street vendors and other Rome, Italy Warning Or Danger Tips

Some of the street vendors in Rome have become very aggressive. Several times on our last trip we were approached by roving street vendors who actually put things in our hands and then insisted we pay for them. When we would try to hand the stuff back, they wouldn't take it, holding up their hands and still insisting that we pay for it. The first time this happened I was stunned. I though the man thought I had dropped something and was giving it back to the person who had dropped it. After several attempts to hand back the shirt that was thrust into my hand, saying it wasn't mine, being told he wanted 10 euros for it, I finally said I was leaving. That was when the man took back his shirt. After happening to us on several occasions, we decided that being polite is not the way to go. You have to play your own scam on them in order to get rid of them.. My sister just started putting the items in her bag and saying "thank you", and walking away. The vendor would follow her and ask her for money, saying that she must pay for the item that was given to her. She would say "No, you gave me this as a gift", then ignore them. At that point they would insist on getting their item back and leave. I guess the vendors would spread the word to their friends at that same location , becouse we wouldn't be bothered at that sight for the rest of the time we were there.

This happened to us at the forum, the spanish steps, piazza del popolo, and trevi fountain. Just be aware and don't be afraid to get aggressive in your response to them. They expect us to be to polite to say no not for us to give them a hard time.

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Other Contact: monorail@zbzoom.net

One thing that you cannot prepare for is the traffic in Rome. No matter what anyone here on the forum tells you, until you see it for yourself you won't really understand how bad the traffic is. In fact, it is not just bad, it is scary!!!! The cars and vespas squeeze 4 or 5 across in a two lane road. The vespas zip in between the cars even when they are in motion. I am surprised to have never seen an accident on my trips there. That being said, there is a way to cross these hazardous roads and live to tell the tale. The first step is the most important, literally. Once you decide to cross the street and step out into the traffic you cannot stop. You must continue at a steady pace until you get to the other side. I know this sounds crazy, but the drivers will anticipate where you will be when they arrive at that spot and plan their route around you. They may go in front or behind you but they won't hit you. This is why it's important not to stop, nor to run but keep to a steady pace while crossing. The other technique you can use is to cross with a native italian. If you see a group of people crossing, join in. There is safety in numbers! It is pretty scary the first couple of times but you will get used to it and learn your own pace and techinque. Don't be intimidated just wait for a small opening in the traffic and go.

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Rome is a wonderful city, however, with all the tourist activity there are a lot of pickpockets and petty thieves. Here are some ways to avoid becoming a victim of these thieves. 1) Don't make yourself a target. Don't flash wads of cash or wear a lot of expensive jewelry. This makes you a target. 2) Wear a money pouch. The travel section in most stores will sell these. They are worn under your clothing (I like the ones for inside your pants) and can hold money and credit cards. 3) Only carry enough cash to get you thru the day. Estimate how much you will need for the day, add between 20 and 50 to it for emergency, and put it in your money pouch. Limiting the amount on you limits the amount that can be stolen. 4) If you carry a purse or bag, carry it across your body, not just hanging from your arm. Put it on the wall side of your body (when you are walking down the street, the side that is closer to the wall, not the street), that way no one on a vespa can ride by and snatch it. 5) Never, ever put anything on the floor or chair beside you while you are eating. It will be gone when you get up. Put it on the table or in your lap. 6) Don't act like you are lost or confused. This makes you a prime candidate. If you are more worried about where you are, then you are not paying attention to what is going on around you. If you are in a group, let one person look at the map while the others check out the surroundings. 7) Do not accept unsolicited help. People who just come up to you and offer to help are usually after something... 8) If you are going to ride the metro, secure all your belongings before you enter the station. Putting your valuables away while you are in the station only tells the pickpockets where they are. Also, if you see a sign that says "beware of pickpockets" don't pat yourself down to make sure where your wallet is, this shows the pickpocket where your wallet is. He is probably the one who put up the sign. Hopefully these tips will help you to be more secure in your travels.

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