They posted the warning on Facebook and it went viral.
A Facebook post by an American tourist recently went viral. Nicole Ann, who was visiting Rome, shared a receipt from a gelateria showing a €44 ($50) charge for two ice creams. Her warning to “avoid Don Nino” snowballed into more than 1,000 comments, with some sympathizing with the tourists and others telling her to read Google reviews.
Tourist traps exist in every popular destination, and Florida resident Ann found this out the hard way. On June 5, she posted a receipt along with a photo of gelato from the shop Don Nino in Rome. Two “maxi” gelatos, along with toppings including cannoli, macarons, and whipped cream, cost her €44 ($50). Her post explained that they had stopped for gelato and asked for two small cups. However, the staff added toppings they didn’t request, implying that they were free of charge.
She also said they didn’t see prices anywhere and assumed the cost would be similar to what they had paid elsewhere. When they went to pay, it sounded like €14, and it was only when she looked at the receipt that she realized she had been charged €44. “Honestly it wasn’t even good, the worst out of all the gelato I had in my 10 days, I couldn’t even finish it. There are a few locations around the city.”
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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, “As an Italian living in Italy, I’m ashamed. It’s pure theft!” 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.
Another tourist had a similar experience: “This happened to us in April, right by the Trevi fountain. The worst part was we asked the price and we still were charged €33 for two ice creams. Honestly, while the locals feel like ripping off tourists is a great idea, it will mean places like McDonald’s will keep popping up. It’s branding tourists can trust. I honestly don’t know why Italians do this. The worst part for me is that a local went in and wasn’t ripped off. I’m half Italian so understood the conversation. Regret just not walking away, not paying, and giving [the ice cream] back.”
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.
Others mentioned places to get authentic gelato, which they said shouldn’t cost more than €5. Many repeated that shops should clearly list prices and that tourists should not pay without confirming the cost. Look out for locals; if they’re not lining up, the establishment is probably a tourist trap.
Related: The 16 Best Things to Do in Rome (and Top Things to Avoid)
Ann, however, decided to turn off comments after a barrage of people called her out. She said she won’t dispute the charges with her credit card, as some suggested. “It was a mistake, and I should have been better about double-checking the cost, but regardless, this is a full-blown scam.” She also clarified that this wasn’t her first time in Europe or ordering gelato. “We were exhausted and just wanted something quick/small where we were. We’ve had excellent gelato and never paid more than $10 even for a large, so this was a shock. It happens and it’s disheartening.”
She also said they traveled across Italy, but Rome was the only place where they repeatedly ran into scams.
It’s not unheard of for restaurants and shops to charge tourists more than locals. In Paris, a French newspaper uncovered cases in which restaurants charged perceived foreigners more than locals and asked for tips, which are not customary among Parisians.