Top 10 Tourist Scams in Rome + How to Avoid Them
Rome’s beauty + crowded sights = scam paradise. Here are the 10 most common + how to spot them.
1. Gladiator photo scam at Colosseum
Pose with ‘gladiator’, demands €5-20 after. Don’t engage; agree price BEFORE photo.
2. Friendly tour guide at Trevi
Strangers offer ‘free’ tours = end at souvenir shop kickbacks. Politely decline.
3. Rose flower hand-out (Piazza Navona)
Romantic gesture, then demands payment. Don’t accept anything physically.
4. Pickpocket bus 64 (Termini → Vatican)
Famous pickpocket route. Use anti-theft bags + don’t carry valuables on this bus.
5. Spilled cappuccino scam
Coffee spilled ‘accidentally’, helper wipes + steals wallet. Step away.
6. ATM helpers
‘Helpful’ person blocks ATM screen view + observes PIN. Use ATM in bank lobby only.
7. Restaurant cover charge surprise
Tourist restaurants add ‘coperto’ €5-10 per person + ‘service’ 15%. Read prices before sitting.
8. Vatican line skipper scam
‘Skip the line’ tours cost 3x but sell same tickets you can buy online.
9. Currency exchange at airport
FCO airport exchange rates are 10-15% worse than city bureaux.
10. Fake taxi at Termini
Unmarked drivers quote €50 for €10 trips. Use official taxi rank only.