They posted the warning on Facebook and it went viral.<\/p>\n
A Facebook post by an American tourist recently went viral. Nicole Ann, who was visiting Rome, shared a receipt from a gelateria showing a \u20ac44 ($50) charge for two ice creams. Her warning to \u201cavoid Don Nino\u201d snowballed into more than 1,000 comments, with some sympathizing with the tourists and others telling her to read Google reviews.<\/p>\n
Tourist traps exist in every popular destination, and Florida resident Ann found this out the hard way. On June 5,\u00a0she posted a receipt along with a photo of gelato from the shop Don Nino in Rome<\/a>. Two \u201cmaxi\u201d gelatos, along with toppings including cannoli, macarons, and whipped cream, cost her \u20ac44 ($50). Her post explained that they had stopped for gelato and asked for two small cups. However, the staff added toppings they didn\u2019t request, implying that they were free of charge.<\/p>\n She also said they didn\u2019t see prices anywhere and assumed the cost would be similar to what they had paid elsewhere. When they went to pay, it sounded like \u20ac14, and it was only when she looked at the receipt that she realized she had been charged \u20ac44. \u201cHonestly it wasn\u2019t even good, the worst out of all the gelato I had in my 10 days, I couldn\u2019t even finish it. There are a few locations around the city.\u201d<\/p>\n Continue Reading Article After Our Video<\/p>\n Recommended Fodor\u2019s Video<\/p>\n The comments on the post ranged from blaming the American tourist for not checking reviews and confirming prices to apologizing for the tourist trap. One of the most-liked comments said, \u201cAs an Italian living in Italy, I\u2019m ashamed. It\u2019s pure theft!\u201d Others shared stories of getting overcharged for ice cream in Rome and receiving toppings they had not asked for. Locals recommended objecting to the charges before paying for an order or leaving it on the counter without paying.<\/p>\n Another tourist had a similar experience: \u201cThis happened to us in April, right by the Trevi fountain. The worst part was we asked the price and we still were charged \u20ac33 for two ice creams. Honestly, while the locals feel like ripping off tourists is a great idea, it will mean places like McDonald\u2019s will keep popping up. It\u2019s branding tourists can trust. I honestly don\u2019t know why Italians do this. The worst part for me is that a local went in and wasn\u2019t ripped off. I\u2019m half Italian so understood the conversation. Regret just not walking away, not paying, and giving [the ice cream] back.\u201d<\/p>\n At the same time, many commenters told Ann to check the Google reviews for the business, which has a 1.4-star rating. Don Nino has six locations in Rome listed on Google Maps, and reviews also point to high prices and sales staff misleading customers.<\/p>\n Others mentioned places to get authentic gelato, which they said shouldn\u2019t cost more than \u20ac5. Many repeated that shops should clearly list prices and that tourists should not pay without confirming the cost. Look out for locals; if they\u2019re not lining up, the establishment is probably a tourist trap.<\/p>\n