

That is never a guarantee it will not be taken any way but why advertise.

I read stories everyday in my local paper of 100's of Music CD's, purses and other items of value taken from cars in X area, what are these people thinking?

Most cars left unlocked - keys in them vehicles end up missing too and they cannot figure out why.

Theft is an opportunity crime - the person not paying attention that their bag is open and accessible, the unlocked bag, or just the expensive looking bag, people that come too far into your personal space then quickly disappear.

I'm not saying walk around scared of everyone just be slightly protective of your items.

Common sense cannot be taught and crime cannot be completely eradicated.

Just try to be safe & aware of what is going on around you.
USA Wed 08/10/2005

Long Distance Credit Card Calling Scam
INTERNATIONAL CREDIT CARD TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS SCAM

website: http://infonaa.com/english.php#4

My wife and I stayed at the Parliament Hotel in Dublin for 3 days at the beginning of July. We booked this hotel via Expedia.ca as we have had great success in using Expedia for our yearly travels to Europe and the United Kingdom.

During our stay at the Parliament Hotel in Dublin Ireland, we placed 3 overseas calls to family in Canada. Our normal process for making overseas calls to Canada is to dial direct by keying in 0 001 area code and phone number. At the Parliament Hotel we came across a card next to the phone outlining their process for making overseas calls. Their process was to go directly to a credit card option which put us in touch with an operator who took our credit card information and put the call through.

After our stay in Dublin, we travelled to Belfast, Rome, Florence and London and in each location, we were able to follow our normal process of dialling direct. Upon our arrival back home, we were astounded to see the charges on our credit cards for the calls placed during our stay at the Parliament Hotel in Dublin. An example and comparison for you: 2 minute call to Canada using the process outlined at the Parliament Hotel cost US$39.91 and the same call for the same duration made in Belfast and in Italy cost US $4.50.

We have called our Credit Card Company to lodge a complaint and have been advised that this particular phone company being used by Hotels abroad is indeed atrocious and they are charging far too much money for a normal overseas call. Our credit card company advised us that they get dozens of calls daily about this company.

We have since done our own on line investigation about this company and the complaints and stories are very similar to ours.

We called the company directly to complain and was told they would be willing to knock off some of the charges PROVIDING we did not lodge an official complaint.

This must be happening thousands of times a day.
CC
BC Canada Tue 08/09/2005

Lisbon taxi scammer
While in Lisbon, I was scammed by a taxi driver. He charged me a 5 euro luggage supplement for one backpack. I'm quite certain that was a scam, but I was tired and didn't feel like debating the issue. I hope that you won't be scammed like me.
Sarah
Chicago, IL USA Tue 08/09/2005

Tips to keep scammers at bay
No scams, just some tips to keep from being victimized.

1. Black Zip ties-electrical ties from Home Depot make great cheap security for zipper pulls on soft bags. In an airport they will discourage dishonest baggage handlers (they count on speed) from pilfering through your bags but not irritate customs inspectors too much-post 9/11, luggage locks are likely to get cut by customs. Even on your day bag, a zip tie through both zipper pulls will confound a pickpocket on a bus or crowded train. The zip ties are also handy for luggage repairs and can be used to secure couchette doors. I have also used them to tie two travel backpacks to a luggage rack or together-makes them bit too heavy for a "snatch and run".

2. Buy $100 worth Euros from your local bank before you leave home. After the end of a long flight, standing in the currency exchange line for cab or train fare, you are a tired, easy target. If you have Euros or other local currency already, you can move on to your train or cab faster.
Tony D
Broken Arrow, OK USA Tue 08/09/2005

message from an American in Magical Spain
Hi from an American in the beautiful Andalucia, the deep south of Spain!

I've been living in Spain since 1998 and travel here...a lot...with my tours have seen NO violent crime here. But like in Italy there are small scams. The most common I see is Gypsy women who hang around some of the big historic monuments. They'll offer you a sprig of rosemary or whatever for free so -(reciprocity principal)- people stop and the gypsy reads their palm - not free- and then they ask for payment and not with coins mind you! You have to give them credit for thinking big and I have seen them get a 50 euro note on 2 occasions. Solution don't take the bait and keep walking. Again they are NOT dangerous and can be fun to watch now that you know their game:-)
Daniel J. O'Beirne <email>
Seville, SPAIN Mon 08/08/2005

Taxis
During 35 days in Spain, Morocco and Portugal the only scams we encountered were with taxis. In Madrid, during several rides, the driver would drive unnecessary extra distance to run up the meter. In Sevilla about half the rides the driver would play with the supplements feature of the meter just as we came to a stop at the end of our ride and add an extra euro or two. In Lisbon, after a late night ride from the airport to our hotel which registered 6 euros on the meter, the driver showed us a form listing the "night tax" of more than 13 additional euros for a total of nearly 20 euros. When we challenged the validity of the night tax the driver accepted the 6 euros. Taxis are convenient and generally fairly priced, however, you have to stay alert or even licensed taxi drivers will pull a scam.
Tom Staly <email>
Kennewick, WA USA Sun 08/07/2005

My 2 adult daughters and I just returned from an 8 day trip to Italy. We read the warnings about pickpockets and scam artists. We always looked at maps and schedules ahead of time so that when we got to the train stations we could go directly where we needed to without looking lost. We had no problems. Everyone should heed the warnings, but don't be afraid to go as most of us have no problems.
Deborah Kay Harker <email>
Waldron, IN United States Sun 08/07/2005

I am not a fan of the money belt but both my husband and I like the "secret pocket" which we thread our normal belts through the loops and wear INSIDE our slacks -- had NO problems with them in 3 trips so far and I for one find them less "sweaty" than a money belt and more comfortable than the neck pouch :)

However ALL are really safe ways of carrying your IMPORTANT things so choose one you feel comfortable with --try it around town in hot weather first:)-- and have a wonderful trip knowing you have done the best u can to beat pickpockets :-) (Not dressing like a 'tourist' helps and following posters tips on Tourist Scams helps too)
Jackie Williams
Perth, Australia Sun 08/07/2005

Dress like a local?
Dress like the locals to avoid looking like an American? Maybe. But usually, you can pick out foreigners from down the street, no matter what they're wearing. We look different, walk different, talk different, and gawk at different things. What will make you a target is if you do those different things without taking appropriate precautions and keeping your eyes open.

I think a better bet is simply to dress and act with respect for the culture and locale you are visiting. By doing so, you won't be joining the ranks of the "ugly Americans" (or uglies from anywhere else - gimme a break, no country has the market cornered on ugliness or pleasantness).
Pat
Greece Sat 08/06/2005

dress like the locals
my only advice when i was living there is not to dress like an American. I could always sit in the airport and spot the "ugly american" by the way we dress. if u stick out your a target for the scam and rip off artist.
paul
bartlett, tn USA Wed 08/03/2005

taxis and phone cards
just came back from 6 weeks in dublin, brussels, berlin, istanbul, prague, rome and budapest. had a great trip, met lots of good nstives.only two bad incidents. got ripped off in an airport cab in rome, where the cab driver switched off the 50 euro i gave him to a ten and asked for the 50 again. and the phone card i bought from the store in prague-wencelas square shop (10 euro)was only good for 3 minutes to the usa!

other than these, had a great trip. I do wear a neck wallet, well hidden and dress like a bum so that they leave me alone, though!!!
mary
chicago, illinois USA Wed 08/03/2005

Non-current bills and coins
We are leaving tomorrow for Mexico City, and I have been doing some research on everything I can about traveling there. One thing that shocked me was the warning about making sure that one knows the current currency there because in a few places people who don't know it get old Mexican bills or coins for change.
Laura
San Francisco, CA USA Sat 07/30/2005

Comfort of Security
To each his or her own! A moneybelt works great for me but I can't tolerate the neck wallet and I certainly wouldn't want anything wrapped around my ankle. I say do what works for you, be cautious but have a great time!
Darcy
Lewiston, ID USA Sat 07/30/2005

Response to Security
With all due respect I beg to differ, the travel pants I am talking about have the zipper concealed inside the pocket such that it is not easily accesible. With the outside protective flap buttoned down it is VERY difficult to even find the zipper. I have used both a money belt and the travel pants, and IMHO, it is easier for a thief to stick his hand down someones pants and yank out the money belt than for him to get into the protected pocket. Plus I think the money belt is uncomfortable and sweaty to wear. As for storing your money in the "secret compartment" boot or belt I was talking about, you would have to be dead before a thief could pilfer your hidden money without you noticing. Folks, Rick Steves is not God and just because he endorses his money belt (which he sells btw) does not mean you have to think it is the best and only solution.
Ed
USA Fri 07/29/2005

security
Ed, I beg to differ with you but if you've read some of the listings here you'd know it's not "impossible" for a pickpocket to get into a zipped AND buttoned pocket without you knowing. This is what they do for a living, and they're good.
USA Fri 07/29/2005

Alternative to Money Belts
For those of you who do not like the discomfort of money belts or money pouches hanging from your neck there are a few alternatives that I find work really well. LL Bean (and I am sure a lot of other companies) sell "travel pants" where the side pocket has a "second" hidden pouch which zippers shut (zipper is well concealed within the pocket). The back pocket also zippers shut and has a flap with a button over it. It is impossible to unzip and unbutton without you knowing. The added inconvienence of getting to your money is no worse than having to dig into your money belt. You can fit a passport+wallet and some other small stuff in the pockets. Plus the pants are made of material thats cool, won't wrinkle, get soiled, dries quickly, and meshes well with typical European dress styles (shorts or jeans label you as a tourist in more conservative parts of Europe). Only downside, pants are pretty expensive, however other companies may be cheaper. Ladies, I don't know if there is a "travel dress" but I am there is something equivalent for you. I've also travelled with a friend who had cowboy boots and a big western belt that had a secret compartment where he could store money. Although the cowboy getup did make him look ridiculous, it was a pretty neat feature and helped him "sneak" some money out of Russia (back when the money declaration scam at Russian customs was an issue).
Ed
USA Thu 07/28/2005

Pickpocketed in Rome
Thanks Rick Steves! I followed your advice and wore a money belt during a month long camping trip across Europe from which we just returned. In the money belt were our passports, a couple hundred American emergency dollars, and our leased car's owner registration information. I also carried a wallet with my Euros, credit and ATM cards in my pocket. Just outside the Roman forum, we were confronted by a pair of young girls (Gypsy or Romani, I believe) the older of whom grabbed my arms and begged for money. Immediately I backed off and firmly said no repeatedly and forcefully. The older girl persisted for perhaps 30 seconds. During that time apparently, the younger girl had managed to get into my backpack and take a ziplock bag of Euro coins. We did not realize that we had lost anything until we were a block or two away. My teenage daughter was so stunned by what she saw that she did not realize that we were being pickpocketed. Thankfully, I only lost perhaps 15 Euros so our losses were minor. After that, my credit cards and ATM cards found their way into my money belt as well! We also met an American couple on Rome Metro system that had lost their wallet (with credit cards) to a pickpocket that same afternoon. Thankfully I was cautious and informed about the risks of pickpockets (thanks to your guidebooks!),and my loss was merely a minor nuisance.
Tim <email>
Lakeville, MN USA Thu 07/28/2005

Money belts
Andy, you left a word out - you haven't been robbed, YET. Wearing a money belt isn't paranoia, it's taking care. I agree it can be uncomfortable (I found it helped to wear it with the pouch at the back), but after a long trip I feel undressed going out without it - you can get used to it! You don't even have to be a traveler to be at risk, I had my wallet stolen many years ago when I lived in London. I also had it stolen last year in Rome, despite reading all the warnings here, but because I had read the warnings, all I lost was one day's money supply, an expiring bus pass and the wallet. Ask yourself where the street vendors in Rome get all those wallets they're selling.
Kathy <email>
Cary, NC USA Thu 07/28/2005

Reply to Luther
With all due respect, you can't guarantee because it did not happen to me. My viewpoint is that I would be careful but not paranoid about European citizens. I never felt in danger and I have had, and continue to have, a wonderful time, even with the bombs here in London.
Andy Perry <email>
Louisville, KY USA Thu 07/28/2005

Charles M. Luther
Personally when I say moneybelt I included all types worn INSIDE your clothes, whether neck pouch, belt or waist type. I think that is probably Rick's intent also. But this I will guarantee, if you insist on carrying your passport, money, credit cards and other important documents in you pockets and pointing out which pocket like Andy does, you will be robbed. It is just a matter of time. Read Rick's books and do what he suggest. He is much more knowledgable and experienced than you are. Wear a moneybelt, be alert and do not underestimate the thief.
USA Wed 07/27/2005

Moneybelt and Scams
Well,those are nice comments but I never felt uncomfortable, uneasy and I didn't have a wallet. I know people who have had their pockets picked in Louisville and New York. I didn't come to Europe to become paranoid and worry constantly. I'm havinga great time even in London.
Andy Perry <email>
Louisville, KY USA Wed 07/27/2005

Money Belts and Scams
Agreed, the money belt can get uncomfortable and sweaty. That's why many people prefer the neck pouches. We too have never had a problem in Europe, but being from a big city ourselves, we're just wondering which future trip it is that will have a pickpocket episode. Bad idea to put your hand over your wallet. A friend of a friend did that in Italy. All he did was advertise to the pickpockets where his wallet was. Like all good advertising, it worked. Too well. He was bumped in a crowd, which moved his arm. Before he knew it, his wallet was gone and he had no clue who took it.
Rick Manyik
Chicago, IL USA Wed 07/27/2005

Money Belts
To each his own, Andy, but I would rather put up with a little discomfort (although I wore my money belt for 10 days through 4 countries, 4 plane rides, and two train trips without any) in exchange for peace of mind that comes from not worrying about where my money and important documents are.
Steve
Richmond , VA USA Wed 07/27/2005

Money Belts and Scams
I am ending a 6 week stay in Europe and have been in Paris, Rome, Florence and London. I wore my money belt one day. It was so uncomfortable in the Italian heat that my partner and I both discarded them. After almost 6 weeks I have all my cards, cash, and passport. I have had no problems with street people EXCEPT when I was in a hurry and looked like a foreigner and then I was only hit up for a handout. I keep my passport and money in one front pocket and hotel key and change in the other. If I feel I'm in an area where I might be scammed I keep my hand over my wallet. For some reason we have had no problems. We even got correct change back from all clerks. I read this site almost daily and I'm amazed what is happening to some people. Not sure why.
Andy Perry <email>
Louisville, KY USA Wed 07/27/2005

Ugly capitalism in Prague
Upon entering the Prague train station, one quickly learns that if you want information in English, there is only one man who can help you. If you ask any other i center, upon hearing English, they roll their eyes and point in his direction. I felt like I was seeing the great and wonderful OZ or something. This guy is ANYTHING but great and wonderful. When it was finally our turn, he gave us a coy smile and mentioned how badly he had ripped off the travelers in line ahead of us on their money exchange, shrugging his shoulders and saying, "I've got to make my money too." When we asked him to please point us in the direction of our hotel, which was only two blocks away, he said: "Ahhhhhhh, you came to see me for information.......and information is what costs. This is capitalism now." We were so tired after our journey, we tossed him two euros and he told us to go in the opposite direction, through a nasty park filled with criminals and vagabonds. He alerted people we were coming and that we were stayin in a four star hotel. PLEASE avoid this evil man like the plague! He's between 40-50 years old, medium build, balding brown hair, rotting teeth, looks like a troll. Be prepared with a map and ask your hotel or hostel for all the information you need. What he is doing is imoral and cruel.
Katina
Evanston, IL USA Tue 07/26/2005

be proactive, see it coming and be ready
Tips for dealing with foreign criminals: 1. why not be proactive? If a suspicious looking someone approaches you, you could (a) give them one of your preprinted fliers that you have handy in your pocket which has your message of love and peace and "kiss off, loser" on it. While they are distracted by reading your missive, you can continue on your way. Heck, I hate getting those free handouts. Maybe they will steer clear of you before you can even get it in their hands. (b) have your camera ready and take a picture of the donogooders (perhaps even sell them your 8mb compact flash card for a reasonable price (Oh, I don't know maybe 200 euros seems fair). If they don't seem responsive, you may want to wonder out loud how much the police would think it was worth. (c) Carry a decoy wallet (enticely hanging from your back pocket) stuffed with monopoly money and your personal handwritten note of good will to all mankind. (d) Pack a telescoping baton and have it handy for your day trips as it makes a good walking stick and also a wonderful head scratcher. (e) I love those handheld 120 decibel sound emitters. They always help break the ice on those chance encounters with complete strangers especially at point blank range. (f) When approached by the police impersonators, why not just pull out the ol' filibuster. Start talking about your trip from beginning to the present in excruciating detail. When they try to interrupt, just refuse to stop. That always works on me because after 5 minutes I'm ready to avoid any further and future encounters with the narrator at all costs. (g) For that matter, pull out your pocket bible and start sermonizing or just start reading it aloud from the beginning. I'm sure the would be criminals will immediately turn tail and never be seen again. (h) For the shortchangers, refuse to leave. They are counting on you feeling uncomfortable and leaving. (i) Here's a good one, learn a foreign language. When approached by a french begger, faux gendarme, gypsy, etc., simply utter "Lo siento mucho senor pero no hablo ingles." If they persist then continue with "otra cerveza por favor y dos otros rellenos y Oscar de la Hoya dice no mas."
Alison Hall
Columbus, GA USA Mon 07/25/2005

Touris Acam Alert
I NEVER EVER put all my eggs in one basket, and try religiously to stay at hotels with safes - located either in the room or at the reception desk. It is not foolproof, but so far I have never had money or other valuables stolen - except in Egypt which is another story. Long ago I invested in a more expensive money belt that slips around the neck and has wire running through the straps. REI sells them for about 30 dollars. I also carry a relatively small leather backpack with dual zippers on at least one compartment (hopefully the largest one) so I can use a lock on it. (Compartments with one zipper or none at all remain empty.) Despite that, however, I nearly got nailed in Paris coming out of a metro station. Because pickpockets are kids under fourteen - and usually short (as well as being unacountable for their illegal actions under French law even if caught in the act) - and because I am just short of six feet tall, I got safely away with all my cash. ATMs are the greatest things since sliced bread, and I now NEVER leave home with more cash than I can "afford" to lose - usually no more than $200 to $300. And that $300 is never kept in a single bundle - like a squirrel, I keep multiple amounts in different locations on my person. I would rather pay an ATM service charge multiple times for money I need as necessary, than lose a large amount to a pickpocket.
Joanne
Denver, CO USA Mon 07/25/2005

Brussles Train Station Pickpocket
Gal on the train from Brussles to Brugge next to us was asked for her ticket. She was unable to produce it. The conductor was very nice and said he would be back. She was unable to find her documents: Passport; Eurail Pass; money...her wallet was gone.

She said a nice looking, well dressed man asked her to use a pen. Of course it did not work [another distraction]. Her documents were in a hand bag. She had a large suitcase, and two hand carry bags and was traviling alone [a good target]. While she was distracted someone else got into her now opened hand bag. She did have other locations for copies, other credit cards and some cash.

The contuctor was MOST helpful. He called the train security and helped with information to make the police report. He said gangs were operating at train stations.

We had no incidents, and had a GREAT 3 weeks.
Dave
Treasure Island, FL USA Mon 07/25/2005

Dual-career taxi drivers in Italy
I arrived in Milan, Italy from Switzerland by train with my 6-and-a-half year-old daughter on 7/15/05. It was a hot, humid afternoon and all public transportion workers were on strike, so the wait at the Milan train station for a taxi was very long, making us hotter and more tired. When we finally got a taxi to our hotel, I pulled out my wad of Euros from my safe money bag around my neck and peeled off a 10 Euro bill to pay the driver. I then broke my own rule by stuffing the rest (about 200 Euros!) into my front jeans pocket, checked to make sure it was there when I got out, shepherded my daughter to the sidewalk, and accepted the offer from the driver to 'help' me retrieve my backpack from the trunk. He lifted it and brought it down hard on my back; I lost my balance but struggled and stayed on my feet, never suspecting him of anything. I then took 2 more pieces of luggage from the trunk, wished him a nice afternoon (silly me) and headed into the hotel lobby with my daughter--about 50 yards away. No one came within 3 feet of us en route to the hotel desk. I then reached inside my same front pocket to discover all my cash was gone, just like the taxi driver. I will never again let my guard down even for 5 minutes when it comes to replacing my cash in a safe place. And I will never again accept any 'help' with my luggage from taxi drivers.
Mary
Seattle, WA USA Fri 07/22/2005

Paris- Sacre Coeur
When I was in Paris with two friends, we went to climb the steps of Sacre Coeur and were mobbed by guys selling bracelets. They were extremely aggressive, to the point where we almost couldn't get around them. My one buddy stopped to talk to one, and before he knew it, the scammer was tying a bracelet around my buddy's wrist. Once tied, he charged him 15 euros for it. We had to basically threaten these guys before they'd get away from us, after which they acted like we had offended them. So sorry! Other than that, Paris was amazing. Thanks.
Mike
New York, NY USA Fri 07/22/2005

Another Passport Tidbit
When in Venice we had to give our passports to the front desk clerk of the Pensione Accademia (a very nice place). That was before I knew that I could take my own photocopies with me and just give them a paper copy. Anyway, we came back in about an hour to pick up our passports which were given to us promptly. However, they were not "OUR" passports...they belonged to some other Americans. Please remember to check your passports when they are given back to you. What a nightmare if we had not noticed our "wrong" passports until we had arrived in the next city on our itinerary which was in Germany!
Tim
Knoxville, TN USA Fri 07/22/2005

Switched packages
Carol,

Once in Mexico a friend bought a nativity set and when she got home it was missing Baby Jesus! Her 5 year old was seriously disappointed. I second your warning to watch and make sure everything you purchase makes it way into the bag!
Erika
Edmonds, WA USA Thu 07/21/2005

Purchases Wrapped, then Switched?
I bought souvenirs at a nice litle shop in Venice. The cordial store-owner engaged in conversation and remarked how well she was experienced in wrapping purchases for travel. At home, to my dismay,when I unwrapped the package, I found one of those small, 4 euro, masks found in every stall on St. Mark's Square--not my Christmas ornaments that I'd bought for 30 euros! Intentional switch? I don't know..just be careful. I was standing there, "watching," the entire time, and was the only customer in the store--still--my friends won't get their gifts, and I feel scammed.
Carol
Tn USA Thu 07/21/2005

Scam Advice
If you are in a city and using a tour company ask the guide about the local tricks. I am a solo traveler and used angel tours rome in Rome, on my first day the guide gave me great pointers. So I think you should always ask locals. Jane
Jane Grenn
London, USA Thu 07/21/2005

Passport
Schengen Treaty give every Country the right to Contol they Border anytime anywhere and Passport Control is one of those Items. Also make plenty of Copies of your Passport and show the Copy if they aks , when ask for real Passport ,got stollen in Rom????? don't be naive Good Luck
John Cluni
SS, USA Wed 07/20/2005

Kissed by pickpocket outside Notre Dame!
Outside Notre Dame in Paris, my husband and I were sittting waiting for our kids. Two men, about mid 20's came up and one sat down very close to me while the other took a picture with his cell phone. I had on a back pack, which had all the brochures and stuff you accumulate, my money belt was inside my jeans. He put one arm around me while flirting and chatting with me. I thought he was being very friendly, and charming, never thinking about pickpocketing. He may have gotten an old cheap watch (from my wrist), in the distraction, but other than that he and his partner went away empty handed. I'm pretty sure he never got into my backpack. As he left, he suddenly kissed me on my cheek!!! It happened so quickly and so charmingly,I never realized what was had happened till that night. Then I found I had to drop my friendly American attitude, and be much more unapproachable, and unfriendly. It was hard to take on this attitude especially as this was the week of the London bombings. I was always appropriate inside the sights, but outside I had to be sure and have my game face on. Anyway, be careful of anyone who is too nice.
Helen
Las Cruces, NM USA Wed 07/20/2005

Theft While Asking For driving Directions
A friend and I recently were in Paris. We had difficulty finding our hotel and stopped for directions. Unfortunately, while one "Parisian Punk" spoke to my friend who was driving, 2 others opened the back door and took off with my friend's bag, including her wallet and camera. If you stop for directions always make sure that all of your doors are locked and that as many windows as possible are completely closed.
Gwen D
Boulder , CO USA Mon 07/18/2005

Italy Tours, Rogue Tour Operators Put Tourists at Risk
Why its best to check your tour operator is fully licensed

We all want informative great guides, but it is also very important when reserving tours in Italy to check that the company or person who will provide your tour service is a fully licensed tour operator. Unfortunately many unauthorized operators provide tour services and remain hidden from Italian authorities and outside controls on safety and security requirements including appropriate public liability insurances.

An item that has received much attention in Italy over the years is the issue of local guides requiring licenses in order to guide tours in Italy. The European Commission and the EU Court of Justice has stated on more than one occasion that local Italian guide regulations are against restraint of trade and European open border provisions. However, until Italian laws change in line with European directives it is best to go with persons or companies that respect Italian laws. A licensed or not licensed guide can mean a good or not very good tour, the issue of whether the guide or company offering the tours is a licensed tour operator is far more important as it can affect whether or not you have legal recourse to compensation if anything happens. The problem of illegal tour operators is very common in Italy, with many fly-by-night operators having well set up web sites. Many travelers are not aware of this problem as it has not received much media attention.

Italian laws require any person or company offering tours to the public or on selling tours by another company must have a publicly registered office open to the public, a private residence is not sufficient and in breach of the regulations. Asking the address of a company, if it is publicly registered and if the company is fully licensed will help you gauge if the company is complying with necessary Italian laws. Non compliance can mean that any insurance may be invalidated.

In Italy an unlicensed tour company offering tours can not have appropriate insurances as required by law. In some cases rogue operators have a complete disregard to the risk they place tourists at. Clandestine tour operators also risk incurring penal sanctions if found to be criminally negligent for not having appropriate insurances and drivers.

Of course, the strict Italian legal requirements make offering tours a costly process, due to high taxes, the cost of a publicly registered office open to the public and the use of appropriately licensed guides and drivers as well as the high cost of appropriate public liability insurances. But, it is well worth it to seek out legal operators fully licensed by Italian authorities or risk being left high and dry if a mishap occurs or you are dissatisfied with services. Web sites on selling tour packages or tours including guided walking tours or museum tours to the public also must follow the same requirements above or risk sanctions and or liability.

The best tour companies in Italy struggle with the difficult task of respecting local laws that sometimes are in conflict with notions of high quality tours. However, the best companies achieve a balance by going to the extra expense of also paying local licensed guides where required in order to comply with Italian law and by using at the same time their own English mother tongue guides with good qualifications. By doing this they take care of the quality of the actual tour. Then the best companies are also fully licensed, which protects the traveler from unforeseen circumstances and gives recourse to action if not satisfied with services.

Make sure when reserving tours or recommending a company that the company is registered, licensed and bonded with the appropriate Italian authorities who check they have the appropriate facilities and insurances and have passed the appropriate public safety checks. Avoid persons or companies that operate in Italy but say they are 'based' in the United States or another country and 'do not need to comply with Italian laws'. Their non-compliance with local authorities may make any insurance they may have invalid.

When enquiring about tours in Italy always ask: 1. Is the company fully licensed and bonded as a travel agency/tour operator? 2. Does the company have a registered office open to the public in Italy? 3. Does the guide speak English well? 4. Then ask has the company or guide a great reputation for high quality, entertaining and informative tours?
Travel Writer
Rome, Italy Mon 07/18/2005

Yet another soho scam
I recently visited London and exactly the same as the other guys I walked into what I thought was a strip club. The woman at the front desk assured me that £5 was all that I had to pay and I also got a free drink. Bargain! When I got down there I realised that this really was not a place I wanted to be and tried to leave. However, a woman at another table started shouting about me leaving without paying. To cut a long story short they demanded £500 off me which I didn't have so they wanted my passport insted. At this point two guys are garding the door so I show them my passport and while they are inspecting it I made a dash for the street. Luckly I got out, but when I went to the police they Just laughed at me, the same as they other guy.
Jas
York, UK Mon 07/18/2005

Passports and Scams in So. Germany
Two other points that I'd like to add. The only times we had to show our passports is when we entered and left Germany, at the hotel the first night and cashing traveler's checks. otherwise, never had to show it. As for scams the only time we felt we were being targeted was our last night in Munich. We were at Marianplatz and walking towards the U-Bahn when a man with a suitcase said in English, I think you are Americans but you look like Bavarians. I answered in German, "maybe, maybe not". He apparently decided to move on to another couple because he left us alone after that. All in all, we had a wonderful time....
Sam Kitterman
Las Vegas, Nv USA Sun 07/17/2005

Interaction with Europeans
My wife and I just spent 7 days in Southern Germany with a day trip to Salzburg. I am semi-fluent in German and so, spoke in German with our hotel staff, vendors and even a old Bavarian who was driving one of the horse coaches up to Neu Schwanstein. I and my wife (who speaks very little German) had no experiences with Europeans being angry with us about the Iraq war. If anything, they were all very pleasant, out-going and apparently understood that what the U.S. Government does is not necessarily what all of the U.S. people support or want.
Sam Kitterman
Las Vegas, Nv USA Sun 07/17/2005

How Americans can blend in with Europeans
I just returned from 7 weeks of traveling to in Europe, (France, Spain, Greece, Italy, Amsterdam, Montenegro, and Serbia). In my travels I was surprised at the hatred Europeans have towards Americans over the US attacking and occupying Iraq. My experience was once people figured out I was an American they went out of there way to be angry with me, mean, un-helpful or rude. I found the think ALL Americans are Imperialistic. and attitude which is completely different from my previous travels. (Other Americans I meet in my travels told me they were experiencing the same.)

I found by blending in, I was treated much better. Here's how I did it, I changed how I dressed by purchasing and wearing local clothes. It didn't mater that I spoke American English because for them English is a second or third language and thought I was British and the rest of my trip was great!
San Francisco, CA USA Sun 07/17/2005

Russian borders
Jay - too true. Happily the declaratsia scam, where you had to insist on declaring all your cash & TCs on the way in if you wanted to be able to take any of it out, seems to be a thing of the past. The limits were increased so that you can take out $3,000 without an incoming declaration, so the officials seem to have decided it's no longer worth their while. I was told to just cross out the finance section on the exit form last year.
Kathy <email>
Cary, NC USA Sat 07/16/2005

Rude/Racists in Paris et al
Have never been to Paris but have a daughter of dkr. complexion whom people assume is whatever olive/brown minority predominates in their area. Actually she is Choctaw/PA Dutch. I can imagine tourists sidling away from her on the train, after reading this site! How silly they will feel when she opens her mouth & New Jersey comes out! I'd like to remind Americans that an awful lot of your fellow countrymen are of darker hue & that "gypsy" might be a h.s. kid from California! Watch the behavior, not the skin tone.
Elly
NJ USA Sat 07/16/2005

passport retention
Kathy - being fined on exit from the former soviet union is where they get you - it is a pure money maker for them, and until you pay, you can not leave...it totally legitimizes the entire ex-soviet shakedown by giving them a reason to bother you. And I heard from friends it is not cheap...hundreds of dollars if you do not have a correct OVIR visa...So the good word is: Do not ever give the authorities any reason to frown upon you...but if you do, it will only hurt your wallet...
Jay
Los Alamitos, CA USA Sat 07/16/2005

Schengen and passports
It's not only Germany that checks passports on entry despite Schengen. I crossed from Spain to Portugal by train last year, and not only was there a passport check, the officials gave an American couple a hard time because they did not have an entry stamp from a European country. It wasn't clear whether this was because they were American (I have dual citizenship & was using my UK passport, & neither I nor the Canadian next to me had the same problem) or because they were of South Asian heritage.

I'm also finding this paranoia about leaving your passport with hotel desk clerks strange. What do you think will happen to it? If you think the hotel is going to steal it, maybe you should stay somewhere else. And if you really want to go deal with the Russian OVIR office yourself instead of letting your hotel/inviting agency do it, I hope your Russian is better than mine. http://www.rusemblon.org/ says: "The police may fine an individual if his visa is not registered." I imagine you can be fined on exit, also.
Kathy <email>
Cary, NC USA Sat 07/16/2005

passports
Folks-Regardless of what the Schengen Treaty says-we all know that sometimes what the "official" line is, is not what's practiced! I've left my passport all around Europe and haven't had a problem. As someone else stated, most people don't want to have to deal with the police if they don't return your passport. If an "official" asks for your passport, what are you going to do, say no you can't have it/see it? You're in their country, often can't speak the language and if you want to argue, go ahead, but who wants to get stuck/cause a problem in a foreign country? I think the idea of copies is good if you really have a problem, but sometimes ya gotta do things you really would prefer not to. I can guarantee you, if you try the quiet and polite approach to a problem, and that doesn't get you anywhere, the loud American approach will. I've used both and they both work.
USA Sat 07/16/2005

Autostrada in Italy
Had a great three weeks in Italy. Beware of a few things on the Autostrada...at the toll booth in Napoli, crowds of hucksters are "selling" junk as you attempt to pay your toll. Naturally, your window is open and you are vulnerable, this local throws a large "brick" of kleenex on to my dashboard and demands payment...I threw it back and said NO! On our last day at an Autogrille Rest Stop, where locals and policemen are drinking beer at 8AM, I filled our tank of the rental car...45 euro...gave the attendant a 50, he poked me and was showing a 10....I hadn't had my 1st cup of cappucini, so I gave him another 50....realized a mile down the road that I had been scammed...BEWARE!
Dave Evans <email>
Windham, ME USA Fri 07/15/2005

passports
This was copied directly from the State Department website and pasted here.

Safety Tips

Protect Your Passport

Your passport is the most valuable document that you will carry abroad. It confirms your U.S. citizenship. Please guard it carefully. Do not use it as collateral for a loan or lend it to anyone. It is your best form of identification. You will need it when you pick up mail or check into hotels, embassies or consulates.

When entering some countries or registering at hotels, you may be asked to fill out a police card listing your name, passport number, destination, local address, and reason for travel. You may be required to leave your passport at the hotel reception desk overnight so that it may be checked by local police officials. These are normal procedures required by local laws. If your passport is not returned the following morning, immediately report the impoundment to local police authorities and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Doberry
MS USA Fri 07/15/2005

Giving up your passport in E. Europa
In eastern europe you have to give your passport up - simple as that...they are not doing anything fishy...just the way it is...you can ask them if they will take a copy - they probably would, but OVIR will not...so you have an issue. I have always got my passport back, those countries do not like to have the police talk to them at all...I feel safer there then here often. I love Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Russia, Stans, etc...
Jay
Los Alamitos, CA USA Thu 07/14/2005

Passports ( revisited)
I do not give tips, I try to learn from others. This is a direct quote from the US State Department which issues passports. " U.S. and Canadian passports are highly prized. It can't be stressed enough how important it is to keep your passport safe and with you AT ALL TIMES when traveling. Make copies of the identification pages and current country visa. Use these copies for hotel check-ins and exchanging money. Do not leave your passport or copies in your hotel room unless secured in a safe. Keep a copy of your passport at home for access by a friend or relative to facilitate replacement. Do not surrender your passport to anyone other than a government official." If someone has a quarrel with these instructions please direct them to the State Department.
J Hatton
USA Thu 07/14/2005

French border controls
Per the Schengen treaty a country is permitted to reinstate border controls for a short period if it is deemed in the interest of national security. France has deemed it necessary due to the London bombings.

It is interesting, however, that UK is not a Schengen country. There are already border controls in and out of the UK.
USA Thu 07/14/2005

Re: Passport controls
France has reinstituted its border controls. Italy has done likewise with its Austrian border. Ref: BBC website, 14 Jul 05. Happy Bastille Day, everyone! http://www.picturetrail.com/bepineurope
Bob C. <email>
North Little Rock, AR USA Thu 07/14/2005

Paranoid
Ed You give your passport to anyone who asks for it and call someone who doesn't see it that way as a paranoid. I prefer paranoia to stupidity. As I said in my post..give your passport to anyone you choose and I don't give tips. When asked for your passport at the airport try giving them a copy! Hey Ed give your passport to anyone you want OK! You have permission.
J Hatton
USA Wed 07/13/2005

Passports
Twice going to Germany on Train, once from Amsterdam and another from Paris, Germany passport control boarded the train and inspected passports. Also from Germany to Austria, Austrian passport control inspected passports and were quite diligent when inspecting the US passports. So while the Schengen agreement say that you can travel from one country to the other wihtout passport inspection when going into Germany or Austria that has not been my experience.
New York, NY USA Wed 07/13/2005

Response to J Hatten
J Hatten, I was referring to the paranoid and incorrect comment that you should NEVER leave your passport with anyone. This is not possible in many countries, including Russia, Belarus, Ukraine. You are required to leave the passport with the hotel (for a tourist VISA) to be registered. If you have a homestay visa (which requires your friends in Russia to get you a IZVESHCHENIE from the OVIR -- i.e. permission slip from local authorities) you are required to register and may have to leave your passport with OVIR for a short time. You should not post misleading information/tips about topics you know nothing about. As some other posters have also mentioned, when crossing the border on the night train the conductor may ask to keep your passport. This is perfectly legit and safe. It also prevents you from being woken up late at night by a border guard shining a light in your eye demading to see your passport. If you have any reservations about why someone needs your passport just ask and of course keep a photcopy of your passport in case you lose your passport.
Ed
USA Wed 07/13/2005

passports
I have been to Italy 4 times, and the hotels there have always asked for my passport when I checked in. I think they have to register visitors with the police. Rick Steves mentions this in his book and, at least in the 2001 book, noted that Americans are notorious for being upset about this. but because I read about it in my Rick Steves's book, I've never thought anything of it.

I just leave my passport at the front desk when I check in, go to room to freshen up, etc., and afterwards when I am ready to leave the hotel to go sightseeing, I pick up my passport on the way out.
Doberry
MS USA Wed 07/13/2005

Taking Passports - Steve
If you were traveling from France to Austria through Germany, there was no legal reason for you to give up your passport. All three countries are signers of the Schengen treaty. From the official EU website, "There are no longer any frontier controls at the borders between more than half the EU countries. This is thanks to the so-called Schengen agreement which is part of EU law. The Schengen rules remove all internal border controls..." Also, from Wikipedia.com, "The Schengen Treaty means that people within the participating countries can move into any other participating country without having to show their passports, or in any other way being checked."
USA Wed 07/13/2005

Tall woman
Lynne Jensen Now YOU can have my passport...anytime! Sheila Your multiple copies tip is great and I thank you.
J Hatton
USA Tue 07/12/2005

Passports
You should NEVER leave your passport with anyone, no matter what.
USA Tue 07/12/2005

Bracelet scam alive and well in Milan!
I was traveling with my teenage daughter and her best friend when one of those bracelet con-artists tried to approach the girls. Even though they said "no", he was still pestering them until I turned around and yelled "no" very loudly and glared at him. He immediately stepped back and said "Easy, Mamma, Easy". Bottom line -don't be afraid to be forceful! Other than that, had no problems in Rome, Milan or Cinque Terre. Look confident, hold yourself upright (I am a tall woman and I am sure that helped) and look people in the eye. Italy is wonderful so relax and enjoy!
Lynn Jensen
Long Beach, CA USA Tue 07/12/2005

Taking Passports
This past April, on the over-night train from Paris to Salzburg, the sleeper car staff took our passports and returned them in the morning just before arriving in Salzburg.
Steve
Richmond, VA USA Tue 07/12/2005

Passport - visa registration
In Russia, you do have to leave your passport with hotels because they are required to register your visa. This may be true for the other former Soviet republics that are non-EU countries (the "stans", Mongolia). In countries that are not required to register your visa (if you are a US citizen traveling to EU, for example), you probably would be ok to offer a copy of your passport. I always travel with multiple copies of my passport. If it is lost or stolen, it's much easier to replace if you have copies. Also, as an earlier post mentioned, you could offer a photocopy to a desk clerk (for non-visa registration) if they want the night staff to record the passport number and information. I've never had a train conductor take my passport, and I have taken overnight trains and buses throughout Central Europe and Russia. They have always woken us up at the border crossings, and border guards visited our berths to check documents. Maybe it's different for Western Europe?
Sheila
Seattle, WA USA Tue 07/12/2005

Passport
We did a trip to St. Petersburg and Moscow last month. Upon our hotel check in, we were required to hand in our passports and was given back when we leave. The hotelier stamped on our passport, proofing that we did stayed in the hotel, as stated in our embarkation form. Sometimes it leave us no choice but to part with our most important document.
Tang YP
Singapore, Singapore Tue 07/12/2005

passport
Ed Your case for leaving ones passport with someone was not well made..in fact I don't know what you are talking about but whatever..leave your passport with whomever you wish.
J Hatton
USA Mon 07/11/2005

Passports
The statement about refusing to leave your passport under all circumstances is incorrect. Refusing to leave your passport with someone is not an option in some countries, especially Eastern ones like Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, etc. you may need to leave your passport with hotel for tourist VISA or ovir for homestay VISA to get registered etc. Also when you are crossing border via night train it is advisable and not uncommon to leave passport with train conductor.
Ed
USA Mon 07/11/2005

RE: getting the 20E since many banks charge a service charge getting money 20E at a time could make for a real exspensive way to get money
John Brangwin <email>
Bellevue, WA USA Sat 07/09/2005

Passports
I have a rule. I DON'T leave my passport with anyone, especially a train employee. If you do and it is stolen you are going to be one sick puppy and your trip will be ruined. Just because some clown insists that you give up your only way to return home or to identify yourself doesn't mean you have to submit. NO!
J Hatton
Portola, Ca USA Sat 07/09/2005

Pickpockets and thieves
There is absolutely no reason to submit to theft of a $6000 item in Italy or anywhere else. Try a little pro active defense, make a racket to prevent theft. Italy has a police presence, ask for assistance from a man if you are afraid of a 20 yr old female. If you act like a lamb anywhere you WILL be sheared.
Sean Mullen
Los Angeles, Ca USA Sat 07/09/2005

pickpockets in Rome (Trevi fountain)
I just got back from 3 weeks in Italy with my children, my friend, and her children. After telling everyone to watch out for the gypsies, especially gypsy children, we did not encounter any at all during the 3 weeks. But we did run into pickpockets in Rome. Turns out they were young, pretty, Asian girls. We were at the Trevi fountain when my friend and her two daughters decided to check out a nearby shop. On their way up the stairs, which were very crowded, my friend was surrounded by 3 young Asian girls (around 20 years old) and the 3 began to push against her. During this, one of them got my friend's waist pack open and had taken out a small pouch. She obviously thought there would be money in it. The good news was that's all they got (my friend's 13 year old saw what was happening and got in between her mom and the pickpockets). The bad news was, the pouch contained my friend's hearing aid which she said would cost $6000 to replace. My friend and her daughters came back down to the fountain where we were sitting and told us what happened. Then all six of us left (there's only one way "out" of the seating area of the fountain) and believe it or not, those 3 girls were still standing around and attempted to close in on my friend again! I was staring at them and holding my bag close to me, and they didn't bother me, but I had the advantage of knowing who they were at that point. Just wanted to let others know to watch out for these girls in that area!
Kathleen Moore <email>
Chicago, IL USA Sat 07/09/2005

ATM malfunctions
In addition to the gum or wax, etc. shoved into the cash slot on ATM's, a small piece of metal, often a thin rod, sometimes is inserted into the delivery slot. Inspect the slot for obstructions before beginning your transaction. A small screw-driver such as one suitable for eye glasses frames is ideal.
USA Fri 07/08/2005

The old
This is a classic, but it still happens.... watch out for ATM's and train ticket machines that have been gummed up with sticky stuff. (I think it's like that blue tacky gum you can hang posters on walls with) At first glance you wouldn't really notice the gum in the slot where the ticket or cash would come out. We are world traveler's and never been scammed but this did happen to us in Paddington Station, London. The ticket machine kept trying to spit our money out and finally my husband looked way up into the dispenser. A wad of sticky stuff was right there. Using a business card, he carefully edged the sticky stuff out of the way (probably just how the theives do it, after the victim gives up and leaves.) Bingo, our 20 Euro bill came right out. There are signs warning of this scam, but you never think it's going to happen to you. Don't walk away, you can probably get your money back out with a little patience.
Jennifer
Napa, CA USA Fri 07/08/2005

Hotels, Passports, etc
Al Bishop - I read your comments and I agree with you, but what do we do on overnight trains when you are suppose to leave your passport with the attendent?
Jessie
USA Thu 07/07/2005

Missing stuff from Hotel
The next day after leaving the hotel, I noticed, missing mini bicycle pump, and sun tan lotion. Someone, mentioned hotel maids steal. But, I also caught my co student placing my digital camera bag in his suitcase. He said it was the alcohol. But he seems so trustworthy and friendly. I will never know who. Lock your bags when you leave the hotel.
Sunny
San Marcos, Tx USA Thu 07/07/2005

Cash vs. Credit
I remember someone mentioning cash is prefered. I went into a restaurant with a VISA logo. I asked him, "you accept VISA?". He said, "yes, if you buy at least 16 dollars." When I used my Merrill Lynch VISA (have been using for days), he could not get it to work, embarrassed a bit in front of friends. Even when there are VISA signs everywhere, try to use cash. Also, many people don't like traveler's checks either.
Sunny
San Marcos, tx USA Thu 07/07/2005

Rude and Racists in Paris
JMartin, What Lynn meant , is that her daughter looked like a gypsy , and so when she accidently brushed up against someone , people would overreact, thinking they were being pickpocketed, or set up. Lynns perspective is NOT ODD it is a very good reason we should remember not to all get TOO paranoid.
Canada Thu 07/07/2005

Eurail confusion
I got my Eurail validated on 6/21. I bought a seperate ticket(25 CHF) to Bellizona on the same day, so as to not waste a Eurail Select pass day. On 6/27, I used my first day for Eurail select pass. The train attendant placed another 6/27 on the next slot. She said the first day was 6/21 same as the day I validated. She either didn't believe me or didn't want to deal with it. Apparently, 1's look like 7's in Europe. The seven must have a slash through it. Moral of the story: don't validate your Eurail until the first day of usage, the honor system is not in effect. A passenger next to us told us, we must get off at the next stop to make it to our next destination, he lied.
Sunny
San Marcos, Tx USA Thu 07/07/2005

Milano Cashier
In Milano, I got a sandwich and coke for 4,70. I quickly pulled out my 10 bill. She gave me 30 cents. I told her what I gave her. I know because I just returned from the ATM and looked in my wallet before going in line. She said three times "right its 5,10". An old man started waving at me that its okay. I didn't know Italian and lines were long, so I left. A lady gave me a upset look. When you buy something, look a your money for a second and say 10, so they know that you know exactly what you are giving.
Sunny
San Marcos, Texas USA Thu 07/07/2005

Hotels, Passports etc.
Regarding the issue of passports being held by the hotels. Hotels have the right to see your passport and take details in order to meet government compliance. Lazy hotels or short staffed hotels do hold the passport overnight. This is normally so the night clerk can take all details and fill in the government forms in the wee small hours when it's quiet. If there is any government tourist tax this is when it will be added to your bill. Never ever ever hand a hotel your passport for safekeeping. If they want details tell them to take a photocopy of the pages they need. If you hand it to them and they won't hand it back - insist! If they still won't hand it back call or ask them to call the US embassy, the small print on your passport tells you that it is the property of the US government.

Rule number one when travelling in any foreign country. Keep your passport safe and where you can get at it at all times and under all circumstances. It is the number one most vital document you posses. Never ever break this rule not once not ever. If a hotel insists on seeing your passport and wishes to retain it and will not make a photocopy - find another hotel at once. Never ever break this rule.

I work for an airline and I know only too well what the value of a US passport ( or a copy of one ) is worth on the black market. This is not just the stuff of spy movies. It is a real and thriving global market and the most prized passport on the black market is the one issued by Uncle Sam.
Al Bishop
Nottingham, UK Thu 07/07/2005

Hotel check out issue
K Sorry you had this experience. I have no great wisdom BUT I am going to make a point to settle up the day before and give myself a little time to deal with a manager or someone higher up than the snit you had to deal with. Thanks for sharing, you did what you could.
J Martin <email>
Pismo Beach, Ca USA Wed 07/06/2005

Scams on Hotel Bills
When I have to check out of a hotel early in the am I usually pay up the evening before. It is better to have the daytime personnel to deal with. Also, I don't leave my passport at the desk. I wait til the info is recorded and take the passport with me. They may insist on holding it so they can be sure of being paid. If you are sure of your plans and like your room, you can pre-pay the entire bill when you arrive. I ask the room rate before checking in. It doesn't hurt to confirm what you have been told on the phone. An internet print-out is good, too.
USA Wed 07/06/2005

HOTEL FEE SCAM
This one may be unique but a word of caution to those travelling alone and checking out of hotels in the very early or late hours when no one else is around: I was staying a couple of nights in Rome in a hotel (name forgotten now -sorry) with Italian friends (we each had our own rooms). My friends had called and booked the rooms in advance and gotten the cost quote before booking the rooms. We were each to settle our own bill when checking out (now I realize it's a mistake to do this). They left a day earlier than I. I was checking out (at nearly 5am due to an early departing flight) & the hotel desk clerk was one I was unfamiliar with. He overcharged me by nearly $100 from the fee we were told on the phone. I felt a hostage, not speaking enough Italian to argue the bill and could not retrieve my passport unless I paid him (and could subsequently miss my early flight) I was was forced to pay it. I also did not have enough money to pay him since I was pre-quoted the fee and only carried roughly that amount , I was forced to take my airport-bound taxi first to an ATM to get the additional cash and then return to pay the overcharged bill in order to reclaim my passport. I thought to ask the taxi driver for his help, but he too only spoke a little English. It was horrible and there was nothing I could do at the time unless I wanted to miss my flight. There was no manager, no one to speak English on my behalf at 5 am, only the guy who knew he had the upper hand in taking advantage of a vulnerable situation/person in order to profit from it. BUT does anyone have any advice in a situation like this?
K
San Francisco, CA USA Wed 07/06/2005

Florence PickPocket Scam
Recently, my girl friend and I were walking around Florence after dinner at night. We happened to be walking down a not so busy street only a block away from the popular Piazza Republica. As we were walking, we were approached by 3 teens. One of the guys asked if I played soccer. I said no and he proceeded to engage me in a mock soccer match. His English was not great and I could sense he wanted me to try to get around him (as if he was playing defense with me on offense). He tried to engage me for a few minutes, but I was really uncomfortable with the whole idea of "air soccer" and backed away each time. I had my wallet in my back pocket zippered tightly and was aware the entire time of it (yeah, I know - I should use a money belt). To make a long story short, I finally told the guy off and stood my ground (and his friends were urging him to go anyways). As he left, I reached around to my back pocket knowing the wallet was still there. However, I then realized that he had unzipped my pocket in any attempt to pickpocket me. I'm fairly athletic, which is probably why he thought having a mock soccer game would be a good ploy. I am not sure if anyone else has experienced a similar type of encounter, but wanted to alert readers of this mock soccer game scam.
Randy
Seattle, WA USA Wed 07/06/2005

I was recently in Rome with a friend waiting at Roma Termini to meet someone who was arriving. It was around 22:00 and I had no bags with me. I was simply standing looking up to the arrival screen. And I should note I was wearing causual cloths...nothing that should have drawn attention. I was approached by two men who seemed to be uniformed officers. They asked "italiana"? I replyed no. I stated that I was a U.S citizen. The man asked for my passport. He was holding a piece of paper and speaking italian to the second man. I told the men my passport was with the hotel and asked what this was regarding(I had read about a scam like this.) They could not give me an answer. They continued to speak to each other and they walked off. I sat there after thinking how strange my encounter had just been. So heads up to fellow travelers. I never thought reading that would help me, but it did.
Tracy <email>
tampa, Fl USA Tue 07/05/2005

Rude and racist Americans
Lyne Thanks for the heads up on all the rude and racist Americans in Europe. I think your perspective is unique to the point of being odd.
J Martin
Pismo Beach, Ca USA Tue 07/05/2005

daypacks and pickpockets
We have never had as much trouble with pickpockets trying to get into our daypacks as we did this last month carrying Civita daypacks for the first time. We kept them locked, but the only thing that stopped the harrassment was covering the "Rick Steves" logo on the packs.
Jan
Tampa, FL USA Mon 07/04/2005

Parking at Denver International
Our correctly parked car was towed at Denver International Airport, and we had to pay $109 in cash to get it out of hock. We know we parked correctly because this happened late at night when there was plenty of parking, and we park there regularly.
Larry <email>
Denver, CO USA Mon 07/04/2005

Polish Slow Trains
Avoid, using non-Euro City or Intercity trains in Poland. I bought a first class ticket,but this didn't help me avoid a scam in which a man claimed to need 20zolty so he could buy a ticket on the train because he didn't have enough money to pay the conductor, since we were alone in the first class comppartment,and I didn't want to fight over this I gave him the money. Only to have him return for ten more zolty. After I gave him the money he finaly left and didn't return. After, this the conducter arrived in the compartment and asked to see my ticket. I was lucky that the guy wasn't violent even though he kept saying "give me money" amd was agitated when I didnt give him the money fast enough. Take Polski Express or Intercity, or EC trains stay away from Polish long distance trains especailly if you are alone like I was. Poland for the most part has been safe and stress free, so don't be a fool like me stay away from slow moving trains that any rif raf can hop on unmolested.
Galvez
Mission Viejo, CA USA Fri 07/01/2005

Rudeness and Paranoia
I've been reading these boards for a long time, and have been traveling to Europe for years, but this was the first trip for my teenager daughter. She was dressed as a typical teenager during our trip to Paris. Taking from her Dad, she is more tanned, and has long hair. We found that some of the time, in the summer's tourist onslaught if she touched someone unintentionally, or sat close to people, some of the fellow travelers (almost always fellow Americans and most of them holding Rick's travel books) were rude and couple of times pushed her away. She was upset in the beginning, but handled it well. All I want to say is that it's wonderful, that we are all cautious to avoid scams, which we didn't experience during our stay for a week in Paris, except occasional rudeness of fellow Americans, and watched with horror some racist behavior of Americans towards non white French. I hope that being careful doesn't mean, to take joy out of your or other's travel, and treat any and everything as a scam. I hope that the experience of this board will help us to be careful, but not cynical about people or the world. After all that's why we travel, to enjoy the world and meet people, and experience different cultures.
Lyn
USA Fri 07/01/2005

Various
In order not to feel ripped off, I aim to give money only to people actually doing something--like playing music. I don't like begging at home and I don't like it when I travel. I've seen "bambini" that were just bundles wrapped in a blanket. I've learned to keep moving when approached by beggers. As I whiz on past them they run out of steam. There are lots of young men in Paris walking around or travelling the Metro with large gym bags. I wonder what the bags are for?
USA Thu 06/30/2005

3 Scams in Paris!
THREE SCAMS IN PARIS!

1. English speaking guy hangs around Gare du Nord and tries to sell you a "multi-day pass" for about half the going price. Surprise, surprise--it's a one-trip pass! Fortunately, I knew the appearance of different passes.

2. Two, three, or four young guys follow you on the escalators in the Metro--one gets ahead and pauses to "tie a shoe" to stop you while one is behind you to pick your pocket. In my case, he wasn't sucessful when I immediately put my hand over my wallet and he backed off. They were dark-skinned, Algerians, I believe.

3. Gypsies or similar begging money to "feed their babies" and holding the babies in their arms as they beg pathetically. I saw one who "borrowed" a baby and returned it to the mother after a few begging encounters. I also encountered this same identical scam on the beach in Recife, Brazil as well.
John
Norfolk, VA. USA Thu 06/30/2005

Russia
I just got back from Russia and the Baltic states. We had a great trip and did not have any problems. People on our tour did find the water scam-where they refill bottles with tap water and sell it as if it was spring water. The tour members noticed and did not buy that water. We used money belts and the usual safety measures. We had a wonderful trip.
Colleen
MN USA Tue 06/28/2005

Lee
Lee - I would like to second your email posting. I too read the posts on this site before traveling last May. I used to live and travel a lot in Eastern Europe, but I was nervous about all the pick pocket/scams I was reading about regarding Paris, Rome, London, etc. in Western Europe. After reading the posts and heeding some of the advice, I found my trip to be pretty much "scam-free" (with the except of someone trying to short change me). Thank you to all who post their experiences. Yes, it's great to come back and say, "I experienced no scams". I believe this happens because we are more aware of the possibilities of scams from reading posts from fellow travelers. Being prepared and aware can make all the difference!
Sheila
Seattle, WA USA Tue 06/28/2005

Paris travel
I recently spent 24 hours in Paris and before departing, I read many of the postings here. I did as most people advise - use a necklace pouch to put all your valuable, leave things in the hotel, etc... While I am glad I did as advised, I did not find many of the horrors most find. No kids begged for money and no one tried to pick my pocket. My only incident was a man at the entrance to the tunnel for the Arc who wanted to talk to me and when I ingored him, he yelled at me in another foreign language. While not a scam, I did find that Paris was very hard to navigate due to the lack of information. The subways are difficult to find if you do not know where they are and you must know the difference between the RER and the MER. All in all, thanks to those who have posted before for keeping me safe.
Lee
Nashville, Tn USA Tue 06/28/2005

Bogus e-mails
I suppose by now most of us know about the "African" scam. They e-mail you with a fantastic offer to share millions of dollars with you if you will just put it into your account. What they want is your bank info so they can clean you out. I am not aware that I have received any of these in connection with the RS Graffiti wall. I have received a couple of dozen of these e-mails. It's best not to open them so they won't know they have found a "good" address. If you open one, expect to get a bunch more. I've begun getting e-mails informing me that I have won fantastic sums in lotteries; they say this is based on their entering my e-mail address in the lottery. I'm sure these are bogus, also.
Swan
USA Mon 06/27/2005

booking scams
In Germany at least, almost every town has its own website with a listing of hotels, gasthauses, appartments, etc. If a hotel is listed on a town's website, I think you can trust that it exists. I have found and stayed in several dozen accommodations this way without a problem. You can usually find the site using www.[town name].de. If not, try a google search.
USA Sun 06/26/2005

Apartment Rental Scams
Watch out for apartment and hotel booking scams. We were looking for an apartment for 10 days and found lots of great sounding offers. References turned out to be from other people renting apartments. All wanted payment in advance, usually by Western Union.

After all the warnings from eBay about sending money with Western Union, I didn't. After doing some research I learned this is becoming a big SCAM. - Do NOT send any money.

We finally found someone who was honest, he accepts cash (Euros) upon arrival. He told us this is becoming a big problem, even for hotels. Just imagine arriving to find out you don't have a place to stay or the place doesn't exist after sending money and signing a contract.

Don't trust pictures either - scammers are using pictures, and descriptions of hotels that are really belong to someone else and claim that is where you will be staying.

I'm not sure what to do or who to trust, anyone have any good ideas?

Thanks
Robert
Orinda, CA USA Sun 06/26/2005

Only minor scams
My wife and I have just returned from 3 great weeks in Italy. Having read this site extensively prior to going on the holiday, we were prepared to encounter scams of all sorts. Happily however, we experienced only minor abuses, both at the hands of taxi drivers. The first was the cab ride from the Napoli Termini to our hotel in the old section: a 1-kilometre ride cost us 10 euro. Then again, given the all-out chaos in that part of the city, I would have paid double to get to the hotel. The second was a week later, from the Rome airport to a hotel nearby: upon making a left-hand turn near our destination, the meter jumped from 6 euro to 10. The cabbie had some method of jacking up the meter (though he likely thought I didn't catch it). On another occasion, boarding the train in Rome, and struggling to get the luggage up onto the overhead rack, I was approached by a rather scruffy-looking middle-aged man (no employee ID anywhere) who started to help me lift the luggage. I said "no" to him several times, to no avail. Finally, a levelled a loud "f-off" at him. I was rude and inhospitable to be sure, and he did give me a dirty look, but he backed off. One other instance comes to mind: at the washrooms opposite the ticket booth at Pompeii, a young man was sitting on a stool between the Men's and Women's. When I came out of the washroom, he looked down at dish with a few coins in it, looked up at me and said "Thank-you very much!" I said "For what?" and left. I don't mind paying washroom attendants, but tipping a guy parked out there and serving no discernable purpose is another thing. My advice to those who think that going to Italy (or elsewhere in Europe) leaves you constantly vulnerable to scammer, pickpockets, etc., is to take commonsense precautions (money belts, hidden pockets, etc.), wear a confident expression on your face (scammers are attracted to those who look vulnerable/apprehensive), and don't be afraid to deal with such people assertively. Italy is too magnificent a country to be sullied by a few crooks.
Bruce
Calgary Alberta Canada, Alberta Canada Sat 06/25/2005

Rome Taxi
While in Rome, I waited in line for an official taxi to take me and my family from Termini station to my hotel. I did not ask what the fare would be in advance (definitely a bug mistake). After taking what I now realize was a long route there, the meter read about 30 Euros. I had the sense that this was far too much for the ride, but thought it would be a losing battle, so I gave the driver a 50. He palmed the 50 and showed only had a 10 and said he needed another 20. I knew I was being had, but was having no success arguing with him. I ended up giving him another 20 while my wife got the cab number from the vehicle. As soon as we got in our hotel, I talked to the person at the reception desk who called the cab company for me. Before long, the driver was at our hotel to return ALL of the money I paid him. While my story had a happy ending, there is much to learn from it: 1) always agree on the fare before entering a taxi 2) if you are traveling with someone else, have them also watch the exchange of money. 3) if you think you may be getting cheated, get the cab number and report the problem right away. Even sophisticated travelers can be taken - don't be one them.
Philadelphia, PA USA Sat 06/25/2005

Police Scam Barcelona Amsterdam
My wife and I were waiting for a bus in Barcelona, A man came up to me and showed his shirt emblem beneath his pull-over saying he is a policeman and wanted to see my papers. He then asked us to accompany him to his car and after seeing out passports, told us to wait meet him around the corner. He brought his car around the corner and asked to see our wallets. When I asked for proof of him being a policeman, he showed me a police badge. I have not seen a police badge before. I gave him my wallet which had a credit card, traveller's cheques and a few Euros. He demanded to know what other cash I had - checking for fake currency. I assured him I had no other cash. He handed back my wallet and left. The scam - He asked us to meet him in the other street which would have allowed him an easy get-a-way since he 'inspected our wallets inside the car with engine running'.

I similar incident happened in Amsterdam and I think the fact that I carry very little cash saved the day.
Sulaiman <email>
SA Sat 06/25/2005

Wear your money belt even at bars!
Although I try to frequent night spots outside of the main tourist areas when I'm visting Madrid (they're more authentic and safe), my travel companion was visting Madrid for the first time so we went to bars near the popular tourist area which is between the Sol and Grand Via metro stops.

At a disco bar, I noticed that one guy watched as my friend and I paid for our drinks. At first, I thought nothing of it. Then the guy and his friend (young gypsy men in their late 20s) asked us to dance. I excused myself to go to the ladies room. While I was at the ladies room, one of the guys asked my friend for money and became agressive, even asking her if I had money.

She told them no way and we both bolted out of the place. Fortunately, there was no incident. I had my major cash stored in my money belt. I remove small bills from my belt while I'm in the bathroom stall and then I put them in my "fake" purse--which carries nothing put a couple of euros, lipstick and my driver's license.

I also always use my state license, not my passport (which stays in my money belt) for ID. I've never had someone refuse it as a type of identification, and it's cheaper to replace than a passport if it gets lost or stolen.

It just goes to show you, enjoy yourself, but scammers hit the disco too!
Nikki <email>
NJ USA Fri 06/24/2005

Scam in Amsterdam? Maybe...
Okay here's my story for what it's worth: On our first night in Amsterdam we were walking through a relatively un-touristy neighborhood toward our hotel. There were two of us. A couple of grungy-looking guys were walking toward us on the sidewalk (fyi, by "grungy-looking" I mean ragged clothes, dirty faces, and missing several teeth). As they passed us they separated so that each of them walked around one side of us (we were in the middle with each of them passing us on one side). This seemed kind of strange since there was plenty of room on the sidewalk for them to pass by without needing to walk around us. The guy on my side brushed up against me as he passed. Well, having heard the pickpocketing stories, I stopped to check that nothing was missing. Everything was there. I turned to look at the guy who'd brushed by me and he was bent over picking up what looked like drug paraphernalia. He turned to me and said, "No sorry?" I didn't understand what he'd said so I asked him to repeat himself. He stood up, walked toward me and said, "You bumped into me and knocked my stuff on the ground and you don't say sorry?" Not wanting a confrontation, I said "If I bumped into you, I'm sorry" and my friend and I continued on our way. Well, after a few meters it was obvious the two guys were following us, so I stopped and said, "Do you need something?" He said, "This stuff cost me money and you knocked it on the ground. Who's going to pay for it?" At this point I was done with the conversation, so I said, very loudly so that passersby would take notice of us, "You need to take better care of your stuff. Goodnight!" and walked away. My friend and I looked back a couple times, half-expecting them to keep following us, but they just stood there glaring at us and we didn't see them again. You decide whether there was anything "scammy" going on. Just thought I'd share.
Richard <email>
San Diego, CA USA Wed 06/22/2005

Optical Price
I worked as an optician in the States a few years ago. The only reason we would insist on replacing both lenses would be to ensure you have the same type and brand of bifocal lens for both eyes. Insisting on replacing a lens because of a scratch seems bogus. That price is very inflated as well. Good thing you were able to get your other pair mailed to you!
USA Wed 06/22/2005

Optical price Paris
I like many do not know if this is a scam or not,but here goes. We were recently in Paris, I knocked my glasses off my face,they hit the sidewalk and my right lens fell into the Paris sewer,We spent the rest of the day in optical shops,all of which could not help us as we did not have 3 days time to wait,so we were sent to Grand Optic in the Montparnase section of town, They could do my glasses in 1 day, but I needed to have both lenses made due to a scratch on the one lens I had,The total E650.00, Progressive bi focals. I did not do it. I had my spares mailed to me. However when I returned to the states I paid $78.00 for one lens and the other was found to be fine and unscratched by my local Dr. FYI
Bill <email>
Brooksville, fla USA Tue 06/21/2005

Editor's Note
We are no longer posting e-mail addresses on the Graffiti Wall, due to spammers abusing this feature.

It is still our policy to not share your e-mail address with anyone.

Previously, any user could e-mail you via the Graffiti Wall. They would not see your e-mail address unless you replied to them.

We are designing a new system for posters to contact each other. Stay tuned!
USA Tue 06/21/2005

Email address mining
I don't believe this is a case of real address mining, where someone actually gets email addresses. They are just using the reply form to send the email, the same as you would use it to answer someone's question. As long as you don't respond, they won't get your address.
USA Tue 06/21/2005

Moped rental scam in Nice
I recently rented a moped in Nice, France from Nicea Location Rent. After I returned the moped and inspected it in front of me, three days later they charged me my full deposit of 1,600 euro for damages. Since then I have had several conversation with then, but have still yet to receive the full amount back. Be ware of this place. They had some choice words about Americans.

Stay away from NICEA LOCATION RENT in NICE, FRANCE!
TX USA Tue 06/21/2005

They are mining this site
I've recieved 2 email in the last two days that were directly from this website and comments I've added here. they even used Rick's name in the subject line. I only use my generic email on sites like this. Just want to warn everyone out there...it will most likely happen to you too. Remember to NOT respond for requests for money, or money for exchange for "helping" these people in any way. I'm NOT leaving my email address again! And, I'm glad IT has changed the way email goes out of this site...now not visable to anyone. thanks!
USA Mon 06/20/2005

email address
I too have used "generic" email addresses when posting on the Wall, but I have never seen much, if any, spam on those addresses, so I am not so sure about address mining on the Wall. I am more suspicious about those posters who ask for email responses (why?). But, never mind the concerns. Click on "add my comments" and you will find that ETBD no longer shares your email address when you post. Click on one of the email links and you will see that it is true.
USA Thu 06/16/2005

Different?
Yes, it's different in Europe - and Asia. It's much safer. It's true I'm more likely to have my pocket picked while I'm traveling, but that's because I spend a lot of time walking crowded streets and riding buses, while at home I drive everywhere. On the other hand, I don't worry about violent crime - remember, almost no guns over there! If you're really concerned, in a big city, ask your hotel/B&B/etc about "bad areas", but in many months of backpacker travel over the last few years, I've only felt concerned I might be in the wrong area a couple of times, both around big city train stations at night (London & Mumbai), and in Russia. In Russia I slept in homestays outside the city center, and the empty, ill-lit, suburban streets did feel creepy. Also, the young police lieutenant I met on the Novgorod-Moscow train told me to stay off the streets at night (because of drugs). But I still wouldn't worry about well-lit, downtown streets. Wear a money belt, and carry a fake wallet if you're really worried.
Kathy <email>
Cary, NC USA Thu 06/16/2005

Scam via e-mail
I don't know if this should be in Tourist Scam or not - but today I was contacted by someone via a posting I made on this board (in the Thrifty Ways to Save thread). It was one of those "Nigerian Bank" scams that have been going around for years, though this one used Cote d'Ivoire instead.

I'm fairly certain everyone on this site would know better than to respond to one of these, but I thought I'd throw this out here anyway. I do know that from now on I think I'll use my generic yahoo address instead of my home address for posts!
Kris <email>
MD USA Thu 06/16/2005

Be careful with ATM machines!
My friend and I both had our ATM numbers AND PIN stolen while using an ATM machine in Barcelona, Spain. We had our ATM cards with us the whole time, yet, there were people from parts of Spain that were withdrawing from our accounts while we traveled.

It was obviously an inside job so watch out! Don't use shady ATM machines and if you could help it, use ATM machines inside banks or behind security doors. I had my information stolen from BANCO SABAD in Barcelona.
JH <email>
Orange County, CA USA Thu 06/16/2005

London pickpocket
Trish, It's too bad that happened to you. Did you make any noise over this when it was happening & talk to the restaurant's owner/mangager(many a Londoner would!)? Most owners take this kind of action happening inside their business very seriously - especially if the Bobbies get involved. Any owner that doesn't, won't be in business for long. It doesn't matter if it was only a cheap umbrella, as they probably have lifted more valuable items from other people there. It's a highly competitive environment & news travels fast in London Town. I've racked up many months in London over the years visiting friends & family on extended stays, so its almost my second home. I don't profess to know everything but I do know tourists don't have to sit there and let this kind of thing happen. They wouldn't at home & it shouldn't be any different in London. I've noticed some Americans not doing anything when they see they are being ripped off. In many cases when I talk to them its because they are afraid of being labeled an "ugly American". There's a big difference between protecting your right not be ripped off & being an ugly American.
CA USA Wed 06/15/2005

London/South Kensington Pickpocket Alert
The last week in May we stayed at a hotel on Cromwell Road, near the Gloucester Road Tube station. Our hotel had a "Watch your bags" sign in the lobby, but the neighborhood felt safe and we didn't take it too seriously. Until, that is, we were at the little Italian restaurant across the street (Vecchiomondo, 118 Cromwell Road). We were seated at a table that backed up to the stairs down to the restrooms. I had my bag on the floor next to my chair. Two Middle-Eastern looking young men entered the restaurant, one asked for directions to the restrooms, the other went back and stood outside the door. The next thing I knew, my bag was rocking on the floor -- the man who went down to the restrooms had reached into my bag, though all he managed to do was pull out my dollar-store umbrella. Fortunately, all my valuables were in my money belt, but it certainly would have been inconvenient to lose some of the things in my bag.

We suspect that the waitress may have been in cahoots with these two, since

a) we were seated at one of the less desirable tables available; and

b) she followed the young man down the stairs. Lessons learned: #1: Always use your money belt! #2: Take the warnings of pickpockets seriously! #3: Ask for an out-of-the-way table and secure your bag around a table or chair leg.

Later that same evening, I went out alone to use the phone box, but as I neared the box, two other young men approached casually, sort of loitering nearby, so I aborted my mission and decided to use the hotel phone (even at 2 pounds per call).

In short, take seriously the warnings about pickpockets in the South Kensington area of London, and use your money belt!
Trish Wells
Germantown, MD USA Wed 06/15/2005

France wasn't bad at all
I got an AMAZING deal on airfare (my hometown to Paris $198 round trip), and booked my first trip abroad, to take place in less than two weeks. Once I began to research, I became very excited to very overwhelmed. I read the postings here before I left, and thought "what in the world was I thinking???" traveling as a solo female. It helped to read one posting that said that reminded me that this board is just for scams, and that it really isn't all bad. I ventured onward, with my one carry-on bag and money belt. In a last minute change, I took an ameribag (check Travelsmith or specialty stores) aka healthy back bag to use as a daybag. Great choice. I flew into Paris and got on 4 different trains to meet a friend in the south of France. I did encounter 2 creepy young men that were very interested me at the Agen train station. I was obviously traveling, and was alarmed that my friend wasn't at the station to pick me up. I finally sat next to a French woman, and the creepy kids left.

The rest of my trip was great. I spent 3 days alone in Paris, wore my bag snugly across my chest and money belt, and never felt threatened, even riding the metro the whole time. People would talk to me like they thought I was French. Very cool. A couple women got right in my face to ask me something, and I just walked away quickly. I had a great time, and bought a book my first night home to plan my next trip.
col <email>
IL, USA Wed 06/15/2005

Ripoffs in Taxis
When we arrived in Rome the Metro was down due to a strike. Since we were very tired and didn't feel like walking with our packs to our hotel, we waited in line for cab. When we got one, he drove us around for 20 min. The fare was 19 euros. My husband gave the driver a 20. In an instant, the guy switched the 20 for a five and said, "no, you owe me more." My husband and I both looked at each other as we suspected something was up, and (here's the mistake) without questioning the situation, gave him another 20. We felt like such heels two seconds later when we counted the money outside the cab.

The moral of the story: take extra care to watch how much money you are giving someone. We were glad this happened on our first day, tho, as we made sure to watch for it the rest of our trip.
Sarah C. <email>
Ann Arbor, MI USA Wed 06/15/2005

charge slips
When using your credit card in France do check the slip before signing it to be sure that you have not been doubled charged. My usual vigilence was lax and I was almost charged for the wrong dinner (30 euros more) and several members of our tour caught double charges on their receipt. This may be unintentional or sloppy service but do be aware.
Wilson Lanford <email>
Spartanburg, SC USA Sun 06/12/2005

Here's some more anecdotal evidence, for what it's worth... but I had no problems at all during my recent trip to Barcelona, which is notorious for petty thievery. I took the usual precautions, and traveled all over the city, using the metro and my own two feet, and retained all my belongings.

I did notice that unlike some cities in northern Europe, Barcelona does not warn its visitors about pickpockets. Here in Amsterdam there are warning signs everywhere (which some people think actually *help* the pickpockets, because they inspire people to pat the pockets containing their most valuable belongings, thus tipping off the thieves!) but in Barcelona there are none. However, some helpful soul has graffiti'd "Beware of Thieves" on some walls in the Gothic Quarter.

There's a new fashion trend that is undoubtedly making pickpockets' lives difficult in France and elsewhere: namely, those infernal 'clam-digger' pants that all the young (and not-so-young!) guys seem to be wearing. The advantage is that they have lots and lots of pockets, which are usually velcro'd or zippered, so the odds of the thieves finding the 'right' pocket are significantly reduced.
Peter
Amsterdam, NL Sat 06/11/2005

scams and feeling unsafe
I agree with Chris from KC. A scam or con is an activity meant to target a user and swindle him/her out of money. The bracelets are good ones, pickpockets could be a type of scam. But saying e.g. that Gare du Nord is in a bad neighborhood and was uncomfortable, in my mind doesn't constitute a scam in any way.
Brad
St Louis, MO USA Sat 06/11/2005

scams vs. not scams
My comment before did not mean that you shouldn't pay attention, act intelligently, and be cautious. In fact, enjoy your whole vacation whilst wondering if the lady asking for money is really a thief or if the guy selling gelatos is laughing at you behind your back. It's your holiday, your time, and your money, so it's your right to do so.

But to come back, after nothing happened, and post to this message board saying there was a SCAM going on because a woman approached you and asked you for some change -- when nothing got stolen, no pockets picked, and no bracelet hurriedly placed on your wrist -- I would have to say it's out of place on this forum.

After all, the forum says "Let's share the most common scams so we can all travel more safely." I just can't fathom attempting to pass off someone looking for some change as a scam. It just isn't, no matter how you cut it.

So turn on your fear-meter to whatever makes you most comfortable, but let's try to employ some sensibility when warning others about so-called "scams" without any basis for doing so.
Chris
Kansas City, MO USA Fri 06/10/2005

My bad....
I didn't realize my comment would be the most exciting thing to happen to this messageboard probably since it's been around. Some of you even have sidekicks who do nothing but agree with everything you post. All I meant by it was that the bad guys are not as rampant as some make it out to be. Sure, things happen and that is why this messageboard is here, but I would hate for a first time or inexperienced traveler to read some of the paranoid nonsense written and be scared away or suspicious of everyone there. There are many good people who will go out of their way to help you and not take you for all that you have. I was hardly celebrating my "worldly persona", but suggesting common sense is always your best policy anywhere.
Zak
Seattle, WA USA Fri 06/10/2005

Money Belts
I find "money belts"like Rick's(which are a good way of having a secure way of carrying money etc I agree) uncomfortable BUT the hidden pocket type (the ones which have loops to fix to your belt and THEN slip down the front of your pants) worked REALLY well for both my husband and I last time we went to Europe. Funny thing was my husband was NOT convinced that his wallet was NOT safe in his back pocket! BUT after I had read this board I did convince him to use the 'hidden pocket'

Now we have organised a trip going to LA -Salt Lake City- Denver - NYC- London - Nice - Venice - Rome - Hong Kong - and HOME ....we will be using them again -- because all we travel with is one 20" carry on and one back back each -- called "travelling LIGHT " :)
Jackie <email>
Perth Australia, USA Fri 06/10/2005

You rock, Ken. I couldn't have said it better.
CA USA Thu 06/09/2005

Wrong Target
I've lived in the USA in Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, and St. Louis. I've traveled extensively to Europe, Africa, Central and South America - so Lauren your vignette is some straw man. My objection to Zak is that he's not offering advice; he's simply celebrating his persona as a self-proclaimed worldly person. His post doesn't belong here (neither does this one and I'm sure it won't last long) nor do the posts of the "I went there and nothing happened" variety. 99% of the time nothing does happen and posts like Zak do nothing to inoculate anyone. The great thing about this site is the chance to read specific references to the unfortunate things that rarely but occasionally do happen, so all can be on guard against them.
Ken
GA USA Thu 06/09/2005

Why some are not targeted part deux...
I can just see Ken now in a square somewhere in Europe, camera around his neck, clinching his lucky rabbits foot, paranoid of everyone around him, hoping luck will save him from being robbed. Luck has very little if anything to do with why most people don't get scammed or robbed. I'm sure people like Zak don't have any trouble with these shady types because they look nothing of a tourist and you would never tell them apart from the locals. I've traveled all over Europe and have never had any trouble from these types because of this simple, but oh-so-effective technique. How often do you think they target locals? It seems like common sense to me, but if you still need empty advice before you leave the state of Georgia, there's always Ken... Oh, but he didn't leave an email address... I guess his hour at the library was up...
Lauren
New York, NY USA Wed 06/08/2005

Targets
Attitude is important, but being aware of your surroundings is also very important. When visiting a new place, we often are looking at the buildings, paintings, monuments, etc., and not paying attention to our hand bags, pockets and back packs. You can scan your surroundings, keep an eye on others around you and hold on to your handbag without being paranoid. It's being smart. The scams and picked pockets I've witnessed happen to people who are not paying attention.
Sheila
Seattle, WA USA Wed 06/08/2005

Why Some Are Not Targeted, Part 2
I have to agree that some are not targeted due to luck and also due to having a confident attitude. While I have never been to Europe but plan on spending six weeks there this Summer, I have been to most major cities in American and never have trouble with panhandlers, pickpockets, etc. If approached, I say no with enough energy that shows I mean business. If going somewhere I am prepared, know how to get to where I"m going and know who to ask if I need information. Many people have told me that they never knew I was not from New York, Chicago, etc. In addition, I think Zak's comments also hit the mark. How much fun it be if I spent six weeks in Europe worrying about pickpockets. As Steve says, someone else's hand in your pocket is just another thrill!
Andy Perry <email>
Louisville, KY USA Wed 06/08/2005

Seconding the Champs de Mars comment.
I just want to second the Champs de Mars comment. I was in Paris with my mother in February/early March and the same young woman approached us, claiming to be Bosnian. She had a "sister" working the other side of the area and both of them approached me in the time we were there. I said the same thing to both: "Get away from me, leave us alone or I will call the police and report you." She seemed to believe me because she scurried off, but I saw her trying to fleece another tourist later. The girls claim to be Bosnian refugees who don't speak French and only speak English, hand you a card in English asking for money. When you don't give them any, they start pulling on your sleeve or arm, begging earnestly and trying to reach for your pockets/bag. I had *nothing* in my pockets and my money belt well hidden, luckily, but I know not everyone does that.
Meredith
Cypress, TX USA Wed 06/08/2005

Why some are not targeted
There are myriad reasons why people avoid being scammed or robbed. Luck being high on the list.

Then there are the know-it-all's like Zak. Zak is not targeted because scammers and thieves sense his purse is as empty as his advice.
Ken
GA USA Wed 06/08/2005

Pickpocket-proof bags
Paranoid or not, there are ways to protect your belongings while traveling. I'm making my third trip to Paris this Fall as my honeymoon and to prepare I've found a website that has information on backpacks, shoulder bags, etc. that are slash proof because they're protected with wire. So if you *must* carry loads of gear while seeing the sights, these may be a good alternative. For more information on these great bags go to: http://www.pac-safe.com
Jenn <email>
CA USA Mon 06/06/2005

I also disagree with JB, I'm indifferent to Swan, but I really liked Zak's comment. Well said.
Nigel
NY USA Mon 06/06/2005

I disagree with JB
Dan
FL USA Mon 06/06/2005

Paranoia?
This page is called "Tourist Scam Alert" for a reason. Here we can read information on scams and possible scams. Other pages are devoted to other matters, like how terrific it is to be travelling in Europe.
Swan
USA Mon 06/06/2005

Calm down people!!!...
Paranoia, paranoia everybodys coming to get me... I've been reading through this messageboard and a little of it is good information, the rest is classic american traveling hysteria. The criminal element is no more than 1% of the population anywhere and if you're going to look, act and think like a victim, you will be a victim. If you're still going to be suspicious of everyone, you wont have fun, you'll come back and bitch on these messageboards about how everyone who looked in your direction must have been trying to rip you off somehow. Just use common sense and if you are unable to, do us a favour and for your next two weeks off work take your travelers cheques and the family to disneyland!
Zak
Seattle, WA USA Sun 06/05/2005

Saying No is Not Paranoia
Regarding the posts that suggest to ignore a request for help is paranoia, or that not everyone is out to get you:

The world has a moral obligation to help you if you are having a heart attack, but not to take your photo with your companion, or to give you either directions or gifts of money. It is nice when people satisfy our requests, or for us to satisfy theirs, but when they/we do not, this is not symptomatic of something being wrong with the refuser. "No, thank you" is said by even quite sane people (!), even when said in a hurry.

As for 'not everyone is out to get you' true enough, but truly trustworthy people expect to have to earn a stranger's trust, not get it on demand. Meanwhile, remember that everyone who helps is not equally qualified to so so. In other words, even when people offer help legitimately, this does not translate automatically into help that is effective. Many is the time I've checked the directions some Samaritan has given or tried to give me, and found them to be wrong.
CA Sun 06/05/2005

Beware in the train stations
I had only one bad experience in 2 weeks of travel in Italy. While my husband was in the restroom at the train station in Rome, I waited with the bags. I was aware of everyone around me and even stared down some "punky" dressed youths who gathered near where I was standing. The only other "encounter" was two elderly ladies, nicely dressed and pulling small roller bags who were walking past and gabbing to each other as I was bending to reach for our tickets in an outside suitcase pocket. I had my tote up under my arm with my forearm across the top, but it did stick out a bit as I bent down. They brushed it as they walked by, I thought preoccupied in conversation. Later on the train, my husband noticed that the corner of the bag had been neatly slashed. I always keep the side of the bag with maps and books facing out, so nothing was bothered or missing, but it ruined my nice new nylon tote.
Atlanta, GA USA Fri 06/03/2005

theft
While in Rome, just as the overcrowded subway doors were closing, a man appeared out of the shadows and tried to grab my husband's back pack. Always wear your backpack in front of you on buses/trains!
Theresa
NJ USA Thu 06/02/2005

Italy scams
Just returned from a wonderful trip to Rome and Florence. No problems at all but did see the following: TAXIS - We we overcharged on the way from the airport - was 50 euros a block from our hotel and jumped to 70 when he pulled up! Generally though the drivers were quite honest and helpful. There are some legitimate surcharges that may take you by suprise. If you call for a cab, they charge from the moment they take the call (not from when you are picked up). Fares to get into a cab at night double. TIPPING - If you sit to eat, you pay. Even to drink a bottle of water. The charge will be noted on your bill but you won't be told ahead of time. Do like the Italians and enjoy your coffee/water at the bar for no surcharge. PICKPOCKETS - You can watch them work. Don't even think of keeping something in your pockets - your front pockets aren't safe, either. We used money belts and had no problems. We did see many people lined up to file reports at the police stations in Central Rome. They are all easily identified by large backpacks, a camera around their neck and a guidebook/map in their hand. Easy targets. The more you blend in, the better off you'll be. Remember also - not everyone is a thief! We found the Italians to be wonderful and can't wait to go back.
Ryan
Seattle, WA USA Wed 06/01/2005

Back from Lisbon
Just back from Lisbon. No terrible scams to report. City is very safe. There were some pesty panhandlers. Tram 28 was crowded but they have warning signs up. All the tourists looked happy. The store merchants were helpful and always gave correct change. Took the taxis too. Very reasonable. Had one that had his meter on the glove compartment so when the ride ended he quickly flipped the door down to get change and quoted one Euro more than the price. When questioned, he corrected it. I felt sorry for him though because it is a poor country. Gave a dollar tip anyhow.
Marie
Verona, NJ USA Wed 06/01/2005

Paris: Champ de Mars scams
After traveling to Europe several times I've only witnessed scams and pickpockets. This last time, though, I was a victim of pickpocket and scam myself. While in Paris (my second trip) I was taking pictures of the Eiffel Tower at the Champs de Mars when I was approached by a young woman wearing "refugee-like" clothing and asked if I spoke English. She showed me a card begging for money. Fortunately I didn't have any money to give her and she was alone and no one tried to distract me. The next scam was a couple of days later at the RER Champ de Mars station when a woman tried to tailgate her way through the turnstiles. The next day the woman followed me down the steps of that same station-sandwiched herself between me and my mother) and was able to get the small pouch of my backpack halfway unzipped. My mom started screaming and she stopped, said something in a language I didn't recognize (odd since I'm a liguistics major)and then ran off. Fortunately all of my money was in my money belt and the bigger portion of the bag was locked. The only thing she wouldv'e gotten was a lipstick and a bag of crackers! But, still I learned my lesson. So be very, very careful around the Eiffel Tower/Champ de Mars area.
Jenn <email>
CA USA Tue 05/31/2005

watch the smiley one
Remember the Friendly people are often the ones to do the little scam give you change for 5 instead of 10.
John Brangwin <email>
Bellevue, Wa USA Tue 05/31/2005

my 2 "scam" experiences in Paris
I spent 6 wonderful nights in Paris. At Monmartre, I went on a Paris Walks walking tour and our guide warned us about the portrait artists! Overall, I had no bad "scam" experiences. However, I do want to share a couple of things: 1. At the Louvre in front of Mona Lisa, they have a roped off area where you can queue up to see the painting up close. While we were standing outside of the roped off area, we witnessed an Italian woman grabbing a young man and thropwing him out of line. The young man had opened the back pocket of a Japanese tourist's slacks and was going for the wallet (bad place to keep one, in my opinion). None of them spoke the same language, but it all came across pretty clearly!

2. At a small convenience-type store in a very touristy area (near the Seine), I bought bottle water with a 20 Euro note. The cashier short-changed me 10 Euro. Thankfully, she didn't put my 20 in the register, but had it laid out on the keys. When I brought it to her attention, she apologized profusely. I'm sure many tourists don't notice. ADD UP YOUR PURCHASES AND COUNT YOUR CHANGE BACK TO YOURSELF BEFORE YOU PAY. This way, you know what you should get back before the items are rung up.

One last thing. I was walking down a small, quiet street and a young woman told me in French that the zipper to my backpack was undone 1/2 way. Nothing was missing and I'm sure I was at fault, but it assured me that most people out there are honest and good. Just look out for yourselves and those around you!
Seattle, WA USA Tue 05/31/2005

Eurostar
I traveled on Eurostar roundtrip London Paris this month. Waterloo is no problem, I agree. In Paris we arrived one hour before our train departure and went straight inside security. However, as we got out of the taxi, we were approached by a little girl. We firmly said "Non Merci", and she went away (luckily, she was alone). Our hotel in Paris is located in the 7th near Metro Ecole Militaire and 5 minutes from the Eiffel Tour, across the Seine from Gare du Nord. Our cab ride was 15 Euros in both directions. The total 30 Euros spent was worth it after reading about the metro experience from the previous poster. I find getting in the cab, saying "Bonjour Monsieur, Hotel ... s'il vous plait" gets me an honest rate ;-). I recommend spending the extra money on cabs for hotel/train station transfers in Paris, considering how bad of a neighborhood the Gare Du Nord is in!
USA Tue 05/31/2005

Eurostar
Beware when taking the Eurostar from London to Paris. The London train station is very clean and secure. You can go through security and customs hours before your train leaves. You are then free to eat at the little cafes and use the clean bathrooms. Once you arrive in Paris it is a very different story. You arrive at Gare du Nord which is in a very tough section of Paris. Groups of gypsies wait for the Eurostar trains and immediately surround the people getting off. We were approached by a girl asking if we spoke English and trying to hand us a piece of paper to read. It is scary. The only way we found to get to Paris was to take the subway. It took over an hour and it went through some very dangerous places. We asked at our hotel and they said it was the only way to get to Gare du Nord unless you hire an expensive private car, forget a taxi. The price we were quoted for a taxi was outrageous. Going back from Paris you are not allowed to go through security until about half an hour before your train leaves. There is no where to sit and no bathrooms on the Eurostar level. You don't want to go back down into the station because it is dirty and filled with gypsies. We found a restaurant on the Eurostar level and it was fantastic. We ordered creme brulees and rolls with butter. The price was reasonable, the waiter was wonderful and it was air conditioned. They let us sit there for over an hour and never attempted to rush us. It is the restaurant right next to the statue on the Eurostar level, I neglected to write down the name.
Mary
Boston, MA USA Tue 05/31/2005

Monmarte
When going through the turnstiles to enter the steps to Sacre Couer my turnstile suddenly jammed. My husband was in front of me and saw a young man in the turnstile with me. He pushed him away and yelled at him. I felt absolutely nothing behind me or in my backpack. I discovered the zipper of my backpack was open and my travel organizer partially out. I had an underarm backpack which I was hugging tightly. I now have a small lock which I use to lock together the zipper of my underarm backpack. I also now use a money belt. This kid was a pro!!! Also beware of the portrait artists that greet you as you enter the main square of Monmarte. They speak perfect English and are very personable. They will have you in a conversation and be drawing your portrait in a second. After they finish the portrait and hand it to you they reveal the price, 50 euros each. I told them I did not even have 50 euros on me and the price magically came down to 10 euros each.
Diane
NYC, NYC USA Tue 05/31/2005

Car Thieves
In Provence,we stopped to take photos of Pont Julian,parked the car in a very public lot, walked to the bridge to take photos, when we returned, the car windows were smashed, trunk popped and items stolen. The police were very helpful,said that this is common,that thieves can tell a rental car by the license plates and follow tourists. Best advice, do not leave anything in your car.
Mary Kellogg <email>
Tilghman, Md USA Mon 05/30/2005

Rome and pickpockets
I am in Rome right now. Rode the metro from Termini to St Peter's last night. While on the train, it got very packed at one stop. A very nice looking gentleman got on and crowded me and my husband. We were all hanging onto the pole in the middle of the car. Well, I had my hand on my shoulder bag that was in front of my body, and the other on the pole. I happened to look down, and saw this nicely dressed man with his fingers working the zipper open in the ladies purse right next to me. He noticed me see him, and said something to me in Italian...like a threat. I elbowed the lady to get her attention, but we were also leaving the train at that time...Moral of the story ladies, and men....hold your purse in front of you with your hand on the zipper on the metro in Rome!! Look down, see what is going on. I am still a little surprised and shocked at what I actually witnessed! Also...there are a lot of beggers on the street in Rome, just ignore them, unless you feel compelled to give them money. And, the flower guys at the Spanish Steps...they thrust the flower in your face, almost demanding you take it...just say no and walk away.
EB
CO USA Sat 05/28/2005

Street crime scam, bogus cops
You guys probably know this one, but I thought I'd throw it out there so that others could learn from my "stupid-attack." My buddy and I were traveling on business and were in Budapest. I loved Budapest -fascinating place. Anyway, we'd been out shopping for our wives & were on our way back to the hotel with our treasures and were walking along a covered corridor. I was approached by a little guy from my left - scuzzy little scumbag from the look of him - and he asked me in nearly perfect English, what time it was. I answered. He then asked whether I wanted to exchange some money for a better rate. I said absolutely not, and we were then immediatley approached by two other guys, who identified themselves as undercover police. The guy directly in front of me was a little bigger than I, and the other one was about my size, but bigger than my buddy. Neither guy had a badge or other credentials, and I didn't ask. We were two against three. They asked to see our passports - which we showed them. Then they asked to see our money - which I thought was suspicious - but two against three - who knows whether they were armed - we showed them our cash. They bitch-slapped the guy who originally approached us - smacked him around all over the place. Then they handed us everything back & let us go. We went back to our hotel. About an hour later, I was knocking out a report to my boss, when my buddy came knocking on the door, asking if I'd checked my money. These guys stole only American bills, only tens & twenties, leaving all the smaller bills, and Hungarian currency. I was nailed for about $50, but my buddy was zapped for around $200! Learned a valuable lesson that day!
Paul Barnhill <email>
Virginia Beach, VA USA Wed 05/25/2005

American Government Preventing Americans from Visiting Sarajevo
This past April, I travelled throughout Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia-and-Herzegovina for four weeks. After spending two days in the city of Mostar, Bosnia-and-Hercegovina, I decided to take a bus to the capital city Sarajevo. The bus ride went well without any problems. Then, approximately ten kilometres outside Sarajevo, we were stopped by a roadblock, consisting of nine American soldiers in uniform and three military vehicles. One soldier boarded the bus and ordered all American citizens to step outside with their luggage. I was the only American traveler; so I exited the bus while the driver retrieved my backpack from the luggage compartment. The soldiers informed me that Sarajevo was not safe for "non-essential" American citizens and my entry into the city was prohibited. When I inquired for a specific explanation, the soldiers refused to give details -- and ordered me not to ask any further questions! After the bus continued towards Sarajevo, I remained along the roadside for over one hour, until a bus leaving Sarajevo was flagged to a stop. A soldier spoke briefly to the driver and I was taken onboard to return to Mostar. Luckily, I did not have to pay an extra bus fare. I inquired to some of the passengers about the situation in Sarajevo and how dangerous was it for Americans. Those passengers who spoke English were dumbfounded. They told me Sarajevo was safe: many international tourists are visiting and there are plenty of European soldiers present to keep the peace. Are American soldiers blocking other roads leading into Sarajevo? I suspect this is some kind of cover-up the American government conspired. After all, Bosnia-and-Herzegovina is the ONLY European nation on the American government's black list of dangerous nations that American travelers should avoid. But then again, the American government has always been the most xenophobic, paranoid government in the world!
Jerry Scott Horn <email>
Fort Lauderdale, FL USA Mon 05/23/2005

Leather Jacket Scam comes to Vancouver
On a quiet Kitsilano street Max, the Italian Versace Rep looking for directions to the airport and brandishing an Italian passport (and a very cheesy looking North American sized business card), just tried to sell me his "gift" of 3 designer leather jackets, one designer suit and designer sheets for $1000. I had never heard of this before and he was rather convincing, but I relied on the adage of "gifts don't cost money" to see me through. Initially I thought it was my lucky day! I guess it was though because I received good entertainment value as Max put on a good show trying to convince me to part with my money! Viva Max!
mark <email>
Vancouver, BC Canada Sun 05/22/2005

Gelato
Ask for a Gelato from one of the food vendor vans around the Coluseum and they'll give you a "large". It'll cost you 6 euros for crappy gelato. If you must buy a gelato here ask for a small.
Robert
Los Angeles, CA USA Sun 05/22/2005

Amsterdam taxi mafia (cont.)
A follow-up on the 'short taxi ride' issue that I introduced below. The Amsterdam city government has proposed new guidelines for taxi drivers -- and one of them is that it is strictly illegal for them to refuse short trips. So it's not just me! Another guideline is that passengers should be able to choose the taxi they want, not the other way 'round. Both of these rules were violated by the taxi mafia the day I tried to get home from Centraal Station.

In any case, the ride I was refused wasn't a *very* short one... 2 km is not an inconsiderable distance, especially when it's cold and rainy and you're not dressed for the weather. I would gladly have paid ?8, but certainly not ?15, for such a ride.
Peter
Amsterdam, NL Sun 05/22/2005

Phone
In Italy, I was naive and used a phone that asked for a credit card number. Expecting it was safe and legitimate, as it was in my apartment building, I entered it without good information desperate to get ahold of my family. I was charged $40 for a 30 converstaion with my sister's answering machine. It was my own fault, but still not fun. Stick to phones that use the phone cards or coins...no credit cards!
USA Sat 05/21/2005

NOT EVERYONE IS OUT THERE TO GET YOU
I COMPLETELY agree with Chris from Kansas City. Here is my story. My sister and I were sightseeing in Barcelona last month. We wanted to get a picture taken together with our digital camera, so stopped another tourist saying, "Excuse me. Do you speak English?" with smile. The man said, "NO THANKS", and walked away as fast as he could with no eye contact. I bet he is now back home telling his friends about a dangerous incident that he encountered in Barcelona (" I was this close to be robbed by two asian women in Barri Gotic...!") and how smart he was to refuse a conversation with strangers. PLEASE!
Sunny M.
Philadelphia, USA Sat 05/21/2005

People, these are not scams
The "Train Stations" comment several below: of all the ridiculous comments on this board, yours must take the cake!A woman asking for money is a scam?A man asking for directions is a scam?Must we cast a suspicious eye on every single aspect of a trip? If someone comes up to you in your hometown and asks for directions, do you pull out the Mace and tear gas?Give us all a break
Chris <email>
Kansas City, MO USA Fri 05/20/2005

Security Lessons
20/05/2005My wife and I just returned from a great 10 day tour of Spain. After reading Steve's security alerts in his book and the posts on this site, we felt well informed on the security issues. However, I was pickpocketed while entering a Metro car in Barc. The old "drop something at your feet" distraction. I knew what was going on the second the guy starting yanking on my pant cuffs. The good news is all they got was a small package of kleenex I had put in my back pocket. (Plus it is a good story to tell my friends!)Lesson confirmed... use a money belt.Lesson learned ... do not underestimatehow good these thieves are, and how well their art of distraction works.
T. Williams
Mpls, MN USA Fri 05/20/2005

Medmar In Italy
In total I have spent about 18 months in Europe. The gypsies in Budapest never robbed me, I felt very safe in Moscow, after five months in Rome I never felt a hand in my pocket and it seemed that Albanians never had any interest in taking my wallet. All in all, I have never felt robbed until this past month. I booked a ferry reservation with Medmar on the internet and paid $240 for two tickets. However, they never emailed me the tickets. I have called them eight times, send two faxes, and more than 20 emails (every morning and evening). Everytime it is the same story, "mi dispiace signor Pizzo, non possiamo trovare la Sua prenotazione pero mi dia il tuo numero e Le chiamo fra un ora." They have never called me back. I have quit playing games with Medmar and am going to refute the charges and book my tickets with Grimaldi.
Matthew Pizzo <email>
Austin, TX USA Fri 05/20/2005

Train Stations
In a small train station I was trying to buy a ticket from a machine. A woman walked over as if to help me. I asked her if she knew how to use the machine. She just smiled. As I struggled to figure out the thing, she continued to look attentive. She just stood there, not offering help or even suggestions. After I had successfully purchased my ticket, she held out her hand for...a tip? Not exactly a scam, but ... I did not give her anything. Another time I was in York, England studying a crude TI map of York when a man walked up to me and asked me directions. I laughed. I said, "Do I look like I know where anything is?" He walked away. Maybe it was a setup. I don't know.
USA Thu 05/19/2005

Italain Train Scam
I just returned from two weeks in Italy and found it to be a lovely country, except for the fact that you have to be on your guard for scams at all times--especially in Rome.

At the Termini station we were heading for our car (researved seats on Euro Star train to Florence)when a woman demands to see our ticket to see what car we should be on. We had second class tickets for car 8. The woman looked at our ticket and said "no no" as we passed car 8. She stopped at TrenItalia employee and showed him our ticket and he directed us to a first class car and seated us in a compartment. The woman insisted on a tip for being so helpful (we gave her one, but not nearly what she wanted) and, of course, when the conductor came around informed us we were in business class accomodations and had to pay an extra 40 euros for the seats. We were exhausted at this point (I was traveling with my parents who are in their late 70s and didn't want to move them to the correct car at the other end of the train once I got them settled) so I paid it, but found I resented having to be on my guard against scams every minute of every day.
Susan
AL USA Wed 05/18/2005

Sunglasses and Subways
Just back from France. This happened in the Metro stop at the D'Orsay. A woman approached us and speaking English asked us where the Metro stop was. It was right across the street and I directed her to the entrance. I believe this was to distract us and get us talking about how cool we were that even the natives were asking us for directions rather than being vigilant about our surroundings.

As we walked along the platform--still talking about the above, 3 men were talking loudly and one passed between my boyfriend and I as we boarded the subway. I entered first and the first guy "dropped" (threw) his sunglasses on the floor at my boyfriend's feet. As he messed with my boyfriend's feet, and my boyfriend tried to be polite and not step on the sunglasses, the other two were picking his pockets.

YES, he had most of his money in a money belt AND he had his wallet in a velcro enclosure which attached with a metal cord to his belt loop AND he had the wallet in his front pocket. Despite all that, he was so distracted as the guy yelled and pulled on his feet and his pants, they took the wallet.

As the doors closed they threw in the wallet--they took only cash and left the driver's license and credit cards!

There is absolutely NO REASON to have a wallet. Keep everything in a money belt. These people do this for a living.

Other than that--we had a great time, loved France and we learned a lot!
Connie Gray <email>
Austin, Tx USA Tue 05/17/2005

Taxi Scams
We have just returned home following a great couple of days in Rome. I was aware of taxi scams before I went, but even that didn't stop me from getting ripped off twice! I took an offical taxi from Ciampino airport, This is the airport used by low cost operators. I asked the driver if he had a meter he confirmed he did, but after we started travelling it did not move off zero until we reached our hotel when it suddenly displayed 70 euros for a 15 kilometre 35 minute trip. When I paid the driver he turned around and switched a 50 euro note to a 20 then demanded the correct money. In the confusion I paid him because I assumed I had made a mistake. Looking through my wallet in the hotel I quickly realised that he had conned me. The moral to this story is make sure the meter is running ( at the correct tariff ) and don't be afraid to complain if it isn't. Plus always count out your money with someone else present and don't be rushed no matter what. Next time I will use the airport bus.
John
UK Tue 05/17/2005

Madrid, rip off
rip off in Madrid:just got back from madrid. we sat in a little sidewalk cafe and i put my carry bag under my chair. when we got up to leave, it was gone. afterwards, we figured it was the flower sellers that kept coming around offering to see us flowers. look out for them, and keep your stuff in your lap, if you are in an open area.
craig reeder
USA Tue 05/17/2005

Louis Vuitton Asian Couples
We went to Louis Vuitton in Paris on May 13 and got approached by not one but two Asian couples!! Thanks to this board, my husband shouted "No Louis Vuitton!" and walked away.
Michelle <email>
Anaheim, CA USA Sun 05/15/2005

Taxi ripoff in Florence
Sonia from Austin complained on Thu 04/21/2005 that the meter in her Florence taxi suddenly jumped up at the end of the trip. This may not be a scam, as there are some authorized surcharges (night and festivity surcharge, baggage surcharge, phone call, airport, out-of-town surcharges and so on) that are added only at the end of the trip. Actually, when you look at the taxi meter, you should assume that the total will be usually something like three euros more than the final reading. A list of allowed surcharges is posted in the taxi.
Luca <email>
Florence, Italy Sun 05/15/2005

moneybelt
Yes, by all means,carry your atm-credit cards and money in your money belt and then access the valuables in public in full view of thieves. They are stupid and will never be able to use this information anyway. Always carry your other valuables in your front pocket because all of us are looking down at our front pockets as we move around inside bus #64 in Rome. Have fun it's your vacation!
j d martin <email>
pismo beach, ca USA Fri 05/13/2005

Exposing moneybelts
I am puzzled why some people feel safer carrying valuables in the front pocket. On a crowded bus you are not looking at your front pocket either and after noting the girth of some people there seems to be more room in the front pocket area than in the rear. Regarding the issue of exposing ones money belt( I prefer the neck purse) in public. Why would you want to advertise where your atm-credit cards-and major cash stash are located? Do you think these people are stupid? Why give thieves any information like that unnecesarily? The adoption of the euro has sent the cost of living sky high and it is effecting the europeans hardest. The thieves are in a full court press and so are the less than ethical businesses. Just one mans opinion-it's your vacation.
jeffery martin <email>
shell beach, ca USA Fri 05/13/2005

Prague exchange bureaus
Stay away from the Prague exchange bureaus - instead use your ATM card at a bank machine. See the below link for an articule in the Prague Post about it. http://www.praguepost.com/P03/2005/Art/0512/news1.php
D Floyd
Sunnyvale, CA USA Thu 05/12/2005

Pickpockets
Rome - Rail Termini. Despite all precautions my husband was relieved of $30.00 US dollars by a young Gypsy girl which was in his front pocket. How was it done? I was behind my husband, daughter and her husband were already in the Metro when I noticed a young girl heading straight into the car behind my husband...I went behind her and placed my hand on the backpack....there were several families of gypsies which entered several compartments and one of the older women started screaming at her husband (?) and all eyes of course turned towards the scene...including mine...not realizing that while we were all distracted, the young girl reached into my husband's front pocket and absconded with the money....luckily I was the one with all the money and my purse was front and center with my hand firmly placed on the zipper...just in case anyone got any ideas...we only kept a few euros in our possession - the rest was in our money belt under our clothes...what surprised me most was the fact that no carabieneri were to be found...these gypsies are hanging around underground - get on with everyone else and rob people and get off just in time before the door closes...we were all squished in like sardines. Our solution to subsequent transportation was to take a metered taxi - we refused to take any public transportation and felt much safer getting from sight to sight - either through walking or by taxi.

When one of us took a photo - the other three stood watch....we encounted no such problems in Sorrento or Capri and Pompeii thus making our visits to those areas most pleasant.
Gabriele <email>
Odenton, MD USA Wed 05/11/2005

Tipping in Italy
From what I've learned, the tip is included in most cases on your bill in italy. Be aware of that fact. If you are a typical American, you will want to leave a tip on the table...you will be tipping 2x! Make sure you read your bill when it comes - Look to see if service is there, (it is pretty obvious when it is included - it's an additional line item) then don't leave money on the table, unless service/food was totally outstanding!
USA Tue 05/10/2005

O'Parrucchiano, Sorrento, Italy: Cold red wine and cold food
Cold food

"La Favorita" -- O' Parrucchiano
Tina <email>
Heidelberg, DE Mon 05/09/2005

Restaurant Scams in Italy
The scam-avoidance advice in Rick's books and others is good and should be heeded, but don't automatically assume everyone is out to get you. Learn a bit of the language and use the same safety techniques you use in any large city in your own country.

That said, avoid some restaurants in Italy who rely on tourists' lack of attention to attempt to overcharge you. The Birerria Leonciti in Venice adds additional meals to your bill and hopes you just sign the charge receipt without understanding it. They get testy when you call them on it, but eventually relent. Avoid this one, there are plenty of others.

The New Mary Meeting (interesting name, eh?) in Rome, just off Via Nazionale, is basically incompetent in most respects and the manager speaks no English at all, so resolving problems is difficult unless you are flent in Italian. Again, plenty of others to choose from.

As for sidewalk art scams, we bought only from artists who we could watch doing the work. Most of the sellers will have paints and brushes out, but observe for a while and see who actually produces art.
Tom Iarossi <email>
Encinitas, CA USA Sun 05/08/2005

Scam at Musee Chagall/Checking purses
Never leave your wallet, any important documents or money in a purse or bag you check at a museum!! That's just insane and begs for someone to steal from you (as bad as placing important documents and other items in checked luggage when you fly). Either take those items out and place in your pocket or just walk out.
FL USA Sat 05/07/2005

Souvenir shop scam
On our first day in Rome our hotel booked a city tour. On the itinerary was St. Peters Basilica. Just outside Vatican City on the approach to Piazza San Pietro it stopped at a souvenir shop ?Universal Rome Souvenirs.? We were told it was the ?official? shop affiliated with the Vatican. The guide also told us about commemorative coins issued in a limited edition this past Easter honoring John Paul II. The guide said they were rapidly appreciating in value because of his recent death and were an excellent investment. Trusting the Vatican name, we bought some. We also bought other souvenirs. The next day while visiting the Vatican art museums on our own, we discovered there were several shops within the museum that had the same merchandise for about 1/3 the price, but not the same coins. An extensive search on the web hasn?t turned up any information on the coins although Vatican issued Euros are in high demand. It is my strong suspicion we were taken. Be suspicious of tour busses that take you to a specific shop! I noticed a number of tour busses parked in front of the same shop the next day.

Also in Rome be aware of taxi drivers who don?t engage the meter. It is illegal for them to be operating with the meter off.
Francia Lindon <email>
Alpharetta, GA USA Sat 05/07/2005

Morocco
I was in Morocco in Feb to March 2005 and would like ppl to be aware of some of the scams:

1. The most common one if you are a female is the "honey lure" and that is when a male you have just met professes to love you and wants to marry you. What he really wants of course is a ticket out of Morocco. I am shocked by the number of western women who fall for this nonsense

2. Taxi drivers are huge rip off artists. After you pay for the taxi, dont let him convince you that you owe extra for transporting the luggage. Write down taxi numbers and let the driver see you do it. It will prevent problems.

3. Dont believe that piece of jewelry is real amber or an antique. It is not.

4. In Marakesh, when vendors get aggressive and threatening, tell them you are going to get the police. They tell you to pay what u want for taking a picture, then grab you or cuss you out if they think the price is too low.
D. Duvalier <email>
San Antonio, tx USA Fri 05/06/2005

Bratislava tourist office scam
I was in Bratislava, Slovakia recently and arrived on the train from Vienna. I did not have a place to stay overnight, so stopped in the tourist information office at the train station. They made a reservation for me and insisted that I needed to pay for it then. I have done this before and did not think anything of it, so paid the man. He gave me a voucher and detailed instructions to the hotel. I followed his instructions exactly and ended up far out of town. Other people on the tram helped me to find the hotel. When I arrived there, the hotel would not take my travel voucher, saying they had no such arrangement with the tourist office. Attempts to call the tourist office were fruitless. Apparently, he gave me the wrong directions to the hotel so that I would not arrive at the hotel until after the tourist office had closed. When I got home, I sent an email to the Slovak tourist office, who responded they would get in touch with the Bratislava office and contact me. I have never heard from them again. Do not know how to avoid this one. I had always assumed you could trust the official tourist office.
Mary <email>
WI USA Fri 05/06/2005

Granada Train Station
I spent six weeks travelling solo around Spain and Portugal in spring 2004. I had an amazing time and didn't have any dodgy encounters or rip offs...except for one. At the Granada train station in southern Spain I bought a ticket for Ronda from the official RENFE counter. I didn't realise until much later that the fellow at the counter had short changed me by five Euros. Not a huge loss, but I learned it's always a good idea to count change before moving on.
Greg <email>
Manson's Landing, BC Canada Thu 05/05/2005

old francs and new francs in France
This happened a while ago, and while France doesn't use francs anymore, I am sure that someone will try something like this with other currency...

We finished our outdoor dinner at a small cafe in the south of France, and when the bill came, my husband questioned the amount - of course being told it was correct. We got in the car and he mentioned it to me and I realized that it was off by 2 zeros! I went inside, and told them in French that it was wrong. These guys were slick - no apologies or embarassment - they retyped in the credit card info and all laughed together in front of me as they explained that it was a "normal mistake" - that they accidentally charged me in old francs instead of in the new (written on the menu) francs. Of course, I knew that it had been many years since the change had occurred. I demanded the original bill and the credit card credit slip and was very careful about following up on my credit card bill once back home. They did credit the original. This was the first night of our trip and not the best way to start out, but at least we noticed it in time.
K
PA USA Mon 05/02/2005

Taxi Meters & Hotel International
We just returned from Lisbon and while there we were foolish enough to enter a Taxi with no meter and got bilked for a ride that should have cost 10 Euros instead we were forced to pay 20.We also had reservations at The Hotel International near Rossio which we made on Orbitz for 5 nights. As soon as we arrived we were given the shuffle from one door to another with the weak excuse of a recent fire and no rooms available. We just so happened to meet two other couples who also were " baited & switched" by The Hotel International.
Billy Ski <email>
Long Beach, NY USA Sat 04/30/2005

Lisbon
Just returned from 10 days in Spain and Portugal. Spain and the Portugese countryside were great but I found Lisbon to be a bit seedy. Stayed in the center of Lisbon near Baxia(on "restaurant row") and was offered hash and/or coke several times in 3 days. The pushers only seemed to ask males. Although I did not feel unsafe, I did feel uneasy. I do not know why they would follow me and keep offered drugs after I sai no...I don't think junkies barter for a good deal. Also witnesses a pickpocketing on tram #15 to Belem. Three guys bumped into a guy by the exit and lifted his wallet. Nothing happened to me (I use the moneybelt).
Marc <email>
Greenwich, CT USA Thu 04/28/2005

London - Beareau De Change
Watch out when trying to change large bills - one fellow at the Bereau De Change near Bayswater station took a 50 pound note from us and said it was "no good", then slid it under his counter and went back to reading his magazine. We were shocked, as the note had been given to us from a bank earlier. Upon demanding the note back he handed it over, which is even more suspect - forgeries are meant to be taken out of circulation as soon as they are discovered. The next Beareau took the note without comment and gave us smaller bills back.Be careful!
Jen
Vancouver, Canada Wed 04/27/2005

Fake Artwork
With modern laser and inkjet printers, fake artwork is getting harder to spot without some magnification. I carry a small 20x fixed focus microscope tube. It's about the size of a half pencil.

On a recent trip to Italy almost every piece of "hand drawn" art from street vendors was either computer printed entirely or at least the "pen" portion was computer printed, with the watercolor portion the only hand work on the piece.
Ken
GA USA Mon 04/25/2005

Fake street art
On several previous trips we have bought original artwork from street artists, mostly watercolors. They look really good when you get them framed! The last time we were in Paris we saw a street artist near the Eiffel Tower. He had several pictures pinned to a board and was working on another one. We liked them and bargained with him until we each (three of us) got one for about $35 each. They were up on a board so we didn't think to feel of the weight of the paper. He wrapped them up for us and we were excited with our find. That is until we walked into a shop and found the exact "pictures" were $1.50 placemat type pictures!! I guess we just didn't look close enough but we have bought things like this on the street before and they were the real thing. So beware of street artists. Some of them are not honest!! The pictures do look good framed but not for what we paid for them!! It also threw us because he had a "real" picture that he was painting on.
USA Sun 04/24/2005

restaurant short change cinque terre
This is a couple of tid bits for people traveling to the Cinque Terre.The Hotel Europa offered a room with two bedrooms, (1 twin, 1 double) with a nice clean bath ensuite. This little bargain only cost 60 Euros for 2 people! To get to this from the La Cambusa walk down the short hill to the north, (water is on your left) to the Via G. Marconi go away from the harbor at the next right and take your next right, walk up short hill 100 feet and Europa is on the left.

Now regarding a bar in Rick's book. We ate dinner at Bar Bia Saracena in Vernazza. Contrary to his book,I would not recommend the bar.We had a simple meal and the bill came to $24.50 Euros. We handed the waiter two $20 bills and a .50 cent coin. Well when you get the change of $1.00 Euro something is terribly wrong. The waiter claimed we gave him a $20 and a $5.00. This is two entirely different size bills and color of paper let alone the currency amount. When we confronted him he stood his ground. Even the cashier was in on the scam, for that matter the woman working in the kitchen "behind the doors" saw the bills. This was absolutely amazing, she can see thorough doors. Now for what it is worth I am accustomed to details and and working with numbers.My friend is also very detail oriented as we are both Structural engineers.

Well there was no way that these three thieves were going to flinch. They even wanted to show us the cash drawer, which would have been useless since the money probably never made it that far.We even argued that the change of $1.00 Euro was impossible since the coin was a $.50 cent piece, there would have to be some paper currency.One possible lesson to learn is when you give the waiter payment always say out loud the amount so they hear you know what you given. This may or may not help but it is worth a try.
JoAnne Shibilia <email>
Natick, Ma USA Sun 04/24/2005

"Please deliver my artwork" scam?
In Paris a week ago (April 2005) my 50 year old friend and I were walking in the Le Marais district with map in hand when a nice looking 30-40 year old man asked us where we were from. We said "Chicago". He answered that he was looking for some trustworthy person to take his artwork to Chicago - to save postage! He said he would give us a gift. My friend was sympathetic but I said "No!" He insisted he was legit and had just returned from New Orleans and was going to St Petersburg. He showed us the mailing tube and the art rolled inside but I said "No!" and kept walking. I'm not sure what, if any, the scam is, but this was a very strange request.

Previously I was taken by a well dressed, well spoken woman on Rue Rivoli - across from the Tuilleries Gardens. She said she had lost her wallet and needed one euro to make a phone call. I gave it to her. 30 minutes later she was still on that corner making requests. Not all gypsies are dressed in rags and barefoot!
CC <email>
Chicago, IL USA Fri 04/22/2005

Taxi Rip-off Anywhere
The simple way to avoid paying too much for a taxi anywhere on mainland Europe is to ask the driver 'How much ?' before you get in. Write it down and show it to the driver and ask 'Yes ?' in whatever language is used ( we can all manage 'yes' and 'no' even if we don't speak the language ) if the answer comes back 'Yes !' get in and pay what you have agreed at the end of the ride. This has never failed me once and takes less than 30 seconds.
Al Bishop
Nottingham, UK Fri 04/22/2005

Taxi ripoff in Florence
Our taxi to the the Parcheggio Partere in Florence ripped us off. We paid about 6 Euro to go from the parking garage to our hotel near the Duomo. When we left to return to the parking garage, the cab driver charged us 11 Euro. He had gone a kind of a circuitous route, and the meter read about 7 Euro near the parking garage. Suddenly it jumped up to 11 Euro. I should have argued with him and not paid the extra. It's difficult to confront taxi drivers when you are from the US, because many in the US carry weapons. We heard from other couples about this. If it happens to you, call them on it; don't pay it.
Sonia <email>
Austin, TX USA Thu 04/21/2005

Money Belt
There's really no NEED to keep all your money in your money belt. Just make a rough estimate of what you think you'll need for the day and keep that in a secure pocket, purse or day pack. If you run short, you probably SHOULD find a place to access your money belt that can't be seen by all. Just saves constant digging into your money belt. Just my opinion.
Jackie
USA Thu 04/21/2005

Scam at Musee Chagall
My traveling partner and I visited the Musee Chagall in Nice, France, two weeks ago an hour or so before closing time. Several young women were attending the counters. They told my friend that she had to check her purse. She did so. Three hours later after having left the Musee she discovered her wallet, drivers license, and make up kit were missing. This was the ONLY time she had parted with her purse all day. This was the only museum in France or Italy that asked her to check her purse (Louvre, Rodin, Picasso, Uffizi, Matisse, etc.). They did not ask me to check my fanny pack.

She made a police report the next morning before our train at 10. The officer said her purse was a type that pickpockets would not easily enter. Upon return home we filed a letter including the police report with the Museum Director, the hotel where we stayed, R. Steves, and the Nice Police Department. No word yet of any resolution. Moral: If you check your purse, review its contents before leaving the place where you checked it.
Tom Martin <email>
Sonoma, CA USA Wed 04/20/2005

Money belt access
After 5 trips to Europe with my husband using the money belt - big deal if you have to reach into your waist band to get to the belt in public. Like the other poster said - what thief is going to reach down your pants to get to the belt? They better be really really good. My husband just pulls the belt up to get the money needed, then tucks it away. No need to go find some secret/"secure" spot. What if there is no restroom or private room? Do you go hungry because you can't dare pull your money belt out? Money belts are the way to go. Rick says so over and over. I'm sure he doesn't run and hide to get to his money when needed! End of discussion.
USA Wed 04/20/2005

Money belt tips
After many trips to Europe and being felt up numerous exciting times we've never had anything taken from our money belts. Wear your belt next to your skin with your shirt tucked over it between it and your pants. Moderate amount of money in a velco fastened pocket for day to day expenses.
Marie <email>
San Diego, CA USA Tue 04/19/2005

Money Belt
I've read on this forum and elsewhere that you should never access a money belt in public, but I still can't figure out why not. I realize that doing so would tip off potential thieves who are monitoring your activities. But are these thieves so talented that they can reach down your pants, unzip your money belt, and remove its contents without you realizing what is happening? So what if they know where your money is; a person carrying a purse or any other kind of bag is also advertising where some of their possessions are and I don't hear people advise against carrying bags (you just have to be alert).
Kevin
USA Tue 04/19/2005

Money Belt
How do you get to your moneybelt without opening your shirt? The answer is that it shouldn?t matter, because ideally, you would be alone. You should NEVER access your money belt in public. Find a restroom or other PRIVATE place. If you get into your money belt in public, you are announcing to any thieves lurking nearby exactly where you have your valuables. Just carry a small amount of cash in a pocket or day bag, and find a private place when you need to get to more.
Angela
USA Tue 04/19/2005

Carrying Cash
I am comfortable wearing the waist money-belt. Sometimes I turn it around so the pouch rides in the small of my back. It is very comfortable there. In fact, in hostels I sleep with my money-belt turned backward. I carry a wallet for my "day cash" and keep it in a relatively secure pocket. Sometimes I wear a small purse with strap over my neck and across my chest. This leaves my hands free and my arm is usually over the purse. My passport, credit card, plane ticket, eurail pass, and ATM card spend most of their time in the money-belt. I have used a neck-pouch at the airport to have my passport and ticket handy, but don't really like having anything around my neck so I don't use it much.
USA Mon 04/18/2005

Money belt question
Lucy - The previous answer hit it on the head. That's also why some people prefer neck pouches over money belts. Neck pouches are easier to get to without embarassing yourself. Another reason is that money belts can get pretty sweaty, especially in the summer months. We travel in spring/fall, so it's not much of an issue for me. But my wife still prefers the neck pouch.
Rick Manyik <email>
Chicago, IL USA Mon 04/18/2005

Money belt access
Obviously, you can't get money out without opening up. That's not the point. You carry "day cash" in your pocket - rule of thumb, carry in your pocket no more than you can afford to loose. The money belt stash is your 'deep reserve' when your pocket money runs out before you are back in your hotel room.
Steve
Richmond, VA USA Mon 04/18/2005

Money Belt question
I keep reading about the money belt but I have a question. How do you get money out without opening or pulling up your shirt??
Lucy <email>
atlanta, ga USA Mon 04/18/2005

Probably not a scam
I just returned from a month in Europe on my own. Absolutely no problems in either Norway or Austria. I spent a week in Prague alone, and had no problems. I did, however, wear a moneybelt and took care to watch my things. The only thing that was a bit strange was when I was leaving Prague in the train station and was looking about for my train to Vienna. A very pushy porter came up, and chattering in broken English, proceeded to point out his "porter" badge to me and then take my control of my suitcase and lead me to my train. He did take me to the right train and helped me put my bag up, which was helpful...but I didn't really have much choice in the matter. I had almost no krouna left... probably only about 50 kc, so I just gave him that as a small tip when he left. He seemed a bit disappointed, but there was no harm done. If you don't want this kind of help, it probably helps to not look around too much in the train station!
Michelle
LA, CA USA Sat 04/16/2005

Tourist Scams
We spent 2 weeks in Paris and Brugge and had a very relaxed and enjoyale vacation. Someone mentioned getting US quarters for change in Paris rather then 1 Euro coins. Frankly, we are amazed that anyone could make that mistake. The Euro coins are made of 2 different colors and are much thicker and heavier than quarters. So don't worry about it!!

I travel frequently to 5 continents for business and have never been exposed to most of the scams reported on this web site. When I read the reports here most often it is due to a lack of awareness and caution.
TLC <email>
Edmonds, WA USA Sat 04/16/2005

Moneybelts
It sounds so elemental but please wear the moneybelt under your clothes. On two trips I have seen Americans with the moneybelt outside like a tummy-pack.I wear mine next to my skin!
Ann <email>
EXTON, PA USA Wed 04/13/2005

Italian Leather Scam in Paris
How sad - I just got hit with the sorry Leather Jacket Scam in Paris. "Antonio the Italian" sold me two "leather smelling", "leather looking" jackets for 85 Euros about 100 bucks. I am an idiot - next time I'll take off my tourist outfit.
gmoney <email>
Phoenix, AZ USA Sat 04/09/2005

Train Travel in Europe
Another tip for train travellers, especially those, like my daughter and I, who had more luggage than usual, as she had spent the previous year in Ireland. We had 2 cases and a backpack!! As we travelled extensively through Italy, Spain, Portugal and France by train, to ensure our luggage arrived with us, we chained it altogether with a bicycle chain and lock. As there is no way you can keep an eye on your luggage, we were able to relax and enjoy the experience,knowing to remove our bags would require a forklift truck!!
Judy <email>
Adelaide, SA Aust Mon 04/04/2005

Taxis at stands who reject short trips aren't necessarily "scams"
One must draw a line between "traveling inexpensively" and "being cheap." One poster (below) was astonished that no taxis at a taxi stand in Amsterdam were willing to take him a very short distance.

But the same principle applies in every major city of the overdeveloped world: Don't expect a taxi driver who has been waiting an hour or two in line to be grateful to earn 1 euro (or 1 dollar) profit from a short trip! Taxi drivers have to pay attention to "return on investment" like everyone else: if they routinely waited in line at a taxi stand for an hour or two only to make a 1-Euro (or 1-dollar) profit on the resulting fare, they wouldn't stay in business very long. (You may notice that taxi stands are usually located at places where a longer ride is likely.)

The thoughtful thing to do is to always ask before getting in the taxi -- in New York, Amsterdam, wherever -- whether a driver who has been waiting in line minds giving a short ride. If they say "Climb in!", make it worth their while with a generous tip (on a shorter ride, I'll tip 100%). If they say "Go away," then find a different option, if possible a "roving" cab rather than one that's been waiting in line. It's common sense -- and common thoughtfulness.
John Domenici <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA Sat 04/02/2005

Barefoot girls in Paris, beware
Just came back from an 11 day trip to Europe. My family was approached 3 different times in Paris by shoeless young girls asking people if they spoke English (the big tourist spots). There were always 2 of them and they would try to get you to read something on a scrap of paper. Could have been innocent but I just kept walking. My mom on the other hand stopped to read they card and it said something about them being refugees and that they didnt have money for shoes. Luckily I saw this happen and I made sure the girl knew I was watching her. We didnt have any cash on us and they went on their way. Seemed like a scam to me.
Kate
Anderson, SC USA Thu 03/31/2005

European Advice
I am European (English) and there are a few scams I feel you should be aware of...

LONDON - Please be very, very careful with cabs. You'll pay a little more to be taken anywhere in the traditional black taxi cab, but they're the safest way to travel in London. Any other taxis hustling for your trade in the West End or any other hot tourist spots are not properly licensed, will likely overcharge you, and, in some cases, will take you down a dark alley that leads in mugging or even rape.

PARIS - Beware outside Notre-Dame. The square at the front of the building gets very crowded, especially in summer, and it's a tourist hotspot. This makes it prime thieving territory. Be extra vigilant around the young girls there... they're extremely good at fleecing the unwary tourist through distraction/pickpocket techniques.

Be wary of "helpful" people on the metro. Strangely, these tend not to be French but Gpysies or Eastern Europeans. They will claim that they're starving and don't speak French-- appealing to English speakers in the crowd. Give them short shrift and you'll hear a string of French expletives from them.

BARCELONA -- Always be vigilant on the Ramblas. Wear a money belt; don't flash your cash. One ploy on the metro system in Barcelona is, as you're stepping on a train, you will be jostled by a group(sometimes even pushed off and back onto the platform)-- it will result in extremely quick pick-pocketing.

Finally, please be aware that American tourists often stand out amongst a crowd of international tourists. Try and dress like the locals if you're going somewhere touristy (jeans and trainers are actually okay, but ditch the tennis shoes, etc.) Always be polite, but not too trusting. Never follow anyone if they beckon you and try to learn some of the lingo. Even a basic "aidez-moi" or a "ladro" could save your money, or even your life. Using even throwaway simple foreign phrases can make you seem more savvy and less of a target for scammers.
Becca <email>
Liverpool, England Thu 03/31/2005

Do not trust couchette mates!
One year ago my husband and I took the overnight train from Paris to Florence. Our couchette was shared with a younger Spanish couple who seemed very nice, though there was a language barrier so we did not converse a lot. The only time my husband and I left the couchette was for about 15 minutes to allow the other couple to prepare for sleeping. On our return we went straight to bed. I did not sleep that night and spent most of the night gazing out at the snow on the mountains and thelights of Switzerland.

In the morning we arose to prepare to leave the train at Florence. Our chouchette mates were going on to Rome. I went to retrieve my tote bag from under my bunk, at the far end - under the windows, where we had put all of our luggage. It was nowhere to be found! I woke the other couple and they swore that they had never left the room while we were out. We had only been gone the 15 minutes. I was awake all night, the door never opened. So who took the tote?

The conductor (when we finally located him) was not overly concerned, made a cursory search of the bathrooms, mostly wanting to know if we were going to contact the police in Florence. I arrived in Florence without even a toothbrush. Luckily all of my real valuables were on my body throughout the night (I slept with my small purse wrapped around my waist). My husband had our camera and his valuables on him. What was lost was important to me, but replaceable - all of my toiletries, my favorite shirt and favorite necklace along with small presents from Paris and our Rick Steves books! We have gone over this many times and the other couple either robbed us and threw the bag out within the 15 minutes, or they put it in one of their larger suitcases!

Do not trust anyone with your belongings for a minute! I did not allow this to ruin my vacation. Things will happen, and you just have to let go and move on. Otherwise our trip was fantastic and we are leaving again for France and Italy in four weeks!
Christe <email>
DeLand, FL USA Mon 03/28/2005

Termini employees
I just recently returned from Rome. I was just about to use an automatic ticket machine at the Termini, when a woman in an orange customer assistance vest asked if I needed assistance. I told her no. She then asked where I was going, and I told her I didn't need help using the machine. I told her I was going to purchase my ticket at a window instead, and left.

I found it odd that twice I told her I didn't need or want help but she ignored me. There was another person nearby in an orange vest there helping people use the machines (which are self-explanatory and can be used in English).

Nothing happpened, but I wondered if there is a scam developing there with overly eager customer service people trying to help people and steal credit card numbers from tourists?
Anne Farnum
Ardmore, PA USA Sat 03/26/2005

MONEYBELT, MONEYBELT, MONEYBELT!!! Use it. It is the only way to relax and enjoy your trip. When we were in Italy we heard story after story about how someone had their wallet stolen. My thought was, "why are you carrying a wallet in the first place!" You just can't be too careful and you can't be worrying about your wallet every minute.
SF
Loveland, CO USA Wed 03/23/2005

Travelers' Checks Ripoffs
I suspect that the only place you can get a reasonable exchange rate on travelers checks is to go to the bank where they were issued. AmExpress travelers checks get a better deal at AmEx offices, etc. A couple of years ago I went into a bank on the rue Cler in Paris to cash travelers checks and was shocked at how little money I got back. I think they call it some sort of "fee."
Swan
USA Wed 03/23/2005

Money Changing Scam
While traveling throughout Eastern Europe, the only scam I encountered was in Prague.

I was in the Old City Area near the Jewish Quarter when I casually announced to my friends who were 20 feet away that I was going to be changing money and that I would catch up with them at the bookstore. Immdediately, this rotund greasy gentleman approached me with wads of cash in his had asking if I needed to change money. I just walked straight into the official money changing place(forget the name of the business) and changed my money and told the receptionist what had occurred. She casually remarked that this was routine.

I never did have anybody try and steal my wallet even though I consider myself a very easy target. Vigilance is key!
Los Angeles, CA USA Tue 03/22/2005

All your advice....
I just wanted to say thanks guys for all your comments and good advice. I just received my Rick Steves moneybelt and will definintely be using it! I will also try to pack as light as possible (I have a hard time with this!) so that I am only lugging around one suitcase (I am not a backpacker) and a purse. I will keep my New York "game" face on at all times since I will be there alone for the first 2 days before my friends get there. I've seen a "bra moneybelt" on travelanimal.com that I think would be good to keep my day money in as well. I also like the idea of keeping fake money with smileys on it in your back pocket!! Maybe I will put some monopoly money in my pockets and write "patzo!" on it! LOL! Thanks again guys!
Raging Bull
Bronx, NY USA Mon 03/21/2005

Rome
Raging Bull,we stayed at the Hotel Montreal in Rome, also just a few blocks away from the Termini. We had backpacks and a small suitcase on wheels. Other than feeling touristy with the suitcases, the walk was uneventful. We didn't even have reservations when we arrived, just went to the tourist info booth and found a hotel! We have also travelled through-out Italy, Paris, Switzerland, Germany etc, and the best thing you can do is get a hideaway money pouch! Keep some day money in an easy to access place, just enough to get you around during the day. Make copies of passport and credit card for the just in case, and keep copies in your money pouch. We too ran into the pick pocket "groups" as some have mentioned, and knowing that we had nothing accessable to steal, didn't worry. The only time we ever ran into any trouble was on the Paris subway, where someone reached into my coat pocket. I turned around to confront the person, and it was a well dressed man in a suit! Get the money pouch or hide away belt, keep your copies and valuables in it, and enjoy! This message board it to make people aware, NOT paranoid! It took me a few days to relax in Rome ( our first trip to Europe), but once I looked at it as just a big city, I could enjoy all the beauty. People are sweet and nice, every corner is an adventure, overall my favorite place in Europe.
Andy Berry <email>
Denver, Co USA Thu 03/17/2005

Rome and Pickpockets-Follow the guidelines that Rick provides and you should be fine. My husband and I just spent a week in Rome and had no problems. My purse was across my body and under two coats (it was 48 degrees and raining), my husband had the money belt. However, a young man staying in the same hotel had his wallet in his front pocket and it was taken 1 block from the hotel
NC USA Thu 03/17/2005

Pickpocket avoidence
To avoid pickpockets I of course use a Rick Steve money belt for all valuables, but I keep an old wallet filled with blank paper with "smileys" written on them in my back pocket. I keep my day money in a wallet in my side pocket secured with a large safety pin across the opening. That would be hard to open without me being aware of it.
Joe
Phoenix but was once a street kid from the Bronx, AZ USA Wed 03/16/2005

Avoiding Robbery and Scams
Here is where that "packing light" deal kicks in. If all you have is one bag and possible a purse it is much easier to keep your wits about you as you travel to/from your hotel. And...the thing I have noticed about legitimate taxis is that the driver is IN the cab and the taxi is in the official taxi line. The cabbies will make sure you get in the correct taxi.
USA Wed 03/16/2005

airport taxi
I'm sure this has been mentioned before but I know others have fallen for it too so... When I landed in Rome last spring and was waiting for a taxi, a man came right up next to me at the taxi counter and said, "Taxi?" I looked around because I was a bit suprised by him but none of the employees seemed to care so, being jetlagged and already burnt out before I left the States (long story) I assumed he worked there. Thankfully he only overcharged me for the ride into the city--seventy euro,ouch. And to think I didn't book a seat with my tour groups' coach because I was going to be "smart" and save money. Duh! He could have been dangerous. So the bottom line is get rest when you can keep your wits about you and you'll have a fantastic time.
Laurie <email>
cleveland, ohio USA Wed 03/16/2005

Fear and loathing in Rome
My wife, 6 month old daughter and I stayed in Rome two years ago at the Hotel Aberdeen, which is about four blocks from the train station and we had no problems walking from the station to our hotel. I recommend that you use a waist belt for most of your valuables. I would then have a little bit of currency in my pocket, just enough that allows me to buy that water bottle or gelato along the way. That way if someone has pegged you for pickpocketing, they think they're going to get the large haul out of your pocket or purse when actually the bulk of your valuables are safe in your waistbelt.
Mark <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Wed 03/16/2005

To Raging Bull
Keep in mind that you could be scammed for more than $26.00 for the taxi, too. From my experience, Roman taxis are about the worst when it comes to the level of dishonesty with adding more euros to the bill, etc. etc.
Joel
Boston, MA USA Wed 03/16/2005

Fear & Loathing in Rome
If you a woman from the Bronx you probably already know the most important thing which is how to hold your purse (I don't use a money belt) and the importance of looking about you. I feel MUCH safer in Rome than almost anywhere in the US. Violent crime is not the real problem, though I am sure it happens - it is the pickpocketing that I warn everyone about. And it is not a gang of young men who would be your likely problem - both times we had a pickpocket attempt it was by women - including one who used her 7 year old son!
USA Wed 03/16/2005

Fear and loathing in Rome
Proceed with your original plans. Yes, tourists can and do get targeted, but that can happen anywhere. Just keep your big-city wits about you. Like the previous poster mentioned, use a money belt or neck pouch. My wife's jacket has a zippered inside pocket where she keeps her wallet with her money for the day. This is in addition to her neck pouch. Hence, everything she has of value is close to impossible to pickpocket. Try to pack light so you won't be struggling with your luggage, which would make you look a little less confidant. Again, just use your big city common sense and you'll be fine.
Rick Manyik <email>
Chicago, IL USA Wed 03/16/2005

Riding the train from Fiumincino
We go to Roma practically every year and believe me, you will not have any trouble. Be alert, Wear a money belt (or neck pouch)and Do not assume you are so clever or fast or smart that a professional pickpocket can't rob you. We always take the train. It is faster, easier, cheaper and the price is clear up front. A taxi may or may not take you to where you want to go and may or may not charge the price he quoted. Feel free to email if you have any questions.
Charles M. Luther <email>
USA Tue 03/15/2005

Bag theft
I've been to Italy 3x in the last 4 years and I have never heard of anyone getting their backpack cut open. I'm sure it proably does happen...as do pickpockets. I'd just take care and be aware of where you are, and look at people around you. I've ridden the subways and buses in Rome with luggage and a shoulder bag (with my camera in it) and didnt' have an issue. I've never even seen the "gypsies" that everyone writes about. Rome is no worse than any big city in the US. Just keep one eye out for suspicious behavior of people around you. Perhaps you can get by with a smaller shoulder bag that you can carry your camera in during sightseeing. I'm sure you don't need a hot daypack on your back all day everyday! A smaller shoulder bag that you can sling over one shoulder and keep in front of you, and keep one hand on might be less "touristy" and keep thieves away from you!
USA Mon 03/14/2005

2 Fake Policemen with third con man in Barcelona
My wife and I were walking near our rooms along a main street in Barcelona at dusk, just walking under some scaffolding on the building above us, when a young man approached us and asked if we spoke English. He asked us for directions to La Sagrada Familia temple. We pointed out the directions; it was only a few blocks away. Immediately two dark-suited men with ties appeared and pushed wallets with a picture ID in our faces. They said, "We are police. To not be disturbed. We have to be sure that this man has not taken your money." They demanded that the third man show them his wallet. They took the wallet, opened it and riffled through the bills inside. They asked us if any of this was our money. We said it was not. They then pulled the money out and smelled it. Then they turned to us and asked for our IDS and wallets to inspect. I said that we did not have IDs or wallets with us. I asked to see a police ID again, and was showed one. I realized that in the semi dark that not only couldn't I see the ID well, but that I had no idea what a genuine ID would look like. He kept saying that this was just his job, he had to protect the tourists. At about this time we began to suspect that this was a con. We started to move past them on the sidewalk and walk on into better street lighting. We had not heard of the fake police con before. I think now I would start to shout AND get out of there right at the start.
Richard <email>
Los Osos, CA USA Sat 03/12/2005

Taxi mafia
I wouldn't necessarily call this a "scam," more like a major annoyance... but recently I've been reminded that European taxi drivers really, REALLY don't like short trips. I live about 2 km from Amsterdam Centraal, and the last time I came back from Schiphol, I took the train to the station and wanted to take a taxi home. I went to the taxi stand and told them where I wanted to go... and they quoted me a ludicrously expensive fare of 15 euros. I argued with the guy a bit, and he finally told me to get into the last taxi in line -- which would have meant waiting about 15 minutes just to get away from the station, because of the way the taxi queue is arranged.

I ended up taking the bus instead, even though it was a cold, rainy night and I wasn't properly dressed. I caught a cold while waiting for it -- a small price to pay for not giving in to the Taxi Mafia!
Peter
Amsterdam, NL Sat 03/12/2005

pickpockets in Italy
The moment ANYone is in your face with ANY kind of question, begging, pleading, etc., do not make eye contact, do not say a word, and walk on as if they weren't even there. The second that you reciprocate with any kind of response, they are on you like glue and will persist and persist. Treating people this way may seem unkind, but we stand out a mile away as tourists and some watch our every move. We resolved to engage with people only if they were the police [usually wearing a photo identity badge], if we were earnest in making a street-market purchase, when ordering in a cafe/rest. or booking a room.

We had 6 year-old Gypsy children putting their hands inside our pockets after they poked on the outside for the sound of coin; Gypsy mothers with 'infants' [often a well-concealed doll] and a hand-made sign begging for money: they would block our way while their young children tried to pick our pockets from behind; locals bumping into you, apologizing with a "Are you okay?" pat on the back - and your cellphone, purse or credit cards are gone - all within seconds. They are incredibly smooth, quick and quiet, and do most of their work in crowded locations: main bus and train stops, subway car on/off busy stops, street markets - anywhere that is crowded.

They see us a mile away and track us for a while, assessing whether we might be an easy pick. We were in a cafe for a quick standing lunch one day, and four young female tourists turned away from their spots along the bar to look at some of the cafe's decor - all the while leaving their bags, purses, cell phones etc. in full view on the bar. We could have walked out with probably several hundred dollars' worth of stuff, and potential for much more, within 5 seconds. We kept an eye on their belongings while they perused the cafe for a good few minutes. Couldn't believe it, and to top it off they were a tad miffed when we pointed this out to them. Another tourist lost her credit card in the morning and by that afternoon $15,000 had been rung up on it. Key thing: avoid eye contact with people who approach you, other than the police.
Dave <email>
Toronto, CAN Wed 03/09/2005

Yet Another Use for aa Rick Steves Book
Last week I was accosted by a pack of street urchins outside of termini.They came at me with the cardboard panels and grabbed at my watch and pockets.Fortunately, I was carrying my Rick Steves Italy book in my laft hand, and I clipped a few of them across the head with it, and they dispersed.I may be 78 and just 5 feet, but when armed with a good guide book and my wits, I am a formidable gramdmother!Thanks Rick for your book ( both for the advice and for the smack It gave those little urchins ) :)
Gert
St Paul, MN USA Tue 03/08/2005

Bosnian in Paris for two months
Today I met 5 different women in different parts of Paris claming to be Bosnian Refugees in Paris for the last two months and still cannot speak any French. The all come up to you and ask if you speak English and want money for food. I got fed up with it the 5th time and decided to have some fun. I kept questioning this "Bosnian Woman" until she finaly ran off cursing me in FRENCH :)
me <email>
Tampa, FL USA Mon 03/07/2005

Train Robbery
While sitting in the 1st class cabin suffering from jet lag and waiting for the train to load in Marsailles, thieves came on the train, pulled my day bag back two rows using a wire device and took my wallet. Luckily only my day money was taken having everything else pinned in a money belt. They were like greased lighting.
H Peter <email>
stafford, tx USA Mon 03/07/2005

Just say NO to Leather
Last month walking to the forum, a well dressed dude in a car pulls over with a rather worn map and asks directions to the Colosseum. He claims he is a garmant showman from France on his way to a showI immediately shouted "I AM ALLERGIC TO LEATHER COATS "he shouted something nasty in French and off he went
Frank
San Francisco, CA USA Sun 03/06/2005

Beat the thieves at their own game
My friends and I like to bait the thieves and pickpockets.One afternoon, each trip we take to the streets around the spanish steps with our bags.We intentionally act lax and allow our bags to be rifled through.Unfortunately, the bags contain broken glass, or mousetraps.It's nice to see a few of these dirtbags steal and get what they deserve....PAIN !
Moose
NYC, NY USA Sun 03/06/2005

pickpockets - a little humor sometimes works
Gypsy pickpockets and various kinds of scams are everywhere in Italy. While you're being targeted, it sometimes pays to have a little fun with them.

To wit: my husband and I were swarmed with gypsy children waving squares of cardboard in the sottopassagio that connects the Florence train station to the main part of the city. We were a little tired from a long trip from Munich; I was carrying a giant thick guidebook.

My sister, who had lived in Europe, had warned me about this technique. The area was deserted, and I thought to myself: "no one knows me here, so I can act as weird as I want to." I started growling and barking like a dog. The children, surprised, stopped for a moment. I thwacked them over the head with my guidebook and howled.

My husband, a fluent Hindi speaker from years of travel in South Asia, responded with his "default" language, saying "Cholo buchalogue!" ("Go away, children-people!) Because Hindi is related to Romany, the gypsies' native language, they fell back in horror, thinking that they had targeted one of their own.

Neither of us thought of these responses in advance, and this experience taught me that sometimes your first (and oddest) instinct is the best one to follow when you think you're being fleeced.
Lisa <email>
Rochester, NY USA Sat 03/05/2005

Credit Card Scam Paris
I, too, had a problem with Boutique Gregory's across from the Louvre in Paris. They "misplaced" the decimal on the credit card receipt so that the amount charged was 10 times the amount of the goods purchased. I initially gave them the benefit of the doubt but seeing that it happened to someone else makes me certain it wasn't a mistake.
Chip Harrell <email>
Atlanta, Ga USA Thu 03/03/2005

rome scam
that fake note scam happened to me only i didnt know untill now and it happened in rome. another scam in rome is this, i sat with my sister in a small regular cafe, after we had 2 coffees they charged us ?8. our guide from angeltoursrome who was brilliant said that we must always ask the price first, maybe im just a sucker.
phillip ryan <email>
new york city, new york USA Wed 03/02/2005

"Fake" note problem
I have only heard of this happening in Spain, on the Costa del Sol, but it could happen anywhere.This scam depends on you paying a restaurant/bar bill in cash, usually with a ?50 note. The waiter will take your payment, then return shortly after, and very apologetically tell you that the note is a fake, and can you pay again. He will return the fake note to you, and any change you're due, and that's it. Of course, you gave him a REAL note, he gave you a FAKE note, and you gave him a second real note, so you paid ?100 for a ?50 meal.What I do now is write my initial unobrusively on all large notes I get, so I can challenge them if it happens to me.
Iain <email>
London, UK Mon 02/28/2005

Tunisian waiter scam
There is a quite common, if relatively harmless, scam which is operated all across Tunisia. Basically, you catch a taxi from your hotel to, let's say, the local market; as you get out, you will be approached by a man, claiming to be a waiter from your hotel (sometimes they ask the taxi driver where he picked you up) and offering to guide you through the market, act as your interpreter, etc. In reality, you will be taken to a shop (usually carpets), suckered inside, and you will find it very hard to leave without buying something.You can avoid this by using the same taxi driver all the time, but it's best just to say no thanks. My wife actually called one guys bluff, by "remembering" him, and the fact he "owed her 50 Dinars change from last night" Boy did he take off!
Iain <email>
London, UK Mon 02/28/2005

It can happen to anyone - watch you bags and use a money belt!
Watch out when you're in line at the tavola caldo (self-service) restaurants in Italy. I was in the queue and this older man (50+) cut in front of me and was shoving me while he reached across my body to get the tray. I'm a pretty savvy traveler however, I was hoodwinked when this 2 man tag team worked me. Needless to say while the first man was shoving me ther ewas a secon dman opening my backpack to riffle through it. It was only by the blessing of the heavens that man #2 did NOT get my wallet that was in my backback. (I'm a messy person and my flat black wallet was behind my water bottle amongst my junk). Suffice it to say they didn't get anything and I was EXTREMELY lucky. Lesson learned - be aware, be cautious but have fun. I was very shaken up afterwards because this was my first trip alone but I was determined not to have some jerks ruin my trip. My guardian angel was working overtime that day!
USA Thu 02/24/2005

shopping With credit cards
I spent the Xmas and New Years Holiday in Europe (mostly Paris) with my daughter and mother. We did some souvenir shopping at Boutique Gregory's right across the street from the Louvre. Mr. Gregory, the shop owner presented me with a receipt for 25 euro for my two tee shirts but stuck a receipt for 250 euro in my face to sign for the credit card purchase. When I called him on it, he claimed it was a mistake. I have no doubt that it was intentional, so consider yourself warned and watch what you sign.
Rozenna Sanders <email>
Austin, TX USA Wed 02/23/2005

overcharged in rome
dont pay too much in rome. we wnet into a small bar in rome near st peters, even though our tour guide told us not to. we ordered two cokes and a sandwich. we payed ?20 for the cokes and ?13 for the sandwich. next day we met the guide again and told him, he said you should always ask how much it will cost before you sit down or take the goods into your hand.our guide by the way was excellent, when i get the company card i will post it on the site.watch out
sean byrne <email>
london, USA Wed 02/23/2005

Re: Possible Versace Scam
Not TOO hard to spot this scam. Anyone who says they will sell you 3 Versace jackets for the price of one is absolutely not to be trusted.
Carol
USA Wed 02/23/2005

Possible versace scam
My buddies and I were just hit with what sounds like the latest scam, and is similar to that which I have seen here. A WELL DRESSED individual, looking lost and asking for directions to the airport. Very thankful and introduced himself as a Versace sales rep here to open a new store. Strong Italian accent. He had 3 jackets in the car that he didn't want to bring back to Italy, so he would sell them to us for 1 for the price of 3. The price tag on them was 1500.00. The whole package was very convincing. Even had a business card. I won't go into details as to how I picked the scam so these dudes can't refine the approach. Buyer beware....
Crang (nom de plume) <email>
Ottawa, on Can Mon 02/21/2005

Pickpockters Of Europe
There is pickpocting in France,Italy,Belgium ,Greece,Germany, Austria Stealing From Toursits.There is Pickpockting All over Europe.
Harrison <email>
Charlston, Virgina USA Sat 02/19/2005

Purse Scam
While in Paris I was also approached by (supposably) the same Asian women outside the Luis Vuitton store. I ignored them and went on my way. I also thought that it must be counterfeit money or something. When I asked around about it, someone told me that there is actually a black market for these purses in Hong Kong...these women buy the purses in Paris, then bring them home and illegally sell them for profit. The employees in the stores know these women by sight and so won't sell to them any longer. The women stand outside and try to get people to go in and buy the purses for them so they can still get purses. Must work, if they are still at it!
Birmingham, UK Sat 02/19/2005

Euro coin change rip-offs in Paris
When we visited France, mainly in Paris, we (as Americans) started wondering why we were getting quarters in our pockets from change. We finally figured it out when we realized that the Euro dollar coin is the same size as the American quarter, and so, for our change we were being given quarters instead of euro dollar coins. I finally caught on after we bought tickets at a Metro station and realized that the cashier had done this...what a bundle she must be making!

When we visited Italy and Switzerland we didn't notice this happening but, of course, we were checking our change by then. Unfortunately, I doubt this scam is happening only in France.
Noel <email>
New York, NY USA Thu 02/17/2005

Purse Scam
I too had the same thing happen in front of the Marriott Champs Elysee last summer. My husband thought I was being rude, but a Marriott employee told us that the same couple of asian women work the tourists pretty much all the time with the counterfit money scam. This web site is great cause our daughter was in Paris over Christmas Tide and when she was hit up by the bracelet scammers, she held up her Rick Steves guidebook like a cross in front of a vampire. I would like to say they shrunk away in fear, but she walked past them knowing what was going on. She did feel pretty invincable with her book. Thanks Rick!
Naomi
Chicago, IL USA Wed 02/16/2005

Purse Scam
Jessica, I had the EXACT same experience on the Champs Elysees as well. Directly across the street from the LV store. We did the same and said no and walked away. Common sense says to us that normal people to not go up to others on the street and ask for that. Would you hand a stranger $$ and ask them to go shopping for you?We don't know the scam either, but we assumed it was. After other people's numerous experiences on this board, you can safely assume you were right.
melissa
Chicago, IL USA Tue 02/15/2005

Purse Scam
Jessica - trust me when I say unto you that it is a scam. Yes, a scam! It is counterfeit money and you did the correct thing. I will never help out someone like that because one never knows. You did the right thing!
Judith
Baltimore, MD USA Tue 02/15/2005

Everyone is NOT out to get you!
Okay, folks, here we go! I just got back from a month of backpacking continental Europe and wanted to share some stories with ya'll. First of all, just let me say that I am glad that I took a look at the graffiti wall before traveling because it made me more aware of different situations that could come up and gave me ideas on how to handle them. I will admit that I became a tad paranoid after having read about all kinds of scary goings on. I guess what I'm trying to say is that things really aren't as bad as they seem on this message board. This is just a place that is MEANT for negative things to be reported upon, so it's easy to lose track of reality and start to believe that everyone is out to get you. During my trip I met tons of fellow travelers and made some really good friends. Don't be afraid of everyone, just be cautious and aware and you will be fine!

That said, we did have a near disaster involving the tag-team effort of a pair of thieves on the RER in Paris (one distracts you, the other goes in for the steal). Before you know it, both are gone and so is your backpack! Luckily, I turned around just in time to see the would be thief setting my backpack (FULL of Christmas presents!!) back down onto the seat!

Also, and I don't mean to freak you out, but be careful with your camera! Again, while in Paris, a friend of mine was literally in the *middle* of taking a picture when this guy ran up behind her and snatched her camera right out of her hands (she even had her hand through the wrist strap!!). Luckily the guys we were with chased the guy down, roughed him up, and got the (broken) camera back.

Be careful, alert and trust your gut. You will be fine and have a blast! Happy trails to all!!
Erin <email>
Shoreview, MN USA Mon 02/14/2005

Versace limits on purses
My teen daughter and I were approached by an English speaking Asian woman on the Champs Elysee. The first thing she asked us, Do you speak English? She wanted to give us her cash, so that we could go into the Versace store and buy her another Versace purse. She claimed there was a limit to how many a person could buy. It felt wrong so I said sorry and we walked away. I still can't convince my kid that it was a scam. Counterfeit money perhaps? I've no positive idea, anyone know of this sort of thing?
Jessica <email>
Clovis, CA USA Mon 02/14/2005

Variation on 'bracelet' and 'flower' scams
On a recent trip to Paris we ran into a variation on the "bracelet" and "flower" scams. While riding in the RER (Paris Metro) a man came through the car and dropped a package containing a notepad and pen beside each of the four of us. I immediately told my travelling companions "don't touch it!" which they didn't. A short while later the man came through and took the packages back; but those passengers in the car who had picked them up found themselves on the receiving end of a demand for payment. The lesson: don't allow ANYONE to give you something you may not want; you'll have a battle giving it back.
Ron Crowe
Reston, VA USA Mon 02/14/2005

leather jacket scam usa
I want to add that I almost fell victim to the leather jacket scam, right here in Bellevue, WA. I was approached by a truck in a Safeway parking lot. The driver, with heavy Italian accent needed directions to the airport. And by the way, he's a Versace sales rep with some extra stock in the truck that he needs to get rid of before getting on the plane so he can avoid paying duty. He was very convincing with his spiel and Italian passport. So, if your ever at the Factoria Safeway, beware...
george
USA Fri 02/04/2005

Leather Jacket Scam
Ha! So now I know, thanks to this board, what the "leather jacket" scam is. Early one Sunday morning in Rome, I was walking down Via Cavour; I was perhaps half way between Santa Maria Maggiore and the Colleseum. At that hour on a Sunday (around 7 am) the streets are deserted. Up pulls a car with a guy in the passenger seat basically hanging out the window. He waves a very, very worn street map of Rome and, in English (but with an Italian accent), asks me where the Colleseum is (Within a nano-second I concluded, "No native Italian would ask a waspy looking American like me for directions to the Colleseum). Likewise, I had never heard of this scam, but seeing how the map looked like it had been folded and perspired upon at least 4000 times, I knew this had to be a scam. So I said the Colleseum is five blocks ahead - Via Cavour basically terminates at the Colleseum. Literally, before I could finish, he said, "Oh I am a designer for Christian Dior" or some such and "my trunk is filled with suits from a trade show I was attending here in Rome." Again, I knew it was a scam so I just said "no thanks" and walked onward. I never knew what the end result was but from the sounds of these posts here, I guess it is to sell you some grey or black market counterfeits or even the real designer but "expropriated" shall we say? I guess that's the point, right? They weren't trying to kill me or anything, right? As long as you think these guys are non-violent scammers, why not have some fun with them, like "Colleseum? You mean the gay bar?" And just talk over them if they protest, "Hey buddy I don't think your going to find a gay bar open at 7 am on a Sunday morning." Play stupid b/c that's the very assumption they're making about you. BTW, I'm kind of joking about playing with these scammers, the best policy is a firm "no thanks" and move onward. And as always, don't EVER be afraid to yell "POLICE" if you are ever in fear for your safety, no matter where in the world you are.
Ron Thomski <email>
New York, NY USA Thu 02/03/2005

Fake bottled water
The warnings about faked bottle water are right on. My wife and I were in China, led by a local guide, who warned us that some street vendors of water would pick up discarded bottles, fill them with tap water and seal the cap with super glue so it sound right when opened. I asked him how we could tell the difference between fake and real, and he said, "Drink it and if you get sick, it was fake."
Kent <email>
Afton, MN USA Wed 02/02/2005

Italian Scams
A couple of years ago my Mom and I did a whirlwind backpacking tour of Italy.We ran into a few shady situations.The first was in Naples. We got in late and were trying to find our hotel. It turned out that, because it was so late, we had to use a side door which was located on a street where there were not many people. As we were walking down the street with our backpacks I noticed a couple of guys start to follow us. I grabbed my Mom and said "We need to cross the street now" and we crossed the street and headed back towards a busy night club (thanks Rick!). The guys stopped in their tracks and then went the other direction.In Rome we ran across the 'leather jacket' scam (oh pleeeaaase).In Florence, we were in a small shop getting ready to purchase a chess set. As the clerk in the shop went down to the storage room, a couple walked in and told us that there were cheaper chess boards around the corner. We ignored them and they quickly left before the store clerk came back to the counter (in hind-sight we did notice that they were hanging around the front of the store). We were not sure what the couple was up to, but we were sure it was some kind of scam.I didn't really give these things a second thought because we were prepared and aware. On our trip we ran into legitimate friendly people (usually foreigners or older people). Have fun and meet interesting people, but always keep your guard up, and if it doesn't feel right, trust your instincts. Also, using a money belt is soooo worth it.
Darcy
Portland, OR USA Tue 02/01/2005

Rome pickpockets
If you guys think things are safe in the inside pocket of a suit or sports coat, think again. Reading the graffiti wall reminds me of an incident in Rome several years ago. I was swarmed by 6 or 7 Gypsy kids who started screaming about being starving, needing money, and the like. They grabbed my arms and started clutching at my clothes...I even had two toddlers hanging onto my legs! One teen dug her fingers into my arm so hard it hurt like hell! As I turned to shake her off, the one on the other side managed to get inside my suit coat and grabbed my wallet. I discovered it missing about half an hour later when I met up with friends. Luckily, only credit cards were gone, so I cancelled them immediately. I noticed at the time a couple of little old Italian ladies were coming towards our little contretemps, yelling and waving their canes in the air. I thought they were mad at me....but upon later reflection, I realized they were trying to warn me, and trying to scare the kids off. So if a couple of little old Italian ladies start coming towards you, yelling like mad, look to your wallet!
Norm <email>
Ottawa, Canada Mon 01/31/2005

Switching tap water for bottled water
One graffitti post mentioned ordering bottled water in Paris only to be brought a bottle that had already been opened and possibly filled with tap water. This is a common trick outside of the US where desperate proprieters and waiters probably both benefit. I've been going to Europe (and Latin America, Africa etc.) for years and one sure way to defeat this water scam is to order seltzer/club soda or mineral water. There is virtually no way for these scammers to duplicate the carbon dioxide or mineral fiz in either mineral water or club soda and these gas waters are often the same price as "still" water (sometimes cheaper). It's almost 100% sure way of thwarting the tap/bottled water switch. Also, the pH of gas waters is lower (more acidic) and parasites have great trouble surviving in it, so even if somehow they had converted tap into fiz water, you're still better off health-wise. Persistent scamming waiters may still try to bring still water even after you ask for gas water, so I always make eye contact, speak unambiguously and often repeat the phrase "con gas" in Italy, "gaz viz" in Hungary, "mineral wasser" in Germany etc. (although Germany has almost no problem with the water switcheroo). The point is ask for gas and you'll avoid the runs! If you're brash and determined to get still water, you'll just have to insist that they bring the bottle to you unopened. I was in Zimbabwe in January and all the bottled water has the seal broken and the water is from the tap (this is even as you buy it from street vendors). Europe is far better, but still beware and acquire a taste for mineral water, it's a great hedge against the water switch scam.
Ron Thomski <email>
New York, NY USA Sun 01/30/2005

Tourist Scam Alert - Water
Ken & Tana....you may have gotten ripped off, and the suggestion to see the bottled water opened in front of you is a good one. But it wasn't the water that made you sick. I've stayed in Versailles several times, and drink tap water all the time. Maybe it was the particular flavour of ice cream.
Norm <email>
Ottawa, ON Canada Sun 01/30/2005

Vienna is a very safe city but you do have to be careful. Pickpocketing and property crimes are up here.H&M stores here are especially known for pickpocketing activity-- there are gangs who work those stores and steal wallets when people are distracted for a few seconds looking at something.
Vienna, Austria Sat 01/29/2005

got robbed but then the angels came to rescue
its true u must always ask the price before you take something. we got robbed and ripped off. we had our wallet stolen, our tour guide at angeltoursrome gave us money untill we got through it
bob hubbard <email>
rome, dublin USA Fri 01/28/2005

scams
I have had the pleasure of living in the cote d'azur region for 6 months now and have been robbed and heard lots of stories from many friends. NEVER leave anything in your car or place your purse or bag on the seat next to you. The motorcylists will use their helmets and smash your window out to grab your goodies! The latest scam on the Promenade de Anglais in Nice is a very well dressed "italian" couple pretending to have been robbed. They are very convincing and manage to get money from people as well as their personal information with the promise of "sending the money" back to you! If they or anyone approaches you with this scam just offer to call the police for them and that will send them running! Just be aware!
Meg Karayiannis <email>
Elgin, Il USA Tue 01/25/2005

Bracelets in Paris and Rome
Really the ONLY negative experience I had on my trip through Europe was getting ripped off by the cabbies in Prague so I can totally relate to the articles listed below.

Something that I saw in both Paris and Rome were groups of guys hanging around tourist-full walkways, e.g. the Spanish Steps and the walkway up to Sacre Couer. Anyway, they approach with the usual "hey, man where you from?" line and then try to slip a string around your wrist. If you let them, they quickly braid what amounts to a friendship bracelet. (remember friendship bracelets?) I didn't get suckered into this but I saw plenty of people who were unable to walk away (Japanese tourists in particular seem to be targetted). No idea how much they then charge you for the bracelet but I'm sure it doesn't come cheap.
Jay <email>
Chicago, IL USA Thu 01/20/2005

Roma
LOOK AT THE GROUND! in rome, some of the salesman drive these little electric cars back and forth on the street. if your not looking you'll step on one, and who knows how many euros he'll want for his piece of garbage.
pj
USA Wed 01/19/2005

Rome Cabs
When arriving in Rome for the first time, we made the mistake of taking a cab from the train station to our hotel. The driver charged us what seemed to be a huge amount. We argued with the driver outside the hotel, and when he appeared to get aggitated we just gave in. We asked the hotel manager what the cab should have cost, and we did, indeed, get ripped off. The advice the manager gave us was if you feel the driver is scamming you, politely say to the driver that perhaps the best way to resolve the dispute is to go into the hotel and ask them what the fare should be. Then do it! According to the manager the cab driver immediately will admit they may have made a mistake.

Also, remember that in Italy if you call for a cab, say for a ride from the hotel to the airport, you are charged for the time/milage the driver incures while driving to the hotel as well as your ride from the hotel.
Maureen <email>
Park Ridge, il USA Mon 01/17/2005

Bus in Rome/Over night train to Rome
Last time I was in Rome, some years ago now, I witnessed what I assume is refered to as the bus 64 scam. Does the 64 leave from the Vatican near the collonade? They were so fast, that I didn't even have time to say anything before they had this mans wallet out of his pocket, and off the bus. They passed it to several people down the length of the bus, the final person had been waiting at the rear door. A young female traveling alone, I pretended like I didn't see it. The wallet was gone, and there would've been no way to prove that the rest of the gang was in on it. The weird thing is that there were a lot of respectable looking Italians on the bus who witnessed the whole thing also.

The only other odd thing I've witnessed, was on the over night train ride from Venice to Rome. I was traveling in the cheap seats and just intended to sleep sitting up. There were some men on the train who looked a little rough. And they kept walking by my cabin, looking in. At a point, I pulled the drapes shut, which really didn't help much, because they just peaked in the sides. Realizing there'd be no sleep had in the situation, I bit the bullet and bought a sleeper ticket. After snoozing soundly for a short while, arms and legs wrapped tightly around my backpack with my hand over the zipper, I felt someone touching my feet and legs. The cabin was not private, and there were none available. When I'd gone to sleep there had only been one girl in the bunk on the oposite side. I looked over at her, her eyes were wide open and she just put her finger to her lips. I kicked the hand into the metal at the foot of the bed and heard a muffled whimper. At some point despite attempting to remain vigilant, I must've dozed off again. When next I awoke, I looked at the lower bunks, which were empty. I woke the girl in the other bunk and asked her if she'd seen that, she just said, (in a french accent) "Yes, but they are gone now. Go back to sleep."

This time I will be traveling with my daughter. Though I've never had trouble with someone coming into my room, the door stop idea is excellent. I've also purchased some of those magentized alarms which are advertized on late night tv. You place the parts on either side of an opening, and when the magnetic bond is broken, the alarm goes off.
CA USA Sun 01/16/2005

Beware of gypsy children with cardboard
Having read about the gypsy children around the train station with cardboard in their hands..I was ready when two approached. One held the cardboard over my purse and kept saying Please madam...(I guess the other was going to reach inside...it was zipped tight). My money, credit cards and passport were secure in my money belt..the only thing they could have gotten was a hairbush, makeup, tissues..nothing of value. Having read this web site I knew exactly what to do...yell GO AWAY! and turn away. They ran...I was tempted to reach out and smack them but the elders were waiting under a tree nearby. It was not scary...and I am a 56 year old women walking with a 59 year old women..our husbands were behind us but missed the action.
Linda Sprinkel <email>
Atlanta, GA USA Sat 01/15/2005

Tourist Scam Alert
This scam turned a honeymoon in Paris into sick call. After touring Versailles, we stopped at an outdoor cafe before heading back to Paris by train. Ordered ice cream, and bottled water. The waiter brought the water, already poured into beautiful cut crystal goblets, with the empty bottles on the tray. Within 30 minutes my husband was very ill and stayed that way for 5 days. How did we know it was the water? As honeymooners, we were always sharing meals and sipping each other's drinks. But I didn't drink any of this water. We figure we paid for bottled water and got tap water. Now, we always open the bottle ourselves, or don't accept it.
Ken & Tana Thompson <email>
Talladega, AL USA Sat 01/08/2005

train station scam
In the Milan train station, seated in the first class, empty compartment (except for us), 4 well dressed Italian men appeared in the aisle, one entered our compartment and announced "these seats are taken!" We said, "no" (we had checked the slip posted outside), but my husband stood up. Immediately the other three guys entered the compartment and started a sort of Marx brothers shuffling around. I stayed seated, had no visible purse or anything. The ringleader kept his eyes on me, and I on him. My husband got manipulated all the way outside to the hallway with one guy facing him. He later said the man was surely looking for the right pocket to pick (husband was wearing a safari-type jacket with multiple pockets!). I started to laugh at this bunch (not realizing yet that this was a robbery) and the ring leader who was watching me also laughed, and they all quickly left! Then we realized, the thieves had brought their own "crowd" and we were lucky they didn't use mace on us! Being in the train station, they were on and off the car in minutes, without any danger of police. NEVER get up if this happens...tell them to find the conductor, just hold your ground or lean out the window and yell!
ellen
SLC, UT USA Fri 01/07/2005

Gypsies
Was in Rome and Florence recently and had a wonderful time. All the warnings about gypsies are very true. We were walking along the forum when a woman and child approached seemingly from nowhere. Having read Rick's warnings we quickly backed off before anything happened. Don't stand still. Move away from them. We were lucky, but we saw it happening again to others. Hopefully they were lucky too. Though I felt safe for most of the trip, zip up your jackets, wear money belts, etc. and you will have a wonderful time, especially in busy tourist areas. Stay alert!
Neil <email>
Seattle, WA USA Sat 01/01/2005