$2 to cut a sandwich in half: The outrageous rip-offs targeting tourists in Italy
$2 to cut a sandwich in half: The outrageous rip-offs targeting tourists in Italy
Getting gouged is all part of the experience in tourist hot spots, but some Italy seems to be taking it to audacious new levels amid complaints Italians can no longer afford vacations at home.
An Italian holiday may be a priceless experience for those who have enjoyed all this country has to offer. But the summer of 2023 will go down as one of the priciest in history after a slew of price gouging scandals at cafes and restaurants that have affected foreign tourists and Italians alike.
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I've travelled to Italy quite a bit. In every case yes, prices on the main tourist thoroughfares are high. Sometimes eye-wateringly high.
But invariably you do not need to go very far to get off the beaten track and find much better deals. Explore and profit.
But invariably you do not need to go very far to get off the beaten track and find much better deals. Explore and profit.
Pro tip: that's true absolutely everywhere in the world. It's crazy how much cheaper and better the food is a mere three blocks on foot from tourist attractions. Can't read the menu? Look at what people are eating, and point at what looks good.
Never failed me.
On a micro level for Americans... Never pay for gas nearest to a highway exit. Drive a mile and immediately it's .50-$1.00 less per gallon.
What region is this? Here in the South you're just as likely to pay more by going further out.
Not sure where in the South you're in.
But I verified that theory on East Coast, West coast, texas, Florida, California. The ones nearest out of the highway are typically catered towards Truckers or business travelers.
The ones away from the highway can charge less because of less visitors and conveniences.
That’s getting less and less true on the west coast. It’s pretty much $5.50 anywhere now that I can find
When I visited Florence last year, the food prices were insanely good (visiting as an American where food prices have gotten outrageous) when you get away from major tourist spots. And the food was better too.
When we visited Florence, it would have been maybe 10 years ago now though. We were staying right off the main square. I think the only thing we did in that square was breakfast. Otherwise, it was always places off the main roads. Great city, not sure I could climb the dome 10 years later though!
Lovely city to visit though, for anyone reading.
Admittedly a long time ago, but in the 90s most places, even near tourist attractions, were inexpensive in Italy. $1-2 for 0.5l wine, $3-8 for most pasta. The best pasta we had was $3 and was about 1 block from the main train station.