this post was submitted on 19 Aug 2023
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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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[–] [email protected] 50 points 1 year ago (1 children)

“In August, high-end tourism continues to grow, unlike normal tourism,” Antonio Coviello, a researcher with Italy’s National Research Center wrote in a report on luxury travel issued this week, adding that the risk of over-tourism in the luxury sector is a concern because it could drive up prices in the mid-range travel sector to accommodate the bigger spenders.

Says a lot, doesn't it? Specifically: The peasants can get fucked.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago

"Get back to work!"

[–] [email protected] 30 points 1 year ago (3 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 26 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago (2 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What region is this? Here in the South you're just as likely to pay more by going further out.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

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.

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[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

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.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

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.

[–] [email protected] 25 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Tourists were also charged 2 euros for an extra – empty! – plate near Portofino in northern Italy, and 10 cents for a sprinkle of cocoa on a cappuccino at a Lake Como coffee bar.

Seems silly to nickel and dime people but American restaurants do the exact same shit over here. I don't know why it is an outrage when you experience these business practices traveling abroad.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Where have you seen restaurants charge for an empty plate in the USA?

[–] [email protected] 22 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Many restaurants charge a “split plate fee”. If you order something and want to share it with your partner they’ll bring you an extra plate but charge a fee. Have a link: https://frugalreality.com/split-plate-charge/

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)

This is a minor quibble, but I've never been charged a fee for an extra plate. They usually only charge when you request to "split the order", meaning the kitchen splits the entree onto two plates for you.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Neither have I and I live in Italy.

Let's not forget these are isolated cases.

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[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Exactly. Typically, this is if you only order one thing. If you each order an entree, they usually won't charge you for extra plates.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Another reason to prefer takeaway. Or cooking yourself I guess

[–] [email protected] 23 points 1 year ago (37 children)

At least you mustn’t give tips to have the waiter reach the minimum wage.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago

I took a date out the other night for a drink and some food. We split a turkey sandwich and each ordered one basic cocktail. $41 + $9 tip. Could've made all that at home for less than $10. The US restaurant system as a whole is mental. Not even 5 years ago I had dozens of options during lunch to get a lunch special which included a whole bunch of stuff for less than $10. None of those options exist anymore, they're all gone.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago
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[–] [email protected] 17 points 1 year ago (4 children)

I normally go off the beaten path when I visit a country. Tourist attractions are always, always more expensive. Whether it's Marrakech, Venise or Rome.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

Mate, even the Italian prime minister, who has a farmhouse in Puglia, has gone abroad for her vacation.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago

The problem there is risk of crime, in my experience. However, it was always better food, but can get sketchy.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Hey, any quick recommendations you'd have for Marrakesh? Going there in a couple of weeks and I only managed to find out about the most popular spots so far.

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[–] [email protected] 15 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Have to say this is typical anywhere tourists are. Some are more hidden than others. Ever been to a sporting event, concert, or ski mountain? Same shit.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I'm in Cancun and my hotel charges $35 for sunscreen. Extortion happens in tourist spots, everywhere, always.

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[–] [email protected] 8 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Overcharging at tourist traps is hardly a new phenomenon. I went to Italy in the late 90s and they were charging $4 for a 12oz can of Coke I could get for 25-50¢ at home.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I'm sure it was warm too

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

$2 to cut a sandwich in half

What a bunch of Gorlami.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago

We just told them we aren't paying the crazy prices. Shouted a bit and they let it go.

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