Spanish Steps · Colosseum

A string is knotted onto your wrist “for free, for luck”. Then €10–20 is demanded.

DO: Hands in pockets, “No, grazie”, walk on. Never pay.

Trevi · Trastevere terraces

A rose lands in your hand or on your table: “Regalo!” Then €10–15, please.

DO: Don’t take it. Hand it straight back.

Piazza di Spagna · Colosseum

Balletje-balletje: three cups, one ball. The cheering “winners” are the gang. Bets from €20 vanish.

DO: Don’t play, don’t watch. Pickpockets work the crowd.

Bus 64 · Metro · Termini

Teams use the crush, a bump or a question. Phones on café tables go first.

DO: Bag zipped and in front, wallet in a front pocket.

Vatican · Colosseum · Trevi

“Sign for deaf children?” Then a “donation” is demanded, while a partner opens your bag.

DO: Never stop for a clipboard.

Colosseum · Fori Imperiali

Costumed centurions jump into your photo, then want cash. Banned since 2023, still there.

DO: Don’t pose. Unasked photo? You owe nothing.

Termini · Via Nazionale · ATMs

“Officers” flash a badge to check your banknotes for fakes. Your cash vanishes.

DO: Real police never search wallets in the street. Call 112.

Fiumicino arrivals · Termini

“Taxi? Taxi?” touts drive unlicensed cars at several times the real fare.

DO: White cab, official rank. Airport to centre: fixed €55.

Colosseum · Vatican Museums

“Officials” with lanyards sell overpriced or fake skip-the-line tickets.

DO: Book ahead on the official websites only.

Termini · metro ticket machines

A stranger “helps” you buy a ticket, then wants a tip, or watches your PIN.

DO: “No, grazie”. Tap contactless at the metro gate.

Trevi · Pantheon · Navona

Door touts, picture menus without prices, surprise extras on the bill.

DO: See prices first. A listed coperto is normal.

Card terminals · ATMs

“Pay in your own currency?” sounds kind, but means a bad rate plus fees.

DO: Always choose EUR. Use bank ATMs.