Tourist Scam Alert
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.
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.
What cons and scams have you encountered?
Read the Distillation: Tourist Scams, 2005
- Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.
Passport
According to the US State Dept (travel.state.gov);
"In Switzerland it is expected that citizens and visitors carry an I.D. and/or a passport. Should the police stop you, and you are without an I.D., it is possible that you may be taken in for questioning"
The Swiss Post website has a list of acceptable identification. The only one US visitors are likely to have is a passport. It says nothing about a photocopy of the passport being acceptable, and that is unlikely, since real passposts now have a microchip with identifying information in them.
I don't know what other countries require you carry your passport at all times, but I think it is just common sense. Keep it on your person, secure, as in your money belt.
LarryinColorado
Littleton, CO USA 01/31/2012
Naples Italy Camera Sale Scam
In Naples, Italy, a common scam is for a couple of guys to try and sell you a killer digital camera for a price anyone could not refuse. Yet, when the moment arrives to take the camera into possession, the second guy (with a big coat) switches his camera bag with one hidden from behind his back that has a big rock in it. The first guy will even ask you for an extra two dollars for coffee. After I found my rock, and chased them down the street, they had a car and driver waiting to leave me in the dust...$300 light.
Ken
Naples, USA 01/29/2012
Never leave handbags/purses unattended!
J. Dubbs should have followed my advice listed only 2-3 days before losing her purse.
I will repeat...NEVER ever leave a bag unattended, any place. Secondly, dont carry your passport around every place you go. Take only a photo ID, photocopy of your passport and leave the Passport in the hotel or a safe place, not on your person.
Advice from a 30 year travel Pro.
Jason
Paris, France 01/28/2012
Handbag stolen at Galeries Lafayette, Paris
I was shopping at Galeries Lafayette in Paris today, where I got my handbag stolen (wallet, passport etc.)
I was trying on shoes in -1 floor, where I set my bag down next to me (it was in the way). 5 seconds later when I was about to pick it up again, it was already gone.
Unbelievable...I didn't ever think a fancy department store was a place to worry about getting my purse stolen but apparently it happens ALL THE TIME. It is exactly the same sentiment I have and the fact that shoppers let their guard down, which makes Lafayette a great place for thieves. Don't EVER let your bag go and keep your guard up at places that you would otherwise feel relaxed.
Everyone knows to be careful in train stations and crowded metro buses - remember to add department stores (GALERIES LAFAYETTE PARIS) to your list while travelling.
J Dubbs
Paris, France 01/27/2012
No wonder you were a victim.
S. Trato,
NEVER, ever leave a bag or expensive item unattended when traveling. That goes for Rome, Tokyo, New York or Melbourne. Also, that goes for in Churches, Airports, cafes, or Hotel lobbies. Sorry your kindle was stolen, but you asked for it.
Jason
Paris, France 01/25/2012
Watch Out !
Be carefull, I was in Santa Maria de Vittorio today in Roma to see Bernini scuplpture... I was reading about it on my Kindle Fire.... then I set my bag down,,and walked away about 20 feet, I put .50 Euro and turned on light and took 5-6 photos.... when I came back to seat.... my Kindle Fire was gone !!
I had noticed some seedy character in the church but I was so close to the bag, I though it was OK.... those few minutes I took my eye off it,,, guy grabbed the Kindle. I do know better but was a bit jet lagged... Be careful,, they're waiting and will take advantage in a church !
S. Trato
St. Thomas, VI USA 01/24/2012
Pick Pockets
My wife and I went to Florence for the Holidays. On the Ponte Vecchio
bridge. I was looking in a jewelry shop and felt hemmed in by shoppers, then I felt my wallet slip in my front pocket, I turned and a gentleman started appologizing profusely in English, and then promptly walked quickly off the bridge. Both in Rome and Florence we have spotted people (normal looking people) following us. Use the method from the movies, cross the street, stop at a window, they will stop they will cross. Usually there are several operatives in league with these people. I always carrying a camera, so I stop point it right at them and take a picture. They quickly loose interest.
M Pederson
Seattle, WA USA 01/16/2012
Paris Metro to Versailles
I was on the metro from Paris to Versailles and my ticket worked. On the way back to Paris from Versailles the machines were malfunctioning because my ticket didn't work and a few tourists were struggling to get through as well. The doors opened and closed on their own. We went through the doors that stayed open. Once on the train a couple men dressed in uniform asked for tickets and they said me and my buddy's ticket weren't valid. There was another tourist next to me who had an "invalid" ticket. They said the fine is 25 euros. I told them I want to talk to the police and go to the U.S. embassy. They said if I don't pay 25 euros then it would be 55 euros with the police. They later said it would be 68 euros if I don't pay. I refused to pay and they asked for my passport. I told them I didn't have it and I am not paying because the machines in Versaille weren't working. They said we will go to the police at St. Michel. I said ok and they got off at the next stop which was nowhere near St. Michel. The guy next to me paid but me and my buddy didn't. At the time I thought it was legit but wanted to make some noise with the U.S. embassy so other Americans could be more alert and was willing to fight any fines if possible. Later on though I got the feeling it was all a scam.
Robert
San Diego, CA USA 01/11/2012
Attentive US girl in Nice Train Station
While waiting for a train in Nice a young American woman starts chatting up our group of 6. She was scoping us out then as her partner walking the wrong way on the train as everyone entered with luggage went for my husband's velcro pants with his money(we had our money belts and he only had about E50 in the pocket) but husband pushed the fellow into a compartment, and the guy throws the money under the seat and as my husband went for the money he runs out as I yell Thief Thief after realizing what happened. Never get too too chatty with a stranger who just happens to start talking to you unless you have your valuables in a money belt. We usually can spot cons and have never been troubled but this was a first.
BJ
Philadelphia, PA USA 01/06/2012
Champs Elysees Money Scam
I was walking on the Champs Elysees near the Arc du Triomphe when I was approached by a Chinese couple who appeared to be quite distressed. The man asked if I was American, did I speak English? I said yes, I did. The man proceeded to tell me that his wife had spotted a Louis Vuitton handbag at a shop across the boulevard, but the store would not take his money because they were Chinese. His wife was heartbroken, he was desperate. Would I please go in and buy the handbag for his wife? He had Euros and promised immediate reimbursement.
This was a scam that I'd not heard of but caught onto right away.
I was pretty obvious that he wanted me to buy a very expensive bag with my good money and rip me off by "paying me back" with bogus Euros. Needless to say, I said "No" and walked away. When I looked back they had targeted another American.
Remember: if the story sounds wrong, looks wrong, and feels wrong it is wrong.
Susan
Port Townsend, WA USA 01/06/2012
ATM scam in Paris
While at an ATM in Paris, the guy at the neighboring ATM asks you a question, saying he doesn't understand what his screen is telling him. Meanwhile he or his friend is taking the currency your ATM is dispensing. Moral: use only "single" ATMs, in an uncrowded area, and pay strict attention.
Jerry
Denver, Colora USA 01/05/2012
ring trick
the ring trick three times in Paris near the Eiffel Tower and on Champs de Elisees on January 2010. Luckily they didn't steal anything from us. We started shouting out loud when the 3rd one approached us and the guy ran away as if taken by the devil.
Betty
Argentina 01/04/2012
scams in Paris
Just returned from 10 days in Paris. Saw the gold ring trick twice, but we just ignored it and walked on. A firm
Non" with a wave of the hand worked on the petitions at the Eiffel Tower.
PW
Lakeland, FL USA 12/26/2011
Brussels II
I got back from Brussels a few days ago and would like to add to what Jim from Florida said. First off, avoid the Gare de Midi ('Zuid' in Flemish) at all costs. It is worse than anything I have seen in my extensive travels around Europe, including Rome and Naples. First, a gypsy teen tried the ticket machine scam and then two guys tried to get my luggage in the metro station at Midi. Like Jim, I noticed one out of the corner of my eye. The first metro train came and I let it go because I did not fit with my luggage. The guy let it pass as well. Then, when the next one came, I moved one, then two, then three cars down and he followed. When he got on before me and touched my suitcase, I jerked it out of his hands. The doors closed, I saw his accomplice appear from another car, and I gave them the Robert DeNiro, Meet the Parents 'I'm watching you' sign. They smiled and gave me the thumbs up, as did others on the metro, as if to say, 'good job, you caught us'. The owner of our B and B said that in Brussels you never see police in the street and that petty crime is out of control. Bottom line: be street smart and aware of your surroundings and you'll have a great time in Belgium. Also be aware that most locals avoid Midi, and that the relatively safer Gare Central is just as close to the center and most monuments.
Timmy
Madrid, USA 12/12/2011
Brussels Thives
I was in Brussels a few years back, touring that most visited main square in the center of the city, taking photos while the wife shopped. All of a sudden, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a glimpse of a man behind me leaning up against a wall, making a gesture as if he were pointing me out to someone else nearby in the square. When he realized I saw him, he started to speak rapid nonsense as if he were mentally ill or drunk. But he did not leave and continued to observe me as I wondered around the square. I immediately started to scan the crowds and passersby looking for any possible accomplices. I did spot a single young man walk by me with no obvious purpose or destination in mind who was wearing a bright red jacket. However, I noticed the jacket was reversible to a bright yellow. I proceeded to walk around the most famous, visited, important square in all of Belgium looking for a policeman to inform of my concerns, but amazingly, none were to be found. After about a half hour, my wife and I then walked the 1/4 mile or so back to the train station to return to our hotel, while I occasionally paused to look behind me for anyone following. We got on our train, sat down, and amazingly in walks and sits down beside us is the guy in the red jacket. Then by a miraculous coincidence, he exits the train directly behind us at our same stop. It was then that I stopped in my tracks as I stepped off the train and stood still, placing the suspect in the awkward position of having to pass us by to exit the station, or risk looking obviously suspicious if he were to stop directly behind us for no reason. As he passed, he had 2 options, to take the escalator to the connection in one direction or the other, not able to know which way we would choose as he was no longer following. He guessed wrong. If allowed, I would surely of had a fight on my hands for my belongings, and a thief suddenly running around Brussels now in a bright yellow jacket.
Jim
Pembroke Pines, Fl. USA 12/11/2011
Desperate "Canadian Jewish banker" around the Nord, Paris
It was 7pm, I had just gotten off the Eurostar from London at Nord in Paris and was approached by a guy who claimed to a Jewish Canadian banker who was visiting Paris with his girlfriend and three children.
Here's the rundown of his brilliant sob story:
- His gf messed up the credit card pincode 3 times and now their card was locked and they did not have enough cash for a hotel that night.
- His friend has wired money but Credit Union and the Canadian Embassy is closed for the evening.
- A small hotel down the street has agreed to let them stay for 65euro for the night and could I please help him with anything?
- He offered his watch and a copy of his passport and swore on the Torah and his child that he would pay me back.
- But later when I asked for his passport he claimed it was with his gf who was looking after the children in a cafe, and that she would freak out if he took me there as "she was on her period" and was very upset. (WTF!)
- He found out I lived in Tokyo and said he used to live there once, in Ginza (the ritziest place in Tokyo) but anyone can remember a few place names to rattle off in these situations.
I could tell that his story was full of holes but he kept begging me with his eyes full of tears and I think I was overwhelmed by his display of emotions. I was tired and had just woken up in the Eurostar, and I thought "What if he WAS telling the truth?"
- I argued with him about the passport situation, that I needed some sort of legal ID, but he cut me off and begged me with such pitiful force that somebody should have given him an Oscar on the spot.
- But I could see his face was twitching as he spoke, ANYBODY could have seen that the guy was conning me, and I could have just walked away but by then I felt I was trapped and had to help him out someway.
here's a tip to remember: IT'S NOT YOUR PROBLEM!! You are NOT the right person to help this person.
- So I asked for his contact details, where he lived and worked in Toronto, e-mail address, and he gave them to me - all of them bullsh*t (if I had a smartphone with internet connection I could have checked them out on the spot!)
- In the end, stupidly, I took some money out of the ATM and he gave me a long hug before I managed to pull him off me.
- I asked for the watch and he almost reluctantly gave it to me - as I suspected, it's a cheap fake with "Chalisson" on the face. Googling it only brings up replica sites and I've tossed it into the bin.
This happened in the last few hours of my 12 day stay in Europe (just arrived home today), I think I had let me guard down and it's put a damper on my memories.
I've been thinking about the experience and can just say it was an expensive lesson but will be one I will remember always.
If the guy needed money, he could have told me the truth and I still may have given him some.
All that is left now is karma. Hopefully somebody who reads this will be able to prevent it from happening to them.
Nik
Tokyo, Japan 12/06/2011
Pickpocket Paranoia
@ Boston Traveller, these are practical tips, however ignoring everyone seems very antisocial. Besides, we got a lost a few times in Paris, and every time one of the locals came over and helped us find the right direction. Not everyone is out to get you, even past midnight in the red light district (we were very lost).
Saw a few scams, such as the ring and petition in Paris. Even had a guy come up and try and help us at the ticketing machine in Rome. But a firm no works wonders. I will say, that we never got pickpocket once. In fact we never even encountered a situation where it seemed likely, and as I said, we got lost and ended up in a few pretty dodgy areas. So while keeping an eye out is important, there is no need to be so paranoid.
Alex
AUS 11/27/2011
scam in Paris for watch buyers
Tourists traveling to Paris, France beware!!. There is a booth selling "watches only" in the area of the Lafayette Galleries. My daughter purchased a watch, and I purchased one for my son.
The salesperson went thru the trouble of fixing my daughter's watch and handing it to her. My son's watch she wrapped it up for me in a sealed package. It never occured to me to open the seal. When I got home and opened the gift wrapping, there were three lollipops wrapped up and no watch. Apparently, she heard us speak english and realized I purchased the men's watch as a gift.
This is a clever scam, and would hate to see other people fall for it.
Mimi Kaizler
Ra'anana, Israel 11/26/2011
Locanda Dalla Compagnia SCAM
Locanda Dalla Compagnia RioMaggorie Italy
Claim not to have your reservation Charge cash then 50 Euro cancel fee!!! Threaten me with the police when I tried to get them to take my card.
B
New Haven, USA 11/23/2011
WATCH OUT FOR TREVISAN SHOPS IN VENICE - AVOID THEM!
I wish to warn other tourists visiting Venice to avoid purchasing items in the stores that are known as Trevisan. There are many of them throughout Venice. I purchased an expensive bag and some scarfs. The bag fell apart in the US after less than 5 uses. The scarfs did not have Made In Italy in them although they were expensive. I am trying to get the money back for these items and it is proving to be a nightmare. Please avoid these stores. The manager of the store put the telephone down on me today after I made one of many expensive telephone calls to him. I speak Italian but he is difficult to communicate with.
Jacqueline
Mobile, AL USA 11/23/2011
scams
Please tell everyone you know about a travel scam!! We rented a cabin for our annual family vacation through the VRBO website. It turn out that the actual owner's email had been hacked and although email communication was initiated through VRBO they take no responsibility. We wired $3500 to the scammer- NEVER WIRE MONEY- although in this case so much time went by before VRBO found out about the hack, a check would have cleared. This went on for well over 2 months before it was caught. VRBO takes no responsibility, the owner has offered us 10% discount, but we would be paying double for the same cabin. Please tell everyone you know to not wire money and to be careful of websites like VRBO- you think that you are protected, but you are not!
linda namikas
san antonio, TX USA 11/21/2011
Robbed in Brussels
HI,
I wish I had read this before. I am just leaving Brussels with bad memories. There were the children with writing pads and requesting the signing for petitions in paris and brussels. There were also the ones who offered to help with the baggage and a firm NO helps.
BUT, the worst happened yesterday when me and my friend were at the Lemonier station (next to the Brussels MIDI station) when a young man came and tried to talk to me and another man distracted my friend. He snatched the bracelet around my neck and ran.. my instant reaction was chasing him, but what i could get hold of was his coat which tore and i fell down the stairs with it. Another person chased him too and could not catch up. These guys are professional thieves.
There was no police in the station and we went to Brussels MIDI to report the incident and the police were very casual and asked me to meet a doctor and come back with a report after which they will look into it. As we were in the police station another gentleman from UK and his friend came forward with a similar case. Looks like its too common.
Be careful travelers.
Thomas
Miami, FL USA 11/18/2011
Rome/Paris tips
First of all, not traveling because of a fear of pickpockets and scams is foolish. It's more so about being smart. Keep an eye on who is around you, in front of you, etc., especially in very touristy areas.
Rome/Paris experiences:
1) men, wear pants with tight pockets (if it's impossible for me to get my own wallet out without leaning forward, it will be nearly impossible to get pick pocketed). If you're wearing slacks, keep your effects on a money belt, under them.
2) never sit on the metro or in public with your iPhone or iPod out, playing music or whatever. People will scope you out, distract you, and steal it. Keep the device out of sight.
3) don't put valuables in a backpack on your back and then stand in a crowded piazza or metro and wonder why you're missing things later. That's just dumb.
4) never stop for anyone in the street, even if they speak English. Just pretend you have no idea what they're saying and walk on, hands on your pockets or on your bag. If you're pestered, just say "no" loudly and firmly and continue walking. Never stop.
5) don't let anyone help you with anything, luggage or whatever. If they don't steal it they well might hold it ransom for some quick cash.
6) when you go through the ticket validator machines for the subway, make sure nobody tries to follow you through and skip the fare. They will often shove into you and try to steal something. When on a crowded subway train keep your back to a door or a wall, avoid standing in the middle. If you have to stand in any crowd, be vigilant.
I have personally encountered the signature/petition scam several times, just walk on and say no firmly.
Traveler
Boston, MA USA 11/17/2011
Taxi at CDG, Paris
We got into CDG in Paris at 7 in the morning. We headed for the taxi stand but in front of the door was a guy who inquired if we needed a taxi. I said yes. He said there is heavy traffic and the ride to Paris could cost as much as 120 euros. He said he could take us for a flat rate of 80 euros. I was a little groggy from the over night flight and agreed. He even pointed to an official looking ID card around his neck. We walked about 50 feet to the garage elevator. I started getting my brain in gear now. I figgered taxi fares are based on distance traveled not time taken, within reason. I also remember reading that the taxi fare from CDG to Paris should be around 40 euros. As the elevator door opened, I came to my senses and my wife and I turned around and went back to the taxi stand and got into a REAL taxi. For all I know, the badge he had said he was the local janitor or a convicted felon. I guess the best result was we would have over paid for a taxi ride. The worst result would've been I wouldn't be here to relate this incident.
I've read many, many times. . . DON'T TAKE GYPSY CABS!
Tom
Griffin, Ga USA 11/15/2011
Rosemary sprigs in Spain
Spent 3 weeks in Spain. The only scam I saw was the rosemary sprig. A woman will try to hand you a rosemary sprig and when you take it, she takes your hand and tells your fortune. She then wants money for the fortune-telling. I found this in Cordoba outside the Mezquita and in Granada outside the Alhambra. They were approaching everyone, whether they were tourists or not. Just ignore them and keep walking!
Jeri
SLC, UT USA 11/15/2011
RE: PACSafe purse / pickpockets
About the PACSafe purse - ladies, buy this thing! And the matching wallet that attaches to it with a chain. I'm a visually impaired person who traveled in Italy in May. Three of the people in my tour group, all experienced travelers, were pickpocketed on the train in Rome. One lost her camera, the second lost a make-up case, the third lost her credit card (she had a back-up.) I lost nothing. It's also reassuring to go into a store, and, when you pull out your wallet, to have it chained into your purse.
People approached me with souvenirs, petitions, and other things, but I responded w/ "No, grazie," and they always retreated. Saw no horrible kids either. Also,a firm "Basta!" which means "stop" gets the point across.
One more thing. If you can, learn some basic words and phrases. I worked w/ a CD for four months prior to my trip, and learned enough Italian to get around, ask directions, order food, greet people, etc. The Italian folks treated me differently than my companions, who didn't speak the language. A waiter even removed my portion of the bill at lunch one day (didn't ask for this); I think it was because I ordered in Italian and my friends ordered in English. Can't emphasize this enough.
Marty
Baltimore, MD USA 11/13/2011
Re: Taxi driver overcharging on fare
K. Shuler from NY, sorry to hear you were scammed by a taxi driver in Barcelona, but if we were to complain about every time a driver overcharged us and posted their numbers, we would need a new website devoted to just that. When it comes down to taxis anywhere in the world, you run a 50/50 chance of being overcharged. It's just a fact of life when traveling.
Jason
Athens, Greece, 11/10/2011
Don't Be Afraid To Travel
I just returned from a three week trip to Europe which included visting Barcelona, Rome, & Tuscany. I have had this trip planned since January and had done a lot of research. I have also read RS Tourist Scam Alerts which were starting to make me very afraid to travel to Barcelona & Rome.
I heard all about the pickpockets in those cities and the various scams including the "flower" scam and the "petition" scam. I even got on line and watched U Tube videos of pickpocketers stealing from people. I told myself that I was not going to be a victim and that I would be very aware of my surroundings. I even bought a PacSafe purse (which I recommend) which made me feel more secure.
Thankfully the only scam that I encountered was the "flower" scam in Rome and I knew just to say NO and walk away. My point is that you should not let all of these scams scare you but let them make you aware of what can happen out there and how to handle it. I had a wonderful time on my travels and have some great memories. I will probably be going back to Europe in a couple of years so I will keep reading the scam alerts just to keep me current.
Robin
Dallas, TX USA 11/10/2011
Check All Prices Before Ordering
Advertised menu turistico in Venice for 14 Euros at the Osteria L'Olandese on the Campo San Lio. Not bad. But I ordered a 1/3 liter of wine which sold in other restaurants for 6-7 Euros. I didn't ask for the price first. Big mistake! It cost 16 Euro.
Paul
Ontario,, Canada 11/08/2011
Taxi driver overcharging on fare
Taxi driver overcharged from Celebrity ship to Melia International - charged 25 Euros, found out it should have been approx 15 Euros. There is a small charge for luggage but not that much. Taxi #10182, license 4700 FRC. Nov4, 2011-Barcelona
K. Shuler
NYC, NY USA 11/08/2011
Re: Pizza Scam
I think maybe what you were seeing on the receipt was 9.20, not 92.00. No one in their right mind would ever try to charge 92 euros for a few slices of Pizza, no matter how dumb the tourist looked or behaved. By the way, I have dropped in at the Rustica several times and have never, ever experienced such a scam.
Jason
Athens, Greece, USA 11/07/2011
Paris scams & metro tickets
encountered all the usual ring, etc, but hadn't heard of the "sign my petition" one. I didn't sign, as I had no reason to, but then we encountered it over and over an realized it was a scam, and all the singers looked like sisters, all Roma. Also a very persistant young girl even tried to manipulate the controls at the metro station when I was buying my metro ticket and had to slap her hand to make her stop! She was insisting I buy her useless ticket for one euro! That was the most aggressive anyone was. Otherwise, what a great trip!
Pat Groff
Lynnwood, WA USA 10/30/2011
Re: Pizza scam
Comment to prior Pizza Scam post:
1. It was not the fault of the pizza man that he did not speak English in Italy. Just like we would not fault someone here in the USA if a pizza man did not speak Italian.
2. In Europe, they use grams, etc. So not their fault if Americans have no concept of how much pizza there is in 100 gm.
3. That being said, whenever you buy something by the "100 grams" in Italy, watch carefully as they weigh it. If it really was one euro per 100 gms and they charged you 92 euros, you were essentially buying almost 20 pounds of pizza. It's 0.22 pounds in 100 gms. That's a lot of pizza for 4 people. Either the dough was full of lead or they had one heavy thumb on the scale. So, always make sure the scale is zeroed and nothing else is adding to the weight.
Dave
San Francisco, CA USA 10/22/2011
Dropped-brush scam in Istanbul
This one won't cost you a lot, but it's still annoying. Shoe-shine guy walks in front of you and drops a brush. You pick it up and say, "Hey, you dropped this." He thanks you profusely, dropping to his knees and offering what appears to be a free shine. In the end, he insists on getting paid an inflated amount. The scam works because there was no prior agreement and a service was delivered.
Sluggh
Zythum, Ned Flanders 10/21/2011
Pizza scam
While in Rome last summer, we hunted for a quick, cheap bite to eat near the Terminal train station. Peeking into Pizzeria Rustica (go out of the main entrance and it's on your left at #45) we saw that 100 grams of pizza was €1, which seemed like a good deal, though we weren't sure what 100g was. The guy didn't speak English, but I asked him about the 100 grams and he motioned toward the slices he was cutting, implying this size was 100g. We ordered 7 rectangular slices, each about 6" by 9". I stayed at the counter while the rest sat down with 4 slices. I noticed that he would get one slice, fold it up, then hand it to you before going on to the next thing; he wanted you to take it first. I got the bill: €92 for 7 slices of pizza. He didn't speak English but another guy did a little so through him I tried to explain that I had no idea the pizza was so expensive. After about 5 minutes of haggling, I set the remaining pizza slices on the counter and told him I would pay him €50 for the four we had taken. I finally had to set a €50 bill on the counter and simple walk away. After 5 minutes he came back with another receipt saying I still owed him €8 for the four slices. I insisted he bring me the original receipt so I could see it, but he didn't. During those 5 minutes we saw other customers come in, order, get handed the pizza, then be shocked and try to get out of paying for this expensive pizza with the tricky pricing structure. My wife insisted we just leave, and so we did. Left a very bad taste in our mouth on our second day there, but we were wiser after that. When talking about this in other pizza places around the area, they were embarrassed and agreed this was a scam.
Todd Hunnicutt
Modesto, CA USA 10/20/2011
Things to watch for in Rome
I'm living in Rome for the year. It's been an absolutely wonderful experience so far and nothing bad has happened to me, but here are the scams I've noticed at work:
1) First rule of thumb: almost anyone who talks to you is trying to scam you. Don't respond. If they ask you if you speak English, ignore them. If you want to go that extra mile to shut them up, I've found "No, Finlandese!" works well as a response. No one speaks Finnish...
2) Around heavy tourist areas, (especially Trevi Fountain) expect someone to try giving the girl in your party a flower. After you refuse, they'll persist and say, "you take, it's for you, for good luck." Say "NO" firmly until they leave. Don't touch the flower.
3) Be especially wary of the younger (aged 20s and 30s) men with dogs. These guys have struck me as a little more unbalanced than the rest of the beggars and scammers. I had one follow me into a grocery store and continually talk to my back, even though I'd never even done so much as make eye contact with the guy. I wasn't listening to his pleas for most of the time, but after a while of my ignoring him, he had the audacity to yell at me in Italian, "what, you don't even respond to me?" Then he shouted "maleducato!" over and over again, which means "you are rude." So, DO ignore their existence, but I wouldn't respond aggressively or indignantly.
4) If someone asks you for help and they don't obviously appear to be an American or European tourist who actually needs it, ignore them. They're trying to scam you, and what could you as a tourist possibly do to help a local, anyway? Be especially on the lookout to be harassed if you're speaking English in your party, if you're handling a map, or if you're entering/exiting a place that implies you're spending money (stores, museums, restaurants, banks etc.)
5) Obviously, you shouldn't buy anything from a street vendor (the ones at the legitimate street markets are fine... I'm talking about the ones scattered throughout the city, and that line all the bridges). They scam, and they only sell garbage, anyway. Plus, there are so many fantastic stores in Rome. I haven't found them to be very pushy, though. They're just mostly chatting with each other or on cell phones, but if you look at their merchandise for more than a split second, they'll probably be on you. Really, you don't need to look though - it's garbage.
6) As others have said, avoid those trying to get you to sign a petition (one very shady-looking young man near the Vatican was asked me to sign to "stop drugs".) I have a feeling if I'd responded he would have asked for money so he could BUY drugs.
7) Verify the bill and count your change at restaurants. The theft (or careless inexactness, if you prefer to give them the benefit of the doubt) will often be small and subtle, but it's there. My last two times at restaurants (one of which was at a very nice place where my party got into a long and fun conversation in Italian with one of the waiters) the bill was too high. These problems were fixed without incident when it was pointed out. My experience was that with a large party, they got the number of bottles of water and wine for the table wrong.
8) Don't let crippled gypsies tug at your heartstrings (I know that sounds heartless). Unfortunately, you have no way of knowing who's actually disabled, and many of them aren't. There's one older woman who is regularly outside of Santa Maria's in Trastevere who walks funny, covers her face and stares at the ground while pointing her cup at you. Several hours after seeing her do her schtick, I saw her (quite vigorously and physically ably) shouting down another beggar at the other end of the block (a guy who just sits on the ground with a cup... blocking traffic) who was encroaching on her territory. Quite the different language from the "please" and "god bless you, beautiful" I heard her using in front of the church.
9) People will try to "help" you at a train station (any train station, not just Termini) if you look hesitant about anything for even a second. They're not trying to help. They're trying to scam you. Ignore, or say "no" very forcefully.
10) To sum up, there's really nothing remarkably different here from the States - different scams, but same rules apply. Having a stoic look on your face solves 90% of the problems. Don't stop or even slow down if they're talking to you, avoid eye contact, and say "NO" very firmly if they really aren't leaving you alone. You can always yell "vai via" or "polizia!" if things are really out of hand, but that is very very unlikely to happen. I've actually found these beggars' begging skills really amateur compared to what I'm used to in Los Angeles and New York... the good ones there have some real manipulative skills I haven't seen here.
Colin
Rome, Italy, NY USA 10/15/2011
RE: Local Bus Scam - Deb. C
This is a response to the post below about the Florence "bus scam". To Deb - you actually weren't scammed and they were correct that you were "stealing the ride". In Florence tickets for the bus can not be purchased on the bus or from the driver. They are purchased from local tobacco and newspaper stands throughout the city. The driver was waving you away when you asked for a ticket because he does not sell tickets and he was basically telling you to move away so he could drive the bus (I've had this happen to me as well). Since the buses there work on the honor system they have police/security that come on every now and again and check that everyone has a ticket. Since you did not, you were fined for ridding without a ticket. Again, you're not the only one to make this mistake. My first time in Florence my friend and I tried to buy tickets from the driver and we were also waved away. However, after being waved away we got off the bus and then learned from someone on the street that we needed to go to a shop to purchase tickets.
Geoff
USA 10/13/2011
Big train stations
I've been traveling in Europe for several months. I'm good at avoiding most scams, but I've found the place I am always most vulnerable is the central train station of big cities. In Barcelona, two men tried to reach into my backpack & a good Samaritan yelled at me & scared them off. In Prague, a man sat down on the bench next to my mother & stole the purse out of her backpack. In Paris, a man claiming to work there offered to help me with my Metro ticket but then took my money. I have found that in the busy train stations, while struggling with a lot of luggage, not knowing where I'm going, and often tired, I just don't have the resources to be as alert & defend myself. I would love to get some "train station tips".
Delia
Foxboro, MA USA 10/06/2011
Local Bus Scam
!!! Webmaster Edit: This is not a scam but an example of what can happen if you don't understand how the local transportation system works. It is common in Europe and in some places in the States to have this "honor system" where transportation tickets must be purchased in advance. We are sorry to hear that you experienced this Deb, though we hope others can learn from this experience. !!!
I just came back from Florence, Italy last night after traveling with 3 other women. We boarded a local bus, tried to give the driver money, and he waived us to the back of the bus. We saw a machine that we thought would vend tickets, but instead required a ticket. A few stops later two official looking men entered the bus and trapped us in the back of the bus where they proceeded to tell us we owed 50 Euro each for 'stealing the ride', which the bus driver, who was in on the game, insisted we had done. When we refused to pay he drove us to a local police station. Once in the station, he waived off the police who buzzed to let us in. He wanted our passports and the money. We refused to give up the passports, but were trapped in a small holding area and felt frightened and alone, as the police seemed to be turning a blind eye to this thug. After giving him 50 Euro each, he scribbled something in a ticket book and let us go. He immediately formed a circle with some police standing near and the bus driver who called him. I'm certain they were all in on the scam and probably enjoyed quite a lunch with our 200 Euro.
Deb C.
Cleveland, Ohio USA 10/04/2011
scammers
Just came back from Paris and loved it. Did not lke getting scammed though. On the way to Sacre Couer going through very touristy artsy streets, some artist starts doing a 'silhouette' of my husband and myself without us asking, my husband gullible as he was asks how much, the guy says 4 euros my husband thought he said 40 euros and felt like he had to pay the gut and gave it to him. My kid could have done the same "silhouette " in kindergarten. Needless to say we avoided any ob stories or scammmers like the plague after that. If they approach you say"NO", and don't feel intimidated!
m.dias
victoria, b.c. canada 10/02/2011
Matera rip-off - Lanfranchi Caffe
Avoid the Lanfranchi Caffe on Via Ridola in Matera (across from Hemingway restaurant) - they charged us 12 Euro for one shot of sambuca, standing at the bar! Everywhere else, even in expensive cities like Rome and Positano, this was 2-3 euro. (they must be taking lessons from Antico Gelato in Rome, which as others have warned, somehow gets away with charging 15 euro for a serving of gelato!)
Dee
Seattle, wa USA 09/30/2011
Don't Be Afraid
I have been in Europe several times. The first time was in 2005 and I was there for 6 weeks. I had no problems. I was aware of my surroundings, knew where I was going and walked with purpose. I did not dress like an American tourist and was often mistaken for a citizen when in London. I see no need for an iPhone when traveling in Europe so I don't have to worry about mine being stolen. Yes, there are scams going on but only if you are gullible and let them take advantage of you. I worry that the warnings here might make some people afraid to travel. It will never be completely safe, no matter where you go. The fun is in the adventure.
Andy Perry
Louisville, KY USA 09/27/2011
Scaremongering could save your iphone or wallet!
We love Europe and we love traveling there. However, pickpockets and scams are everywhere and it can't hurt to be prepared! It is NOT like the US (no matter what the Europeans say). I have never had trouble in NY, San Fran, Philadelphia, Chicago or DC. But keep on travellin'! Europe is wonderful and historic and vibrant and beautiful!
Note: The iPhone is currently the most targeted and stolen item there. If you bring one keep it in a wallet around your neck. I did not and mine is gone. :( Lesson learned.
Watch for escalators that suddenly stop as you are riding them. Someone probably pushed the emergency stop button at the bottom and is now making his way up behind you as you stand confused. This happened to us in Paris but we were aware and my husband caught the man's hand in his pocket before anything could be taken. He did not, however, avoid a sharp kick to his ankle.
Be smart and you'll have no trouble! The European police have looked the other way and given slaps on the wrist for theivery for centuries so it will continue. Part of life there...like it or not.
Laura
Haddonfield, NJ USA 09/25/2011
Useful - but scaremongering
Lot of folks posting on this site from the USA. Hi all! I'm a Brit and just travelled by train from Florence in Italy, to Paris France and to London. I saw the dumb/ deaf scam a great deal and it was pretty obvious. People- travelling in Europe is safe, some unfortunate people have a bad time but reading this site you'd think we were all thieves and villains waiting to part you from your cash. Is this really a true representation? I told my husband ( while we were in Italy this week) I didn't want to go to New York because everyone has a gun and I was scared I'd get shot. Is that a true representation of the USA? Please, just use common sense and have fun in Europe!
Alex in England
UK 09/24/2011
Euro coins
To Kathy - There are no 5 euro coins. You must have made a mistake
Steve
Denver, COL USA 09/23/2011
Speaking English at Tourist Sites
Be careful speaking English while at sites which are mostly visited by tourists. An American friend, my German cousin, my daughter and I were at the Neuschwanstein Castle, where tourists from many countries gather. I flagged down a horse drawn carriage to take us to the castle. My daughter decided to ride with me, while the American friend and my German cousin walked together.
While I was describing the sites for my daughter (in English), I gave the driver a five Euro coin, expecting a single Euro in return. Something odd made me look down and I realized that I had been given a worthless Austrian 2 schilling coin in change. In German, I told him that the coin he gave me was worthless, and that I wanted the right change. He quickly grabbed the Austrian coin, gave me the Euro I was supposed to get, and exclaimed, "But I thought you were an American tourist! You were speaking English to the little girl."
He then got another earful of my unaccented German as I told him I would to go to the local tourist's bureau to report him.
Kathy Nicklas-Varraso
Boston, MA USA 09/22/2011
Repelling Thieves who Prey on Tourists
It's a shame that so many American tourists are targeted as scam victims, but when I read story after story where the victims say "I gave him $X to get him to go away" or "because I felt sorry for her" or whatever, it's no wonder that criminals think that Americans are walking ATMs.
When traveling, I keep all my money except for a tiny sum needed for that days' adventure in a money belt. The money belt is safety pinned shut and then attached to the bottom band of my bra. I also have a second money belt which is attached just like the first one that holds my passports, credit cards and plane tickets. I saw way too many gypsy "families" rushing tourists and stealing money belts that people were wearing around their waists. There are very few gypsies who are brazen enough to try and remove a pouch from my bra.
When one did try on the Metro, I grabbed the offending hand and held it very tightly, raising it into the air. I have a deep, loud voice and shouted in German and English "This is not my hand and it was fondling my breast. Please call a policeman." Within moments, about half the people in the car disappeared.
I haven't been approached to sign a petition, but I don't sign such things in the US, so I won't do such things in Europe. All it takes is a firm resolve and a loud voice to stop most of these creatures from preying upon you.
K
BOS, MA USA 09/22/2011
Taxi Service from Prague's Hlavni Nadrazi Train Station.
Do not pick up a taxi on your own at Prague's main train station Hlavni Nadrazi! I emailed my hotel in advance to find out how much a taxi would cost from the train station to them. They told me at the most, 350 crowns. When we arrived, we went down an escalator and saw a taxi stand outside on the right. When we went out and told him of our destination and asked how much, he said 950 crowns. That blew us away. We told him the information we had from our hotel and he said that is only if you "radio a taxi". So, we found the tourist information office on the bottom level of the train station called "Tourist Point". They called a taxi for us (at no charge) and told us it would be 250 crowns. That it was. She told us to wait and that the taxi driver would come to us...that he did. What a great service. Tourist Point, lowest level of the train station. Go downstairs and take a left, it is just up on the left with a neon green sign. Very good help!
USA 09/22/2011
currency conversion
I think that I recently ran into a variation of the offer by hotels to charge your cc in US dollars (discussed several times on the Helpline and possibly here, as well). The bottom line is that they give you a bad exchange rate, and you still get charged a foreign transaction fee by your bank. The other day when I used the ATM of Santander Bank in Spain, the screen popped up with the offer to convert the cost for me into dollars. It did have a long disclosure about the cost which I didn't bother to read. Why should I? My bank charges just 1% over the official rate, with no other fees. Maybe I'm being paranoid, but I doubt that Santander Bank is just being helpful.
CA USA 09/21/2011
half-off at the Travel exchange
Came across this one in Amsterdam/Schipol and to my horror (almost) again at London/Heathrow. It works like this - you want to exchange $$ for local currency. The TravelEx employee dutifully counts your money out - all the while engaging you in conversation and asking questions which means you're paying attention to them NOT their hands. When you check your money it appears to be all correct BUT upon closer inspection one of the high value notes will have been replaced by a 'half note' at the end you've been counting....the open end of the envelope. I caught this (the second time) by holding the base of the envelope tightly and waggling it upside down for a couple of seconds. Sure enough the 100-pound note top half fell out. I tried to get the TRavelex supervisor to accept a complaint, but all they did was treat it as an honest mistake' ("we get SO much money through her sir, mistakes often happen") and replace the half note with a whole one. I'd say from the shifty/guilty look on the tellers' face he was more embarrassed at being caught than he was worried about legal or job repercussions. He only has to pull off two of those scams an hour and he pockets the (unused, whole) bill on his next bathroom break. I've shared this tale of woe with others who've had similar experiences with 'half currency' in high denomination notes at European money exchange booths. Traveler beware!
Tony Cox
Dublin, oh USA 09/21/2011
buy travel insurance for the exact time,never extend
I study in spain, I bought travel insurance online from worldnomads.com/ihibuba,a I thought I can extend regularly, as it will help me to manage my finance, infact I am wrong. I am never sick, and when I sick, and took new policy offer, when I make claim,they said I sick before my policy start, even my old policy also with them. So buy travel insurance for whole duration, as extension bad idea. Also for claim bit complex and long,need to ask many times.
the designer
USA 09/20/2011
Lost my wallet scam in Paris
In 2007 I was working and studying in Paris. I never encountered any scams. Once, my mother was visiting and we were approached by a guy in the Les Halles area. He said that he was the director of an important hotel in Geneva and that his wallet had been stolen. So he needed the metro (RER) fare for him and his friend, a total of € 30,00, because his hotel is located outside of Paris. He promised to send us back the money. We started asking him some questions and I soon became convinced his story was false, like he claimed to be working in Geneva but didin't speak any French. In the end we declined, he cursed us and left. To this day I am convinced it was a scam.
Laura
Munich, Germany 09/19/2011
Beware of thieves in flash cars asking for directions and money.
We were walking towards via Veneto in Rome on Wed 14 Sept 2011, looking lost when a guy pulled up in a car, asked us if we spoke Englsh and said he was lost and looking for the Termini station. He seemed pleasant - with a French accent and asked where we were from. When we said Australia, he said he was French but his wife was Australian, how beautiful it was - and other small talk. He said he had to get to a meeting at the French Embassy, worked for Armani in Paris, was nearly out of petrol and rushed out without his wallet so had no cash - and he would give us a coat if we could help him out with a few dollars but not to throw away the coat because it was very valuable. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy, so my husband opened his wallet to give him some money. The guy calmly took the money from my husband's hand - €50, €5 x 2 and €10 and a few receipts. He handed what looked like all of it to me - and then selected the 2 x €5 and the €10 - handed us a coat in a bag, thanked us profusely and drove off. When I handed back the rest to my husband - he double checked his wallet - and realised that the guy had taken the €50 as well. The coat....was a rubbishy plastic thing which I put in someone's bike basket. Later when we went past again - they had put it onto the seat of someone elses bike!! We had been wary of the beggars on the street and in confined spaces - never expecting to be fleeced by a slick operator in a car!! On reflection his smooth talk had so many holes in it - but he seemed so genuine. Be very wary of everyone!!
Maria Smith
Perth, WA USA 09/15/2011
Luckly, a safe and incident free trip
My wife and I just returned from 2 week trip to London/Paris/Rome/Florence/Venice.
Before the trip I did lots of research on pickpocketing, and general safefy in Europe. The more I read about scams and victims, on this and other similar threads , the more worried and anxious I became. Instead of looking forward to a relaxing trip of a lifetime, I was getting paranoid.
Since we are asian american , and do not speak french nor italian, we would stand out as easy prey anywhere. My wife was more relaxed about this than I, and had a more positive outlook. I on the other hand, bought money belts, travel locks, and a special anti-theft shoulder bag to be used as day-bag. I even went as far as only reserving hotels with safes.
In the end, we never used the money belt, and the anti-theft shoulder bag became a burden (too small).
In Paris we rode the Metro and RER for 3 days (Gare du Nord, Versailles, Chalet, Louvre, Invalides, etc). In 4 days in Rome, we rode on the infamous bus #40 and #64 to the Vatican and everywhere (no metro however). In Venice we rode the vaporetto. We felt quite safe in all the cities we visited, and did not fall prey to scams. We did encounter the "petition" scams in Paris at Louvre and Eiffel tower. A few "no" was all that it took. Similarly, in Sacré Coeur Montmarte we encountered the "bracelet" scam at the steps, but a few "no" did the trick. On the other hand, we did come across a potential scam at the restroom near the church. This is a free restroom, but there was a lady guarding the door demanding money to use the facility. Most people I saw would give her some money. My wife saw the signs posted which said "free", and refused to pay. She got nasty, but did not get in the way of using the facility. I still don't know what she was doing there, and if this was a scam I had not read about.
We did act and stayed vigilant everywhere we went. But in the end, I think major luck and a bit of common sense kept us incident free.
Italy is unlike anything we've experienced - we loved it so much, and are already thinking of our next trip.
joon
chelmsford, ma USA 09/06/2011
train station scam
I took my family, five of us, on a European vacation a few years and we got scammed at a Paris train station. We traveled from London to Paris via the Chunnel and wwhen we arrived my wife went to a wall which had listings of ways to get here and there. We were going to a hotel and wanted to use the subway and while she was looking at the info a nicely dressed man, coat and tie, approached and asked if he could help. She told him where we were going and he told her that he could save us money by purchasing the amount of tickets we needed using a card he had. He asked how many days , [INVALID]ed his card and and gave us the round trip tickets for three days and we paid him something like $175 US. We thanked him and left. The next day we were all going to go sightseeing and when we got to the subway and tried to enter were told the passes didn't work and, in fact, they were only one way tickets. I went back to the train station to find the guy and saw at least twenty guys doing the same scam to others. I literally spent four hours with no rest telling travelers who were just about to get fleeced about the scam and they were mostly thankful, but the gypsies were not happy. They threatened me from all sides but I had no time to talk to them as I was busting their scam. It was fun, actually. The police came by once and asked me if I thought that the guy that ripped me off would return and I said it didn't matter as I felt I was getting my money back by helping fellow travelers. One remarked that we have thieves in the US and I said yes but it wasn't so rampant and the police don't just ignore the problem. They left, wishing me good luck. As far as I'm concerned everybody from the police down to the ticket takers at the subway stations are in on the scam as the problem is monumental. After four hours of constant effort I had lunch and decided to join my family. While leaving I saw the fellow who scammed us preparing to put his card in a machine to "save" a lady tourist and I got my revenge, but that's a story for another day. Be careful over there. There's so much to see and it's sad that this crap is allowed to continue, I had visited Paris several times prior to that visit but have no desire to return ever again.
Tom
Brooksville, Fl USA 09/05/2011
Western Union attempt to scam tourists in Poland
(first, excuse my english, wich might be quite incorrect).
I was victim by a scam in poland last month. In a Western Union's bureau de change.
How it work : they put a big sign with a change rate on it. When you see it, you assume that this is supposed to be a good change rate to exchange your euros in zlotys. So you came in and ask to change your euros.
In fact the change rate on the sign is not a good change rate Euros->Zlotys but their change rate for Zlotys in euros. They don't display their actual change rate for E->Z, wich is really, really bad.
At the time the official change was 4,21 Zlotys for 1 euro. They displayed something near on the outside, but when I saw that they only gave me 50 zlotys instead of 80, i looked on my ticket : the change rate was ... 2,98 zlotys for 1 euro... They were trying to rob more than 25% of my money...
I finally get the guy to apply a 3,98 zlotys/euro change rate, which was still a bad exchange rate...
René
Paris, France 09/05/2011
Mute/Deaf Petition
Today, I am in Paris, I got scammed. A teenage boy was going around asking for people to sgn a petition for the Deaf and Mute. He pretended to be mute, and being as gullible as I am.. Fell for the trick. I signed the paper, was going to give him a euro. I took out what I was going to give him and he saw a 50 bill and took it from me, just snatched it. Then he yelled to his "partner-in-crime", "Let's go!" I was conned and stolen from. BEWARE OF PEOPLE WHO ARE ASKING FOR SIGNATURES!!! I cannot say this enough. They are NOT mute or deaf. DO NOT let them trick you too.
G. Robles
Tx USA 09/03/2011
euroclinic athens scam
I recently went to athens, greece, and went to euroclinic athens, initially doctor said €500+, and asked stayed for one night for didn't inform the cost even finally i left after 2 hrs, my bill become 1800, because I stayed for 2 hrs, this the explaination I got, this reported to police,as this totally fraud, how come 500 become 1800, and seems doctor try to stay you at the hospital. I paid for 2 days doctor observation even only stayed for 2 hrs, medical bill even I never drink any,even medical after I left. This clinic totally robbery.avoid this clinic if you can, or at least asked the cost before any treatment,medical report will be in greece, so it useless.
thedesigner
spain, spain 09/02/2011
Flat Tire Scam - Barcelona
After planning a 40th anniversary trip to Barcelona for 4 months, after reading many crime warnings , we thought we were ready to "discover" the real Barcelona.
ON DAY 8 WE DISCOVERED WE HAD BEEN ROBBED. In our rental car, we were victims of the "Flat Tire scam".
In a rental car, our rear tire was punctured as we traveled toward the outskirts of Barcelona. Subsequently, a person on a scooter signaled to us about the flat. When pulled over on the side of the road another individual arrives to divert attention. The theft of bags & other available items happens at the side of the road at that point.
A translator for the police said the crime occurs 8-10 times/week (this was August).
While visiting the Consulate, to replace stolen passports, we filled out a standard pre-printed form that had a "Check Box" for the exact crime we experienced (same in the police station) - that's how common this robbery scam has become.
Bob
Miami, USA 09/02/2011
old lady pickpocket
My husband and I were strolling down Las Ramblas in Barcelona when a little old gypsy lady popped in front of us and shoved a sign about " being hungry" under my husband's chin. He was wearing a money belt (of course!), but had on a jacket with a front chest pocket that looked like a wallet was inside. It was actually a coupon book and the pocket was closed with velcro.
As the old woman was holding the sign with one hand, she was trying to open the pocket with the other. My husband heard the velcro and felt the hand and immediately shoved her arm.
Right away he told me what happened and I started pointing and shouting "Thief! Voleur!" (we were in Spain, but I couldn't think of the Spanish word, so I just used French - ha). She starts in about how 'he hurt her arm' and I just kept yelling and pointing. (before you think how mean I am, I'm no spring chicken myself, being now 64) At that point she gave me the dirtiest look I've ever received - and I used to teach high school French and proceeded to try and get away from us.
We continued to follow her across Las Ramblas (don't ask me why - I don't know what we'd have done if her family had been around the corner), but finally stopped following when she darted down an alley.
Upon reflection we know why the gangs/families delegate this type of brazen pickpocketing to the old women of the group.
If she had been a man, my husband probably would have slugged him, but the culprits seem to know that most people are not going to hit an old "defenseless" woman. - - - - as to trying to look European, instead of American, no thank you. I will not take up smoking or wear those clunky sandals while trying to navigate cobblestone streets just to hide my "Americanism". I need my tennis shoes and am proud to be an American, so I just learn how to deal with scammers.
Being a super tightwad makes it easy for me to say no when approached for some "cause", altho I'm very generous with legitimate charities at home. And something else to keep in mind - yes, it's annoying to be accosted and perhaps conned out of a few euros, but it could be worse.
How about getting mugged in a U.S. city or shot and killed by someone with a gun?! At least these scammers don't use physical violence or parade around with lethal weapons. Think about that before freaking out about the stuff that goes on in Europe!
trudy
San Antonio, TX USA 08/31/2011
Gold Ring Scam
I've seen several posts about the "Gold Ring Scam" and I don't think you have the whole idea. This happened to me in Geneva. Someone "finds" a gold ring on the street, and for whatever reason, it is of no use to them (a guy told me his wife was dead). "It's my lucky day! Look, its gold!" (pointing to mark inside the ring). It is a large heavy gold ring (the man puts it on over his gloves!). "You take it" he says. Oh no, says I, still not wise to what is going on. He puts the ring in my hand and says some kind of blessing (all this was French) and turns and walks away. I'm holding the ring, thinking, should I give it to the police? Surely someone would want this back?? Just then, he walks back and asks me how much money I will give him for the ring. AHA! The light went on...the scammer hopes that you will "share" the good luck and split the cost, and you would be glad to give $20 for a ring that appears to cost ten times that or more. Then I stammered (in French)..."no, no, I don't have cash, I just arrived here" then I was dumb enough to tell him I was American and he said "Dollars?" and snatched the ring from my hand and left for the next victim.
Debra
West Chester, PA USA 08/30/2011
Mute/Deaf scam in Paris
Stopped by a few "mute/deaf" kids for donation outside Louvre Museum metro. Gave her 5 euro but she said it has to be more 10 euro or more. I don't have anything smaller than 20. She grabbed my 20euro and didn't return the previous 5. Now a few more kids came surrounded me. One of them snatched the 50 note out of my wallet. I yelled at him and he returned it to me. I walked away and checked my wallet again. To my horror, I have lost the other three 50euro. This boy is a professional pickpocket. Luckily, I took most of the money out of my wallet and put it somewhere safe before going out. BEWARE! Don't ever give $ to these mute/deaf kids who can hear and talk. Very amazing.
Stu
NZ 08/29/2011
US ESTA Scam
I haven't been to the US yet but I will go in October and even became scamed yet. For my ESTA Application I had to fill out some paperwork online and after finishing I realized that my credit card was charged with 39,98 $. The usual ESTA cost about 14 $. Well next time I will be smarter. Looking forward to my US trip anyway. I have been to Paris, Budapest, Rome and I am sorry to read that some of you have made some really bad experience at those wonderful places.
GermanJoe
Munich, Germany 08/29/2011
Re: Italian Lira Scam Continues to Dog Sloppy Tourists
Another lookalike coin: 10 Thai Baht
Buddy Edwardson
Bangkok, Thailand 08/27/2011
scams
I've been to Europe a number of times and seen it all. I only have to say one thing.....Oh auntie em there's no place like home!!!
I had the ring thing, the gelato thing and other's tried. I speak some Italian and just gave them a piece of my mind. I love the classic buildings and statues and churches but the soul of Europe is going down hill. Just be firm and don't take any nonsense from anyone. The police are useless. I live in New York and maybe that is why I'm always ready for anything. Just as an aside, if you don't know where to go, pick someplace in America. In New York, the police are very helpful.
joe
new york, NY USA 08/25/2011
Mandatory currency conversion
At the Elysee Hotel in London this week my credit card was charged in dollars even though I said I wanted to pay in pounds (I was also charged a 3.5% "exchange rate markup") and it took me three days and conversations with four or five hotel staff members to get the charge reversed and to pay the bill in pounds. The first couple of people denied that I'd been charged in dollars, even though it said so on my receipt, the next person told me the charge was coming from my bank (it wasn't - I was using a credit card that doesn't charge a currency conversion fee), then I was told that I could pay in cash (which I didn't have), and finally on the day before checking out they took care of my request to cancel the charge in dollars (including the fee, which came to about $60) and charge me in pounds. As it was done the manager said they'd made a mistake because their policy was to ask if the customer wants to pay in their home currency, but I don't think it was a mistake. If it was a mistake it wouldn't have taken so much time and trouble to clear up. I suspect it's a policy and they usually get away with it and earn some extra money in the process. The hotel was satisfactory in others ways, so give it a try, but beware when you pay the bill and make sure you are paying in pounds if that is what you want to do.
Annie
Chicago, IL, IL USA 08/19/2011
General tips
I participated on two study abroad programs in college and graduate school. I never had any problems with scams. The secret is NOT to dress like an American. Do not wear tennis shoes, khakis, a fanny pack, baseball hat, sweatshirt, shorts or light colored jeans. Ladies carry a purse that you wrap around yourself and make sure it has a zipper. Don't make eye contact with someone who looks suspicious. Don't be loud. Smoke and wear sunglasses. While I was living in London I was approached by American tourists several times who though I was a Londoner-I got a kick out of telling them I was from the midwest-all I did was wear a lot of black clothing (think Audry Hepburn, not Goth) and sunglasses. Don't dress like a soccer Mom/Dad and you will be fine. Do not let any of these horror stories scare you away from an adventure in Europe, just be smart.
M
VA USA 08/19/2011
Petition Scams
Petition scam - I was approached to sign a petition, which I did, then was asked for a donation, which I gave (2 euros), was told that wasn't enough. The lovely young woman was holding up my 2-euro coin, which I promptly took back, saying, "It's a lot to me", and scratched my name off the petition. This business is thriving all over Europe.
Zoe
Toledo, OH USA 08/18/2011
Never a problem; not a sheep
I've been to Europe 4 times and have never had a problem. I believe the reason to be 2-fold. First, I'm vigilent. I use my moneybelt. Anyone that approaches me I am friendly to but I face them and keep them at arms-length. I never stand-still except in lines; if I'm standing-still I'm swinging my head-around to watch-out. In crowded areas where I may be bumped I bring my daybag to my front so I can hold it. But second, and I believe this to be most important, I am RESOLVED to not be scammed. I decided before my first trip that if I caught someone pickpocketing me I would break their arm (or at least try). If someone tries to rip-me-off, I'll get agressive. And (no surpirse) since I'm prepared I've never had a problem. I once witnessed those braclet-guys try to scam a Dutch family in Milan. I got between them and even though the braclet-guy was twice my size he backed-down. It's amazing what an agressive posture (hands on the hips, finger in their face, loud angry voice) will do. If you are resolved to not be a victim you probably won't become one. But at the same time remember, 99% of the people you encounter are going to be very nice people who mean you no harm. Be nice and friendly, make friends with the locals and fellow travelers; they are great people, and be open and have fun and relax. But stay vigilent.You CAN balance the need for security with the desire to have fun with those around you.
Mark
Louisville, KY USA 08/15/2011
Antico Roma gelati
Beware - do not buy gelati at Antica Roma, near the Spanish Steps, Via Di Propaganda, many tourists are ripped off. We were conned for 31 Euro for 2 gelati that should have been 2 to 3 euro and there have been many complaints. Even if you ask for small gelati they have a price outside of 3 euro and small print inside of 10 to 15 euro each. The staff are trained to do this, it is not an isolated incident.
Geoff
Perth, WA Australia 08/15/2011
taxi in paris
We experienced a clever guy at the Gare du L'est taxi stand during Christmas time, he was "hailing" taxi's and putting luggage in the taxi
for a fee of 5-10 euros- he was just a guy off the street looking like he knew what he was doing. There were six of us and my husband waved him off, he pestered us for 10 euros- my husband firmly said NO! and everyone around us then realized he was just an opportunist.
Diane
Newport Beach, CA USA 08/07/2011
Re: May Not be Blank
Try playing the CD in your computer. We bought a CD from a wonderful street musician in Amsterdam. It wouldn't play on our home CD player, but plays perfectly on our computer. Great memory.
Jacquie
St. Petersburg, FL USA 08/01/2011
DON'T OVER REACT
There are cheats - no doubt - and tricksters and all. But there are also ordinary people trying to survive. Re. a woman with kids who ''thrust'' a paper at him. She was probably trying to sell ''The Big Issue'' a magazine sold by the poor to try to make a living.
Then some woman from the USA whinging about a form for a flat in Prague. And her reaction - she didn't come to Prague. Your loss, dear - I've live here for 5 years and I'd trust a Czech over an American any day!!
Why the **** are you lot travelling? Hopefully to see how other people live. Tricking (I refuse to use the silly American word ''scamming'') tourists has been going on since the the Romans first went shopping in Jerusalem.
But cancelling a trip to Prague or waving your arms at a Gypsy woman is just a massive over reaction.
Taxis ARE a problem and a very easily solved problem. The problem is that in many places, there is no political will to solve the problem. There are however ways to prevent yourself from being ripped off by taxi drivers. First, always chose an older driver, or one so fat you know you can outrun him. Then take out your mobile phone and say you're going to take a photo of him, just for your memories. If they then try to rip you off at the end of the trip, say that you've got his photo and his taxi number and you're now off to the Police.
Better still, find out how to use public transport.
Finally, a political comment. We were MAD to let Romania and Bulgaria join Europe and we'll be even madder if we ever let Turkey, Ukraine or Belarus join!
WAYNE
PRAGUE, BOHEMI CZECH REPUBLIC 07/29/2011
scammed in Paris
My boyfriend and I were in Paris last June and witnessed/experienced four of the usual scams! I didn't even realise that they were all scams until reading this website!!!
1. We were approached by a lady who dropped a ring and then tried to talk to us about it. I knew it was a scam, but I didn't really understand what it was all about so kept walking. Then I saw it happen twice more to other people and actually saw people give her money!
2. I saw the "shell" game near Sacre Coeur though I think it was cards rather than shells. I knew I wasn't interested if it involved money as I don't gamble.
3. We were harassed quite severely by the friendship bracelets guys at Sacre Coeur. They actually grabbed my boyfriend and tied the thing on even though he said no! Then they demanded he pay 10 Euros. He said no, he'd give them 4 since he didn't want it and he was really mad. Then a few days later it almost happened again. They were really rude to him when he said no.
4. My boyfriend was also approached by a girl saying "Do you speak English". She gave him a huge sob story and he ended up giving her some money. He told me he figured it was probably a scam, but you never know and he thinks it's a real shame that there might be people out there who really need the money and no one will help them because they think it's a scam.
I do think it's really sad that police don't get involved more. Especially with those guys with the bracelets, I can't believe that is even tolerated.
Jill
Montreal, Canada 07/29/2011
Deaf/Sourd scam in Paris
I am in Paris for the first time and am glad I found this website after my first day here. I was accosted outside the Louvre by the deaf-mute girls scam. I happen to be a sign language interpreter and know a bit of LSF (French Sign Lanuguage), so when I tried to engage in conversation, it was clear they weren't Deaf at all -- and that they realised I might be Deaf (I'm not). But one of them got a bit more aggressive with me and actually grabbed my hands and shoved a pen in my hand. Don't let them get your hands!
Alan
Wellington, New Zealand 07/28/2011
Budapest Taxi scam
First let me say, we knew better. I read the part in the Budapest book about taxis and scams over and over. Sunday July 24 we walked rather far from our hotel and with an elderly mother, decided to take a taxi back. RS's book says only take a taxi from a hotel or resturant that is called. Should have listened. We found one on the street and we asked about how much it should be. We knew the amount was correct and that is exactly what he charged. We received our "change" and went to lunch. We paid using the "change" from the taxi only to find out he gave us back 5000 Indonesian dollars and not HUF. We were so embarrased but the owner said he was so sorry his country had taxi people who would scam us that he refused to let us pay the entire bill. Just because there are bad people out there doesn't mean everyone is bad. The place we ate in Budapest is "Cucina" and it was awesome food, not to mention the owner who was awesome too. We are usually smarter than this but at least he only got us for $25. Lesson well learned...................
nancy
spring, tx USA 07/26/2011
Tourist scams and pickpockets
I am still in Rome at the end of one month travelling all thru Europe with my two sons. We have had no problems at all on our trip. I didnt do anthing different than we I am back in the US. I dont give poeple who ask for money on the street any. I donate to causes I love and know in secure ways. I do not ever sign anything on a clip board back home..so it makes no difference if Im in Paris or Rome , I am still not going to stop to even look at it. Someone did pick up a ring...and show it to me, I didnt even slow down. I wasnt wearing a gold ring so how could I be missing one!! I do not ever leave my stuff around in public. The only thig I did do was carry all our passports in a money belt but only because I would never find them in my luggage. We had a great trip. We still have our wallets, iphone,ipod and money we didnt spend! and I am not wearing any braclets I didnt want. If you are not approachfull to these people they wont bother you. Have fun enjoy the sights.
Z
Los Angeles, CA USA 07/26/2011
Re: May Not Be Blank
There are no differing geographical standards for audio CDs - whether they are factory-pressed discs or CD-R/RW discs. You may be confusing this with DVDs, which are subject to several "region codes" used for digital rights management (DRM). The CD purchased may have indeed been blank, or perhaps the data was corrupted, making it unplayable.
Kevin
Minneapolis, MN USA 07/26/2011
Pickpocket Foiled
Quick testimonial: Thank you for the emphasis on money belts. There was one aggressive attempt on me as I was getting on the Paris Metro and the doors were closing. Good thing I had nothing in my pocket, and everything in deep storage.
Glenn Olson
Beaverton, Oregon USA 07/26/2011
May Not Be Blank
This is the possibility that the CDs are not blank. Someone with better technical knowledge might be able to address this question better but it is my understanding that European CDs are recorded under a different standard and must be played back on a CD player manufactured to that standard.
Frank P
CENTENNIAL, CO USA 07/22/2011
Budapest Gypsy Band scams
While recently visiting Budapest, my family and I dined in two very nice restaurants- one was in the Old Town area (in front of the cathedral, overlooking the city) and the other was in the center of town. Both restaurants had wonderful gypsy bands that played lovely music while we dined. We enjoyed the music so much that we purchased their CDs when offered to us. THIS IS A SCAM- THE CDs ARE BLANK!!! Why such reputable restaurants allow this is a mystery to me. Appreciate the music, but do not buy their CDs!!
Charles Teckel
Boston, MA USA 07/19/2011
Mamertine Prison Tour--Don't go
We were in Rome in May and the Mamertine Prison is no longer free and is a huge rip-off. Poorly produced, laughable presentation of rocks talking to each other about the history of Rome. Don't go!
Kevin Vick
St. Louis, MO USA 07/17/2011
Roman Villas
I had an SLR camera stolen in Villa Torlonia in Rome while laying in the grass. It was literally inches from my body.
While laying down in Villa Borghese a beggar came up to my friend and I with a piece of paper that had a "sick" boy on it asking for money to help him. He persisted after we told him to leave. I noticed his jacket on the ground and when I grabbed it my wallet was underneath. I screamed and told everyone around us what he was doing.
Keep everything in your bags/purses/money belts, etc. and keep it touching you...they are professionals at this stuff
Mary
Chicago, IL USA 07/16/2011
Robberies at Barajas and Barcelona's airports
Passengers going through Madrid's Barajas and Barecelona's airports. Both are full of thieves waiting to rob you, and the police are useless. After our experience, I wonder if they are getting a kick back from the thieves.
Recently we went through Barajas on our way to Barcelona. We were out in the open rearranging our luggage for the flight. There was no one near us when we started to rearrange the luggage. Behind us was a glass wall.
I left my partner alone to work on the luggage for a short time. He just took some photos of the airport, put the camera back in our backpack. When I came back it was gone.
We went to the police in the airport. Their station is located way in a corner on one of the lower levels. Their response was -Ellos son profesionales. They showed no concern, interest in helping us.
In Barcelona, when we were checking in for our return flight home, the attendant told us that she had a guest checking in, their luggage was right behind them. Someone came by and made off with the suitcase.
Our problem with both airports, especially Barajas, why do they allow this to go on? Passengers traveling through them are not safe.
We can understand the stealing done the streets, and metro, where it is difficult to control the surroundings. But when you have 2 beautiful, modern airports...
Bob and Eddie
Cooper City, Fl. USA 07/12/2011
Taxi scam in Vienna
Taxi scam incident targeted at tourist occurred at July 12, 2011 around 15:30.
When I boarded a taxi outside the taxi rank at Wien Meldling station, I asked the taxi driver if they are on meter and he replied yes. We told them the destination is a well-known hotel at downtown Vienna.
We got on the taxi but throughout the ride, he kept the meter covered by the wooden panel. In the beginning when I asked him to show me the meter, he showed me and the starting fare was 2.50 euro. During the ride I repeated asked him to show me the meter, but he said no and explained something in german.
When we got to the hotel, he opened the panel and the fare was 28 euro. I told him at the information counter in Wien melding station they already told me the fare should be 10-15 euros. He gestured the fare is as indicated in the meter.
I got off the car and asked the porter at the front door if this is normal fare. The porter said the fare should be 15 euros and asked if we had encountered heavy traffic. I told him the traffic has been normal. We proceeded to have an argument with the taxi driver and in the end I paid him 15 euro.
Rosa
Sydney, Australia 07/12/2011
ring scam
I was targeted by the ring scam ealier this month in Paris and saw the "doyouspeakenglish" brigade operating.
I was actually taking a photo of the statue of Lafayette between Concorde and Grand Palais on the Seine, when this guy showed me this ring.
Just as I thought "SCAM" a Parisienne who happened to be cycling by siad it was just that.
I guess next time I am in Paris and I am targeted by the ring scam I point at it and scream "yesss, my precioussssssssss"
Paul
paul
st albans, herts uk 07/11/2011
Personal shopper - Paris
I think this is a scam. I did my best to check this before I booked her. Personal shopper in Paris - probably legit ones but not this one. She did not have the experience she claims to have had. I booked for 4 hours to go shoe shopping and clothes maybe if time / budget allowed. I ended up with clothes I can't return and no shoes. With just a little personal research, I found out that in Paris they probably don't make my small size. AND we only did half of the time that day and I can't get in touch with her now. If you want her name I'll send it to you in an email.
Tricia
FL USA 07/07/2011
Taxi Cab Scams
At an airport in Central America, I queued up to take a licensed airport cab to my hotel. It was a hot and humid day and the cabdriver graciously opened the door to his air-conditioned cab. He said he would take my suitcase and carry-on and put them in the trunk of the cab while I cooled off inside. He then shut the car door. I was tired and hot and only thinking about getting to the hotel and relaxing. The cabdriver seemed to be taking longer than usual and the trunk lid was up so I couldn't see what the delay was. Finally he slammed the trunk lid down and dropped me off at the hotel. After a swim and dinner, I decided to unpack. Much to my surprise, I was missing my camera, iPod and some money. Evidently the cabdriver had rifled through my carry-on but I couldn't see because the trunk lid was up. I looked for the ticket I got from the cab dispatcher in some attempt to locate the cabdriver but I couldn't find it. As a heads-up, make sure all luggage gets locked in the trunk before you get in the cab. Also, if you have valuables in your carry-on, keep the carry on with you!
Vaughn
Boston, MA USA 07/07/2011
Deaf/Mute Scam.
Have seen the deaf girls, and one boy, more than any other scam, ranging from where I live at the steps of the Opera (I don't actually live on the steps of the Opera, but right near it so I often sit here in the afternoon), at the Louvre, on the bridges over the Seine, Eiffel Tower...everywhere!
I've learnt to put my hand up and just say no to them but the other day I was in a bad mood as I'd already been approached by 2, and was on a bridge to get over to the Left Bank when one came up to me. I just kept walking without acknowledging her at all, and she grabbed my arm quite roughly and pulled me back. Then smiled sweetly and waved her stupid donation form in my face. I just hit her arm off me and yelled 'Non'.
Funnily enough, I was leaving the Louvre at the end of the day and saw a group of them carrying their clipboards, crossing the road and talking amongst each other.
Alyssa
Brooklyn, USA 07/01/2011
Sacre Coeur scams
You will read about a lot of scams in the Sacre Coeur area - which is true, that district is always a little off-kilter. But my sister and I avoided seeing pretty much any of these scams by going early in the morning, right before 8 a.m. Even though it was a Saturday in the summer, almost no one was at Sacre Coeur, and it was absolutely calm. Even so, I set down my guidebook and forgot about it for a minute, and a few minute later it was no where to be found. So always be aware - but don't let fear keep you from enjoying a beautiful location. If you are able to go early or late to a busy spot, you can congratulate yourself on beating the system. Happy travels!
Tara Newby
McMinnville, OR USA 07/01/2011
Deaf/Mutes in Avignon
The scam seems to have gotten a little more sophisticated from my experience today... I was approached in Avignon by a 'sourd-muet' with a clipboard that looked like a petition, but which was bilingual. Then of course, after I thought I'd finished, the kid starts moaning and pointing at the little 'donation' column I hadn't seen. No 10 Euro minimum, but they'd written in two 10-20 euro donations at the top. I ended up giving the guy 2,50 and he went away, and of course I realized it was a scam immediately, since he went back to another kid and started fishing around the square for tourists in a manner very atypical of deaf-mutes.
I went back later in the afternoon and they were still there, doing a thriving business on tour groups leaving the Papal Palace. There were about five of them, and they moved to a different spot every five minutes to avoid the police, guided by a manager of sorts who was sitting down next to a street musician in a hard-to-see spot with a view of the square and checked in with the kids from time to time. Of course this is exactly how other gypsy scams work -- the first time I traveled to Europe I was bullied out of 25 euros by a fortune teller in Seville, because her accomplice came in to browbeat me after I refused to pay.
And the police? They just shrug and say, 'Eh ben, c'est normale.'
Aaron F.
Marseilles, France 06/27/2011
La vie Dore A Paris
Voila! I experienced the "Lost Ring" scam in front of the Madeleine yet! Whilst waiting for the Hop-on-Hop-Off bus, some skinny girl insisted it was good luck that I could have this ring. When asked why she didn't keep it to sell it, it was too big and she didn't have papers - she was Bosnian. I gave her E5, she left and came back saying it wasn't enough! I told her "laissez moi, ou j'appellez la police". She moved away, annoyed. Next day, along the Seine, a less practiced scammer asked if a ring on the ground was mine - I hadn't even walked where the ring was!
All was vindicated when at a busy chocolatier in BV St. Germain des Pres, I bought some macarons for E2.50, payed with a 20 note and got back E37.50! I didn't realise this until later when I was checking my funds... C'est la vie.
A. Fazad
San Francisco, CA USA 06/25/2011
Gelato counter swarming
We just came back from 5 weeks in Spain without any incident, except for one day in Nerja, while waiting with several other touists to order some gelato in a shop, a group of about five or six young women swarmed the gelato counter as though excited by the choices. I knew something was up when a couple of them came needlessly close to me and my husband. I instinctively reached for my day-bag's zipper and discovered it was open (nothing missing, thankfully!). The girls disappeared without buying a thing, and we didn't see them again during the rest of our stay.
Jill
Surrey, BC Canada 06/21/2011
Paris
Unfortunatly I read lots of scams happening in Paris, France. I am french and I can give some advice. Most of people described here are Gypsies from Romania (calle Roms) and they are a big nuisance. So, yes, hide all your values. Try also if possible not to look like a tourist, especially if you're from USA. People tend to think that Americans are full of money, which of course is not true. Try to look like a local. Firmly say no to the Gypsies, they are cowards most of the time.
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and there ARE nice Parisians too. So enjoy your trip!
Brigitte
Paris, France 06/17/2011
Puncture tyre scam - Paris
We had just arrived to Paris and were scammed big time - our camera, passport, money, cards - GONE! We had a hire car and were on our way to return it at the Gare de Nord. "Apparantly" we had suffered a flat tyre on the rear passenger side and some guy on a scooter "kindly" informed us of this. The only place we could stop to change it was about 100m ahead at a bus stop. We pulled up and I had just turned off the engine when a guy wearing a fluro vest appeared and told us in french that we couldnt park there. My husband told him in English that we had a flat tyre and the guy immediately switched to very good English and offerred to help. So my husband with his help changed the tyre. When the new tyre was on, he suggested to my husband that I get out of the car so that they could check the balance. So I got out and then went to stand on the verge next to my husband. I then took the car keys out to lock the car but as the boot was up, the car didn't lock. The guy then proceeded to show me the old tyre and then called my husband to look at it as well. We had turned our attention from the car for no more then 10 secs. He then left and we drove off not thinking to check our bags which were in the back seat of the car. When we got to the carpark to return the car, we discovered our bags were missing. looking back, we think we were stitched from the beginning starting with the flat tyre, the guy telling us about it at a location that would leave his mate to finish off the work. Truly, a Parisian agreeing to speak French and offering to help should have set off alarms! Please beware!
Anh-Thu Nguyen
STavanger, Norway 06/17/2011
Hertz scam
I read with interest the comments regarding Hertz as I have also had a bad experience with them. I hired a car in Frankfurt and when it was returned, it was in perfect condition. 2 months later they sent a letter saying I owed them EUR650 for damage to the car - they enclosed a really bad photo of where the damage was - seriously it could have been taken from any random car because it only showed the wheel and the metal rounded section where the wheel fits!
After numerous emails demanding that they prove to me that the photo was taken from my car and what time is was taken (some 2 hours after I had returned the car!) they gave up.
I now ask for the name of the person checking the car and get them to write on the report "no damage". failing that, I have been taking photos of the car to avoid this.
Anh
Norway 06/17/2011
Scams in Paris
Like others, I've encountered many of these scams here in Paris just in the past 3 days. We did see the friendship bracelet men at the Sacre Coeur, but as I hadn't heard of that scam yet I thought nothing of it other than that's a weird thing to be selling... We were harrassed by the deaf/mutes near the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Champs-Elysees... we put two and two together and figured out it was a scam after realizing that there's no way they'd have information in only English if it were a legit cause.
The worst by far was what happened to me and my little sister this afternoon... We were reading books on the lawn in the Champs du Mars park (in front of the Eiffel Tower) and were bothered by some children with signs... they left us alone, but came back half an hour later, VERY persistent... signs in our faces, over our books, over my sister's bag (which was looped around her arm). We were very firmly saying NO! NO! and they finally left... at which point my sister realized her iPhone, which had been next to her book, had been swiped! I could still see the kids, who were walking away, and so I sprinted after them - and get this - the girl saw me running towards them and HELD OUT THE PHONE. I took it back from her (rather angrily) and marched back to my sister. We think they gave it back because my sister had put a passcode on it just this morning, so it was useless to them. Also, apparently I looked pretty scary and was running faster than my sister knew I could run... thanks to adrenaline!
Let this be your warning... never, EVER leave anything unattended, especially near the most popular locations in the city!
My mother and sister just went back out now to observe these people at work. They did not bring any bags at all, and didn't have anything in their pockets. No one bothered them. As soon as they sat down on a bench, 5 of the "deaf/mutes" sat down near them and started talking amongst themselves. HAH. These "deaf/mutes" all wear clothes that can easily conceal things, and their clipboards are folded cardboard so they can snap them shut and walk away quickly. As soon as a large group of tourists came buy, they would all scatter amongst the crowd. We aren't sure if they are pickpockets as well or just scamming, but they definitely are asking for donations and are VERY persistent.
WEAR YOUR MONEY BELTS. Watch your pockets. Don't leave your phone in your pocket or dangle your camera from your wrist/shoulder. My sister and I got lucky - and we're carrying our phones in our bras tonight. No joke.
Laura
Boston, MA USA 06/16/2011
real estate scams
Hi, I planned a 2 months trip in Prague. Actually I cancelled. Here's why: a real estate agency tried to rip me off by asking me money to reserve a flat. The agent sent me a blank contract, for me to be signed, no mention of the rent, nothing but the owners bank's ID! I was interested in a 60 square meters flat, and on the contract it was written "an 105 square meters with a terrace". I finally understood the guy wanted me to sign the paper, then fill himself the blank parts and rent me a very expensive flat instead of the one I wanted. The real estate agency is well known, finishes by 21. I also would never have seen my security deposit again, since it was written "the deposit will be sent back 30 days after the lessee gave back the flat". Yeah, right ! I am disgusted by this behaviour. I also found the people I have been in touch with were cold and nasty. Prague may be beautiful, the mentality sucks. Be warned!
Susan
New York, NY USA 06/16/2011
Paris Scams
I just got back from visits to Venice, Paris and London. We had no problems in Venice or London. I did get the ring trick in Paris at the head of the Champs Elysees by the Arc. It took me somewhat by surprise as I was just sitting down and saw a woman walk by me then to have her come up from behind me holding the ring. I recognized it right away and waved her off. She persisted in a language other than French then left. We did get many kids wanting us to sign petitions but they were easily waved off. Also beware of street artists who gather crowds and have everyone close in tight. Makes for easy pickpocketing. We had a great time in Paris. We knew what to look for and be aware of.
Larry
Temecula, CA USA 06/16/2011
Paris Scam Report
Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to report the various scams I encountered while in Paris a couple weeks ago.
1) Upon arriving at Gare de l'Est train station, I was greeted by the "deaf-mute" kids with clipboards asking you to sign and make a donation. Being used to panhandling in North America, I just said "No" and kept walking. Some will walk with you a short distance, but when they realize you're a lost cause, they will leave you alone.
2) Kids will offer to help you with your bags going up the stairs to get to Gare du Nord for a tip/donation. Again, a polite "non, merci." did the trick. Also, if you keep walking, they will eventually leave you alone.
3) Most places I walked to while site-seeing, I encountered the "lost ring" scam. I was approached multiple times by different people on the Champs-Elysees, along the Seine near the Louvre (on both sides of the river. This is actually funny to watch as some will be holding the ring and then throw it on the ground as you're walking by. Don't stop to talk to these people, just say no and keep walking.
4) Lots of three-card monte/find the ball scams around the Champs-Elsyees (near Place de la Concorde) and also the various pedestrian bridge going over the Seine. This is a total scam. Some of the people who look like their gambling are also working with the con-artist. You will never win this game. See youtube to see how hustlers cheat you with this game.
5) Short change scams at the outdoor food vendors near the Notre Dame. Always ask for the total price of your order before you hand the cashier your money. When you do pay for your food. Count your change immediately. If possible, try to pay with exact change.
6) The "friendship" bracelet scam is alive and thriving at Sacre Coeur and the area surrounding it. Avoid these men when they approach you. Keeping your hands/arms near your body while saying no and walking away prevent you from getting sucked into their scam.
7) Pickpocketing gangs are rampant at most of the touristy sites. Review Ricks' advice on how to make yourself less of a target.
Although it seems like there are many scams/cons/pickpocketers working against you, this shouldn't stop you from enjoying the your trip. Just be on high alert and be extra weary of your surroundings so that you don't end up a victim.
Jean-Marc
Vancouver, BC CA 06/12/2011
Paris Scams
I'm on my 3rd day in Paris at the moment, here for a month, and I wish I'd found this thread earlier!
I went to the Eiffel Tower today and ignored the friendship bracelet men because I'd heard about that before.
I was stopped by a deaf girl though and I was unsure if it were a scam but decided I would feel worse it it wasn't.
I put down my name and handed her 5euro and she turns her cardboard clipboard around and points to the words: minimum 10 euro. Then I started to get suspicious because that seems like a high minimum for a charity donation. As I went to look to see if I had another 5 euro she points to my 20 and tried to pull it out. I didn't have 10 euros exactly so hand her the 20 then have to push to try and get change...of which I only get 8 euros - and I didn't get my original 5 euros back either. I was fuming mad for falling for it afterwards, especially given I'm only on a student budget of about 50 euros a day. Then when sitting in the park about 7 others approached me..I felt bad for yelling at deaf people but I figure they can probably hear me just fine.
Emma
Melbourne, Australia 06/11/2011
Street Betting in Geneva
Hi,
During my recent travel to switzerland (Geneva), I noticed a group who were street betting. ( 3 boxes with a marble/ dice under it). They were encouraging the people to bet. Some of the so called "winners" were even handing over money to new players. I was given 100 Euros.
I had an earlier experience in india where I won the first few rounds and when I lost I was in big trouble, having to pay since I started the game since none of the money was mine.
Well I decided not again and just moved on. I was expecting someone to write about this on this site but found none. So I am wondering if the ones in Geneva were really genuine guys on the street !
Comments welcome...
Kurian
Kurian
London, UK 06/10/2011
Physically aggressive pickpocket gypsies in Pisa
The following took place on Friday, June 3, 2011 in Pisa. Beware of gutsy, aggressive gypsy pickpocket women along the Via Card. Pietro Maffi near Resti di Terme when heading southeast away from The Leaning Tower in Pisa. There were eight of us walking together in a very loose grouping with my older, Chinese-American mother-in-law in the lead. None of the rest of us looked like we were with her due to the spacing between us and the fact that she is the only one who looks Asian. There was an older woman, a teen-age girl and a young woman with a baby who all looked like gypsies. They targeted my mother-in-law and descended upon her shoving a map in her face seemingly asking for directions. She stopped and they surrounded her and started unzipping her purse. The other seven of us surrounded them, shouted at them and pushed them away but they kept going at my mother-in-law until my father-in-law slapped the most aggressive of the three. I stayed behind and announced to everyone else on the street what they were doing, wagged my finger at them and then witnessed them going right back at it with a couple of tourists behind us who promptly moved away from them. Beware. We are a very vigilant group who travel frequently overseas and we were quite surprised at the persistence even after they knew we were on to them. BTW, they got nothing.
Sunny Sue
Bothell, WA USA 06/07/2011
attempted pickpocket in Amsterdam
I was travelling with my girlfriend. We were walking down the street in Amsterdam. A guy poured a shot and yelled "Hey, Lady Gaga!" I have no idea why he said that - I wasn't dressed like Lady Gaga, nor do I resemble her. I suppose he pegged me as American and just wanted to shout something distracting. He pushed the shot in my face and tried to get me to drink it. I shouted loudly at him to get away from me and he left. I think he was trying to pickpocket me. Luckily, all my stuff was still there.
Ann
San Francisco, CA USA 06/06/2011
Getting short change in Amorino Gelato Paris
Just got back from Paris. We stayed one week at the Le Marias neighborhood. My sister and many other people worship Amorino gelato. It was also mentioned in Rick Steves Paris guide book that Amorino has excellent gelato. My husband and I went to Amorino: 31 Rue Vieille Du Temple branch on 05/30/2011; time: 14:41:57. My husband's gelato cost 3.50 and mine was 4.50 Euro. The young woman even provided me a receipt showing total charge 8.00 euros. I handed her 20 Euros, I even made voice it out I am giving her 20 Euros. The clerk plainly went "Voilà!" giving me only a small change of 2 Euros. I was expecting a larger change (12 Euros). She went on and proceeded helping other customer. I am thinking she was expecting me not to do anything. I chased her telling her I am short 10 Euros for a change. She acted innocent saying she thought I only gave her 10 Euros. I was surprised I was going to be cheated in a place like this.. considering its a reputable franchisee. Just wondering now how many tourists they tried to short change everyday. Yes, now I learned my lesson. You must spell out to the clerk how much you are giving out and always count back your change before agreeing you had been given back correct change. I believe I've been short change also in Carcassonne France but I let it go.
Rowella Lewis
Seattle, WA USA 06/02/2011
Bad apartment renal agency Venice
THe apartment agency in Venice called
http://www.immobiliarerioalto.com/
is not good. They charged my 1/3 cost of the booking for canceling 10 months ahead of time, which was due to illness. When I called, they pretended NOT to speak any english. Unfortunately it was too long passed to dispute the charge. Stay AWAY form this agency!!!
D Ralston
Atlanta, GA USA 06/01/2011
Buying Leather jackets in Florence
I bought a leather jacket in Nov/10 in the San Lorenzo Market, in Florence, Italy. I stopped at one of the booths, and they whisked me to their store right behind it, #14. My jacket cost 110Euros. I unfortunately did not wear it until I returned home, and the first time I wore it, it ripped. After taking it to a leather man, he told me, and showed me what bad quality the leather was. In April/11 I returned to Florence and tried to return or exchange the jacket, but they refused, and were EXTREMELY RUDE, and even told me to F*** Off! They told met that by law they did not have to take it back, and even threatened to call the police on me when I showed customers in the store my jacket. They even criticized me for not returning from Canada sooner to return it! If you want the whole story and pictures, of this store, and the 'boss man' at the store, go to www.bellasabroad.wordpress.com
DO NOT buy leather from this guy, and also educate yourself on how to spot bad leather!
Trina
Canada 05/27/2011
mugging
As I prepare for a month in Europe and read through this LONG list I start to feel anxious, and then I remember our friend from Rio who got mugged at Grant Park in Chicago. I think the lesson is to stay alert wherever you go.
stephanie
marysville, wa USA 05/26/2011
New Scam at the Train Station?
Back from Rome, Venice, and Paris.
We also saw the ring scam Louvre, and the deaf girls with the petitions who speak miraculously when the Police show up, the Louvre, and Eiffel Tower! The hunch back old woman shaking her cup for change, who is actually a young person with a lot of clothes on and their face mostly hidden with scarves, Rome, and the Louvre. One I hadn't heard about. Getting on the train in Rome going to Venice three people with the same colored shirts, and I.D.'s on ropes tucked in their shirts approached passengers. They asked for our train tickets. Looking so official I handed mine to the girl. She took my suit case and proceeded to the car I was heading for. She loaded my luggage on to the train, as did the others. Then she demanded a tip. She specifically said it was mandatory and was 5 euros. At that point I realized we had been scammed, but we paid. I didn't want my luggage walking off of the train. Right after this exchange the real train staff boarded as the so called baggage handlers jumped off and counted their money! So look out train travelers!
J. Menna
Bakersfield, CA USA 05/25/2011
Pickpocket Rome Train Station
My wife and I went to the Rome Train Station early to change a ticket for an earlier departing time. The line at the ticket office was very long so went to the ticket machines beside the ticket office. While concentrating intensely on changing my ticket I felt someone behind me. My first thought was why are they close behind me because there were plenty of ticket machines open. My wife was on my right side trying to understand the machine also. Normally she would have been standing and watching our surroundings but this time she was also engaged in trying to change our tickets. I had quite a few euros, enough to hurt, in my front Velcro's pocket, like army pants on my left side. I actually turned to push someone away from me and all was gone.
I never thought something could be taken from my front pocket. I had credit cards, driver's license and other money in the pocket to the right where my wife was standing, just thankful it wasn't taken. I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings. Hopefully this is the first and last time I make this mistake, Oh and I'm buying a money belt. In a group, someone should always be watching out for the other's making a transaction, ATM machine, paying for tickets, etc. Sort of like a designated driver, designated security watch. I knew better from traveling Europe, Russia, Mexico, Asia and everywhere in between for the last 20 years.
WR
Houston, Texas USA 05/18/2011
Handsy Ladies in Koln!
Beware of woman in Europe who are having "Hen Parties" in cafe areas around Koln Cathedral. A large group wanted to take a picture with me and three or four of them started to grab me for a picture while reaching into my pockets for money, they were acting drunk but I knew what they were after! They soon left me alone because I had a money belt on and didn't find any cash. I saw them on my second night in Koln working up another guy in the same area.
McCall
Koln, Germany, IN USA 05/14/2011
check your change
Short-changed in the grocery store, Place de la Contrescarpe...
Could be an innocent mistake, but then you never seem to get back MORE money than you're owed!!
Ian
Paris, France 05/12/2011
Stat away from Bistro318 in Rome
Stay away from Bistro318 in Rome at Via Cavour 318, cross street Via del Colosseo near the Colosseum and entrance to the Roman Forum. I asked for a 5 cl beer, and the waiter brought a liter beer claiming I asked for the "large". He wouldn't take it back or off the bill. He then added service (servitzio) to the bill. (Service is already included in the price). Happened May 10 2011.
DJ
San Diego, CA USA 05/11/2011
Stolen backpack in Madrid
Along with two friends, I had just arrived in Madrid after finishing two years in West Africa with the Peace Corps. We all looked a little ragged and had an interesting array of "baggage" with us. One of my friends use to live in Spain and so was running around trying to put credit on his phone. My other friend and I waited for him with our bags near a metro station. We were on the floor up against a wall, each of us with a bag on either side of us. Well, I was seated near the end of the wall, and someone quietly waited around the corner for me to turn my head and quickly grabbed a backpack that was literally right next to me. Luckily there was nothing in the bag except for a pair of pants as my friend just had it to fill up as we traveled.
This isn't a really so much a reflection on Madrid, Spain, or Europeans though, just of my own stupidity. I was a bit surprised that no one nearby said anything though as there were people waiting for buses nearby staring at us (again because we looked a little funny I'm guessing). It was a wake up call that we weren't in Africa anymore.
Sam L.
Porto, Portugal 05/10/2011
Trunks/Boots in Portugal
A note on the bags being stolen from the trunk in Sintra, Portugal ....
I've lived in Porto for a year now, and no matter where we go, my Portuguese friends _refuse_ to leave anything valuable in the trunk. We are students so there are often a good amount of laptops among us, but they go everywhere we go. The trunk/boot is not considered a safe place for valuables in Portugal.
Sam L.
Porto, Portugal 05/10/2011
scammed twice in the same town onthe same day, Madrid
This was at Madrid subway ticket counter.
Some young men/kids one about 20 and the other about 15 years old. One drops a fist full of worthless pennies or change right at my feet. Oddly, this guy get on all fours trying to frantically gather his last pennies in the whole wide world and then moves closer to me and lefts my feet up (in an innocent kind of way) he's got me by the bottom of my pants leg, I get this strange feeling that makes me want to put my knee in to his ribs, so I bend over -bend my knees a little (so he does not pick me up and slam my butt to the ground) and tell him to let go, as I back up to gain the angle and upper hand, I bump in to some on at my rear.. ok they take off. few minutes later I realize my wallet is missing. they got one dollar and the credit card company would not let them charge anything.. still a pain.
That night, we go out to dinner= walk in to a restaurant, and the kind gentleman takes my mother in laws coat to hang it in a safe place, (earlier I saw her put $20 dollars in a safe inner pocket. When the coat comes back the money is gone. So the next day we left Midrid and finished the vacation in Barcelona, that place rocked but I don't think I will go back to Madrid
Charley
Houston, tx USA 05/10/2011
the shell game
I am a euro tour guide, and the scam that has resurfaced over the last 2 summers is the shell game. It used to be popular in the early 90s, and is now back in some cities. Today we were in Geneva, and saw the gangs working the tourists.
There will be a gent with 3 boxes and a marble. He puts the marble under one of the boxes, shifts them around, and you can put down money to bet on where it is. If you watch the gregarious group playing, you might think it is a sure way to win money. It's not, because it is a professional group of con-artists. They will have several look out guys who watch for the police, and they will try to get passer bys involved in the gambling.
You will never win.
susan burn
newcastle upon tyne, uk 05/08/2011
Taxi Scams in Paris
This Sunday in Paris at the Gare Nord I asked (bad broken French) to who I thought was a taxi driver waiting for a fare that we would like to go to Gare Saint-Lazare. This was by a taxi for hire sign. He called over a friend who spoke English. The friend asked us where we wanted to go. I told him.
He replied it would be 90 Euros. I said that was too high. He said it was Paris, Sunday and cabs are few and the rate is high and I should take it. It would be over three changes on the Metro and over an hour on a bus.
We decided to chance to taxi meter with the others. Our taxi driver, saw there two I had just been talking to and yelled angerly and said something about the Police.
Turns our going with the meter cost us 8.40 Euros.
Dot and Dee
Lakewood, WA USA 05/06/2011
New scams
Just got back from Paris, saw all of the scams in Ricks book. Not sure if the one's I encountered are scams or not. At the Carousel Du Louvre Metro stop as you leave the museum, there is only a machine to buy tickets and the line can get long in a hurry. A man who says he works for the metro Sells individual tickets or carnets. I bought a carnet he then said the turnstile is not working and holds it open for you and a lot of other people too. seems legit so far But when you try to use the other tickets they don't work. All was not lost though. I went to a ticket window told them they didn't work and they were somehow able to fix the problem for me and because the man had held the gate open for my daughter and I we now had the benefit of two extra tickets. also encountered mostly young adults with petitions at all Major sights, all spoke English and asked to sign a petition. and give a donation. Seems like a scam since a real petition would require proof of address etc. In the event of some kind of challenge to the validity of the petition. just seems they want the money.
Pat O Neill
Clementon, NJ USA 05/03/2011
Throwing dirt on the back of your shirt in Seville
When we were in Spain two years ago, hubby and I were walking in Seville; I was in front of him. All of the sudden, he felt something on his back, I looked and his shirt had big brown spots on it. A man came to us, made some motion looking up, as if to say, birds did it. Offered to help, noting a bathroom in a nearby restaurant. We went, hubby went in bathroom with man, another man was there and when they were trying to get the stuff off, one tried to pick his pocket. Thank goodness, the wallet fell on the floor, and when hubby retrieved it, both men left in a hurry...we are seasoned travelers and really got sucked in..new rule...never be separated and NEVER accept help from a stranger...no harm done and we learned a big lesson.
sarabeth
woodland hills, Ca. USA 05/03/2011
Versace jacket from lost driver in exchange for some "gas money"
Walking from Galleria Borghese to Piazza Barberini asked a local for directions and she obliged. Almost immediately another car pulled over and a well dressed man motioned and asked me if i spoke English. Said he was from France and was lost and looking for Palazzo Piccolo. told him that i could show him where we were on a map but was useless with directions. He wanted to know where I was from (and then mentioned that he had just come from NY) and was in sales with Versace. Since i was so helpful- he would gift me a Versace leather jacket for my wife (proceeded to put a leather jacket in a red plastic bag) then asked me for some 'gas money' as his tank was nearing empty and he had no money ~ 50 euros would be ok. thought something was funny- asked him why he wasnt using his credit cards- he said they didnt work in italy. thought that was odd and backed away from the jacket and the car.
ARS
Rome, NY USA 05/02/2011
italy scams: antiques and romance and also restaurant charges ..
italy: italy is relatively safe..except for naples.. now is not the best time to go to naples.. first hand from my italian cousins in pompeii who refused to take me and my italian husband into naples and at night on the trains anywhere in the larger cities.. i would be done with train travel and nowhere near the subway, or train past nine at night.. also, be wary still of the romantic persuasiveness of the beautiful italian men.. don't get swept away from your secure reality into a false marriage or relationship for that matter as i did .. it is easy to fall in love with their romantic compliments and poetic ideallic descriptions of their country and everything for that matter... nice . but not all are genuine.. some are .. but be careful .because mine turned out to be a nightmare.. who was only looking for a us citizenship..even the most unattractive italian man ( and woman) can have many lovers.. you are most likely not the only "apple of their eye" for them beauty is an everyday pleasure, their right to enjoy , consume and take with great pleasure..or so some think.. italy is amazingly beautiful in so many ways but be careful of this all you love, romance starved wonderful fellow american women.. this happens too far often than not unfortunately.. also, heed this warning too as it is my own personal experience: when travelling to italy...be careful in tuscany of the: mafia style antique dealers.. there are certain known shops there that sell what look like to be high quality antiques but it is stolen merchandise and also has been repaired in a very unprofessional, unexperienced manner ...hammering and nailing to the point that the pieces are very damaged..and then shoddily put back together to where you cannot see the damage.. i know first hand because i witnessed it all with my own eyes..so make sure that when purchasing anything antique when travelling through tuscany.. you make sure you have a certificate of authenticity from the owner that has been certified with christie's or sotheby's only ~!!!!!! you can trust them .. otherwise i would not trust anyone~!!!!! also, double check your bank and credit card/debit card statements when you return home or as soon as possible because i also experienced the restaurants in florence and capri later adding more charges to my card after i had left..
Michelle
San Francisco, CA USA 04/26/2011
Wine Scam in Milan
Milan - The Bar Duomo in the center piazza attempts to sell you more wine than you order. I watched them scam 3 parties, including myself. A couple next to me ordered a E39.00 bottle of Pinot Grigio. The waiter stated that they were out of that wine and would bring them another wine. Their bill arrived with a E96.00 charge for the bottle! I ordered a glass of wine (E7.00) and he suggested a 'Brunesco'. I was brought a (small) bottle of wine. They attempted to charge me E42.00 for it!! I argued them down a bit but it ruined my afternoon. Moral - always say "Quanto costa" when you order anything in Italy.
Diana Zegers
Poulsbo, WA USA 04/22/2011
Scammed by money changer in Bulgaria
A few years back I was in Varna Bulgaria and I needed to break a 100 lev bill. I went into a small money exchange place but they said they couldn't so I went back outside. A street money-changer (about whom I was already very suspicious) then approached me and offered to break the bill for me, but I told him I wouldn't give him the 100 until he counted out the exact change in front of me and put it in my hand first. He did exactly that and gave me 9 tens and 5 twos, which made for a pretty thick wad of bills. I counted several times to make sure it was right, and finally gave him the 100. After he walked away, another man came up to me and warned me that the guy was a scammer and probably short-changed us. Seemingly concerned for my situation, he asked to count the money to make sure. He did, and also confirmed that it was correct as he handed me back the money and told me it was ok. It wasn't until later that afternoon that I pulled the wad out again and noticed the 6 tens missing that the second guy had swiped.
Bulgaria is a beautiful country, especially Varna, but be aware that scammers and pickpocketing gypsies flock the town centers in the summers just as quickly as the tourists do.
Josh
San Bernardino, CA USA 04/19/2011
Shortchanged at the Eiffel Tower!
My husband and I were standing in line at the Eiffel Tower waiting to buy tickets. My husband was eating a candy bar and had the money to pay the cashier for the ticket. I told him to make sure he got the proper change. The cashier gave him change for 50 Euros and he stepped out of the line. When I asked how much change he had gotten back and he told me, I told him that he had handed a 100 Euro bill to the cashier. I went to the window and told the cashier who denied it was a 100 Euros. He even reached behind a wall next to his window to "show" me that all he had back there was a 50 E bill. Don't know why he thought that would make me back off as I couldn't see behind the wall! I was positive I was right as my husband and I were just getting there from our hotel and dividing the money between us. As I was going through the turnstile, I spoke to the attendant and told him what happened. I asked for a manager and the attendant went and got one, who also brought a woman along with him. The manager apparently did not speak English so the turnstile operator told him what had happened. The woman went into the cashier booth, spoke to the guy who took our money and came out and said she was going to count his drawer and it would take 20 minutes. Determined that I was right, I said okay. Sure enough, 30 minutes later, the woman and the cashier come out with the rest of my change with apologies! I felt so vindicated as all the other tourists were curiously watching me and I had held up the line for a short while. I still think it was a very deliberate move on the cashier's part. He saw we were distracted and figured we wouldn't realize; we'd be easy targets. Suffice to say folks, ALWAYS pay attention to how much money you are handing to someone, no matter where you are and even if you are enjoying a nice candy bar!
Alicia
Daytona Beach, FL USA 04/17/2011
Naples Centrale station - Unlicensed taxi drivers
If you're at the Naples Centrale station and considering a taxi, make sure you're actually taking a licensed cab!
My husband and I consider ourselves to be very observant, smart travelers: We rarely stop to pull out maps, we try to learn more than just the basics of each country's language, we stay alert and notice when people act suspiciously, and we try to be good guests to the locals.
When we visited Naples at the end of our whirlwind 16-day Italy honeymoon trip, we were pretty exhausted and decided to take a cab from the main station even though our B&B was only a 7-min. walk. We knew to watch our backs and bags in Naples as we always read Rick's site, and many of the amazing managers of the B&Bs we stayed at warned us to keep an eye out as well.
A man approached us in the station and asked us if we needed a taxi, so we asked how much to our destination. Though our hotel was relatively close, we were nervous about lugging our heavy bags around and looking like big red targets for pick pockets. When the "driver" said it would be 15EU, that should have been our first indication to keep walking.
He had us follow him not through the front doors of the station, but through the grocery store attached to the building. He then led us to a car parked across the street and right then and there we should have declined the ride when his car didn't have the "Taxi" lightbar on the roof and "Commune di Napoli" signs.
Luckily, the worst thing that happened was we were only ripped off some Euros. Next time we'll know to trust our gut instincts.
Please make sure you only take certified taxis, which are typically parked right in front of the train station! You'll save yourself the "D'oh!" moment :)
Danielle
Los Angeles, CA USA 04/14/2011
Hertz rental car
Returning my rental car to the Rome airport on a Sunday (last year - I'm new to Rick's advice) I couldn't find an open gas station to top off the tank. I had filled it the night before in Anzio so it was still almost full. At the Hertz return area a man looked the car over, started it up, said "just a minute", and came back with a receipt for me, and I left. Waiting for my plane I looked over the receipt, the charges seemed right, and 7/8 was written on it. I assumed that was the fuel level which also seemed right.
Later, back home in the States, I get a statement from Hertz that an additional €135 is being applied to my credit card for fuel related charges. (As you know prices are ridiculous at any airport, plus there was a charge of €25 just for someone to fill it, 2 minutes of work?!!!) But, what made this especially bad is I was charged for almost a whole tank of fuel!!! My assumption is a clerk somehow mistook the 7 in 7/8 to be 1/8.
I started emails to Hertz, getting absolutely no help or understanding, then emailed the U.S. Embassy, Consulates, etc. and got nowhere. Finally the U.S. Embassy said they don't get involved in legal matters and sent me a list of attorneys in Rome. (As if that would save me money)
In the last email to Hertz I demanded they show me the document where that much fuel was put into that vehicle, and I received the usual "Our records show . . ."
What an easy way to rip tourists off, write down any arbitrary figure for fuel. Don't know if this is common for Hertz in Rome and/or Italy, Europe, etc., but just to let you know I was ripped off by Hertz.
Gary
Frankenmuth, MI USA 04/11/2011
Paris Thieves
This makes me angry because it goes beyond the beggars and simple tricks. This happened tonight to
my wife and I on pont de Sully in Paris. One seemingly lost tourist asked you first for directions and then where can he exchange money? Then a bossy person walks up and flashes a Police Badge,
supposedly. He says this is a drug sales, illegal exchange, and crime area and detains you and asks
to see everyones passport and money. The supposedly tourist showed him a passport and I saw several hundred US dollar bills in his wallet.
(although in retrospect they looked funny, photocopies?) Then he demanded to see our passports and money, and did not allow us to
walk away. We only had photocopies of our passports, which he had no interest in, and we had
40 Euros between us. To small a catch to rob I guess since he gave us a warning and left us.
Posing as a police officer in plain clothes, and detaining us against our will are serious crimes.
Just remember to be careful, and suspect all strangers
who approach you. The police are always in cars
and two or more together at a time.
T-Van
Julian, Ca USA 04/10/2011
Deaf scam
During my trip, every major tourist destination in Paris had at least 2-3 "deaf" people with clipboards wandering around, soliciting donations for some bogus institution. Many of them play the part so well you will feel cruel blowing them off. Ricks advise of a firm Non and walking purposely past them is the way to go. Don't worry about feeling cruel, they can hear you.
Bryan
Urbana, IL USA 04/05/2011
Revenge
Try this, it'll fill you up with warmth and satisfaction. I live in Brazil and you can find all the pickpocketting, scams and rip-offs rolled into one over here. As I work down-town a couple of times thieves tried to pick-pocket me so, fed-up, I bought one of those small belt-purses, filled it with broken glass and thumb-tacks and went to work as usual. A fellow approached me as i was passing by the crowded underground station, grabbed this belt-purse and took off. A few moments later there was a very loud scream, people crowding around that fellow with a very bleeding hand. He pointed at me but when I went over very agressively to question him he backed down.
A.L.
Brazil 04/05/2011
It's Easy to Stay Safe.
I travelled to Prague alone for the first time in 2008 when I was 20 years old, and terrified. One of the best tips I can give for this city is to stay alert, and sober. This place has amazing cheap beer, great bars and clubs so it's east to get a little too tipsy and be vunerable. Another tip is to not carry a purse of course as Rick always says, and to ALWAYS agree on a price for taxis. I took a taxi from the train station in Prague the second time I travelled there and because we did not agree on a price (I really had no idea where I was going) and he gave us a lot of maps and pamplets, which no doubt jacked up the price, and the charge was twice what it should have been as I had travelled from the city centre to the airport in my previous trip for the same price. I was so MAD at myself, and I knew we should not have taken a taxi that had teenage boys wandering the station trying to find fares. Also, beware of food prices as I paid $30 for a mediocre meal in the city centre because they charged you for eating the stale pretzels sitting on the table and for your rolls.
Of course in Paris you always see the "crippled" beggars. For instance, an older lady who was dressed in some sort of brown cloak crawling on the ground with an outstrected shaking hand we saw outside of the metro near Notre Dame and was able to make it all the way over near the Effile Tower to do the same trick. Pretty nimble for a crippled lady.
In Rome there are a lot of child beggars which I felt sad for, so my mother gave them food instead of money because they were just filthy and skinny. The mother of one child was actually really gracious and cried because my mother offered her son a few peices of fruit.
This one is an odd story and perhaps has only happened to me. Anyways, I was in the Vienna train station for a stop over, and I decided to change clothes in the washroom. As with most public toilets in Europe, you must pay. I took my luggage in, but did not lock the door right away, my luggage fell over and popped the door open. I shut it but realized that a small bar stops the door from closing all the way so the attendant must unlock it for you. I politely said, 'Oh, the door opened, I'm sorry could you unlock it?" and she starts screaming at me in german and broken english to lock the door when I'm in there, and demands more money. When I say I have no more she walks away, leaving me locked in there! I scrounged my luggage for change and found a few coins, which she accepted (angrily) and unlocked the bar so I could shut the door. I knew she was just taking advantage of a "rich" North American young girl. It really, really made me angry though.
Kate
Halifax, NS Canada 03/30/2011
Handling Annoying Vendors in Italy
My husband and I went to Italy recently and we were pleasantly surprised that we observed less obvious pickpocketing attempts than on our previous trip there. However, there were significantly more aggressive and persistent street vendors. As I was walking across Piazza Duomo in Milan back to the hotel to meet my husband for dinner, I had a yob come up from behind and grab my free hand, filling it with popcorn and holding it out to feed the pigeons. He had a vise-like grip and while I was being attacked by pigeons, he told me to get out my camera and he'd take my photo, for several euros of course. No! didn't work, he only tightened his grip and slightly twisted my arm. I fear I'm a little cheeky in these situations. I suggested that he give me 5 euros so I wouldn't file assault charges against him. I was lucky in that I spotted and yelled for a nearby officer of the Polizia, very prominent around this area, and he left quickly. So beware of the "feed the pigeons" salespitch unless you want to have your photo taken with pigeons all over you. Going rate is 5 euros.
In most of the cities, vendors are selling an annoying high flying toy that distracts those who choose to stop as you have to look up an incredible distance to follow it. I suspect if not already, this would be a great distraction for pickpockets.
Splat balls for kids are everywhere and several vendors think it's fun to splat one on your shoe as a demo.
In Naples, even with a tour guide in a safe area, vendors wander throughout the crowds shoving postcards and sunglasses in your face. You try to avoid them but if not much is going on for them, they may follow you or your group for a good distance.
We saw a number of police in the main tourist areas even in this off season, so if you are annoyed by a vendor who isn't taking No for an answer, head toward someone in uniform. Then these vendors will politely thank you and leave when you say your firm NO.
M&M
Washington, DC USA 03/28/2011
Travel Store Items
I was a solo traveler for the second time in two years. This time, Koln, Germany as the 'jumping off point.' A couple of things I'd like to mention here that might help other travelers. First, I got a Rick Steves' money-belt for this trip and it was a godsend! My last money-belt came from REI and broke on the first day of my last trip. Rick's money-belt is larger and easier to wear, if that makes sense. Second, I also opted for the 'through the back door' bag Rick always recommends! WOW... did it make packing light and getting to and from so much easier. Until age 40, I never had a passport, much less 'traveled' anywhere. I am grateful to Rick Steves and PBS for showing me that even I could travel the world; on a budget and by myself, safely and with enjoyable memories to last a lifetime! I have seen Paris, much of Germany and Amsterdam in two years! Where will the next adventure take me? Thanks Rick!
Lenny C
Chicago, IL USA 03/26/2011
Petition scam Florence, Italy
Florence, Italy possible scam alert:
Arriving in Florence by train from Rome, we walked by a "petition" table set up on the corner a few blocks from the train station. The girl made it a point to seek out Americans to sign the petition. We kept walking.
Rookie Traveler
Montgomery county, PA USA 03/25/2011
scam vs. panhandling
I visited Paris about a month ago, but did not read this website beforehand and encountered a few of the scams described here. I fell for a few, but they were harmless pan-handling ploys involving just a few Euros. For example, I fell for the ring trick; after the woman gave me the ring, she asked for money for a Coca-cola and I simply gave her two from my outer pocket and she went on her way. And I am left with a souvenire with a funny story. And, yes, I signed a petition, providing minimal personal information, gave them a few Euros and they went on their way. In neither case was I pickpocketed or was it attempted. Although we are warned against keeping money in outer pockets due to pickpockets, it is actually helpful to have a few Euros handy so that there is no need to open your purse and dig out your wallet when buying a crepe on the street or giving to a panhandler. One con that I did not fall for was a very cute kid (about 10 years old) selling discount metro passes as we waited on line at the Catacombs. These were undoubtedly used passes.
Miranda
Portland, ME USA 03/25/2011
Paris
I just got back from Paris yesterday. I didn't get the ring scam or the friendship bracelet scam; they tried to get me with the deaf/dumb school scam but backed off with a firm NO. Hawkers are persistent, but I just said no thank you whilst still walking and refused to engage in further conversation.
One scam I did see that isn't here is the metro with the man handing out cards asking for money then coming back to collect it. Again, he went away with a firm no.
No trouble encountered by us.
Kate
London, UK, UK 03/25/2011
Romania Travel Alert
For all travelers to Romania: steer clear of MCA Tourism LLC and using the name Romanian Culture Tours.
There is nothing cultural in this price scam. We're glad we figured them out in time. Here is the web site www.romanianculturetours.com
We've filed a police report but felt anyone should know.
Robert Downey
LA, CA USA 03/24/2011
Paris scam report -- March 2011
Just back from several days in Paris and wanted to report in that some of these things are alive and well. We had the "lost ring" scam tried on us twice [INVALID] once outside of the Orangerie, then again just a few hours later at the Place de la Concorde. When it happened the first time, I started laughing and said, "Non." The second guy was so bad at placing the ring that I just said, "Pffft," and waved my hand.
The string bracelet guys were everywhere at Sacre Coeur, but especially on the steps up [INVALID] you couldn't avoid dealing with them, although they left us alone with a firm "No." There were also a lot of three-card monte tables set up on the streets below Sacre Coeur. Frankly, the entire area below Sacre Coeur was pretty unsavory. We didn't enjoy that part at all.
There were scattered "sign my petition" folks at Sacre Coeur, Place de la Concorde, and the Champs Elysees just east of the Arc de Triomphe.
It is worth noting that these people are merely bothersome, not threatening. Few people bothered us after an initial "Non," and for those who did, a firm "J'ai dit NON" took care of the problem. Even my ten-year-old was laughing after the second ring guy.
Matt
Kansas City, MO USA 03/21/2011
Yes, it does happen and happens often.
Replying to below: I live in a major European city as well as I travel for a living all over Europe. The difference between scam artists and con men and pick-pockets/bag snatchers is that yes, the scammers and con men target the unsuspecting, naive tourist, but the pickpockets and bag snatchers target anyone and everyone. 25 years of traveling throughout Europe and living here as an ex-pat from the United States has taught me plenty.
P.S...if you are a tourist traveling through major European cities and tourist sites and your still carry all you money, cards, etc in a purse or wallet instead of a concealed money belt, you are asking for it and sympathy for you would be an audacious expectation.
Anonymous
Europe 03/06/2011
Ripped off in Brussels - Luggage Stolen at Train Station
Hey.. Just got back from Brussels and had a pretty bad night. My luggage got stolen in the station. To make matters worse, there was absolutely no police presence around and the security guards were all unsympathetic (which I really hate about Europe.. I think that they think that the fact that Americans getting picket pocketed is amusing.. but I digress). Luckily I didn't have anything of value in the suitcase, but it is still frustrating when that sort of situation occurs. I'd just wish that there was speedy and proper attention and a bit more sympathy from the authorities.
Kelly G
Gurnee, IL USA 03/06/2011
Why target tourists
Susan, that is not why Catpan's experience is different. The reason is tourists are targeted and Catpan is not a tourist.
If I was a pickpocketer in the USA, I would target non-American's exclusively.
Here is why: In order to be convicted of theft, there must be non-hearsay testimony that the property was stolen.
So lets say I pickpocket a guy from France, I get caught by the guy from France, police arrest me.
Two months later it goes to trial. The tourist is back in Paris. The cop can not testify to what the victim said. He can only say that when they patted me down they found a passport belonging to someone else and a wad of cash I testify that I found the passport on the ground and was going to mail it to the French embassy later that night and cash belonged to me, I go free. In fact it would never go to trial because unless the victim was willing to fly back to the USA for the trial the DA would drop the charges.
And while laws vary for country to country most require the victim to be at the trial to have enough evidence to convict.
So if I was a thief I would specialize in folks that will not be willing to be available for trial.
Ed
albany, ny USA 03/05/2011
Spain, Italy - be wary, but enjoy.
I traveled independently through Madrid, Barcelona, Rome, Naples, Venice and Athens in June 2010 and taking all cautions and advice Rick Steves offers, my daughter and I had NO trouble at all during our trip with pickpockets or scams. We researched our destinations well and rarely needed to ask for help. The one problem we had was overcharging by taxi drivers in Rome - as the meter racked up going from the Rome airport to our hotel by Termini train station, I warned the driver I had only 40 eoros - the price we had agreed on - though he turned the meter on anyway. When we finally got to the hotel the meter read 51 euros, I gave him the 40 euros only and we immediately left the cab -- thank goodness we were traveling very light and had our bags with us in the taxi seat. We had many great experiences with locals, but always kept money and valuables in hand and secure. A great trip - we are returning to Italy again this summer.
Kathie C
Fremont, CA USA 03/05/2011
Recent trip to Paris
Just returned from Paris where I traveled with my teenage son. I had warned him ahead of time to be wary of his surroundings and expect pickpockets. He didn't much believe me and thought because of his size that no one would "mess with him" but I did manage to convince him to keep his wallet in a zippered breast pocket. By the time the first "lost ring" guy came our way on the bank of the Seine near the Louvre, he was a believer. The guy was approaching us, then leaned over and picked the "lost ring" up off the sidewalk. He approached us with it in his fingers and said "lucky day!" I worked in France about 20 years ago and speak passable French, and told him, "non, merci, c'est pas la mienne" and kept walking. He shouted some stuff after us but we kept going.
After that my son was keen to look about and we both started seeing them everywhere. We had one more lost ring during the week, and then the woman in native garb in the Tuileries who asked if we spoke English and then showed us her sign about her starving children. Again, we just said "non, merci" and kept walking. I do remember her saying "no chance?" to us as we left.
Other than that, there was a crippled boy with a cup walking Rivoli, and a cafe maitre'd told us that there have lately been a lot more pickpockets on that strip near the Louvre. In one case we saw three teenagers, 2 boys and a girl, zeroing in on some American girls. They passed the American girls, then stopped, talked amongst themselves while watching the girls, then looked over at me to see me watching them. I think they decided against following the American girls as they went in the other direction at first, but then I saw them crossing the street and then again moving in the same direction as the American girls. Never knew what happened.
In another funny situation, we were waiting for our tour bus to Versailles outside the Paris Vision office on Rivoli (I have always used their tours) when I said to my son of two young men in their twenties with backpacks standing in the middle of the waiting tourists, "those two do not look like they have any interest in seeing Versailles." They looked like two young Parisians. Sure enough, after standing in our group for about 15 minutes looking around them, I guess they decided there were no good pickings and abruptly "realized" they were not part of our tour group and just took off.
Otherwise we had no problems. I used ATMs twice at BNP Paribas, the Bank of America affiliate, once on the street outside the bank in the Faubourg area and then once inside that branch when it was open. I found a few small fees on my statement upon returning home but expected this ahead of time.
I kept all major valuables including passports in the hotel room safe and carried one credit card and cash in three places. I have an ample bosom and kept my card and one set of cash in one side of my bosom inside my bra, and some more cash in the other side. Then a third bit of cash inside my shoulder bag, which is a canvas zip tote. I hot-glued a zipper pencil case to the bottom inside of the tote and kept some extra cash there. I carry the bag with the zipper pull to the front and am basically attached to my bag 100% of the time.
Have never had any attempt to get at any money inside my bra even when I have pulled money from there to pay and have replaced it. Helps when it was also cold and I could zip my coat back up.
No other issues, but if you hang around long enough, you will surely see enough to keep your guard up.
Jessica
Plymouth, MA USA 03/03/2011
Budapest Restaurant Credit Card Scam
Budapest Restaruant professional Scam alert: We just got finished filing with the police and trying to recover funds from a credit card scam. No luck. This is a failsafe scam on the part of the scammers at very reliable looking restaruants, whose handheld machines apparenlty read out one amount and actually charge your bank a different, higher amount. Our $40 meal got posted as $800, which the bank paid. Because we entered a pin number, they bank refused to refund the money. BEWARE: never use a pin number in a budapest restaurant! Use cash if possible. This is the smoothest scam I ever saw . . . if you do get scammed contact the police IMMEDIATELY by the time your credit card company denies your protest, it is too late - the police will be grateful for your info - they are trying to catch these guys.
Beth
Colorado SPrings, CO US 02/26/2011
After a year of travell across the world...
I've just travelled for over a year around the world. I've lost count of the number of times I've seen a scam in action, or someone attempt to start one with me. We haven't been scammed yet, though
I can fully understand how people are. My advice is to look at the situation presented to you as if it was back home. It amazes me how many tourists drop their guard while traveling, yet the same scam situation at home would not occur because their guard is up. I suppose being in a new place means that alot of people assume the situation being presented to them must always be different.
We always read about the common scams in each country/city before we visit. We always take public transport - it's a set price. We always try to know where we are going. We always treat anyone who approaches us with caution - though don't close off entirely, you may miss out on making a great friend or having an awesome experience.
We have never used a money belt. I hate them, but we only ever carry what we are prepared to be ok with if we lose it.
We always speak quietly near touristy areas to hide our accents, and huddle together if we need to use a map so it's not totally obvious.
We always try to be polite to anyone that approaches us, a smile and a polite no, in the local language goes a long way. If that doesn't work walk away.
We always try to be aware of our surroundings and one of us is always on guard if the other is preoccupied with something (an advantage of not traveling alone).
We always use locks on our bags.
Use review websites to find real experiences from other travellers, I.e Tripadvisor - but do remember they can be abused by the hotel / attraction themselves.
In the end a novice traveller will always be at risk more than an experienced one. But an experienced traveller will still "always" be at risk as well.
Take precautions, but keep an open mind. People don't walk up to you on the street at home asking where you're from - use your common sense!
Ashen
Auckland, NZ 02/25/2011
Madrid: Scam and Barcelona: Scam
I read someone else's comment that made me want to post my own b/c the same thing happened to me. Going to the Madrid train station to get to Barcelona. Walking into the station, my wife is 10-15 feet ahead of me and a guy walking past me says I have something on my backpack. I don't let him near me but I look at my bag and see all this white cream. Thought it was bird poop for a second but then this guy magically had a load of napkins on him and was trying to help. Then another guy came up with napkins and I called out to my wife. Fortunately, she was loud and got them to go away but it haunts me because I totally let go of my luggage to deal with my bag. I grew up in San Francisco - I'm wary of bums and lowlifes. I also walk with a big chip on my shoulder and am unfriendly to most strangers. This just really caught me off guard.
Also, in Barcelona, stupid taxi driver dropped us off in the immigrant neighborhood Rick Steves specifically warns us about and took off. Took my change too. Loved Spain otherwise and had a great time!
Jerkey
Los Angeles, CA USA 02/17/2011
Con men - Athens Greece Museum area
Travelers, please be aware that since the new museum of the Acropolis opened almost 2 years ago, there has been an influx of "con men" who work the areas just around the museum since it has become a more crowded area for tourists. Actually, there have been con men in Athens for years, only now most can be found in the same place. The normal scam begins with a gentleman who walks up to you and asks you for the time...after you give him the time, he will then try to strike up a conversation with you, asking where you are from, asks if you are enjoying Greece etc etc. DO NOT ENGAGE THEM IN CONVERSATION AND KEEP WALKING. Be aware and do not become another victim, losing your wallet to them, or finding yourself being surrounded by their cronies if you go to a pub with them for a drink. Bad news.
Anonymous
Athens, Greece 02/10/2011
Students in Barcelona
I have been to the beautiful Barcelona twice now and been pick-pocketed both times, both times near Las Ramblas. The first time in 2007 was a classic side purse un-zippered and the second, in 2010, was in Zara near the main shopping area. I was studying abroad and had been there six weeks already and was convinced I wasn't going to let it happen to me again. But a team came in and created a large, yelling scene in the corner of the store and while everyone was gawking, someone must have come in and hit everyone in line to pay at once. No matter how careful you are, they are professionals so never ever ever let yourself get distracted.
While abroad, I also had a female friend get mugged. She was walking with a group of girls in a not-great area and a boyfriend/girlfriend team grabbed her from behind by her purse, yanking her to the ground, and trying to break the strap. She had on a fake designer purse, but, it looked convincing enough to make her a target to the team. So, try not to wear anything that would brand you as wealthy, even if it is fake.
Kate
Austin, TX USA 01/31/2011
Catapan, it's just the norm for Europe
Catapan, while it's great that you've avoided these types of situations, personnel from several American embassies have told me that locals are targeted just like tourists, and that the majority of these crimes won't be reported. Property crime isn't taken seriously in Europe, jail sentences are minimal, and the police don't want to waste their time writing up reports that will increase their crime numbers while the tourist goes home and is no longer involved in the process. England is a great example of what I'm talking about. If someone breaks into your home, you can't fight back without risking a jail sentence yourself, and if the stolen item is sold, you've just got to deal with its loss. Locals have told me that it is what it is, and it's just something you live with. It's not big news in Europe because it's the new norm.
Susan
Atlanta, GA USA 01/27/2011
Be Reassured
I am so sorry so many people seem to be the victims of tourist scams, when visiting Europe. Please be reassured: these things are RARE!
I live in Britain: for the past fifty years, I have travelled extensively, lived, studied, worked and spent holidays in various European countries - a woman, frequently alone - and AT NO TIME have I been subject to any of the scams, thefts or pickpocketing events so widely publicised here.
Be alert, be aware; but BE REASSURED.
Catapan
Middlesbrough, UK 01/26/2011
Taxis in Sofia
I traveled to Bulgaria on business a while back. Arriving in Sofia after an epic series of flights, I was supposed to be picked up at the airport by a local but signals were crossed and there was no one there to greet me. I figured this out after standing around outside the security checkpoint for perhaps twenty minutes, looking for my contact (and looking rather dazed, I might add). I realized this wasn't good. I was making myself into a target. I went over to the taxis and asked a driver "How much to Hotel X?"
I guess he'd been eyeing me; thinking I was a sucker he said "30 euro". I knew this was iffy because they weren't even supposed to be using euros. I responded loudly and indignatly: "30 EURO?" Another driver scooted up, practically hustled me into his cab, saying (in good English) "Ha! he's a thief! I'll take you for 30 Lev" [INVALID] a substantially lower cost. Thinking that I was hip and had completely dodged a scam, I got into the taxi and sure enough he delivered me to the hotel, for 30 lev + a 5 lev tip I felt he'd earned.
The next day I learned the going rate for that trip should have been 10 lev tops. So I still got taken. Live and learn!
Horace
San Francisco, CA USA 01/18/2011
Best advice...
Like Rick, I travel the world for a living (only I am not rich and famous for it!) and have seen or heard of just about about every major scam, scheme, and general thievery you can imagine.
THE BEST ADVICE is to simply be aware of these things and make sure you are armed with knowledge of their existence and common sense enough to know how to avoid them in the first place. Look, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, etc are crawling with people who have the knowledge of how to pick a pocket, rifle through a purse undetected, or even more sinister, lead you to a pub and have a drink with you under the guise of you just met a new, normal looking friend in a cool foreign city who seems very normal, dresses normal, speaks English and otherwise seems normal, but is working a scam on you that can, in some cases cost you hundreds of euros when the tab comes and he has left out the back door when he says he is going to the toilet. Some bars and cafes employ such people to prey on gullible, overly nice tourists who think having a harmless drink is normal...the thing is, the stranger can often be a scam artist, the pub is a mob owned place which looks normal, but the sad part of then the tab comes and each beer is listed for 100 euros on the tab. The door closes and the bouncers want the bar tab...what are you going to do now?
DON'T PUT YOURSELF IN THE POSITION TO BE SCAMMED!
Knowledge is key, people. Be aware of these professionals and remember the phrase "an ounce of prevention (or in this case including awareness) is worth a pound of cure". As a whole, most large Europeans cities and capitals are very safe and wonderful locations to visit and soak in the culture. There is no reason to be afraid to visit these places, just be aware of your surroundings, dont fall for things which may seem to good to be true, dont go to pubs with strangers and dont have all your valuables available for the picking. Money belts are your friend and common sense is your best guide.
Happy travels!!
Jason H.
World Traveler, USA 01/17/2011
Oops! GIANT tip for cabbie.
While I was in Paris this summer, I was to stay with a host-family that lived on the outskirts of town. I was too nervous to ride the Metro to meet them, so I grabbed a taxi from the Montparnasse Station. When the 30-Euro cab ride ended, I haded the driver 40 Euro, and said "can I get some change?"... he quickly sped off, no change for me. Try to have somewhat precise change for cabbies in Europe - and don't assume they will care if you get a large amount of change back (as they naturally would in the States!).
Michael
Sacramento, CA USA 01/05/2011
moneybelts
Leave valuables in the hotel safe. Learn how to use the safe at the hotel before you lock it up.Do a test by locking the safe up with nothing in it.Use a money belt but take only enough money.Leave the rest behind in the safe..Better yet, use a credit card or interact but check the billing after.Carry a little money in your pocket or purse and when you have to throw it away from a armed robber do so a then run if your can.When using a MONEY BELT only open it in a secure place like a washroom stall or a private place.
GLEN t
Winnipeg, MB Can 01/01/2011
Hotel Safes
And to make sure you remember to get your money out of the hotel safe when you leave, put on shoe in the safe with the money. When you leave and you look for the missing shoe, you know where it is!
Andy Perry
Louisville, KY USA 01/01/2011
Skillfu Paris pickpockets
We just returned from a one week trip to Paris. Before leaving, I got money belts for everyone in the family, to carry ID, passports and cash. My oldest son decided that he was also going to carry his wallet, mainly to keep his day cash and his museum pass. I warned him that Paris, particularly the Metro, was full of pickpockets. However, he said that his wallet was attached to a lanyard, so they would not be able to take it without him knowing. Despite my warning, he insisted that he was fine.
Everything was fine till the sixth day of our trip. We were going out to dinner, but the subway cars were very crowded since it was the last weekend before Christmas. My wife, other son, and I got into one end of a subway car. Because it was so crowded, my oldest son had to get in at the other end of the car, so we were separated from each other and could not watch out for each other.
After we got off the car, he sheepishly said that he had been pickpocketed. Apparantly, he had to reach overhead to hang on. His lifting of his arms exposed his lanyard, which showed the pickpocket exactly where his wallet was located. During the bumping and movement in the subway car, the pickpocket was able to skillfully extract the wallet from his pocket, open it, and extract the cash. My son found the wallet dangling by his side, still attached to the lanyard, but minus 35 euros. Luckily, the bulk of his cash, passport and other important documents were safely in his money belt.
I told him that keeping his day cash in his front pocket was safer since the pickpocket has to guess where to look. The lanyard told them exactly where to go. My son is now wiser and more respectful of the skills of Paris pickpockets. So, it was a modestly expensive lesson.
Dave
San Francisco, CA USA 12/28/2010
Scams alive and well in Paris!!
Just got back from Paris and just had to comment on the abundance of scammers my family encountered over the holidays. From the petitioners in Gare du Nord to the abusive use of puppies to bait those of us who are animal lovers; the Holidays were ripe with grifters in Paris. We all had a wonderful time and did not lose a dime to any of the many scams described in this thread. However, we certainly repelled more than our fair share. Traveling as a foursome, mother, father, sister and brother and dressed for cold weather in our most obvious american attire, we were certainly prime targets.
This Christmas, at every tourist spot we were confronted by very pushy groups of Romani women and children claiming to be deaf and dumb and insisting we sign some petition to start some type of school or center. We got the "do you speak english" jam a card in your face scam. And, I witnessed the end of the bracelet scam as some poor Japanese kid forked over five euro for some wound pieces of [INVALID] The scam that bothers me the most is the shameful use of puppies bait tourists into thinking they are giving money to someone who really needs it. What happens to those poor puppies, I don't want to think about it.
George
Lewes, DE USA 12/28/2010
Egypt
I just returned from Egypt. traveled all over the country alone. i am a woman in my 40s. In my opinion it is so much safe then Spain and Italy. Not once did anyone try to rip me off. When I told people I was going to Egypt they said it was dangerous and this is not true!! The last time I was in madrid the theives were trying open my luggage on the metro with the locals just sniggering...in Italy it was relentless dishonesty..wit heven old ladies trying to cheat me out of my rightful money change when I purchased an item.
Egyptians are honest people and the country is safe.
allison
tx USA 12/23/2010
Passport Thieves in Spain
This warning came from the State Department's website. "There have been reports of thieves posing as plainclothes police officers, beckoning to pedestrians from cars and sometimes confronting them on the street asking for documents, or to inspect their cash for counterfeit bills, which they ultimately confiscate as "evidence."
This warning makes me tempted to just carry a copy of my passport while in Madrid next spring. I hope it is legal to do so.
Brenda
Washington, DC USA 12/20/2010
Attempted robbery at an ATM (Paris)
In Paris two weeks ago I was nearly robbed at a cash machine. Two people approached very quickly. One shoved a handful of flyers in front of the screen. I got nasty and shouted at him in French to go away. My daughter pushed him and he left. When he was gone I noticed that he had pushed buttons and there was a high amount of money showing on the screen. We're pretty sure the idea was to then push the enter button and grab the cash as it came out...while the tourist was confused by the flyers. I canceled the transaction and started over. We noticed that several passersby stopped and watched the would-be thieves until they were out of sight. The day before we had experienced the "do you speak English" approach by the Eiffel Tower. Thank goodness for this scam alert page. It really helped us to be on our toes so we could truly enjoy the beautiful city of Paris. It's true that speaking a little French will get you a long way with the Parisians. We had no communications problems and got lots of smiles. Avoid being the ugly American and you won't meet the unpleasant Parisian.
Susan
Indianapolis, IN USA 12/07/2010
Casa Lagana, Venice, fraudulent Visa charges
We stayed at Casa Lagana in Venice in September of 2010. It was recommended to us by Corte Campana which was full for our travel dates. Against my better judgment we booked there even though I knew it was a risk since I couldn't find one piece of information or reviews on it. Turns out my instincts were right and it turned out to be the worst accomodation experience of our travels. Of course since I use so many of Rick's suggestions, I 'll admit I've been a bit spoiled, but still this place was a hack job.
We witnessed about 3 parties arrive in 4 days who had reservations yet the B&B was already booked. Just a couple months ago, almost a year to the date of our stay in Venice I find a charge from Venice, the very same Casa Lagana. I call my credit card company to complain. Well good thing I pay attention to my credit card statement because 4 days later yet another charge of 400 euros shows up. Please steer clear of this place. If they did this to me, they've certainly done it before. These people should not be in business .
Tami Moritz
Vancouver, BC Canada 11/26/2010
a few tips
Reading these stories really can put you off on travel. Fortunately, I haven't had any serious problems whether in Europe or remote SE Asia.
A couple tips I use might be of help to folks here.
First, I will only stay in hotels with room safes and I always use the room safe. I don't understand people who walk around with passports, lots of cash, etc. I change the combination to the room safe every time I open it.
Second, I never have a lot of local cash on me and always use ATMs. I ONLY go to ATMs at a major bank (this is easy in Europe) and ONLY during business hours. If the ATM eats my card (its happen twice to me), I can run inside and retrieve it immediately.
Finally, I try to always walk with a purpose and not make eye contact with people on the street. If I'm approached by anyone I say sharply and loudly, "nein, nein" just like a German soldier in any WWII movie. The Germans are a frank, no nonsense people and it works so well it's hard not to laugh as the street urchins scatter.
When out for the day, I carry one days worth of local cash and a credit card secured around my neck and under my t-shirt and outer shirt. I do carry an expensive camera which I take pains to protect in a travelon safe case and an iPhone which I also take pains to protect.
Best of luck to all and for those who are considering your first trip to Europe, don't let these stories put you off. Petty crime happens everywhere so just be smart and you will be fine. I've yet to be a crime victim and have loved every trip I have ever taken to Europe.
Don
Saint Louis, MO USA 11/24/2010
Avoiding Taxi ripoffs
Taxi ripoffs of tourist is a huge problem in many cities around the world. I haven't had problems in Paris or London, but have in many other cities. It seems the further
East you travel, the worse it gets.
I have learned to arrange airport pickups and drop-offs thru my hotel before I leave home. While not perfect, this has worked very well for me. Hotels use trusted people who get a lot of business from them and want to maintain that relationship.
I get the name and cell of the driver who brings me to the hotel and call him as much as possible when cabbing during my stay. A relationship forms and I've not been taken advantage of as a result.
I'm going to Italy the summer of 2011 and I get the impression that my taxi strategy will really be tested.
Don
Saint Louis, MO USA 11/24/2010
Fresh off a pick pocketing incident in Barcelona
I am actually in Barcelona currently, just having arrived yesterday. My parents had warned me about pickpockets here from their trip last year, when their friend was pickpocketed. The funny and sad story they told me was that the thief actually handed back the wallet to the startled friend sans cash and ran away, since the police had apparently seen him in the act.
So before my trip, being intrigued I read up quite a bit on the scams used these days. That did get me a bit more paranoid than usual. I scolded myself for reading too many of these articles. I am an experienced traveler and I had to remind myself to to trust humankind and my instincts and experience. When discussing the same topic, some Spanish colleagues (not from Barcelona) also assured me that Barcelona is very safe. Just in case, before going out today I took some precautions by splitting up my money and keeping the essential cards and passport inside hidden pockets. It helps that it is cold and I had to wear a jacket with secure pockets inside.
So while I survived intact today, unfortunately I could not prevent the theft of a money purse from a young tourist girl in front of me in line for tickets at the Sangrada Familia.
The scam involved two boys and a girl asking for a petition to be signed to help Dumb and Deaf children. They approached the young woman in front of me and very passionately started asking her to sign the petition. As she did it, I spotted the two boy's eyes roving and observing the young woman's bag. They were standing very close to her and one was even stroking her shoulder and telling her how nice she was.They then starting asking her for a money donation. Surprisingly, she pulled out her wallet from her zippered purse on her side, with the boys eagerly helping her look for coins. I quickly stepped in at that point to prevent the inevitable from occurring and told her to keep the wallet away. She looked confused and I tried telling her that it was likely a scam. Unfortunately the young lady did not understand English and ignored me and continued picking through her wallet. At that point I was pushed back and obstructed by the third accomplice - the young girl with the same clipboard insisting on having me signing the petition as well. I raised my voice and backed away. From the corner of my eye I spotted one of the boys hiding the wallet under his clipboard. I have no idea how they managed to extract it from the young woman with so much ease. I reached out and grabbed one of wrists of the boy and with my other hand struggled to get past the girl with the clip board to get to the wallet. The boy deftly passed the purse on to the other boy. As I tred to get to the second boy who now held the prize, the first one managed to wriggle away from my grip. Unfortunately all three managed to get past the several tourists who just stood around dumbly staring at the spectacle. All three ran off so fast that there was no hope for me to compete - I'm not exactly a spritely young kid anymore even if I imagine myself to be one ;-). Once the tourist young woman realized what was happening, she did make a futile attempt to chase them, but they were long gone.
Unfortunately I could not talk to the tourist girl. I did spot her after, walking away crying after she had apparently tried to report the incident to the cop standing right at the corner. I wish I would've had a chance to talk to her and to express my regret for not doing better to prevent this theft It crazy to think about this now, but the whole thing actually lasted just a few seconds, but perhaps if I had held the boy's wrist tighter, or good involved sooner...
In any case it is my hope that posting this story here will be my redemption. Hopefully this story will help someone else from falling for the same scam.
I have one more day to go in Barcelona. Let's see what tomorrow brings...
SmartTraveler
Montreal, Quebec Canada 11/20/2010
Flat tire scam and rip off dealer in Valencia, Spain
This actually happened in June 2009. We arrived in Valencia on a Sunday night. While stopped at a signal light and looking in my rear view mirror I saw a car pull up very close to the right rear of my leased Peugeot. I noticed the driver reaching out to my car and thinking that he was trying to mark up my car (not thinking of the tire scam) I pulled forward. The driver realized I was on to him and pulled away. The light changed and I pulled away, then the cars warning system advised me that I was losing tire pressure. The neighborhood didn't look too safe at that time of time so I kept driving to our hotel, but before I got there I had to change that tire. I took all our luggage out of the trunk and locked them inside the car before changing the tire. The next day I took the car to the local Peugeot dealer who gladly charged me 400 Euro for a new tire. Talk about adding insult to injury!
John G.
Pacifica, CA USA 11/20/2010
So many scams in Paris
1) Don't let anyone help you use the ticket machines in the Metro. They use slight of hand so it looks like they are getting tickets out for you. The tickets are in their palm the whole time
2) Beware of groups of people approaching you. It takes two or more people to distract you and pickpocket you. Single people with clipboards want you to hold the clipboard and pen, the clipboard hides your view of your pockets and keeps your hands out of their way. I encountered a group of 5 women on the narrow steps up to the Sacre Coeur, where there is little space and it's easy to get close and pickpocket. A legitimate souvenir seller who was close by shouted hell at them, he must have been exasperated at the constant thieving he witnesses
3) The Sacre Coeur string men are agressive if you let them get you. There are about a dozen, I said "NO" about 5 times while moving on before he gave up. While my fiance was in the shop I watched them tie some string to a guy's (he was on his own). He was asked for 5 euros, when he disputed this scam another string man came up and put his hand on his shoulder suggesting he just pays, then another guy did the same on his other shoulder. This is deliberate intimidation.
I was in Paris for 3 days but I was getting so sick of them all I would have been happy beating the crap out of the lot of them. I intervened when a young Spanish couple were about to pay for the gold ring (she got her purse out), I can't repeat what the scum gypsy said to me. I felt unsafe after that because it looked like a family of them on the streets, including a tall male
Paris is a beautiful magical place I'd go again tomorrow, but I learnt a lot about the scams in my short stay. Someone said the police just stay away from the scan hotspots and I can confirm that the police had no presence on the Sacre Coeur courtyard at the bottom or the steps leading up. Nor were they on the banks of the river on the Eiffel Tower side
And don't gamble on that game they play on the cobbled streets before you get to the Sacre Coeur, it's impossible to win
Gareth
Paris, USA 11/16/2010
Taxis in Rome
Rome Taxis - we had the 20.00 for the 5.00 switch pulled on us once. He was very rude and nasty. The our hotel reserved a taxi to the airport the day before our pick up for 4 of us and we were told one price, but of course got there and he wanted more, then didn't have any change to give us back....my Italian is OK but not good enough to argue with a taxi driver. It's too bad because those few dishonest ones makes it bad for all taxi drivers. Makes you want to walk more or take public transportation.
Susan
Delaware, OH USA 11/15/2010
Pickpocket in Rome
After reading so much about pickpockets in Rome we were determined that it wouldn't happen to us. Even with precautions, let me tell you I was a victim on the Rome Metro at the Repubblica stop. As I reflect I believe we were targeted as we were trying to figure out how to correctly have our Roma Passes scanned. The subway was massively crowded and as we squeezed on our "friends" squeezed right on seperating my husband and me. I was so busy trying to stand upright and not fall down that I never saw/felt them get into an interior zipper of my over the shoulder purse- and I was holding it! Two subway stops later with our "friends" now gone, I glanced at my purse and saw the zipper was unzipped. Luckily, it was just about $30. that the thieves got. So, even with all our heightened awareness it happened to us. I'm still mad about it. They are real pros. Normally we wouldn't have tried to get on the subway when it was so crowded, but we needed to be at the Vatican at a certain time. The good news is that it could have been so much worse.
Joan
Cincinnati, Ohio USA 11/15/2010
Not a Scam
Coliseum Scam (Rome)
Rick has mentioned the facebook scam, which is sad. But in Rome we got robbed by the teenagers from the USA who sell very large group tours of the Coliseum, the guide was a blonde man who spoke horrible english, he looked like he should spend as much time studying as he does in the gym. The group was about 40 strong, we did pass the line but overall we felt this was a scam because the teens told us we needed to join a tour to pass the line, that's not true of course.
Megan Quick
USA 10/16/2010
This is not a scam. I Took the tour which was 20 euros instead of 12. For the extra 8 Euros, you bypass a very long line (over an hour the day i was there) and have a tour guide for the Colliseum and Palantine Hill. If you value your time more than money, its worth it. I also learned a lot of stuff I didnt know about the area, including the fact that Michaelangelos Moses is just a short walk from there and free to see!
JG
Boston, MA USA 11/15/2010
Overcharging your dinner! Venice
Just got back from a weekend in Venice with 7 other friends. We are experienced Americans who live in Europe. I want to share with travellers to make sure and check their dinner tabs while in Venice or elsewhere. We were overbilled 50 euro - the tab carefully altered with 14 euros charged instead of 12. An extra antipasto or drink. The waiter flirted wtih us and gave us a complimentary bottle of "limoncello." Thinking we were naive Americans who were intimidated, they tried to rip us off. PLEASE check your bills carefully at restaurants and pay attention to the menu prices. Do not let the waiters "suggest" things. They will sell you the most expensive items. This waiter tried to talk us into a 60 euro appetizer. Be bold and don't be intimidated!
Catherine
Stuttgart, Germany 11/08/2010
Paris Metro Ticket Scam
When my debit card wouldn't work in the Paris Metro ticket machine at the Chatelet/Les Halles Metro stop a very friendly well dressed frenchman stepped in quickly to help. I really didn't want any help but because the guy was so nice I was embarrassed to say no and walk away. In no time he had purchased for us a double carnet value ticket (24 euros). This carnet was just 2 single tickets but worth 10 rides each. He used his credit card, we gave him cash. Wow, what a nice dude! Until we tried to use the tickets a second time (now far away and hours later) and found out that we had been had. They were just single use tickets. Of course they were. They looked like single use tickets, they worked like single use tickets. How could we be so dumb? But really it's the perfect scam, and the guy was very smooth, with the right combo of persistence and helpfullness. So be careful with helpfull people I guess is the lesson. Especially when it comes to money. Otherwise we met nothing but friendly and courteous people in Paris.
Rick Runquist
Langhorne, PA USA 11/05/2010
Eurail pass France
Arriving at Paris CDG with an eurail pass, we couldn't obtain a train reservation, had to wait 3 hours with no results, then walked to the next train and asked the controler to seat us. We concluded that SNCF does not like rail passes and discourages their use by tourists.
C. Abry
Houston, TX USA 11/05/2010
Eurail pass
Our night train Madrid-Paris was canceled indefinetely due to the strike in France. We had to stop in Irun, spend the night, then take another train to Paris. Our cost is a cancelation fee, a night in hotel, the loss of one day of Eurail pass travel, together more than $200. If you pay in advance, you'd expect a refund or the contract to be fulfilled completely.
C. Abry
Houston, TX USA 11/05/2010
Gold ring scam
within minutes of hitting the Champs de Elysees we were targets for the gold ring scam. Having read about it in Rick's literature we were prepared and just walked on by - smiling. Because we were prepared, it was more like a street performance than a threat. That and the Eiffel tower said "we're in Paris."
Jeff
Denver, CO USA 11/04/2010
Hotels.com
Martha, you made a reservation with hotels.com therefore you should have canceled directly with hotels.com You didn't follow the rules and you suffered the consequences...which does NOT make hotels.com a rip-off.
Tim
USA 10/29/2010
Hotels.com rip off
I traveled in Italyin October and made one reservation through Hotels.com. I gave them my credit card information. The confirmation gave me a deadline, midnight two days before we were to arrive, as a cancellation deadline. When our travel plans changed in route, I canceled per their policy by contacting the hotel directly the afternoon before the midnight deadline. Because Hotels.com did not process the cancellation for two days, i was charged a one night penalty. I have contacted them repeatedly and they refuse to refund that penalty. In the future I will book directly with the hotel and never use hotels.com
Martha E
Seattle, wa USA 10/28/2010
Cash For Gold Price Per Gram
While in Barcelona, we stopped our car (a new Renault with French plates) to look at something, and a man on a scooter rode up and started asking for directions. While we were talking to him, his partner apparently slit our rear tire with a knife. Several blocks down the street when I pulled up on the sidewalk to change the flat tire, the same two men arrived, disguised with motorbike helmets, to give directions to a "tire shop" just around the corner. I had the trunk lid open to access the spare tire, thus limiting my view into the interior of the car. While the first man was trying to convince me to go with him to the tire shop, the other man was in the car and going through our stuff, including my wife's purse. A local woman on a balcony started screaming at the two thieves; I closed the trunk lid, started shouting and waving the tire wrench, and the two of them dropped the purse and ran off. We have used money belts for over thirty years of world travel, so there wasn't anything of value in the purse, just make-up, photos, small change, etc.
We were staying in an outlying area, so we went to a Renault dealer near the hotel and had the tire replaced (80 euros). When I returned the car to Renault Eurodrive in Paris, I mentioned to the agent that we had been to Barcelona, and he said, "Did you have your tires slit?".
Cash For Gold Price Per Gram
florida, florid USA 10/28/2010
Hertz Rip-Off
Hertz Rip-off I renteda car from Hertz in Prague, to drive to Poland,Czech Rep.,Austria,and Germany. On advice from Rick Steves video I got full coverage for insurance. While in Poland my car was broken into with the GPS being taken. I was told by the Hertz rep. in Poland don't worry you have full coverage. On 6-9-10 I paid $662.91 for the rental car, a GPS,and insurance for a 10 day rental. On 8-19-10 I was charged an additional $1,648.65 by Hertz on my credit card, with the explanation that the GPS is not covered by Theft Protection. I was given the breakdown in the Czech lanquage.
On writing Hertz a letter of my un-happiness, I received an e-mail that everything would be covered. Looking at my e-mail I noticed this was not my name, so I called Hertz and was informed you weren't supposed to get that it was ment for someone else. I was told my charge were accurate and they weren't going to adjust anything. So I was charged $2,311.56 for a 10 day rental. WHAT A RIP-OFF Tim
Tim Gallenstein
Golden, Colo. USA 10/25/2010
Rome Theft?
A bit of advice: don't carry 1,000 euros in your pocket! Why would you want to have that much cash on you in the first place? I never had any problems with the ATMs in Italy this past summer.
Andy Perry
Louisville, KY USA 10/24/2010
Employment scams
This is not really a tourist scam, but rather a scam targeting unemployed Americans. Certain people claim to represent companies in English speaking regions such as the UK. The unemployed American gets hired for a job that includes a nice apartment in London, Dublin or some other desirable city. A check is made out to a bank to establish an account ahead of time. You guessed it. The job does not exist (though the companies and apartments often do!) and the money is gone. The legitimate company never heard of the recruiter who contacted the mark.
Paul
Seattel, wa USA 10/24/2010
Rome
A friend of mine just got back from Rome. At the airport he was "bumped" and when his taxi arrived in the city he discovered he had lost over 1000 euros and all his credit cards. He said,"I lived in Rome for 3 years and this never happened to me." My response was that it only needs to happen once. Don't be paranoid, but don't get overconfident. WEAR A MONEY BELT.
Jim
Washington, DC USA 10/20/2010
Subway rip-off - Paris
We were a target in Paris at the subway. It was really our own fault but thought I would warn you not to make the same mistake. We could not quite understand what tickets to purchase on the subway and a nicely dressed gentleman offered to help us purchase our 3 adult tickets. We gave him the money and he purchased 3 child tickets instead. We thanked him and then we tried to use these not knowing they were children's tickets and of course they didn't work and he was gone. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Know how much everything should cost and the wording even if the language is a barrier so you don't have this embarrassment happen to you.
Melody
Bountiful, Utah USA 10/19/2010
ATM/Bancomat theft - Italy
We thought we did everything right--notified our bank when we would be in Italy and were careful not to let anyone get close enough to see the keypad when we used the Bancomat. We couldn't get money out regularly, getting a message that said "not authorized for international use". We emailed and then called the bank. They assured us that we were approved for withdrawals overseas. When we got home, $5,600 had been taken out by someone in Bulgaria in 48 different transactions over the 2 weeks. The state dept. website said that pinhole cameras are used to record the PIN # and that one should cover the keypad with a hand when entering the PIN #. The magnetic strip can be read by an illegal device and you can still get cash and your card back. Even if we check our bank acct online every day on our next trip, there is still the problem of what to do for money if they have to stop withdrawals to avoid theft. We think we'll just take all the cash we'll need in moneybelts. The good news, the bank reimbursed us within 24 hrs. of our written report.
Jane
Philadelphia, PA USA 10/19/2010
Cascade Fountain, Barcelona
There is a real scam at Parc de la Cintadella - Cascade Fountain, Barcelona, Spain. They try to swarm you to sign a petition and pick pocket you while you stop. Just plow through them and never pause.
D
Dublin, Dublin USA 10/18/2010
Coliseum Scam (Rome)
Rick has mentioned the facebook scam, which is sad. But in Rome we got robbed by the teenagers from the USA who sell very large group tours of the Coliseum, the guide was a blonde man who spoke horrible english, he looked like he should spend as much time studying as he does in the gym. The group was about 40 strong, we did pass the line but overall we felt this was a scam because the teens told us we needed to join a tour to pass the line, that's not true of course.
Megan Quick
USA 10/16/2010
Mugged in Naples
Just returned from a month in Italy. There are always minor scams in Italy, but I didn't realize I would be in real danger while in Naples. I leave most of my jewelry at home, but I did have on a gold necklace. Big mistake! My husband and I were on a day trip to Naples from Sorrento. We had just exited the metro at Cavour and started walking on a busy main street, Via Foria, at 11 a.m. towards the Archaeological Museum a block away. He came up from behind me, put his hands around my neck and broke the necklace off. The locals on the street just shook their heads and acted like this happens all the time. I had marks on my neck for over a week. We have safety bags, wear money belts, are aware of the current scams and thought we would be protected. My advice: Stay away from Naples, and don't wear any gold jewelry while traveling in Europe. Although scared, feel lucky I wasn't really hurt.
Roberta
Viera, Fl USA 10/16/2010
Athens
Athena, what is the shell scam in Athens, please?
Editor's Note: Please post questions on the Travelers Helpline (http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm) in the future.
Klaus
Maspalomas, Gran C Spain 10/14/2010
Crete and all of Greece
The worst scam you are likely to see anywhere in Greece is the shell scam in Athens. Just walk right past. I promise they will not chase after you. At least I never saw them chase anyone down. I have traveled in Greece, driven rental cars, used public transportation and know there is no reason to fear scams. A few pickpockets on the Athens Metro (wear a money belt), otherwise scams and Greece really are not a concern.
Athena
Iowa, USA 10/11/2010
Crete
I've been here in Crete (Chania, with a day at Knossos and Iraklion) for the past week, and I have seen absolutely nothing as far as travel scams and pratfalls here. The people on the island are overtly friendly and welcoming towards tourists. The biggest thing I would advise is keeping your head on a swivel and be aware of your surroundings. And DON'T advertise that you are American, either by clothing or by loud conversation. Use common sense and avoid sticking out, and you should be ok if you travel here.
Steve
Norman, OK USA 10/07/2010
Pickpocket on Nice Tram
Be careful on the tram in Nice! We had a great time in Nice, France last week, but we observed a man get on the tram without a ticket. He then proceeded to reach his hand into the open pocketbook of a lady on the tram (her attention was turned away as she asked directions from another person on the tram). Make sure your bags are zipped/closed whenever you are on public transportation!
Katie
Durham, NC USA 10/07/2010
50 Euro being passed off at 10 Euro
Took a taxi from the Termini station (left side, with the "taxi" sign) going to Campo De Fiori. A driver got out of his cab, hailed another cab, put our bags in, helped us get in the taxi, then got in himself after we did. So now, we had drivers A and B. It was daytime so we weren't worried. We gave 50 Euros to driver A who handed it to driver B who was now outside the cab. When we were getting our bags, driver B was showing me a 10 Euro bill which was similar in color. He tried passing it off as the 50 Euro bill 3 times but I stood my ground. Then he makes a big show of "making a mistake", gets the 50 euro from his friend and gives us the correct change. I read the warning of Rick Steves on the 20 and 5 Euro bills - same scam. So at Termini, make sure you get a taxi from the front of the station, where the buses are. Other than that, no problems encountered in Rome.
Ana Chua
Makati, Philippines 09/28/2010
English translations & gold rings, oh my!
Last spring in Paris, my husband and I were treated to several scam attempts. We were approached by a young woman who needed something translated from English. I'm not a paranoid type, but this reeked of scam, so we just walked away quickly. My presumption was confirmed when it happened a couple more times.
Being fluent in French, the 3rd time this happened I exasperatedly started to tell the girl that there are lots of people with gold rings who could probably help her. The moment I started to speak French she scurried away. And, ah, yes... the gold ring scam.
The first time this occurred, I took the ring from the woman, threw it on the ground and kicked it away. I almost threw it into the Seine, but thought better, not knowing how violent these desperados get. She was plenty pissed as it was and gave me a shove while cursing. I smilingly bid her good day.
Later when a guy approached us with a ring I asked, "Where do you people keep finding all these rings?" He laughed, shrugged and walked on, obviously in better humor than the previous ringbearer.
Marilynn
Willtis, CA USA 09/28/2010
Feeling safe in Germany
My husband and I just returned from a trip to Germany where we felt very safe. Nobody tried to rip us off or try to steal anything from us. Of course it helps to be aware of your surroundings and to stay away from crowds or suspicious looking individuals who beg for cash while trying to involve you in a conversation. Naturally keep your cash and credit card in a safe place where nobody can reach it. Also try to look confident as if you know where you are going, pretend you are one of the locals. This attitude may help you from being victimized.
Claudia Walker
Everett, WA USA 09/25/2010
Why no one reporting from Scandanavia
I find it very interesting nearly all the scams discussed take place in Italy, Spain, France. Several years ago, I spent a week in Sweden. Beautiful country, clean, beautiful people, wonderful food. Not for a moment did I feel threatened or vulnerable and I had a great time. Lots to see. No one has reported any scams in Scandanavia. Maybe more of us should visit.
David James
Tacoma, WA USA 09/25/2010
Taxi Drivers at Prague Train Station
Don't go to the taxis directly outside the main train station in Prague-they are thieves! I went to the TI office in the station and they ordered a taxi for me. The driver charged me one-third of what those thieves outside wanted.
Colette
Jupiter, FL USA 09/24/2010
Pickpockets
I bought the Rick Steve's hidden pocket which attaches to your belt. I put my wallet in it. I put the pocket into my pocket or sometimes inside my pants. Never once worried about it. I would not recommend pulling your wallet out in a busy place such as at a crowded ATM machine or on a bus. Women should be careful of their purses. I would not recommend a fanny pack as they are too in the open. Use common sense and you won't have any problems.
Terry
portland, or USA 09/21/2010
Pickpocketed in Venice
Venice 7th August 2010. My mother had her purse stolen from her bag while riding on a vaporetta filled with 'tourists'. Why do I think everyone was a tourist? Pretty much everyone on the boat had a camera round their neck. Pickpockets are dressing up to look like fellow tourists to blend into the crowd. Unfortunately she was carrying all her credit cards and around €90 in cash in her purse (unknown to me). She had no access to any more money for the next 2 weeks. So don't ever think it can't happen to you - it can!
M. More
Sydney, USA 09/20/2010
Roman Taxis
While in Rome this summer we took the taxi three times and the bus several times. Absolutely no problems with the taxi rides. The drivers were always helpful and moved us thru traffic as efficiently as possible in the Roman traffic! We wanted to go to the new MAXXI museum and the driver was unfamiliar with it. I had the address and he had his book of maps and we quickly found it. The bus, on the other hand, was hell! So crowded and hot. If I could have afforded it, I would have take the taxi everywhere.
Andy Perry
Louisville, KY USA 09/19/2010
A different Rome taxi scam
In Rome at Piazza Venezia we needed to catch a cab to the Vatican to meet our tour group at a restaurant. The first taxi driver covered the meter with his hat as he pulled up and when we asked for the meter, he insisted it was a fixed price to the Vatican. We simply asked to get out. (Which we did... he then yelled something angry-sounding in Italian after we were at the curb.) We found another cab in about five seconds and he took us there without incident. (The only fixed price is to/from the airports.) Our Rick Steves tour guide warned us about this exact scam ahead of time and we are glad he did. (He did not warn us about the other taxi scam of bill-switching, but we didn't run into that one.)
SirWired
Raleigh, NC USA 09/17/2010
Safe Travels in Central Europe
Just wanted to post a positive for anyone getting freaked out about scams in Eastern/Central Europe... I just returned from 15 days in Prague, Krakow & Budapest with not one hint of pickpocketing or scams the entire time, aside from one restaurant who tried to charge us a "cover charge" for the condiments on the table. I did have a money-pouch that I used for a few days, but got irritated with the bulk of it & it looked ridiculous, so my husband carried our passports/credit cards in the zippered pocket of his travel pants instead. Worked great. We only carried about $150 in local currency in our pockets/day packs anyway. We had an amazing time and would recommend to anyone going there to just be aware of your surroundings and take the advice of keeping your most valuable cards/money under your clothes.
Heidi
Riverside, CA USA 09/17/2010
scams
I've been all over Europe on at least 15 different trips and have never ONCE been scammed or pickpocketed or accosted or ANYTHING! This forum can scare you to death...don't let it.
Tim
USA 09/17/2010
"The Petition" Scam
Travelers, beware: I was forcibly pickpocketed while walking down the steps of the Cascada (the astounding arch fountain in the Parc de la Ciutadella) in Barcelona. My friend was walking ahead of me and we were approached by 4 or 5 girls with clipboards, asking us to sign their petitions. We politely refused but they were persistent and 3 of them surrounded me, blocked my path, and physically shook me by the shoulders. It wasn´t until I got to the bottom of the steps that I realized my skirt pocket zipper was open and my wallet was missing. Right then, I knew I had been literally ¨shaken down.¨ When I retraced my steps, I saw my wallet lying on the ground and the girls looking at me with a "Who, us?" expression. They got away with 10 or 15€ and my T10 metro card; luckily the money belt on my friend with the more valuable items was safe!
Xindi S.
Cambridge, MA USA 09/10/2010
Pay for a legit fado place in Lisbon
The neighborhood open-mic fado place in Lisbon with no cover charge listed in Rick Steve´s Portugal 2010 should be AVOIDED! There is a cover charge, even though a waiter told us there was a one drink minimum. We ordered a glass of ginjinha and flan and listened to a couple fado songs by the staff there. It looked like it was a slow night for the restaurant, some tourists left without ordering anything. When we asked for the check, the waiter/singer handed us a slip of paper with "20€" scribbled on it. We were shocked. He sternly explained that it cost us 10€ each to listen to the fado. I refused to be taken advantage of, and remained in the restaurant, debating how to act. I recalled Rick Steve´s advice to ask for the book of complaints if things turned awry. Turns out in Portuguese (I had a Rick Steve´s phrasebook) it´s "livro de queixar." We complained to the waiter, he assumed that we wanted to talk to the police. Later he came back and we demanded to see where the 20€ charge was printed on a sign or a menu. He tallied up the flan and ginjinha from a menu and wrote a new total, 7€. We hastily paid and booked it out of there. What a nuisance!
Fa-don´t
Boston, MA USA 09/10/2010
Pick-pockets Ramblas Barcelona
Just got back from a pleasant vacation in Barcelona, I was not pick-pocket nor robbed, thanks to Rick's Tourist Scam Alert page. I must say that Ramblas is like honey for pick-poket's , twice a saw pick-poket's crawl through people distracted with the street artists making them easy bate. At one time I stared at one that was looking out for police or trouble, he made a signal to his partner (that was scoping the crowd) that they had been spotted, mean while I had also alerted my friends and we were about 6 staring at them, they looked back at us with a face, that meant what's your problem mate. They then disappeared throw the crowd looking back. Ohh yeah, they looked like tourists, not the typical Spanish type. Use always a money belt and a lock on your back-pack and you're surely going to enjoy your vacation without problems.
Nelson
Funchal, PORTUGAL 09/02/2010
Fake police steal one thousand Euros
Dear Rick Steves, In Barcelona,on 15th August 2010 at 10 PM,near place Catalunya, passage Garcia, two fake policemen have stolen one thousand Euros. A young woman approached my brother and me with a smile, asking her way to Sagrada Familia. She had a city map in her hand. My brother wanted to help her. All of a sudden, two men in plain clothes appeared shouting that they were from the police. They said in English : Passport control, Passport control. My brother obeyed without objection. Then, the so-called policeman said : Cash control, cash control in his typical accent. My brother obeyed again. The policeman took out the notes in his hand and put back. It was then my turn. I had one thousand and seven hundreds and fifty Euros in my wallet. All in 100, 50 and 20 currency notes. The fake policeman took out all my money and like by magic tricks, put back a thin wad. I realized that he had stolen one thousand Euros only when I was back in my apartment. Please bring this information to the attention of your net surfers. Thank you.
VICTORIEN
PARIS, FRANCE 09/01/2010
Burned on Apartment Rental in Rome
I cannot recommend RomePower. Use a different company. My group paid a rental deposit on the Ovidius Apartment through RomePower.com for 5 days in Oct, 2010. We got a receipt for the deposit but did not receive the contract as is customary. We became very concerned when the Ovidius apartment continued to show available for these dates on the RomePower site. This continued for 7 weeks despite multiple e-mails, phone-calls, etc. Venere.com showed the apartment rented (but not to us) and RomePower.com, the last time I checked, still showed the Ovidius apartment available. We had fallen into a bait and switch. Marco and Valerie of RomePower told us the apartment was too far for us to walk, then told us the apartment would be painted during the time we had booked it, then told us that the area was not safe for women. They recommended an apartment near the Spanish Steps at almost twice the price (over 1700E for 5 days). When we declined, explained that bait and switch is a deceptive business practice and asked for our deposit of nearly $400 US to be returned, RomePower ceased to respond. Our deposit has not been returned despite all of our efforts. We were very fortunate to actually rent an apartment for the time period we needed (and got the contract with the receipt of deposit as is customary) but lost 7 weeks trying to work with RomePower. Learn from our mistake, take your business elsewhere. This advice could save you $400! Bri/Texas
Bri
Austin, TX USA 09/01/2010
Pickpocketed in Milan Central Station
I was pick-pocketed in Milan Central Station.. the main problem was that I was carrying lots of luggage and couldn't walk away, and I guess, too nice to tell the guy to get lost. I'm young, careful, dress down, travel all the time, and speak Italian.. so perhaps not the typical victim. I have to hand it to him, he was a pro - a handshake was all it took. 2 minutes later, I went to make a phone call and realised my phone was gone. I then ran outside and caught up with the theif and recovered my phone. I had to catch a bus and didn't have time to go looking for police etc. I just said to him, "yes it is my phone... you're quick ;)" He knew he'd been caught out and just walked off. Then, 5 minutes later, as the bus pulled out I saw him back in the same place talking to someone else.. they're fearless!
Andy
New Zealand 08/23/2010
Foiled Thieves in Barcelona
On the L3 line of the metro in Barcelona, a group of three or four people surrounded me as I entered a metro car. I realized I was being robbed when they wouldn't let me move. I turned and knocked my wallet out of the hand of a woman who had fished it from my bag. I yelled at the group loudly and grabbed my wallet from the ground, and they split. It seems to me that the doors stay open a bit longer in the Barcelona metro than in most metros...and the non-interventionism of the locals makes thievery more attractive. It happened SO fast...the entire incident was under 10 seconds. Barcelona is beautiful and the streets and metro are immaculate, but unfortunately, it's crawling with groups of thieves! Rather than carrying a switchblade around at all times at the ready, I think I'll opt for a money belt.
Susan
Seattle, WA USA 08/23/2010
Tourist Scams
This year we traveled to Paris in July. While walking with my husband around the Louvre area, a very young well dressed girl "supposedly" picked up a ring from the street asking us if it was ours which I told her it wasn't. Two days later another young lady did the same thing. Then I was talking to the staff at the hotel to be careful because they were using that to entertain you and grab your purse or ask for money if you wanted the ring but definitely is a scam.
Olga Lopez
Miami, FL USA 08/23/2010
pickpockets in Madrid
This is a pickpocket Modus Operandi in Spain. Two guys are involved. One would be walking ahead of you and the other one behind. At some point while you're walking, the guy ahead would pretend to either trip, stumble or stop suddenly so that now, you could bump into him. At that point, the guy behind you would slip his hand in your pocket to pick your wallet. Luckily, for me, my wallet was in the front pocket and was fairly deep and the guy couldn't pick my wallet. My wife who was walking behind and slightly to my left saw the whole thing and pushed the pickpocket, shouting "pickpocket!" The guys ran! I now have a moneybelt tucked inside my shirt. If safe, try not to walk closer to buildings and be aware of your surroundings. Also, wear something that covers all your pockets (long sweater, jacket, etc.)
Raul
San Francisco, CA USA 08/22/2010
pickpockets in Madrid
A similar thing happened to me in Madrid, I was walking through the Sunday market,a man in front of me slowed down apearing to look at items on a stall , as it was very busy I could not get past him, another man behind me then got very close, I realised as I glanced over my shoulder and saw he was carrying a coat over his arm despite it being over 30 degrees that he was moving in to pick my pocket. I swung my right leg forward and quckly backwards into his shin with as much force as i could, I turned quickly to swing for this lowlife but he spun around and disapeared limping into the crowds babbling some obscure jibberish
mhtaylor154
Yorkshire, England 08/22/2010
Budapest Mugging and assault
I was enjoying the view at 630PM on the chain bridge in budapest when two dark skinned men in very expensive clothes came up to me and asked me where a "fishing restaraurant was" One pickpocketed me and got 450 in travelers checks. He signaled to other and he started pushing and pulling on my belt. I screamed get off me. Hit him in mouth. Ran to police. spent 6 hours in police station with interpreter on last night in budapest. They said they usually throw you over the bridge into the icy waters. It was February 2002 when this happened. BEWARE OF VERY WELL DRESSED PEOPLE. THEY CAN BE PICKPOCKETS. I was very lucky i lived thru this mugging and assault. I remember it like it was yesterday.
Jim
Fort Lee, nj USA 08/22/2010
Rental car insurance scam
Be aware if you rent a car in Sicily: you will absolutely get charged up to the minimum that kicks in your insurance (usually $500) if you don't take the "overcharge" insurance from where you rent from. I had this problem with an Avis car I picked up at the Catania airport over Easter this year; traffic was so bad we arrived 15 minutes before our flight left and, rather than staying to check in the car, raced to the plane. We were then billed $475 for non-existent repairs (we knew the rear bumper wasn't damaged, and I've never heard of a place charging you for having a flat before!). I've been fighting with them for months on this with no luck; they've even mocked up a receipt for repairs to the non-existent damage, and my UK credit card doesn't have the consumer protection my US ones did. Be warned, some companies have no compunction about just giving themselves a little extra money on top of your rental fee. What's sad is that the rental agreement from Expedia said it included insurance, but we still wound up paying triple the price of the rental car for the non-existent damage to the vehicle.
Tonnvane Wiswell
London, n/a UK 08/18/2010
Theft
Beware thieves as agents in car rental facilities at Linate airport in Milan. We rented car from Eurocar. Went to parking lot and my wife had purse and portable GPS stolen while ";guard"; stood by possibly in on it. Leave nothing out of sight for even a moment.
Nick Wiltz
Lynnwood,, WA USA 08/18/2010
ice cream and car wrecks
My sister and her family (husband and 2 children) were in Rome last year, and they encountered a scam in a crowded gelato shop. They were examining the menu when the counter girl handed them four large gelatos that they had not ordered and were threatened with the police when they refused to pay. They paid.
My husband and I visited Zurich and Italy last summer and encountered no scams, but we were involved in a minor fender bender with our rented car in Greve. Even though we were the victims, we lost since the guy who hit us claimed to be the local head of police. We didn't really want to challenge him, so we backed off.
kathleen
TX USA 08/17/2010
scams in France
We spent 3 wonderful weeks in France during July 2010. While in Paris, we had the "found ring" scam attempted on us 4 times in the same day! We were so grateful we knew about this from Rick's travel books. My husband & I just turned our heads and walked along, ignoring the attempt to get us to interact with the scammer. Several "do you speak English" attempts also. The information we already had about these scams helped us feel more comfortable and prepared. Thanks, Rick!
Rebecca
Greenwood, IN USA 08/16/2010
Simple and
Here's a tip for a simple, virtually "free" security device! Take a handful of large safety pins with you. They are great for pinning money belts inside clothing, pinning pockets closed or pinning zippers to closed. I purchased a couple of large diaper safety pins (with plastic ends) and they work wonders! Plus, if prospective thieves see you are pinned up tight, imagine they will seek their prey elsewhere.
Veronica
Washington, USA 08/16/2010
Barcelona - pickpocket attempt
In Barcelona, we got off the Aerobus at about 1:00 AM and walked to our hotel on the Granvia. We were sprayed from behind with a liquid make-up, and then accosted by two folks who offered to help clean-up. We knew enough to keep walking as this was an attempt to rob us.
We told a local about this afterwards - he admitted that Barcelona has a bad pick-pocket problem. He said that the penalties for pick-pockets are very light provided the theives take less than 400 Euros.
Jim Morris
London, On Canada 08/15/2010
Bodrum,Turkey Restaurant scam
My mother and I were wondering around some side streets of Bordrum, Turkey looking for a good place to eat. We stopped to read the menue outside of a street cafe when a friendly old gent came up and started speaking in English. He told us how great the restaurant was..authintic Turkish dishes.. and even helped us order. We each ordered a main course that was 10 lira and then a drink. About half an hour later the waiter brought us each a huge platter of french fries surrounded by lettuce with some charred hotdogs on top. It was gross and really strange. We both nibbled at our platters..maybe each having a few greasy french fries but that was it! We had each ordered different dishes but got the same thing!
When the bill was presented we were over charged by 100 lira! We refused and the waiter brought out the chef..all very threatening..they said we had received huge amounts of food and must pay. We paid and ran as fast as we could but will never return to Turkey!
jinxy
dallas, tx USA 08/11/2010
Duplicate Credit Card Charges
Just spent 1-16JUL10 in Europe & just got my credit card bill. In Paris, I had problems with double charges for the same purchase. The first was McDonalds near the Arc de Triumphe where we stopped to eat luch with the kids. They had a self-service ordering kiosk where you could order in English & then pick-up at the counter. It worked fine until one of the workers came over to me & said "Did you get a receipt from the Kiosk?" I said no & she had me go to another kiosk & submit the same order again & waited until it spit out a receipt. My credit card bill had 3 charges for the exact same amount from the McDonalds on the same day. The other restaurant was called La Source near the Invalides. Besides the food being terrible (we asked for well-done steaks & got ones cooked for about one minute), the price different than what it was advertised in our hotel on a plastic "business card" (the waiter said that the restaurant was under new management), my credit card bill showed the placed charged me twice for the same meal. Luckily, my wife works in the finance industry and got the credit card company to take the 3 charges off our bill.
H. David Pendleton
Lenexa, KS USA 08/07/2010
Deaf mutes of Arles, France
This may or may not have been a scam, but I suspect it heavily. In Arles, France, we were "asked" by multiple deaf/ mute young people to sign a petition to get approval for a deaf/ mute international center in Arles. It seemed absurd to suggest, and the first guy was pushy, making me suspect a pickpocket, but I later wondered if he simply wanted to get my home address, name, and signature in order to then attempt to steal my credit card and use the information. It was odd and only in Arles. We encountered a woman later with the same sort of petition. Obviously it's safer simply to avoid any petitions or similar "appeals," and the usefulness of a US signature for a French center is rather doubtful, but I still wondered. Does anyone know more about that?
Brian
Dayton, NJ USA 08/04/2010
scams in italy
Vacation in Europe, wonderful, fun and nightmare. I had been to Europe before,in 2005 and 2008. Paris twice, saw the scam on the golden ring on the Seine border, a woman approached my and wanted to sell the ring she had just found,it didn't work, I didn't fall for it. This year, JULY 2010, while traveling in Italy, my husband was robbed and we were scammed by a very well dressed man who was lost and asked for directions and as a compliment to the direction, handed us 2 jackets with Versace logo on the bag,and then demanded 100 euros to fill up his gas tank. This happened in the Saint Marie Majore in Rome, yes were target because we were taking pictures. We didn't give him 100, but my husband gave him 37 euros. So as you know, when we arrived at the hotel, which was 3 minutes from the square, the jackets were not Versace, but at least they were well made and fitted us. When at the train station in Naples going to Pompei, 4-5 guys blocked our entrance to a side section of the train, we insisted on getting into that section, where there were seats, after the pushing,right before the train left the station, the guys left the train. We realized my husband's wallet was missing 40 minutes later when we arrived in Pompei. So they had used all the credit cards, they had withdrawn money from the checking card, and had all the euros and dollars my husband was carrying, including the passport. Luckily I was wearing my money belt under my pants and my money and my cards were safe. Lesson to learn: NEVER CARRY LOTS OF CASH, if so put it in a pocket under the pants and make sure you have very fitting waist pants, so no one can put their hands underneath. The vacation continued, because all the hotels and transport were already paid for, but we limit our spending to almost zero spending. Why nobody tries to stop these thieves?
silvia
oakland, CA USA 08/03/2010
Barcelona pickpockets
Beware of anyone dropping anything near you! During our recent trip to Spain, three different teams of pickpockets tried to victimize my husband in one day, all on the Barcelona subway. The first was laughably bad - he literally tossed his keys on the floor in front of our feet, then had his hands all over my husband's leg while attempting to retrieve them, while his partner held the door open to make their escape. Only later did we notice that a lot of the local men seem to keep their money in their socks. In the other 2 scenarios, groups of 3 or 4 young men surrounded him and made a lot of commotion to distract him.
What made them target someone 6' 6" tall, I can't begin to imagine, but they had no way to know that he's a retired cop. He didn't do an serious damage to any of them, but they didn't get anything for their trouble!
Cherry
Clinton, MD USA 08/03/2010
Rip-off public phones in Italy
Rick has wisely advised travellers to buy cell phones to use in Europe or buy phone cards. I thought I'd be fine with using my office cell sporadically (I'd bought a limited plan before leaving) and my phone company card. On the Amalfi Coast our apartment did not have a phone so we were drawn to the Servisi Telefonia public phones in the main pedestrian alley in Positano. The labels said to dial a 1-800 for an English speaking operator and that the phones would accept phone cards and credit cards. However my friends and I found out that neither Italy-purchased phone cards or my Canadian Telus phone card seemed to work. Out of desperation we punched in our credit card numbers and that worked fine...until I got my credit card bill when I got home. Each call generated two bills...one worth $8 CDN and then the actual call which averaged about $40. The calls were quite short...only a few minutes. I questioned the charges and asked VISA to investigate. They did, and sent me forms to complete for further investigation but in order to qualify the call had to have been made without my knowledge, been overcharged (hard to prove since no tariffs were posted)or a duplicate charge. I would have been better off to use my cell phone and pay the $1.25/minute. So avoid, avoid the public phones in Italy promising you English speaking operators and encouraging you to dial the handy 1-800 numbers. My phone card worked fine when I went to a tiny hill town and used the little booth in a bar. But next time I'll just buy a cell phone or use the plan for my existing one.
Patty Pitts
Victoria, BC Canada 08/03/2010
Romaround Tours in Rome
Although not a complete scam, we did find Romaround Tours to be less than honest when offering tours of the Colosseum in Rome. They misrepresented the cost to get into the Colosseum without the tour. They made it sound more expensive than it was. They also compared the price you would pay them to a combo price available for entrance to the Colosseum, and Palatial Hill and Forum. Be careful and check on line before you go for the actual fees.
Deb
Nottingham, NH USA 08/02/2010
Attempted purse snatching in Barcelona
We'd read all about the pickpockets in Barcelona. I had on my moneybelt, but we still weren't prepared for a purse snatching scheme during our second night in Barcelona. We were eating dinner at a nice outdoor cafe. During the course of the dinner two well-dressed women diners were seated at the table beside ours. Somehow, within the next few minutes, one them reached down and took my wife's purse, which was on the ground, sort of under the table, near her feet (last time we made that mistake!). We think the snatching occurred while we turned to admire a little dog that walked by our table.(I still think the dog and its owner were part of plot!). Anyway, somehow my wife noticed the purse was missing, and when she got up, she noticed the would-be diner hurrying away with it. My wife ran after and ripped it back from her (very impressive!), so it was "all's well that ends well. If that thief had gone another 10 yards, though, she would have blended into the crowd, we never would have seen the purse again. As we were getting the purse back, we discovered that a well-dressed man who had been lingering by the cafe's menu board during our dinner had been serving as a look-out or coordnator for the whole operation. All of this was a bit more elaborate than what we'd been expecting, so stay alert!
Ken
Gainesville, FL USA 08/01/2010
Be prepared but not paranoid
Spent 3+ weeks in London, Paris, and Italy with my family (2 kids, 10 and 14) and had absolutely NO problems. Maybe we were on guard where we needed to be (Rome and Paris transportation systems) and avoided others (Naples and Circumvesuviana) altogether. But we had no issues. Be prepared but dont be paranoid!
(The only very small thing was the case of the taxi drivers in Rome who had to discuss amongst themselves if they would take us to our hotel but my wife smelled a rat and we just walked to another taxi stand.)
Ed
Vancouver, WA USA 07/29/2010
Keeping an eye on your wallet
Please wake up people. "Keeping an eye" on your wallet in any visible pocket has nothing to do with "being aware" or whether the pickpocket gets at it without you noticing.
Most pickpockets are NOTHING like Oliver Twist. They push/shove HARD and they don't care if you know their hand was in the pocket. There will be a commotion involved and the wallet will be grabbed while you're falling to the ground, or crowded between strangers, or struggling to get to your feet, or searching for your family.
The best defence is to break tradition and don't behave with money how you would at home. Use a money belt. Get a good one with several compartments, split your cash between them, and carry only the cash you need for that day. Don't arrive at any destination with all the cash you need for the holiday. Dress like a local, no stupid hawaiian shirt, cargo shorts, straw hat, camera and sandals in winter! And as others said, look as if you know exactly where you're going. If anyone approaches, apologise but say you're much too late for work.
And in Europe, beware the Romany. Yes, the gypsies. It might not be politically correct to single them out, but they're all over Europe and their culture considers theft to be smart business sense - there's no shame to it, so why should they care if they con you out of you money?
Elisa
Helsinki, Finland 07/29/2010
Theft at Rome Train Station
While running to catch the Leonardo commuter train to the airport from Roma Centrale train station, two women cheerfully stepped aside to allow me to hoist my wife's and my carry on bags onto the car. While I was securing them, the younger of the two grabbed for my wife's purse, which was fortunately strapped over her neck. My wife screamed bloody murder, and I quickly returned to assist. Their plan failed due to my wife's determination not to lose her prescription sunglasses. The Leonardo is quite a distance from normal boarding platforms. So, it is an easy target for the 'gypsies' who prey on senior American travellers. Watch out.
Bruce
Chatsworth, CA USA 07/25/2010
Paris Taxis --
Technically this is not a scam, but something to be aware of. When requesting a cab in Paris, the driver turns on the meter as soon as he/she starts to go to your location. In my case, the meter had 10 Euros when the cab arrived at the hotel. I hate surprises!! I should have checked Rick's book more carefully.
Ed
Richmond, VA USA 07/23/2010
ID demand in Barcelona
Last week in Barcelona, a scam I read about happened. A young man asked us for directions to the train station. Then an older man appeared, demanded the young man's ID, and then our ID. I recognized the scam, blew him off with a few nasty words, and grabbed my husband's arm and marched off. They ran off.
Judy H
Baltimore, MD USA 07/21/2010
Pickpocket in Munich
The best defense is a strong offence.
A couple of days ago a pickpocket in Munich's Marienplatz tried to pull the "I'm a drunk guy with a bottle of beer" scam with a 70-year-old traveling companion of mine. (The next step is that the pickpocket stumbles against his mark, spills the beer on him, then is all over the mark, supposedly patting off the beer but really looking for where the wallet is.)
My friend stepped back about ten feet to get clear of the rest of us and told the pickpocket to come on over, with the clear implication that the pickpocket would have a very unpleasant experience with this old but very strong guy.)
The pickpocket thought about it a moment and then wisely decided to try elsewhere. Since I was getting reading to kick him from behind if he went after my friend this was a doubly wise choice.
Fred
East Lansing, MI USA 07/19/2010
Lady thieves
Beware of this scenario in a Roman train station: All ticket machines but one are inoperable. A young lady stands beside the working machine, pointing out to each person who steps up to the machine, how to use it, whether the person wants help or not. When your ticket is purchased, and your change drops, the young lady deftly grabs it. When you realize what has happened and ask her to return your change, she says, "Go to a bank."
Also beware of a woman with a baby in one arm, a map or newspaper in her other hand, and older children at her side. She will use the map or paper to cover the little hand reaching for your bag.
Carrie
San Diego, CA USA 07/19/2010
Paris-Friendship Bracelets
Some people have asked about how agressive the "friendship bracelet" people are near Sacre Couer in Montmartre are. From my experience, they haven't been. Many tourists willingly place out their arms to be tied up - as silly as that might appear to a RS traveler!
Of my multiple times there while studying abroad in the Paris, I had only one encounter. I was walking alone in mid-morning when hardly anyone else was around. One of the many 'vendors' approached me and attempted to put his arm around my shoulder. I immediatedly screamed "LAISSE-MOI MAINTENANT", leave me alone now!. The guy called me some choice words in French but backed off at the commotion.
Remember when in doubt make a scene and catch them off guard.
Andy
Chicago, IL USA 07/14/2010
Two Paris scams
Encountered two different scams in Paris in 2004. The first was a man on Champs Elysie, trying to get tourists to buy a Loius Vuitton bag from the store. He claimed they were only selling one per person and that he would buy it from us, I am sure for a money gift. Yeah, right - we ignored him. The second, often in high traffic areas, were boom-box stereos playing dance music, accompanied by dancing cardboard Mickey-esque and Minnie-esque characters, with string arms/legs and magnet? hands/feet. Supposedly they 'magicly' dance to the music. I later saw on t.v. that the characters are somehow attached to the stereo, which has a motor designed to move them. I did see tourists buying them.
Jenny
Alameda, CA USA 07/13/2010
Getting Scamed in Rome
We were recently in Rome and were going into San Pietro in Vincoli (St. Peter in Chains) to see Michelangelo's statue of Moses, a man dressed in a suit was at the door with a printed sign saying they were collecting 1 Euro as a donation. We later saw the police in the church they had run off the man, he was an over dressed beggar. There was no charge to go into the church.
Karen
Mesa, AZ USA 07/09/2010
Experience and tip
I was walking along the way above the Seine in Paris when an old Gypsy woman came at me holding a gold wedding band. Right away I remembered reading about that scam from my Rick Steves guidebook, so I knew the score. It was a hoot seeing the astonished look on her face when this "typical American" called BS on her and cursed her out in perfect un-accented French!
Paul
N. Miami, FL USA 07/08/2010
Wallets etc.
I tried one of those cloth money belt pouches that go inside my pants but I found it very uncomfortable with my stiff passport inside, plus embarrassing trying to fish it out and stuff it back in public.
So I found these travel socks that have a zippered pocket, big enough to fit my Passport, license, ATM card and a backup VISA. I carry my main VISA and a few euros in a small nylon tri-fold wallet in my front pants pocket. I went to WalMart and got a cheap fake-gold link necklace which is about 2 ft long open. With safety pins I attached one end to the inside of the wallet and the other end to the bottom of my pocket. A determined thief could yank it free of course, but most likely the average pickpocket would be so surprised to find the wallet was tethered that he would just let go and run.
Paul
N. Miami, FL USA 07/08/2010
Mon papa! Mon papa!
Several years ago, my wife and I were in Paris. While she was napping off her jetlag, I decided to go for a walk. Just after passing the Louvre, two Gypsy girls came rushing at me with the oldest one yelling, "Mon Papa, Mon Papa, Mon Papa!" Having read about this type of theft attempt in Paris, I started yelling at them in complete gibberish. I think it startled them for a minute and they backed up. Then they came at me again yelling the same thing. I went into my crazy man who has been on a plane a little too long routine and they left to find a tourist who was a little more predictable. This year, upon our arrival in front of the Gare du Nord in Paris we had the pathetic woman ask us if we spoke English. We both just shook our heads as if we didn't understand and got into a waiting cab.
Bill
Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA 07/07/2010
Scams on Tourists
Here is a tip: Avoid looking like a tourist! Try to blend in a bit. Simple as that. No fanny packs, baseball caps, cargo pants, bermuda shorts, USA themed university sweatshirts, Keen shoes, Teva sandals, North Face/REI type Parkas (In Europe they wear long coats), and for gods sake dont have a water bottle hanging off your belt. Stay off your cell phone in busy areas so you can be alert.
Use messenger bags instead of backpacks, like the Europeans.
I have been to Europe 3 times and have never been targeted for scams or pickpocketed.
Women: Always wear a fancy scarf.
Tami
Boulder, CO USA 07/04/2010
RE:Pickpockets-train from Naples
Let's see...wallet in back pocket, evidentally passport too since you were "lucky" they didn't get it. Moneybelt in suitcase - next time why don't you just hand the thieves your wallet & passport all wrapped up neatly in your moneybelt and that way perhaps the thieves will allow you to get to your precious seat quicker.
Good grief people.
Jack
USA 07/02/2010
pickpockets in Rome
Not really a con, just a reminder. I was in Rome with my husband and teenage daughter. We got on a VERY crowded Metro car and immediately got separated. I knew there were two men on either side of me who definitely made me uncomfortable but I was confident that I had my bag in front of me and zipped. But when I moved a little, they moved ... and again. Anyway, I made it off the train, reunited with my family, and checked to be sure the little bit of money I had in my bag was still there (I left our passports, most of my money, and all of my credit cards in the hotel safe). It was ... but my camera was missing. I still can't imagine how they did it but they did. My bad. My suggestion is to hold your bag literally in front of you with your hand around it ... and don't get on crazy crowded subway cars!
Carrie Klein
Oakland, CA USA 07/02/2010
Pickpockets-train from Naples
Confirming that pickpockets are alive & well as you board the train to Sorrento from Naples (June 2010). We got on a train car that had a 2nd opening to the seats - 2 middleaged Italian men were blocking the doorway & shouting at someone apparently seated in that section. We had our suitcases and wanted to get past them to a seat - we tried to squeeze past - they suddenly got off as the train was about to leave.
And as soon as we sat down, my husband checked the pocket of his shorts... wallet was gone. Train pulled out and we were stuck for an hour while they apparently tried to use his Visa card within about 5 minutes. Luckily they didn't have the P.I.N. so it didn't work. Afterwards, we re-read of this "classic" set-up in Rick's book. We were lucky they didn't take his passport. Moneybelt was tucked safely in suitcase.
Sally
Vancouver Canada, 07/01/2010
Tourist Scam
Rome Pick pocket scam: I had read all about the pickpockets in Rome and thought I was prepared. I was wrong! My family (myself, husband, and 2 teenage boys) just returned from Europe last week. We were about to board the subway in Rome when literally out of nowhere I was surrounded by 3 women wearing "babies" in frontpack carriers. My son and I were blocked from entering the train. As I struggled to get my son on the train, the door closing buzzer sounded, a man jumped off, yelled ok, the women jumped off and we jumped on. The doors closed, I looked down and say my purse was open and thankfully only my coinpurse was taken! The whole thing took less than 20 seconds and I never felt a thing. Luckily, we all stayed together and all my valuables were tucked safely in my moneybelt! I knew to look for mothers with babies, but I didn't expect to be surrounded by them, nor did I expect them to try to split up a family!
Anne
Racine, WI USA 06/30/2010
Italy and Scams
My partner and I just returned from a two week trip to Italy: Venice, Florence, Rome, Pastum/Sorrento. I reserved all rooms via the internet, using Rick's recommendations, with my credit card and paid in cash when we checked out. We usually received a discount by paying cash. We used the taxis in Rome with absolutely no problems or scams, used the trains from city to city, had tickets for the Ufizzi, Accademia, Vatican Museum and the Borghese Gallery all purchased ahead of time.
We had NO problems with pickpockets, scam artists or overcharges on our bills. We did have problems with rude waiters in Rome, only Rome! For some reason, in my 4 trips to Europe (London, Paris, Reims, Italy) I have never had problems with scams.
Andy Perry
Louisville, KY USA 06/29/2010
A possible counter to the quick-change artists
Just a suggestion: To avoid the cab driver or anyone else from switching bills on you, try counting out each bill and coin as you give it to him. If it's possible, learn "Here is(then count out the money)" in that language. If these people still try cheating you, tell them to call the police and have them settle it. I suspect that mentioning the police will shut them up.
GC
Midwest, USA 06/28/2010
Rome Taxi
Not sure where my post went, but to the person making it sound like I chose to be a victim, I did not. I checked the fare online afterwards. We planned on taking the bus, but it was shut down after midnight. I used an official white "SPQR" taxi. I wanted to share my experience in the hopes it would help someone else avoid a similar situation.
Jill
Phoenix, AZ USA 06/28/2010
Rome taxi scam - me too
We were a victim of the same Rome Termini taxi scam that was described on 6/26. I handed the driver a 20 euro note and two 5 notes. He apparently quickly switched one and claimed I had only given him 3 5-ers. I got bullied into paying an extra 20.
Lesson learned is to very deliberately hand them one note at a time and get their confirmation of what you're handing them.
Mark G.
Keller, TX USA 06/27/2010
Friendship Bracelet Scam: Spanish Steps
Saw the "friendship bracelet" scam today on the second level of the Spanish Steps in Rome. Couldn't believe how many tourists fell for it. It was amazing how many people let these strange men put strings on their fingers. Within 30 seconds the man made a bracelet, and tied it to the wrist of the tourist. Sure enough, they were shaken down for some Euros. I was videotaping the "transactions" and one of the men showed me his disapproval with a universal hand gesture, then started to come after me!
Chris
Chicago, IL USA 06/27/2010
Termini ticket machines
When using the automatic train ticket machines at Termini, there are characters who look over your shoulder and if they see you are using the English menu they will try to help you out and try to con a few euros out of you after you get the tickets. I just waved him away and told him I knew what I was doing even though it was the first time I used the machine. It really was user friendly and you don't need help from these con men pretending to help you.
Juan Cabanero
Seneca, SC USA 06/26/2010
Its a choice, choose not to be a victim
To Jill and others....
Often it is your choice if you want to get ripped off or not.
If you KNOW the cost of the taxi should be 16 Euros. Give the driver exact change of 16 Euros and get out of the taxi.
If you KNOW you handed someone 40 Euros for a 35 Euro fare and and they claim you gave them 25 you might not get the 5 Euros back. But no way should you ever give them 10 more Euros.
If you calculated that the resturant bill ought be 24 Euros and the bill comes to 60. Leave 25 Euros on the table and leave.
If they want to call the cops on you for theft tell them you would be more than willing to discuss with the local tourist police their scams and cons.
But try to AVOID the confrontation. With a resturant it is best to leave the money and then get out before the waiter realizes what you did to avoid the confontation. But don't fear the confrontation either.
Of course with a cab it is dependant on you having your luggage with you and not in the trunk. (Another reason to pack light.) It also requires you have exact change or close to it.
Ed
albany, ny USA 06/26/2010
London museum scams!
My husband and I traveled to
London with my parents and were sold discounted tickets to the National
Gallery. We each paid the discount rate of 10 pounds to the man who approached us. He gave us official tickets and a broshure. When we handed the tickets over at the museum the front desk people laughed and told us the museum is free!
emily
Houston, Texas USA 06/25/2010
scams
We had the experience of the golden ring scam and the rail depot english letter scam in Paris and rather enjoyed being targeted (we were forewarned via this website). We simply yelled out the scam and the folks quickly left us (wife and I).
Dorsey Resler
Centennial, CO USA 06/24/2010
ATMs
When using an ATM, be sure to first inspect it for a false card entry point and also be sure to cover the keypad when you enter your PIN. Some crooks have been able to insert a false device into the card entry point which then keeps your card and if you've entered your PIN in view of a person nearby or even from a car with a person using binoculars, you may find your account cleaned out.
Stu
Hoboken, NJ USA 06/20/2010
Be especially wary in Prague
Prague is beautiful and a wonderful place to visit, but everyone is out for a buck. Not unlike Vegas in that people will rip you off so quickly it will make your head spin. Have exact change in crowns (koruna) ready. If you can't add/subtract quickly, carry a small calculator and don't be shy about using it before your bill comes. Do not trust pretty young waitresses to give you the correct change. Watch your wallet, and look for pickpockets in crowds... as RS mentions, dressing to look like a tourist is a common costume for pickpockets. Men who look to be "traveling" solo and packs of teenage boys seem to be more common among them.
Chelsea
Portland, ME USA 06/20/2010
Italian train workers
If you are taking the train out of Rome, Please remember--train workers wear Green jackets. Other people in jackets will try to help you and then expect a BIG tip or will walk away with your suitcases.
Anna
TX USA 06/20/2010
train workers
By the way, I just read about pregnant girl in Rome train station. I think this is the same girl we encountered last July! The woman working with her, was wearing a green jacket but we realized that it did not have any train emblems and was the wrong shade of green. Just be alert, this adventure turned out fine for us.
Anna
TX USA 06/20/2010
Scams in Paris and Using Credit Cards in Europe
As for the "bracelet" scam in Paris, near Sacre Coeur, they were very "assertive," reaching out and grabbing your arm, then tying a bracelet around your wrist at lightning speed. Saw this happy to a couple of tourists. We, however, simply walked around with our hands tucked in our jackets (it was cool and drizzling) and had no problems what-so-ever. As an aside, no one ever guesses we are American tourists, probably because we dress very plain and walk with purpose (having planned our trip ahead of time and not constantly rechecking maps).
As for compromise of a credit card, even though we completely pre-paid for our hotel before the trip, our hotel in Italy required a credit card (we used our Mastercard) for check-in (many hotels do). Within 2 weeks, the card had been cloned and thousands of dollars in purchases made on it. What is amazing is that we used the card in Italy (no charges were made to it by the hotel), but the false charges were made in person (not via the internet) in Mumbai, India within days!! My credit card company found the problem and notified me before any charges even showed up. They canceled my card and immediately issued me another one. And this was the second time this same company had to do this for me after travel. They were great!
I always inform my credit card companies when I am traveling out of the US and tell them the speicifc countries to which I am traveling. I also use cash for every purchase I can (I plan ahead and get money in country at an ATM or appropriate exchange as I need additional cash). Works well for us!
Louise
Florid USA 06/19/2010
Cash Only ...
Husband and I have a credit card designated ONLY for travel. We asked the company to set a low credit limit. We use this particular card only for reservations where a card is required. Makes us feel safe and limits any liability to a minimal amount. We do prefer to use cash for pretty much everything when we travel. It works for us ...
Jacquie
St. Petersburg, FL USA 06/18/2010
Cash Only for Hotels - I think not!
If it's true credit card then you have nothing to fear from the maxing out of your account. If, on the other hand, you use one of those prepaid cards or a debit card, well then, learn.
And the last comment you made about cash only is not possible. You want a hotel to reserve a room for you without a credit card? You want them to just take your word that you'll pay in cash when you show up? Sorry, that's not the way it works.
Steve
USA 06/17/2010
Just how aggressive are they?
I've been to the UK several times with no problems and thought that my next trip should include Paris, but after reading this board, I'm having second thoughts. Just how aggressive are the "string" or "bracelet" guys? Would they actually tie one on your wrist without permission and then demand money?
Sean's post below is even more unnerving! I hope the reason why those men were continously following him is revealed. I'd like to know why, so I can be prepared.
One thing that seems true is that in most, if not all, these cases these people take off if the police are mentioned. So, would it be enough to give them just a sharp, "Laissez-moi! Ou je vais telephoner la police!" (Leave me alone! Or I'll call the police!)?
GC
Midwest, USA 06/17/2010
use of credit cards in Rome
My wife and I travelled to Rome in Sept. 2009, and booked a hotel (mentioned in Rick Steves' ROME 2009) through a booking agency. A credit card was used only for this hotel for this trip. In June 2010, seven unauthorized charges were made to this account, including four international flights and some smaller amounts to "test" the system. These thieves have my home phone number, my address, and other information, and have used it to max. out my account. My advice is to use CASH ONLY for all transactions.
J W Brown
Austin, TX USA 06/16/2010
ATM Scam
From Russia with love... Used the ATM at the Rosbank in the Gum Department store in Moscow. Came home to find bank account cleaned out.
Mark
Salinas, CA USA 06/15/2010
Approached by a string of men in Paris
In March 2010 I was in Paris with my son, we stayed in the Latin Quarter and on our 3rd or 4th day I wanted to go to the Louvre and ended up going by myself. After walking around the Louvre for hours I walked through the Garden of Tuileries, grabbed a cup of coffee "to go" and tried to sit down in the outdoor cafe, but was shooed off because it costs more to sit outside...at any rate I walked further and sat on a bench where I was approached by a very persistent "French" guy who claimed he didn't speak English but insisted on coming with me. The guy would not take no for an answer in spite of the fact that I spoke very little French and he claimed he spoke no English. At any rate after about 30 minutes or so of turning him down for his persistent invitations to come with me...because no means no in every language...however I got up to walk further, he followed me and I ended up veering off suddenly and calling someone on my international cell phone...he realized I was no longer beside him and looked back - finally I think he got the hint...at any rate, I decided not to go anywhere without my son again so I walked back to my hotel in the Latin Quarter...a man came from behind me and out of the blue asked me if "we can talk, if it's not a problem.." I simply said loudly, "it's a problem!" and he kept moving...then I was approached by a man who was taking pictures at Notre Dame and he asked me if I would take a picture of him with his camera, which I had been asked to do multiple times at the Louvre and didn't really see a problem with it..so I did and he started telling me about himself and asked if he could come with me...and I was thinking, "oh here we go again" I said "NO" and "goodbye" and as I was walking away from him ANOTHER guy approached me and I immediately said "NO!" and he replied "Vous etes de Paris?" and I said "NO!" and he left me alone...keeping in mind all four of these encounters occurred within about 30 minutes while I was walking from the Garden of Tuileries to the Latin Quarter. ANY feedback on this would be appreciated because I was very concerned and will NEVER walk alone in Paris again.
Shaun
Chicago, IL USA 06/13/2010
Money Changing Scam in Old City Square of Prague
I changed money in the old republic square by a place called "Change" located at Staromestke nam. 17. These people are the biggest scam artists. Despite the posted rate of 22 KC for 1 USD, they gave me 14.74. I threatened to call the police but decided against it as I was in a hurry. I did tell them I would post it on the web. So here it is. NEVER trust the street vendors to change money. Take it from me - Jack - on June 13, 2010.
Jack
Brooklyn, NY USA 06/13/2010
Lugage scam
in Rome and Venice we encountered a new scam they grab men acting as rail employees grab your suitvcasea and insist on helping your,actually arguing with us,finally we gave in and thye then demanded 10 euro's a bag,I refused to pay,but my travel mate gave in.Same thing happened in Venice and they were even more persistant,we had to threaten them to get our bags back.
Terry
Richmond, Calif, USA 06/13/2010
Italy luggag troubles
On boarding the Rome train a young girl very pregnant grabbed our bag from inside the train and insisted on helping us put them up and got us loaded in to the right car suposedly,I tried to warn my traveling companions to not allow it and watch for the pick pockets as soon as she heard me say that she turned and ran the other way but still on the train.She had actually located us in the wrong seats and car!
terry
Richmond, ca. USA 06/13/2010
It never stops in Paris
Just back from Paris... Got approched twice within 10 minutes of arrival in Gare du Nord by pushy guy selling carnets near broken machines; saw the Poor Ugly Woman's Note Written In English being handed to hapless tourists several times; and on the d'Orsay footbridge, spotted the shiny ring which, if I'd thought quickly, I could have dove for and beaten Yet Another Poor Ugly Woman to it! Then I could have badgered *her* for a finder's fee. But she got to it first, so I used colorful language and vibrant gestures to indicate that she might skedaddle, lest I chuck that ring, if not her as well, into the Seine.
I want to love Paris, I really do, and there's so much greatness there -- finally saw renovated Orangerie, for example, which is fantastic -- but all that scamming is disgusting. We have many poor people in the USA, yet one can vacation in our great cities and parks and seasides for a lifetime without being offensively harassed.
Kevin
Princeton, NJ USA 06/12/2010
Current Big Scam
Having spent most of May traveling around Europe,the current big scam is the "found wedding ring".I encountered it 3 times in three weeks but never encountered any other scams.While walking in a residential area east of the city center in Vienna a young man walking the other direction suddenly stopped and tapped me on the shoulder.He pointed to a "gold" wedding band laying on the sidewalk and said we could claim to have found it together. He then offered to sell me his "share" of it for 10 Euros.I had walked over that patch of sidewalk a few seconds earlier and happened to be looking down at the sidewalk.There was no ring there a few seconds earlier and I quickly realized it was a scam.I told him to get lost.In Paris I was walking along the north bank of the Seine across from the Louvre when an older woman tried the same thing on me. I immediately suggested we go to the police with it.Needless to say she quickly strode off.The next day in almost the same spot I saw a young woman trying to pull it on a young American couple.I stepped in and told her to scram and warned the couple what was going on.
Randy
Minneapolis, Mn. USA 06/06/2010
Scam Found Ring
My husband got the found ring scam about seven times while in Paris. Glad we knew about from this website first. thanks
Wendy Darling
Cincinnati, OH USA 06/01/2010
Found ring
Paris, 31 May. Had the found ring pulled twice - at the Louvre where we just ignored him and whilst sitting on a bench by The Seine. Ignored the first and laughed at the second and said "Scam!". It worked, he wandered off with a big grin but none of my cash.
Alan
Exmouth, Devon UK 05/31/2010
stolen bags
I parked our rental car in Sintra, Portugal,cleaned out the inside of the car.Luggage was in the trunk (we were on our way up the coast).The car was broken into,carry-ons stolen. I knew better than to do that, but hoped things would be O.K.! DUH! It ruined what could have been a lovely trip. Just be be careful-these thieves are professionals. We were an easy target with our rental car & stupidity. They most likely watched us from the moment we drove into town.
If renting a car here-I do recommend insurance. Hertz was very thorough looking the car over upon return. Before our departure from Portugal, we did drive up to Obidos & stayed in the Casa de S. Thiago do castelo (Rick recommends). We arrived around 10 pm. The owner took care of us & comforted us as if we were family, asked us if we needed food,etc.,etc. Lovely man & adorable guesthouse. I hope to go back!
Leigh Davey
Evergreen, CO USA 05/29/2010
Pickpockets in Paris
While my boyfriend and I were trying to find our way to the Louvre on our first day after arriving in Paris, we went the wrong way along the Seine and got into a more isolated area. However we quickly realized we were going the wrong direction and turned around. About 100 yards away I saw a sketchy looking man walking our way. When we passed him all of the sudden a large gold looking ring was on the ground, and he yelled to us asking if it was our ring. However, we had been warned the previous night just after we arrived in Paris by some other tourists there of a ring scam, where a man drops a large ring and points to it and asks if its' yours. Then while you bend over and look at the ring he takes your wallet from the back pocket. Well we knew that the ring was not ours because we made certain not to wear jewelry, and because just a minute ago we had walked past that very spot and there was no ring, and no one had walked by since. So we just walked quickly from that guy and gave him a look to show him that we knew what he was up to. So people travelling to Paris beware of this ring trick!
Katie
USA 05/29/2010
Rip-off --really not
Actually in Italy there is an additional charge if you purchase food/drink in a cafe to take outside to sit...Herb was not ripped off, he just didn't realize this custom. If you want to save money, eat/drink your purchase inside the cafe.
USA 05/26/2010
Restaurant rip-off (service charge)
In Sienna we stayed at the Albergo Bernini which is a lovely hotel. But up the block is a cafe called La Delmonica. Don't go in there and buy a an esspresso, cappucino, panini sandwich and take it outsdide and sit down. They charge you 3 times the amount of the cost of food. A real rip-off.
Herb Geminder
Dallas, Texas USA 05/23/2010
Scammed in Egypt - Really???
If the transactions were PIN-based, how can you prove that you did not use it? Your PIN is supposed to be known only by you - that's why it's called a Personal Indentification Number. I doubt any Attorney General is going to waste time on something like this.
Steve
Richmond, VA USA 05/21/2010
Scammed in Egypt
I did a bit of quick research. Apparently Meta Bank has had many such "problems" and is already being investigated. The more people let the AG know the more likely it is that the truth will come out. People steal PIN numbers all the time. But this bank appears to take advantage of that fact. Do what you want, but I think my pro bono advice was good.
Jim
Washington, DC USA 05/21/2010
Scammed in Egypt
Brian, thanks for posting. You might have saved others some trouble. Contact the Better Business Bureau and report all companies involved. Then file in small claims court. They may just pay up to avoid coming to court. If they don't show there can be a summary judgment against them. Also contact your state Attorney General's office and report this as a possible scam. The companies may have violated the law and they will really dislike getting a letter from the AG. It may lead to an investigation and charges against them. Also you can report them to the US DOJ's office as the scam was international in scope. None of this will cost you much money, but it will cost them more then if they had just paid you what they owed. Even if you don't get the money you will have the satisfaction of having caused them as much grief as they caused you. Enjoy!
Jim
Washington, DC USA 05/20/2010
RE Scammed in Egypt and back home
NOBODY...uses traveler's checks anymore. That is why you were unable to obtain them in the first place. My method has been to load my money belt with foreign cash before I leave the States. I haven't had a problem in seven vacations over the past three years. And who the heck is Meta??? I steer clear of businesses that I have NEVER heard of! Face it, your money is gone.
Thomas Elliot
USA 05/19/2010
Scammed in Egypt and back home
DO NOT GET A AAA VISA TRAVELMONEY CARD. I was scammed and ultimately I was not protected from fraud by AAA or Meta, the card issuer:
My girlfriend and I visited Egypt in late March, into April, 2010. Prior to departure, I visited my local AAA office in Springfield, PA and was looking to secure Travelers Checks. I went with the intention of securing American Express travelers checks, something I have been doing for many years. However, AAA stated that they no longer carried them and that merchants abroad no longer accept them. However, my use of travelers checks is isolated to cashing them at an Amex office only for cash. So ultimately, this AAA Travel Card was strongly encouraged as their newest product to safely access cash abroad with theft prevention safeguards. They sold me on the fact that if it was stolen or compromised, they would send a new one overnight, and touted its protections against theft, etc…
We bought it and loaded it with $1,400. I used all the necessary precautions that one needs to exercise when withdrawing money from an ATM, covering my typing hand when typing in my PIN number, etc. I was told at the Marriott to only use ATM machines that have a flashing green anti-tampering card insert port, in which I followed through on.
After a few days in Cairo, we then we took an inter-country flight down to Luxor, Egypt. We then boarded a Nile cruise boat and this when things got sketchy. As we were traveling down the Nile River, we stopped for the night in the town of Kom Ombo. It was here where we experienced the first anomaly. We attempted to withdraw money from an ATM directly across the street from the cruise boats were docked and it did not work. I assumed the machine was out of money, but I tried it twice nonetheless. It was the only ATM near all the tourist areas and as a result, we were out of money at this point and had to borrow from some nice British family we met on the boat. However, having lived and travelled abroad, I have a keen awareness of my surroundings and after using the cash strapped ATM in Kom Ombo, I did notice a kid who was lingering near us, and upon our walking away from the machine, he ran off and was yelling something to someone. At the time, I thought of it as quite weird, and started wondering if we somehow just scammed, but ultimately, I think it had nothing to do with our problem.
We were out of money for the next day until the boat arrived at Aswan. It was here in Aswan that I asked our tour guide to take us to an ATM machine. He took us to the Barclay’s bank. I looked up the address online and the address is: “Beside Hadiket El Shagara- in front of the Radio & Television building, El Sadat St., Bandar, Aswan”.
When we arrived at this branch, there was a security guard sitting at a desk as well as a man with whom the security guard was chatting with. The non-security guard man, greeted me. I attempted to withdraw 2,000 Egyptian pounds, however, this request did not go through. I was bewildered by this because I knew we had enough money, but figured it was some kind of restriction on how much you could withdraw in one transaction. I attempted again to withdraw and this time, I attempted a lesser amount of 1,000 Egyptian pounds. This time, the withdraw spit out cash. So I left. Furthermore, I recall with absolute certainty that this machine had a green, security card port in it (otherwise, I would not have used the machine).
That was the last withdraw we were able to make and thankfully we were capable of repaying our debt to our gracious British fellow travellers. From there on out it was credit cards and it was a MAJOR hassle for the rest of the trip not having cash. I attempted to use the card numerous times at the Aswan Airport and back in Cairo, but the machines were saying there was insufficient funds or something to that effect. Furthermore, the phone number we were given at the AAA Springfield branch to call if there were any issues within Egpyt were incorrect. Most phone numbers within Egypt only require a certain amount of digits and this had too many digits. I implored the help of hotel staff as well and they didn’t recognize the phone number exchange given. I was not able to call until I returned to the states.
Upon arrival, I went directly to AAA Springfield branch. I spoke to the very accommodating and helpful retail office manager, Amanda. After listening to my problems, she printed out the transactions on the card and attempts on the card. It was then that I noticed that supposedly the first transaction I entered at the Barclays bank in Aswan, actually went through in system, even though no money came out. Additionally, it was recorded that someone went to a “El Hakeem Mall” and withdrew money after that. We never went to a “El Hakeem Mall” or heard of it for that matter.
She gave me the necessary documentation to report fraud on the account and I submitted it. Then on May 5, 2010, I received a response from META that claimed that “according to their terms” since it was a PIN based transaction, there is nothing that they can do. I made every precaution to protect myself from my PIN being compromised. I covered my hand when entering the digits and somehow, my card was still compromised. As touted (when I visited AAA Springfield prior to the trip) as a hedge in the event of fraud abroad, how am I being protected from fraud?
After looking at these dates and transactions, there is one thing that caught my attention. With the transaction history, the transaction dates do not fit the itinerary and where we were at the time. For example, I know I made a successful withdraw in Aswan at the Barclay’s ATM on Thursday, April 1, 2010, but the transaction date says March 31, 2010. I am 100% positive that it was the date because it even says so on the ATM receipt. However, the transaction dates on the printout provided by AAA, states that it was on 3/31/2010. I do not understand how this is possible.
Additionally, there were attempts made on the account at this mall location that were unsuccessful. I even have documentation from Egypt Air and Marriott that details that we were not even IN ASWAN when attempts were being made to withdraw more off the card. Facts that Meta refuses to take into account.
Ultimately, a total of $567.60 was stolen from us and we were told by the AAA office in Springfield that we would have protection from this fraud. We have been denied this claim.
I have already been inconvenienced abroad by not having cash available as well as spent significant time putting together this whole mess on paper. I was informed that this card was a better alternative to travelers checks, with which I have never had a problem using. So far, our dispute has been marginalized by META.
The last correspondence they mailed to me stated again that "the transaction in dispute was PIN based....we are unable to dispute PIN based transaction per association rules." Furthermore, "per your letter, the transaction you accepted was $181.79 on 3/31/10 at 10:40AM and the transaction in dispute was for $363.57 was on 3/31/10 at 10:39AM. Since the transaction that was accepted was one minute prior to the disputed transaction, we are not able to assist."
I completely understand how it does not make sense that I attempted to take 2,000 Egyptian Pounds out of the machine at 10:39AM and nothing came out and then at 10:40AM I was successful in pulling out 1,000 Egyptian Pounds. I don't know how it happened, but it happened.
I gave Meta one last chance to resolve this issue at their office at 5501 South Broadband Lane, Sioux Falls, South Dakota (866-782-0890) on May 18, 2010 and spoke to Employee ID #10991, Laurie who is a supervisor. After explaining to her this weird situation, she said, sorry, we cannot do anything for you. She stated that she indeed was the person who was receiving my written correspondence and that she and her supervisor reviewed my case but she again reiterated the company policy, "In the terms of our agreement, it states clearly that 'PIN based transactions are not covered by fraud'". She listened to my grievance, but ultimately, was unwilling to resolve this.
I entered AAA looking to get Travelers Checks. They said that they were no longer available, not explaining that you can still get them at an American Express office. They steered me into getting one of these Visa Travel Money Cards because of the fraud protections and ultimately, I was defrauded and now they are not behind me. I remember explaining to the girl at the back desk who was selling the cards, that I have always been leery of ATM cards because of fraud (I do not own one myself because A. it will lead to impulsive money withdraws and B. possible fraud that could clear out your bank account) but she assured me that it was protected from fraud.
Finally, upon my first visit to AAA Springfield PA office, I told them that they should contact the Barclays Office in Aswan Egypt and ask them about this and maybe even pull the video tape on the ATM machine. But, of course, this simple measure was most likely not heeded and now the tape is probably non existant two months later.
STICK WITH Amex TRAVELERS CHECKS and do not use the AAA Visa TravelMoney Card struck by Meta. Also, I cannot be the only one that has had this happen to them.
Please contact me if this has happened to you and also if you have been defrauded from Barclay's ATM machine in Aswan Egypt.
Brian Hemphill
Media, PA USA 05/18/2010
One week in Rome -no trouble
Just returned from a week in Rome and Siena. Not a bit of trouble. Not even the routine scams that we see in our visits to Paris.
My advice is that I can not say enough for wearing Travelsmith pants with the small security zippered pocket. I keep a credit card and cash on a money clip and keep it in the security pocket. I can easily feel it when I think about it. No wallet. My identification and ATM card are in the money belt. No fears at all going through crowds, being on busses or going through train stations. Have worn these pants for years when traveling overseas and have never had any issues.
Shawn
Chandler, AZ USA 05/17/2010
Scams in Paris
The wife and I recently spent a wonderful week in Paris and experienced most of the scams described by others. At the Arc de Triomphe the young girls asking if you speak English. At Montmartre the guys trying to tie string on your fingers. At Notre Dame the "crippled" beggars though we did see several truly suffering handicaps. At the Eiffel Tower a mix of all plus the hawkers. On our last day, while walking the streets in a relatively quiet area, we finally encountered the "found ring" scam.
We simply ignored them all by not stopping and saying Non rather forcefully. Sunglasses helped a lot also by preventing eye contact.
Ed & Sue
Berwick, LA USA 05/16/2010
Debacle in Paris
This is why you always use a moneybelt. I was traveling alone (I'm a 57-year-old experienced woman traveler) and I arrived at midday at the Gare du Nord in Paris. I was exhausted from travel that day and was fumbling with my purse at the metro ticket-buying machines. One minute I had my wallet, the next minute it was gone. I lost all credit cards and most of my money. Fortunately I still had my passport. However, imagine this situation: I was alone, knew *nobody* in Paris at that particular moment, had no credit or ATM cards and only about $20 cash. In addition, I had no hotel reservation but was planning to stay with a Parisian family (whom I did not know). Their address was in my stolen wallet! Thank *god* I could speak French. I went to an info kiosk in the train station and explained my predicament and they suggested I go to the post office to try to get the address of my hosts. The post office was closing in 5 minutes. I managed to get to the post office and again explained my predicament and asked if I could please have the address of my hosts (again, thank *god* I knew how they spelled their last name, because I no longer had any written information on them). I was told the post office could only give me their phone number. Well, this would do. I called the family on the phone, again explained my predicament and received directions to their home. Within 15 minutes I was at their doorstep and help had arrived! By the was, every French government employee I spoke with was kind, sympathetic and helpful. I left Paris feeling very different about French people after that. But what a frightening way to gain such insight! And yes, I was wearing a money belt, but for some reason that day I had put all my credit cards and most of my money in my wallet. Never, ever again!
Gwen Hummel
Los Angeles, CA USA 05/15/2010
Budapest Ladies Scam
This has been posted before, but i just want to stress that if you are a SINGLE MAN in BUDAPEST, you will be targeted by 2 girls on the main pedestrian strip, usually one pretty talkative blond and one quiet brunette. Could be in 20s to early 30s. They will ask you to go to a bar with them, and you will have to pay a MASSIVE bill. Once you´re inside the bar you´re screwed and you have to pay or, it is suggested, perhaps face physical force. I had 2 sets of girls approach me. I fell for it the first time and it cost me almost 300 Euro. Each glass of wine was like 50 Euro. There was NO MENU on the table so i didn´t know, and they don´t take credit card. These are the warning signs!
Andrew
Sydney, NSW AUS 05/15/2010
The Newspaper Drop
I think this one only works in a certain situation but it's worth mentioning anyways. I was in the La Spezia train station waiting for the local train to Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre (Italy). It was around 5pm and there were not many people on the platform. I was sitting alone listening to music when a train pulled in heading for Milan. About a minute before the doors closed a woman dropped a newspaper just as she was boarding the train. She looked at the newspaper and at me and back at the newspaper with a panicked face. I was feeling nice that day, so I got up and handed the paper to her just as the doors closed. I felt good having helped someone out, but I couldn't seem to shake the look on her face as I handed her the newspaper; she seemed annoyed and frustrated. I didn't realize until later that night she must have been upset because when I went to help her I took my daybag with me instead of leaving it on the bench for her partner to lift. Moral of this story: never lose physical contact with your daybag.
Laura
New York, NY USA 05/15/2010
Gypsy pickpockets
I am a martial arts instructor in jiu-jitsu - and had some "fun" putting a wrist lock on a gypsy in Rome. He had the misfortune of placing his hand in my daughter's purse as I was walking some distance behind her. My daughter begged me not to crack his spine, so I "politely" asked him if he wanted to live another day. He looked petrified, obviously not processing the fact that someone would stand up to him during his "mildly painful" wrist lock. A simple "warning shot" to his throat further reinforced a lesson in not engaging with defenseless women.
Marco
Hamilton, Canada 05/12/2010
Tourist Scam in Nice,France
We visited Nice in May 2010 and were returning back from Gare SNCF Nice Ville(Main Train Station) to our hotel. We took the tram from the Gare Theirs(nearby tram station) and noticed some two 'grubby' looking guys following us at a distance.
After alighting from the tram we decided to stop at a bank branch to withdraw money.Unfortunately(or fortunately) the ATM did not accept our card. Very soon one of the guys came in and started shouting at us. I have heard about the scam and shouted "police" and "thief".
The bank staff came to our help. He was telling them we had picked his pocket! Of course, the bank security sent him in his way. We however waited a little longer. Then, his colleague came, but had to beat a hasty retreat.
Advice- Avoid areas near station. Trams are very crowded in Nice. Use buses they are cheap, frequent and not crowded.If taking taxis to/from Nice airport tell the driverbeforehand u need a receipt with his taxi number, (the 4 digit number written on roof next to word "Taxi"), they won't overcharge.
vs
London, UK 05/07/2010
Zippered Pockets
That is a little out of context. He was referring to a hand in a front, zipper breast pocket. I would agree that it would be hard. However, that same attitude often applies to a front, unsecured jean pocket and that can be easy pickings. One of my front breast pockets is both zippered and covered with a button flap. I am sure no one can get to that without my being aware.
Frank P
CENTENNIAL, CO USA 04/30/2010
It'll never happen to me
"I think it would be hard for someone to slip their hand in there without me noticing."
...famous last words of most pickpocket victims!
John
USA 04/29/2010
Europe apt scams
Be very careful when trying to rent an apt. I've had horrible luck with craigslist Rome and there seem to be more scams than actual apts.
Red flags: Do not send money in advance to be mailed keys, papers, etc.
If the person renting the apt doesn't live in town.
Bad spelling/ grammar... Especially if they are from the UK.
Price too good for the neighborhood- it is! Use your gut!!
Here are some names/ emails of scammers I've run into:
Howard Walter- howardwal255@gmail.com
Edwin Bekeens -edwin.beks@gmail.com
lisa marie- lisamarie771@gmail.com
Elizabeth Maria winter-elizabethmariawinter29@yahoo.com
Jill
Phoenix, AZ USA 04/29/2010
Paul, regarding those guns
Paul, in Europe, the bad guys have guns, too. Since they've taken them out of the hands of legal owners, they're the ones that are still carrying them around. England had a dramatic increase in crime after legal owners handed theirs in, and you can bet they have them in Italy, Greece, France...and so on.
Susan
Atlanta, GA USA 04/28/2010
Street smart tips
I'm visiting this page because I'm going to Europe soon, on my own, and want to get familiar with the latest scams. I grew up in a large city in the US and street awareness kind of comes as a 6th sense. Last year I went to Peru twice on my own and stayed safe. (The diffence between S. America and Europe is that in S.A. the bad guys DO have guns. The large cities can be very dangerous there). Here's a few precautions I take.
When I'm walking in a square or any area with a lot of people every so often I quickly turn my head around or twirl around to see if anybody is uncomfortably close behind me. Maybe if they see you looking they'll look elsewhere. I'm an avid photographer and anytime I want to stop for a picture I check out my surroundings first and make sure nobody is standing too close for comfort before I get focused on looking through the viewfinder. If I'm near a wall I'll back up against it if possible. Keep your camera in your bag when you're not using it and keep the strap over one shoulder and under the other arm, not around your neck. And always keep a hand on it. There is a company called Pac-Safe I've seen mentioned on this site a couple times that sells some really good daypacks and straps. The strap I bought for my camera has thin steel cords sown into it and cannot be slashed with a knife. Their daypacks have the same construction in the straps plus a steel mesh running through the fabric which foils any attempt at slashing your pack, and you can lock down the zippers so they can't be opened without you knowing about it.
As for wallets and moneybelts, I read a post here about a tour group where all the men got their wallets lifted. Why were they even carrying wallets? Did they have their credit cards and valuable papers in there too? Take out the money you are going to need for a day and put it in your pocket. Keep everything else in a money belt or better yet a couple different stashes. I keep my day money in a zippered breast pocket. I think it would be hard for someone to slip their hand in there without me noticing.
As far as making or not making eye contact with shady characters, it's ok to make eye contact, sometimes it's effective, just have a mean look on that lets the other know you are not in the mood for a scam and weren't born yesterday. And please, don't give large sums of money, your hotel name and room number to people you just met on the street. That entry really surprised me.
Paul Ferris
Boulder, CO USA 04/27/2010
London
While walking in London, several blocks form Trafalgar Square on a Sunday morning peering into shop windows,
I noticed a fellow walking directly behind me. I decided that OK this guy is on my ass and made a abrupt
change in direction towards the street. The fellow then ducked into a narrow alley and another fellow was
was standing at the entrance of the alley and as I walked by him he avoided looking at me. From this
I gained a new appreciation for the advice - Don't walk too close to buildings.
Robert Evans
New York, NY USA 04/24/2010
Turkish men with wayward hands
I just returned from Turkey with my mother, father and cousin. My mom and dad are in their late 60s and I am in my late 40s. My cousin is 55. All of us were the victim of wayward hands while in the grand bazzare and public transportation. I was accosted by an older rug salesman who acted like all was a misunderstanding as he cornered me in his shop. As I escaped his hugs and kisses he accused me of being a racist!
My father was propositioned by our male tour guide who offered my dad a free oil massage. When dad declined the guide was rude and surly.
My cousin and mom had problems in the hamman with overly friendly bath attendants.
My dad suggested we all carry forks and poke probing hands on crowded buses and trains. This works very well indeed.
pam
pearland, tx USA 04/22/2010
Hotel Scam
The Park Hotel in London, in 64 Belgravia has a scam where they charge you upfront and once you sign your credit card, they grab your luggage and without an explanation and consent from you, take you to another hotel that is even worse than the Park, AVOID IT at all costs.
Edmundo
Guadalajara, Mexico 04/17/2010
Your bank may rob you too
Not all scams are by individuals. Beware your bank, especially Bank of America!
My friend and I prepared for our trip to Paris by confirming with our bank, Bank of America, that any ATM withdrawals from their French partner, BNP Paribas, would incur a 1% currency conversion charge and no additional fees. When we returned home we found we had been charged an additional $5 for every transaction, for a total of $50. The improper charges were reversed only after we each complained (we had to make separate calls), and we were told that the bank's policy is to keep the money unless the accountholder makes a personal complaint! Who knows how much money the B of A is making off of travelers who are trusting their bank and then getting socked with these 'mistaken' fees?
Larry Nelson
Salem, OR USA 04/15/2010
Go Prepared
I am a teahcer and I have just returned from a trip, with students, to Europe. We visited some "hot spots" for scams, such as Paris. My students never had any problems. This was due to the fact that they were always aware and were prepared. Given the fact that these students were even allowed to spend some time away from adult supervision, I was impressed. If high school students areable to be safe and not get scammed in Eupope, I believe that anyone, with a little bit a planning should be able to mangage in Europe. Thanks to sites such as this, all travellers, including high school students, are able to prepare for and have a safe and enjoyable European experience.
Kevin
AB Canada 04/11/2010
Budapest (Ladies Scam)
Men, If going to Budapest, beware of "Ladies scam". Scam targets mainly one or two men. Happens mainly on/near Vaci Utca (main tourist strip) in evening or night. Scam usually involves two lovely ladies, acting innocent. Was aware of other scams, but only glanced at the Embassy website.
Two 30-yr old ladies approached me in evening asking for directions. Of course, I had map and offered to help. One was cute, talkative and spoke good English, other so-so. After brief conversation they introduced themselves, where they were from and asked about me. They then explained how they were heading for a particular place for drink and food and asked me to go. I like finding out more about locals, their culture, enjoy chatting so I agreed to go for drink and food. Conversation and food was good, drinks...so so. 2 hrs later, 4 drinks later (we all had 4 drinks each), and some food, it was time to go. Bill came and waitress handed it to me (I didn't ask for it) and it came to 98,000 HUF (about $500)! I complained about the outrageous price, but waitress was forceful in it. I explained to ladies, I can't afford this, so we all opened our wallets and came up with 12,000 HUF total. But, 86,000 HUF remained. They wouldn't take credit card, but said their ATM machine would. Waitress showed me to the ATM machine outside along with one of the ladies. After insisting I didn't have that much money in the machine, I became worried that they would call cops. The waitress was forceful in looking over my shoulders. After yelling, "Back off", she did and I withdrew 40,000 HUF ($200), gave it to her and said that's all I had. Must've been enough for here, because she didn't argue too much more. I then walked away.
Later that night, two ladies sitting on park bench asked me what I was doing and if I wanted to go for a drink. I knew this was bigger than I thought. I didn’t' fall for it the second time, but I learned my lesson. These places are hidden in corner, don't have stickers showing their credentials on their door and sometimes perform menu swaps when you aren't looking. When they don't take credit card, beware!
Before you go anywhere, check the Dept of State travel website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
For Budapest, Embassy has black list and more info:
http://hungary.usembassy.gov/tourist_advisory.html
Marc
MA USA 04/11/2010
Ripped off (Kind of) in Prague
1.We're not exactly babes in the woods, having made 10 previous European trips and Rick warned about Prague ripoffs, but sometimes, even being vigilant won't help. At a small restaurant in mid-afternoon, we found that the price on the menu for a certain entree was 50% more than posted on the chalkboard outside. We should have left then, but it was still pretty cheap, so we ordered. When the check came, we noticed that we had been charged 50Kc (about $2.50) for the bread we hadn't ordered, and to top it off, When we were expecting 80Kc in change, we only received 20Kc, meaning we were shortchanged 60Kc (about $3). We called the waitress's attention to it and she informed us that it was "standard" to take the tip out of the change, which, or course, was BS. Sure, I could have called a cop, but for $5.50?
A side note: later that evening we ran into a British couple we had met the day before and they told us the same thing had happened to them about an hour later at the same restaurant.
2. We made a day trip tour out of town with a tour service recommended by our hotel. Their brochure advertised "pick up at your hotel". But when we returned to Wencislaus (sp?) square, we were informed that the price didn't include returning us to our hotel. In this case, no money was involved and we didn't realize how close our hotel was and we enjoyed the brief walk back, seeing some things we wouldn't have otherwise seen, Really, they had done us a favor,but it kind of rubbed us the wrong way and we would have felt much different if we had had to pay for a taxi back to our hotel
These minor events didn't spoil an otherwise great trip to a beautiful city, but I have to advise to be careful in Prague.
Donn Ard
Lufkin, TX USA 04/06/2010
Loud Argument Scam
The loud argument scam is akin to the strip tease scam I posted about 2 years ago.
It happenen in Pisa, where a "street vendor" loudly accused a young woman of shoplifting. Their exchange was heated and prolong, so many people gawked. The young woman started to take off her clothes to prove her innocence. While the crowd jostled and pushed to get a better view of her stripping down to her bra, cohorts went through the crowd and picked pockets. In one case, all of the men from a tour group had their wallets stolen. Recently, the scammers refined this act to have two women being accused. With two women stripping, the thieves have twice as much time to pick pockets.
The scene you had described was most likely a ruse to distract people so the large man with the plastic bag could pick the pockets of those who had just withdrawn money from the ATM.
York
Piedmont, CA USA 04/05/2010
Signing
Besides the high pressure for a "donation," I am always wary of signing my name (and also providing my address, which is frequently asked for) on any document handed to me on the street. Whether I'm in my home town or in another country. Who knows what use might be made of that information?
Suz
Denver, CO USA 04/01/2010
Sign a Petition Against Drugs - Italy
I just returned from Italy and was hit up at many rest stops on the A1 and other places to sign a petition against drugs. They were very indignant and insulting when I said No. I never did figure out what the scam was but am sure there was one lurking.
Patricia
Cleveland, OH USA 04/01/2010
scams
Jake, I saw the same thing. After you sign they immediately hit you up for a "donation." They act very disappointed and pressure you if you refuse. This is not the sign of a legitimate operation. If you want to donate to a cause do it at home or put a euro on the poor box in a church. Never sign anything on the street or give money to anyone on the street for any reason whatsoever. Just make up your mind before you go that you will say "no" and walk on regardless of who is asking, or why, or the circumstances. Don't let scammers destroy your vacation and don't feel guilty.
Jim
Washington, DC USA 03/31/2010
Drug Petition in Florence
I'm not really sure what this was about, but when I was in Florence with my students, a woman approached me in the Piazza della Republica with a clipboard. She asked me if I was a teacher and would I sign a petition 'against drugs'. I said 'No' and kept walking. They had a whole table and banner and looked very official, but it set off my 'scamdar'.
Ciao!
Jake Allen
Eureka Springs , AR USA 03/30/2010
Beware of loud arguments on the street
This happened in Sydney, Australia, on a lovely Sunday in May, 2007, at the very busy Darling Harbour area. I was with some friends from our tour group, two of whom wanted to use an ATM located in a covered "plaza" area that had some shops, etc., on either side. It opened on one end to a major street and on the other to the Harbour dock area, and as I said the whole area was thronged with people out for a fun day. There was a line of maybe ten people waiting to use the ATM, which was at the end nearest the street/sidewalk.
We became aware of a middle-aged woman having a very loud argument, on the sidewalk, with a younger man. Naturally, we all focused our attention on the drama. However, something made me uneasy. So I silently looked to my right and left, and actually turned around to face in the other direction. I saw a large muscular man, holding an empty plastic shopping bag, standing a few yards away from our line at the ATM, in a position not visible to anyone in the ATM line who was looking at the loud argument. I gave him a good long look, then continued facing away from the argument and scanning the area around us. I watched him some more, and I think he realized I wasn't going to turn around again. He finally started walking, and passed behind the ATM line, which was across my line of vision because I was facing the opposite way, and as soon as he had walked past the ATM area? The two people having the argument wound it up in a strangely deflated manner, and also walked away.
I'm convinced I'd witnessed some kind of distraction attempt, and I assume the muscular man with the empty plastic bag had intended to fill that bag with some pickings from tourists lined up at the ATM, but I foiled the plan.
Could I be wrong? Sure.
Suz
Denver, CO USA 03/28/2010
Whistles
Regarding whistles, I recommend the police/bobby whistle as it emits a slightly jarring discordant trill that can be heard a mile away. Wear it around your neck on a lanyard or chain. Great to have if you are being followed or are trapped by thugs in a deserted alley. And if worn on a nice, thick chain it can double as jewelry!
TommyB
NYC, NY USA 03/26/2010
Gulbenkian Museum: Portugal
I followed the directions in the Rick Steves guide book to the Gulbenkian Museum in Portugal. I bit hard to find. No signs. Asked several people before I finally arrived at the building with The Gulbenkian sign out front. Went in. Paid my admission.
Then I found I had been ripped off. This is not the museum Rick describes in his guidebook. It is a museum of ulta modern art. Maybe some would like this, but it was not what I came to see. The museum Rick describes has Greek, Roman, and Renaissance art. I went around the corner and finally found the right museum. Same name. But, they would not honor my ticket. I explained what happened and they they basically said I would have to pay again or leave. I left.
Rick correct your guidebook. Do not let these thieves steal our money.
Stuart
Yorkton Heights, NY USA 03/23/2010
Train scam
I hven't read this whole list; but I read on another website of a scam I had not heard of before.
This one involves someone tapping on the window of your train from the outside, as it pulls into or stops at a station.
When you look out the window to see what's happening, someone else on the inside makes off with your bag which you left on the seat beside you.
Wear your valuables in your concealed moneybelt; and keep your hand on your daybag!
SJ
Canada 03/21/2010
Rome Colosseum Scams
In Rome
run dont walk away from the guys in the colosseum district. The guys in Roman soldier clothing and the teenagers from the USA offering tours are all working together to rob us of our hard earned cash.
Thats my Scam Alert advice for Rome
George Wallace
USA 03/18/2010
Prague Castle Scam
Prague Castle. All the tourbooks warn about scams in Prague, but this was a new one. "persuaded" to purchase audio guide. Later realized we had been charged $20-25 each. She was smooth, we were very dumb. No prices posted anywhere. Just say NO.
Lee
Piedmont, CA USA 03/18/2010
Hotel rooms
At the risk of sounding a little over-the-top, I always check under the bed and in the closet when I first check-in to a room. Call it the "boogey man syndrome" if you must but my philosophy is "why take a chance". I am armed with a loud, shrill whistle just in case I do discover someone lurking about. Women traveling alone should especially be mindful of this scenario.
TommyB
NYC, NY USA 03/17/2010
Scam artist in aboound in Lisbon!
Location, Lisbon, Portugal, 300 yards south of Hotel Tivoli on Av. de Liberdade in the middle park section
Date, March 15 2010, Monday afternoon about 2:45pm, weather sunny cool about 59 degrees, busy afternoon
Scammer: Tatiana Aaron Scammed: Tommy Miller What: scammed out of € 30 Euros How: she played well on my vulnerable side, 1.helping someone with good natured heart, 2. wanted to go out for drinks round the city.
I broke 2 of my own rules, 1 lending away money, 2 Trusting someone who has not earned it, but rather they made me believe I should, mistake! and pretty much giving money to strangers should of been an easy judgment call itself, Duhh! haha
Alright Listen up this is a good one!
There is a Women in Lisbon who has been scamming people for about 5 years,
She has black hair to her shoulders, about 5´8´´ not very pretty but not ugly either, slender in build, age is around early to mid 30´s, she talks a lot and very often. She asked me what time is was then walked away a minute then came right up to me she began her act.
Very personable and charming also easy to believe and I did, Im am angry that I beilived her not that she lied, and that I gave her money, and on top of that I asked for no credentials, ID, or collateral from her.
I was walking south out of my hotel in Lisbon at the Hotel Tivoli towards the bay area, on Av. de Liberate in the garden section with benches and palm trees its like a park-walk down the center street.
Ok her scam goes as this...She is he in Lisbon from Johannesburg South Africa, her accent is not detectable, somewhat neutral more European than South African like, She is here for a conference, she is studying psychology to help children, yada yada, she speaks very very well english and her act is perfected to include all emotions and genuineness of someone in need of help, she says she can not exchange her rands (South African currency) the banks are closed and no where she goes can help her and no one will exchange her money and she says it is her first time traveling alone and her bags she left at the airport she needs to get back to the airport and needs money for a Taxi.
She got € 30 Euros out of me and I found out later on the internet her name--- Tatiana Aarons--- is her alias she goes by, as well as several other combinations such as Sheeila Vincent Tatiana Vincent. She is extremely perfected her craft is very manipulative and believeable, DONT, haha, dont believe a word!! I gave her my email address and name and the hotel I was staying at and room number, after she gave me hers, she says she was at a hostel, but of course I soon found out it was fake! She was saying after she got back to get her belongings she wanted to go out for coffee and hangout later in the evening I guess thats what sold me, I had a gut feeling I would never see her or the 30 euros again but I wanted to belive her and what she said so much, but my gut knew otherwise, but of course I ignored it.
I found a site
http://www.speakpeppery.com/?p=140
That was created by her scammies and talks to the same as my story, I guess the first kick of a mule is the learning the second kick there is not learning,hahah, I hope she gets caught one day, some people repoert her, some dont I will, Trust is earned over time not in 15 mintutes haha, and not to lend away money especially to strangers, hah I read about the Cognitive Dissonance, its when you belief and good faith of something outweighs the logic of your thinkin, well to make it easy trust no one and dont give away money hahahaha. The funny thing was we both looked back at each other as we walked away in different directions at the same time at about 30 ft, I got SUCKERED plane and simple, well the wheels of Justice grind very slow...but very fine and I hope she does not have fun with my 45 dollars, she was probably and addict or something, and I guess she is a ``student of psychology`` hahahaha worked on me, well, If you see tell her Tommy told you about her and you know shes a big liar, hahaha, but hey other than that, Libon and Portugal has been quite nice, hahah, happy and Safe, Traveling, Tommy
P.S , Steve our family enjoys very well your well produced TV series, its the best around, I know you put a lot into it, that is why it is such a good program, Thank you!
Tommy Miller
Williamsburg, VA USA 03/15/2010
gypsies in rome
i am 6 foot 1 inch, 250 pounds, weight lifter and i was SURE no gypsies would approach me and try to over whelm me. (big and ugly i am).
the woman (with 7 kids) approached me quickly trying to shove a newspaper for me to read...i lunged at them, yelled louldy and raised my arms like i was going to attack them. (so i looked like a moron...so what).
they scrambled and left me alone.
tim
los angeles, ca USA 03/13/2010
paris...gold ring or coin
paris....
plenty of times i walk alone... and a man signals to me about a gold coin or ring on ground. he picks up a gold coin or a ring, and tries to bring it to me as if (1) it is mine or (2) he wants to sell it to me for small euros.
look mean, make eye contact and so....NO. and keep staring (and look behind you for his accomplices)
tim
los angeles, ca USA 03/13/2010
being followed?
if you 'think' you are being followed?
(1) duck into the nearest shop
(2) stop....put your back against the wall...look behind you and identify who it is....so you can reference that person for future stalkings.
continue when safe.
tim
los angeles, ca USA 03/13/2010
key in thhe lock
I returned from Spain and Morocco a few months ago and learned a great trick for keeping overly friendly night managers at bay. I simply leave the key in the lock from the inside. I learned this while staying in a hostel in Seville from another lodger. The old codger who manned the desk at night tried to open the door to the ladies dorm a few times.
I also used this trick in Morocco and it worked like a charm. On previous trips the managers would let them selves into my room carrying a tray of tea or a hookah pipe. The would act like they just want to be polite but I suspect ulterior motives. The key in the lock eliminates these nighttime
nuisances.
midred jean
usa, USA 03/13/2010
London scam
I realize this scam happened several years ago but I'll write it anyway in the hope that it will prevent the same thing from happening to another person.
I was young and naive traveling in Europe in the summer of 2002. I had stayed for several weeks in London without incident. On my last morning there, I was extremely hungover from being out partying all night. I had an early morning flight to meet up with a friend in another city in Europe. With my large suitcase and sleepy face, I stopped in a coffee shop for an extra-large cafe americano. I suspect the con-artist was inside the coffee shop and watching me at that point. I must have looked like I was half-asleep and a very easy target.
On exiting the coffe shop, which was right near a hotel, he ran up to me and explained in a desparate tone how his family was also on its way out of London, needed to leave right then or they would miss their flight, and was about to be separated because they did not have enough cash to pay an unexpected expense on their hotel bill. He pointed to the hotel that was literally right there. He was pleading with me and telling me how his son would be left behind if he did not get 50 pounds. He asked if he could borrow 50 pounds, run inside to pay the bill, and then ride with me to the airport, where he would use the ATM to pay me back. Like an idiot, I gave him the money. He ran off in a big rush and never returned. Now I know never to have compassion for anyone asking for money!
Ohio USA 03/08/2010
Men looking for greencards
I am a woman traveler who loves to travel on my own all over the world. Unfortunately men in countries like Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey or Egypt often try to latch onto me in the hopes of a green card. I thought up a great way to get rid of them by simply saying I am from the Ukraine or Russia. No one wants to go to those places to live. This works like a charm. They cant run away fast enough!
Toot
New Orleans, la USA 02/27/2010
Pickpocket deterrent
I've read through the top half of these posts,and the one thing I have not seen anyone mention is the use of a chain wallet. If you are unsure what I mean it its literally a wallet with a chain attached which then attaches to your belt. Many bikers/motorcyle riders wear them. I use mine evertime I travel to Europe (have been at least 6 or 7 times to different counties) and have NEVER had a problem. I also carry it in my front pocket. Another thing I do while walking is simply keep my had in my pocket placed over my wallet. It keeps your hands warm, and you know exactly where your wallet is. Is walking around with a hand in a jean pocket really that hard anyway?
1 other lesson I have learned is that the Americans are often very easy to pick out of a crowd becasue we talk so damn loud! Try to blend in by lowering your voice, and you'll attract less attention.
Lastly I ussually do not "flaunt" the fact that I am an American. People on the street (vendors, etc) often like to ask where you are from. I almost never say America unless our transaction is complete and I am already leaving. The fact that I have a very European appearance also helps me blend in. I ussualy have to convince people that I am indeed not from their country (Poland, Czech, Ukraine, etc). Every once in a while being from the US has helped things out, but I give that info on a strictly "needs to know" basis.
As many have already stated, Europe is a beautiful place so don't be scared, but don't be foolish either and you'll have a wonderful time.
paul
Bloomfield, NJ USA 02/26/2010
I did fight back in Barcelona
In answer to Hunter's question yes I did fight back once. In Barcelona on the subway a guy tried to pick my pocket. I grabbed his arm, twisted it, and called for some nearby police. They questioned him and I berated him viciously. He became very subdued and scared. As I was flying home that day I didn't stay to press charges, but I sure put the fear of God, or in his case Allah, in him. Score one for the tourists!
Jim
Washington, DC USA 02/25/2010
Italy and France
I just returned from Italy and France. I had a great time. Rick's book was helpful. Florence was full of beggars, mostly gypsies. Do not hesitate to tell them to take a hike. They are persistent, but don't let them distract you from your vacation. Snarl at them and they will leave you alone. Lucca was a beautiful little city. I spent several days in Lyon and had a wonderful time. Everyone was very helpful and friendly. I wore a money belt the whole time and had no trouble from pickpockets. Btw, last year I was in Naples. If you go put on your tough face and walk like you know what you are doing. If you need directions go into a shop and ask there. Use common sense, be forceful when necessary, and concentrate on having a good time.
Jim
Washington, DC USA 02/25/2010
Walk with confidence, avoid eye contact
Reading about the scams in Paris and elsewhere: Of all the places I've visited in Europe and ASIA I've NEVER encountered a single person trying to scam me. The reason? Well, this may sound harsh but I am short, I have dark skin and people usually think I work in the service industry. First piece of advice: Don't look like an easy target. When I travel I don't dress, walk or "look" like an American tourist. Unfortunately the way others look, walk and dress make them a target. Even here in San Francisco I can spot a tourist (Non-Californian) from a mile away. Generally they wear clothes that are wrong for the weather, are too flashy (or loud), wear too much makeup and jewelry, have big hair, and they walk around slowly without a care in the world (or without any regard for those around them - for example, talking up the entire sidewalk). Opening a map in public is a sure way to look like a tourist. Second, please do some research and try to blend in a little. My last piece of advice is to walk with confidence and avoid eye contact with undesirable people. Walk like if you were on your way to work, running a little late (you wouldn't have time to stop and chat with ANYONE if you were running late, right?). Please, don't look paranoid either. Not all people of color are "coming to get you". By the way, Gypsy is a derogatory term, so please don't use it. Try to keep a balance of alertness and cool. Chances are that if someone is trying to scam you, you'll see some red flags. More tips if an undesirable person offers you something: Put your hand up between you and them and calmly and firmly say "We are running late. We can't talk right now". Continue walking. There is no need to call even more attention to yourself by saying things like "I don't speak THEIF (sic)" like the woman from Texas. Just continue walking. If they follow you assertively say "I CAN'T talk right now" without making eye contact and continue walking away with confidence. After that ignore them and continue walking fast.
Santos
San Francisco, CA USA 02/25/2010
No change if you don't know German
I was on my last day of a 2 week trip to Germany and needed to buy a train ticket from a machine at the Bingen train station (on the Rhine). Well the ticket to Frankfurt was only 7 euro an all I had was a 10 euro note. I'd used machines before and since I'm trying to learn German I usually selected German rather than English, but this time I selected English. I was surprised that this machine informed me to put in exact amount and that no change would be given. Well I backed out of the menu and switched to German language and guess what? There was no exact change message, so I put my money in and got change! So knowing German has now saved me 3 euros - but what a rip off otherwise!
Roger
Tucson, AZ USA 02/25/2010
donation scam paris
Twice recently in Paris I hgave had my way blocked (on the way to different poular tourist destinations) by young women who don't say anything but point to their mouths in a gesture which appears to indicate that they are dumb. They agressively push something which looks a bit like a petition under your nose which essentially asks one to make a donation to a charity for the dumb. The "petitions" are just photocopied pieces of paper and the girls...and those who stand around watching them.... do not look like those who one might expect to be making such a collection. I am pretty sure that this is a scam and would like tourists to be aware of it.
s. stubbs
oxford, UK 02/22/2010
Thieves take advantage of closing doors.
I witnessed a petty theft and would like to share the tactic the thief used with other travelers.
I was traveling to Positano with my father. Our transport involved a short ride on the Circumvesuviana line that runs from Naples to Sorrento and Pompeii. Confirming what I had read, the Naples train station and Circumvesuviana line really did seem to be teeming with thieves (my dad and I had to literally stand back to back while I bought tickets at the machine as nefarious characters were swarming in from all directions and this is no exhageration), and this is the only time I have felt truly in danger of being robbed in all of my travels in Italy.
Here's what happened: There was only standing room on the Circumvesuviana when we boarded. There is a large area between compartments with plenty of standing room, this is where passengers get on and off through the automatic sliding doors. My dad and I placed ourselves and our small rolling bags on either side of the sliding door with our backs to the walls that separate this area from the seating compartments. By this time we had been jostled plenty from all directions and were fairly weary of watching our own and each others backs.
A man stepped onto the train at a stop and was standing in the doorway. I heard the bell warning the doors' immenent closure and glanced down to see that his feet were only half way on board and he was sort of balancing there on his toes. I was about to reach out to gently nudge him the rest of the way into the train when he reached out in between my dad and myself and ripped a necklace right off of the neck of a lady standing barely within reach. He was gone and the train moving before we could even comprehend what had just happened.
Lesson learned: thieves use closing doors to make a fast and clean getaway. If you see someone balanced precariously in the opening of a train door about to close, keep this in mind and keep hold of anything that might be snatched.
I realize that this is an isolated event but it serves as an excellent example of what to watch out for. After seeing this, and the red mark on that woman's neck, I will not wear a necklace nor earings when visiting or traveling around the larger cities of Italy.
Rachel
Seattle, Wa USA 02/21/2010
david langley scammer
My experience was almost identical to the other comments right down to the $267.00 dollars which was requested sent Western Union. Just My dream job was in the caynen Islands building resort communities for the richest people in the world. The company name given was Dania Resorts in Houston, TX. and the contact names Steve Willis and Dave Langley.
steve evans
miami, florid USA 02/20/2010
pick-pockets Rome
Listen to Rick ! My husband and I were weary when we reached Rome- spent most of our day trying to get there from Cinque Terra -due to transportation strike - we took, boat,bus, train and finally reached the Termini much later than we thought made the mistake of thinking we would be ok on #64 - long story short - I realized three men - one in a priest collar were trying to rob us- I got off the bus and held the doors opened and screamed Policia ! held the doors until they came - they asked me if I could ID the men( they were still on bus) and as we went to get back on a miracle happened - the wallet (-minus euros but american $ and all credit cards were in it) and our return plan tickets were passed out of the bus to us ! hmmm.... don't be afraid, be careful and call for the police - don't know where they came from but were there in a flash !
Patti Hanlon
Cincinnati, OH USA 02/16/2010
Trains in Morocco
Re: con men on trains in Morocco....we travelled from Tangier to Fes via train March 09, and whilst coming out of the bathroom going back to my seat,I was approached by a gentleman who asked where i was from. we chatted and he said he had a "friend" who was a guide and could show us around Fes. after discussing it w/my boyfriend, we gave him the name of our Riad and a time for the next morning, and the guy was there the next day. the 1st part of the tour was informational, but slowly turned into a tour of shops...but we did see some awesome things,and got to speak & interact with some "locals" that we never would have otherwise, not to mention we would have never been brave enough to try to navigate the medina by ourselves (the word "maze" isnt NEARLY descriptive enough). if you dont want to be apporoached, learn a few words of something other than french, german, english, or spanish,(all spoken/understood in Fes!) and just keep repeating them. If you Do take a guide, agree on a price up front, and make your intentions known at the beginning that you want a HISTORY tour, not a shopping tour. We got a full day tour for roughly $20.00!
lao
charleston, sc USA 02/15/2010
Scams
I am a fan of low quality, obviously imitation Rolex watches, and on my travels I usually buy one for $10 or so for my collection. I also have the advantage of being 6’5 and 300lbs with a suitable amount of street smarts, So I would not suggest this hobby to others. I usually find the venders in small countries to be normally up front about the products and amiable folks just trying to scrape on by.
So I found it amusing that while walking out of my hotel in Kowloon(HK-China)a local fellow offered to sell me a real Rolex for cheap. Being that I was going to walk to the night market and buy one anyway I played along.
The greeter then took me down a block to a papered over store front inside a legitimate looking mall, I found (oddly enough) a Pakistani fellow and his local partner sitting behind a counter with nothing inside it. I asked to see the watches and he showed me a catalog and asked which one I wanted to see. He then produced one (not the one I pointed to) and said “$1000 Dollars” my response was “It looks too fake, please get a better one”.
This caused a bit of confusion as they couldn’t figure out if I knew it was fake or that it simply did look too flimsy. He left the room and came back with one that looked really good but in a different metal. I said “that looks a little bit better, but still too fake”.
He assured me it was real and then tried placing the watch in my hand while holding onto the strap, the other hand he was palming a small battery powered vibrating ball. He must have been assuming that the vibration would somehow trick me into believing the watch was real.
Feeling both amused and a little insulted I offered him 70HK for it (at the time $10 US) and smiled at them. They then dropped the attempted con and said they had three levels of imitation watches A, B and C and that C was the lowest of these. I asked for “C – the cheap one” and they left the room. When they came back a minute later they had the same two watches.
So after talking to this fellow for a moment I said “Only C huh?” and he insisted that that was an “A”. I repeated my offer of $70 HK and got it for that price, with minimal protests. They did however say “you have credit card?” and stick their hands out more then once and only stopped when I handed them cash and retorted “You have got to be kidding my friend”.
So just to warn you, first off don’t buy knockoffs, Don’t go into dark alleys with strangers to make deals and please don’t take more money then you need when shopping, if it’s a truly good price go to the atm and take out what you need to cover it (alone). Never ever pay with a credit card for anything that is even slightly questionable or below board, they already work in a shady industry, just expect them to continue the act of being shady and smile with polite refusal.
If this doesn’t dissuade you, never pay more then $20 US (only take with you $30) and remember there is no A,B,C levels of knockoffs in small operations (of anything) in HK or The PI, only identical batches, so the sub-level scam will only be complemented with a plastic vibro-ball and no difference in the content.
Best wishes for safe travels Akiratwentyeight
Akira Twentyeight
Seattle, WA USA 02/11/2010
English in Europe is NOT always a con game!
Midge, HONESTLY! If someone speaks to you in English about hotels, put your thinking cap on. Use your common sense to figure out what to do.
Everytime someone speaks to you in English you don't need to run around and flap your wings like "Chicken Little" and yelling something about the sky falling and the end of the world and doomsday.
Come on, act like a grown up!
Ron
USA 02/09/2010
Con men on Moroccan trains
A WARNING ABOUT MOROCCO!
I was on the train to Fez and was approached by a man who started a conversation. He said his son lived in Texas asked me if I had a place to stay in Fez. I said I did but he said that the hotel had been torn down as unsafe by yhe local authorities and handed me a card for a hotel that was located in the Fez madina. It was late and I was tired. He followed me out of the train and put me in a cab of his choosing and said some instructions in Arabic. When we got to the hotel it was no where near the Madina and seemed old and creepy. A large man rushed out and grabbed my bag and hustled me in to the 'hotel' which turned out to be his house! He then told me the charge was 100 US dollars per night. I tried to leave but his friend barred the door in very agressive manner. He dropped the price to 50.00. As I tried to say good night and head to my room he started bringing out smelly old rugs and talking about how authintic they were..blah..blah...after 4 hours I broke down and bought one for 400.00. I was tired. My room was nothing more then a closet with an old stained mattress (no sheet) on the floor. The bathroom was bucket left outside the door. I left at first mornings light.
When you travel around Morocco remember that con men ply teir trade on the trains big time. If someone starts speaking to you out of the blue in English and talks about hotels..run like hell!
midge
houston, tx USA 02/06/2010
Gulasch Museum or Goulash Museum Vienna
I do wish that Rick Steves' travel guides would stop endorsing the Gulasch (Goulash) Museum in Vienna. My wife and I lead culinary tours to Europe, so we know about food there and what we can expect for our money. We visited the Gulasch Museum at 20 Singerstrasse, Vienna, Austria in January 2010 and proceeded to order based upon the appetizing photos and descriptions in the menu. What we received for about $24 per bowl was basically Dinty Moore beef stew without most of the beef. I was additionally brought a flat (stale) beer that the proprietor refused to replace, and charged me for. Oh yes - there's a 2 Euro "cover charge" per person that's not mentioned in the menu, and... it's CASH ONLY -- which the waiter/manager didn't mention until he handed us the bill. This practice obviously prevents people from back-charging their credit card after feeling ripped off. STAY AWAY from the Gulasch Museum! There are many great places to eat in Vienna -- don't be ripped off at this clip joint!
James K. Fowler
Houston, TX USA 01/30/2010
revenge
id like to know if anyone has taken revenge and done what any american would be inclined to do by fighting back, or giving a good old fashioned ass whoopin' to pick pockets or scam artists...Im currently living in spain and im always on the 'hunt' for pickpockets...it blows me away that there are no sting operations to set up these scam artists....If i do catch one picking my pockets i pray God have mercy on their souls...
hunter
barcelona, tx USA 01/29/2010
Security
I fail to understand why people want to carry luggage/purses/etc that "stewardessees carry". They don't often walk around tourist sites with their attention distracted by the sight, stroll thru bands of gypsies, walk thru rough areas of town. Use some common sense. Wear a money belt, be alert and do not under-estimate the ability of professional thieves.
Charles M. Luther
USA 01/24/2010
Protecting valuables
I've always hated money belts especially on hot days so I was delighted to find a purse that was designed by flight attendants specifically for travel. It's made of a thick nylon material and the strap simply cannot be cut without a special tool The closures to the different compartments are flaps, zippers and strong magnets. I find the most secured pockets very frustrating to get into so I feel confident that a pick pocket is going to pick an easier target. The strap is also designed so the purse wants to hang in front of the body. I spent five weeks carrying it around last summer and felt quite secure everywhere I went. Another safegard that we employ is multi-pocketed pants with various amounts of cash in them. That way we only have to expose a few bills at a time. Espresso money is located on the right calf. BTW I won't carry my travel purse at home. Unlike the European thieves who rely on skill and foolishness our thieves are not thwarted by zippers, magnets and special material because our thieves generally are carrying a weapon.
S. J.
Calgary, AB USA 01/22/2010
Paris is the winner
My husband and I just got back from our two-week Europe vacation, and we had a blast! I truly thank Rick Steves and this website for all of the extremely useful advice. Out of the 10 cities we visited in Europe, all of the obvious scams we encountered were in Paris!
We too saw SEVERAL "friendship bracelet" guys on the steps of the Sacre-Coeur. As we were making our way up to the cathedral, one of them started to approach me and asked me if I was interested in blah blah blah, and my first instinct was to go "NOPE NOPE NOPE!" and sprint away! haha I left my poor husband in my dust. He told me that he was looking behind him to grab me and walk off but I was already way ahead of him! I felt like running was necessary, the freakin scammer was trying to corner me into the wall!
The next day we were sitting on a bench on the Champs-Elysees to enjoy some macaroons from LaDuree (another thank-you to Mr. Steves), and soon we were approached by a small group of gypsy women trying to pull the "do you speak English?" crap on us. To my dismay, my husband must have forgotten our pre-trip debriefing about all the scams, and said "yes". The lady immediately pulled out the note for him to read, and I got pretty assertive, loudly telling them to go away and leave us alone while keeping my bag very close to my body and grabbing my husband by the arm as I got up. It took a while for them to finally get out of our way.
After that, I began thinking of things to say or do if that happened again. My husband suggested acting all crazy and yelling really loud, and I considered lines like "No sorry, I don't speak THEIF", or just responding to them in Finnish, of which I know a few words from living there for 5 months. To my delight, another gypsy lady did the same thing as we were approaching the Louvre, and I gave her a big loud "MITA VITUAA!", which means "What the f*ck" in Finnish. She just kept walking. lol :)
People, it is a VERY smart idea to wear a money belt. I felt a lot safer while in large crowds or on the metros in various cities. It was also helpful that it happened to be winter and we both had zip-up or button-up pockets inside our coats, where we kept our passports and my digital camera. A pickpocket would have had to get very intimate with us if he really wanted to steal something.
Sarah
Dallas, TX USA 01/09/2010
Rip offs
Someone had posted to only trust taxis with S.P.Q.R. printed on their doors in a certain city/place. Maybe there, but my experience in Prague makes me not trust that without more details such as color of car. I got the following info on-line..'when in Prague use the AAA taxi -the best and is fairly cheap - dial 14014.'. When we arrived at the train station, we went out to the taxi stand, saw all AAA(were red) taxis, took one(even tho my ddaughter said they don't look real legit) and a few minutes later at our destination we had the guy yelling at us "29 Euros!!" Later i seen yellow AAA taxis and even later i seen black AAA ones..can't remember but it was either the yellow or black with the #14014 printed on teh door. When we left the hotel tehy charged us 10 euro(Actually paid in Kronas) more for each night than what was quoted on-line.....you live, you learn..
love europe
USA 01/06/2010
McDonald tourists
Reading Sunny's post reminded me of two 20-something women I met on the Rome tram to Trastevere. They were in Rome for just the day and told me their goal was to eat in every McDonald's in the city. They were headed to the third one of the day. It was their first trip to Italy. I asked them what else they had seen in Rome, and they said "Just McDonald's." Amazing.
Judd
Salt Lake City, UT USA 01/06/2010
Italy
Sunny, it's too bad you went all the way to Italy without experiencing, umm, Italy! I wouldn't know about the pricing scams in fast food joints because I never set foot in them. Next time (if you decide to give Italy another chance at a fabulous vacation) instead of McDonald's, try a salumeria where you can put together a healthy, delicious picnic lunch of fresh bread, cheese, olives, and other deli foods for the same price the locals pay.
Oh, and avoid that gelateria on the main drag in Sorrento. (The one recommended in the RS book was closed.) I didn't think it was possible to buy bad gelato in Italy, but I didn't even finish the one I got there, nor did a couple of American women we ran into. (I don't know if the tourist scams section is the proper place for this warning, but passing that stuff off as gelato was a scam!)
Marilynn
Willits, Calif USA 01/04/2010
Italy
I didn't mind being charged $5 for a coke at a fast food restaurant. I didn't mind getting jiped $30 dollars at the grocery store. I didn't mind being told to unplug my laptop at McDonalds. I didn't mind being charged twice for using the train because the "1" looks like a "7". I didn't mind the lady calling me a liar. But then an Italian tried to get us off the train to make us pay a third time. That's when I decided not to ever come back. Or buy an Italian Tecnam airplane. I am buying US made.
Sunny
Tx USA 01/02/2010