Crossing the Street and other Rome, Italy Warning Or Danger Tips

I'm learning a LOT from my new Roman friend, Roberto (ARoman). I hope he doesn't mind my sharing the lesson he gave me for crossing the street in Rome:

Actually, I do watch their eyes. You have to be sure they have seen you, then
you can play your game.

Don't wait on the sidewalk for them to stop, they understand if you are not sure
and don't have time to stop completely for some tourists to decide to move in,
they will only slow down and move a bit around you when you'll cross.

So, start to move in the road, slowly but don't retreat when you conquer a
position. Nobody will be happy to hit you, so just consider their possible
movements and give them a chance to see you and use brakes or slow down safely.

You'll be hit only by mistake, like if they did not understand your moves (or
did not see you), that is the point. If you play tough but fair, the worst can
happen is that they will honk you, but they won't neither. Determined and safe,
there is no risk to cross.

If you are undecided or start to run scared or, worst, think to get back, they
won't expect that behaviour and you'll be at real danger. If you are concerned
at the start of the practice, just stay beside somebody that looks more
experienced and learn... at the end, it will be fun :)

Grazie Roberto!

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I've listened to so many people tell of the "taxi driver who took them for a ride" that I decided I needed to post this tip.

Taxi drivers in Rome are really a very civilized lot, nearly as professional and helpful as London cabbies. That is, as long as they are licensed taxi drivers! Unfortunately there are a bunch of independent guys out there who seem to think it's a game, and indeed, their personal obligation, to take tourists for a ride.

You're in a train station, airport or bus depot. You are trying to get your Rome legs, having just hit town and being curious and confused. Maybe you're even jet lagged. A seemingly friendly guy approaches and asks "Do you need a taxi?" What could seem better? "Sure", you say, as you hand over your bags to the guy. You have just put yourself into the hands of a taxi scam. You can be sure that your ride will cost no less than 50 euro, even if the destination, unbeknownst to you, is only 2 blocks away. The best course of action, when these guys approach you, (and they will) is a firm "no thank you" and keep moving on. Don't get into a discussion about it.

ONLY take taxi rides from taxi drivers lined up in the formal taxi queue spots. They are all over the city and most certainly at spots where people will typically be needing a ride. You will always need to take the taxi at the front of the line. You should make sure that there is a taxi meter and it is turned on.

Follow this advice, enter the taxi with confidence, and be friendly to the driver and you will probably not have any problems at all. If you treat the driver like you expect him to cheat you, you might be rewarded with just that. Think about it. How would you like someone for whom you do your job to ask, right out of the gate, something to indicate that you are out to cheat them?

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