Tourist Scams in Milan, Italy
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- Опубліковано 23 гру 2022
- Milan is an incredible world city and a city with great museums, high fashion, and Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper also brings in some nefarious people as well. From pickpockets to people trying to force you to take "free" trinkets, here are the most popular tourist scams in Milan, Italy
Filmed in Milan, Italy
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I have to say, I've been to Milan several times and not had any problems, BUT, this advice is good for any large, major city in any country.
haha seriously! like in nyc, when you see buddhist "monks" begging for money. real buddhist monks don't do that. i usually see them around penn station.
More scam topics pls. But South Asia
As a solo female traveler I’m always vigilant. Thankfully I’ve never encountered any of this. ♥️
That was really a great informationℹℹℹ, thanks for sharing with us 😊😊💕💕💕. Merry Christmas to all my friends who celebrate 🙏🙏🙏
The other thing about the Oops/Bump moments is that it's often not the person bumping you that picks your pocket. Here in NYC, you'll get a group of people bumping into you crossing a busy street. And when you realize you've been picked, the people around you distract you and the person who actually picked your pocket is long gone.
Exactly! Great point Ed!
Milan is a great city. The people are down to earth and the city is really gorgeous.
merry christmas, thanks for your hard work
I got into a train from Milano Centrale, my wife and myself were pushed by a group with one of them supposedly pregnant and carrying a baby. She groped our bags from under her baggy clothes. We shouted for help but we were surrounded by this group of abt 6. Fortunately, nothing was lost on our end and we pushed ourselves away from this group eventually. This was in Dec 2019. We visited again in Dec 2022 without any incident.
Just come back from Milan and had something similar happen to us 6 women surrounded us on the metro and tried to take my wallet out of my front jeans pocket I pushed my way out of the circle ,they said nothing and just got off at the next stop
These "people" are not italian are ROM
I got pickpocketed, scammed and almost mugged in October 2018, all within the same day in Milan. It certainly soured my experience of the beautiful city and I was anxious to leave my hotel room after that, only getting to see half of the things I wanted to see. This was my first ever time travelling alone in Europe.
Pretty much all in one day, I got pickpocketed on the underground train from Milano Centrale to the Duomo. I did not realise they had taken one of my wallets until I went to buy a coffee at one of the cafes near the Duomo (I had two anyway, one with cards, one with cash, but it wasn’t much that was taken). I do believe it may have been two women standing next to me on the train, as I’ve since seen videos capturing similar situations.
Shortly after that incident, I had taken out 50€ of an ATM to “reimburse” what was lost and ended up visiting the Castle Sforza. Within the grounds of the castle, I was approached by an African man who was handing out “good luck” bracelets “from Africa”. He was initially friendly and offered if I wanted one. I said “yea why not?” not realising the implication I was about to get myself into. After he tied the bracelet on, and gave me a fist bump, he then said I need to give him something in return. He told me to check my wallet, I was partly hesitant, but he was holding onto my arm with the bracelet so I ended up giving him the 50€ euro and he walked alway liked nothing happened. There were Carabineri (? My guess is Italian police?) nearby and I told them about the incident, but they literally said they couldn’t do anything and spoke a very broken sounding english. I was pretty annoyed after that.
Shortly thereafter, feeling depressed, I decided to go back to my hotel. On the way back, I got off at the closest train station (Lima station if I recall correctly?). I was staying in an area or suburb called Zona Buenos Aires. After getting off the train and heading out of the stairs onto the streets, I was accosted by 4 African men who spoke a mixture of what sounded like Italian and French. They were acting very aggressive and held up there fists and pointed to my pockets saying “give money now”. I panicked and started running the other way as fast as I could, towards the direction of the Centrale Milano Station (it was about 1-2kms away). As I ran, two other men most likely from the same group came out of one these side streets as the men chasing me were yelling to alert them that I was running away. I ran as fast as I could and never bothered to look behind me until I got as far as an area that was more populated. When I checked behind again, I couldn’t see them and pretty much lost them. I eventually got back to my hotel safely, told the incident to the hotel manager and he told me to report to the police (which I did but i don’t think any sort of police action really happened, no help either for the previous incidents either).
Ever since this experience in Milan, I’ve been extra cautious when travelling abroad, usually researching safety issues before travelling. I wish I knew about these issues before travelling alone for the first time, now I’ve learnt my lesson. I haven’t had any issues since (in Europe anyway). I hope to go back again later this year. This time, I’ll know what to expect.
Thank you so much for that helpful info
I almost got hit up with the bracelet scam in Las Vegas, I was taking a drink from my bottled water when out of the corner of my eye I saw her approach me, within a split second I turned toward my husband and said no thank you and put my hands back in my vest. These people are slick. I'm just a country girl and if it weren't for videos like this I'd be clueless! Thanks for all you do keeping us aware.
I had the same thing happen in Vegas too and I accidentally spit my drink in the guys face. I was trying to say no while not processing I had ginger beer in my mouth and spit it out on them. They got pissed and called the cops but they ended up getting charged because since they touched me first on my wrist me spitting on them (though accidnetally) would qualify for self defense I guess. Crazy how the world works.
Thanks Mark! Merry Christmas🎄🎄
You too ann!!
When I was in Milan, they tried to tie a bracelet on me but I quickly pulled my hand away before he could tie a knot in it.
I already knew about this scam by doing my research before going to Milan.
They do it all the time to my kids. Ugh
Very useful video. I've been many times to Milan without any problem, and if i consider it's a safe city, it's obvious that you should be aware of pickpockets and beggars. Like in many big city and tourist destination.
I've only had a few incidents in Milan. I find it a good place to live with all the options there
Great video, Merry Christmas and have a memorable new year.
You too Tobi!
Good video! Merry Christmas! 🎄🎅
Thanks!
Im off to Milan for a concert in July and I'm super excited!
Good advice, thanks. Just returned yesterday via Milan Malpensa terminal 2 airport - had my trolley bag taken from the small toilets just after security - it was right beside me at urinal and I was very aware to keep eye on luggage - in space of seconds it was gone ! Police were rude and unhelpful . I had small backpack with valuables and passport but nevertheless really pissed off! I looked around terminal in despair - then remembered I had an Apple airtag in the case - wasn't entirely sure how 'Find My' worked - if its not in close range for bluetooth then is uses the map function which I though just meant I was in Malpensa when it said 'you have arrived at your destination' - but it meant that my case was close. Then used the 'Find' button again until spinning circles appeared - and amazingly it directed me to my case sitting behind a well dressed man in the main cafe - I just took my case as so grateful , but took a photo obviously of man then pretended to get on phone as I left as if phoning police . Can't be 100% sure it was him and didn't want to create a scene. I have travelled widely and never had incident like this - so I think the reputation of Milan is probably true - but don't let it put you off visiting - just don't let your baggage out of your sight or hand if you can help it !
During my last visit to Duomo, I saw three major issues -
1. People constantly bugging you for selfie at Duomo with selfie sticks. I must have declined 100 times and had to simply runaway from place.
2. Too many illegal migrants, beggars, destitutes, hippies, addicts and likes occupying almost every street, footpaths and tourist places
3. Astronomical prices for everything from hotel to food to travel.
I really felt nervous in the evenings and late night venturing out.
Finally, Malpensa might be one of the most confusing airports I have been to and it takes an hour to find directions and reach gates
"hippies"? 😂
When I was getting ready to go study in Venice 11 years ago, one of the directions we were given was if you do get robbed, don't chase the pickpocket. If they duck around a corner and you keep following them, there's a good chance that two or more of their buddies are going to be waiting to greet you.
They weren't wrong
Thats why these cities are going to hell. Never resist, never fight back, ignore everything, accept and keep moving. Sure it can be dangerous, but dangerous now might make the place safer for tomorrow.
Merry Christmas to y'all! Mississippi viewer.❤️
We were in Milan for Christmas and found Uber Black really easy to use and you know what the cost of the trip is prior to the trip.
The key to the Shell game is when you're asked to pick what shell the pea is under, the pea is in his hand
I’m a solo but very experienced traveller. When I was in Milan I saw all the scams. They are so aggressive! At the duomo I had to be very rude as those guys with the bracelets would not leave me alone. I was surrounded. Also at the central station these guys would not leave me alone trying to carry my luggage. I had a very heavy bag but I always manage it myself. They kept trying to grab it off me. Had to use the universal words “f off”. Thankfully I have never been scammed but so many attempts have been made on me.
@@Foxtrot_Victor thanks for the info
I’m from Milano and I think that a clarification is needed.
Milano is a big town and like all big towns it’s a catalyst of every kind of people from all around the world.
You have to know that in Italy we have a big problem with immigration from Africa and from many other countries of the Third World.
So you find those people that give you “for free” a bracelet but they ask you money in an aggressive way. And as you told in your video there are also other kind of tourists scam.
In Central Station and in the subway we have a problems with gipsies (mostly women but also kids) that are pickpockets.
Milano’s mayor underestimate these problems, and many other problems (like those with South American baby gangs).
You are all welcome to Milano. Enjoy our museums, Duomo cathedral, Sforzesco Castle, Teatro alla Scala and superb Italian food! 👍🏻
Ecco appunto.. Infatti
I’m sure your new fascist government will handle it. 😉
@@reddykilowattI hope so. In any case, much better than a senile pedo as president. 😉
@@robertocasile you would know. 😉
Merry Christmas to all my friends who celebrate 🙏🙏🙏
Really nice I found your channel, very informative and shares a comprehensive and easy to understand. Love your videos.
I was there in September. The only scam I noticed was the bracelet thing. Especially next to the castle. One guy actually threw one at me and we almost got in a fight over it. Our AirBnB was a great location but awful for noise. Italians stay out all fucking night. Didn’t get much sleep.
Merry Christmas 🌟🎄🎅🏻🎁☃️🥳
You too Marc!
I got scammed by 2 restaurants in 4 days.
One is Guga right in the center of Milan, they charged us 42 euros for 2 glasses of coke.
The other is another tourist trap, it has no name and invisible on maps, we were lured in (it is the one in front of pizzeria Dogana)
We needed a taxi from the train station to our room in Rome, but the taxi guy covered the meter. Later on, we think he didn’t zero it out because our very short trip was surprisingly expensive
and you accdepted that? Jesus.
When we were in Milan a couple years ago there were young men that looked like they were from somewhere in Africa working the crowds around the Duomo. They would hand people bird seed to feed the pigeons and after they fed them they would demand high amounts of money ...actually following the people around and aggressively yelling at them to pay up!
Yes. African people.
Yeah, typical Milan scam that. Happened to me when I first visited the city almost 30 years ago.
This upset me all that hard work for the hustle can't even lift a finger for an honest living.
I went there a couple of years ago. I would never think of going there again. I don´t enjoy my self on holiday if I have to be fighting people off me on every street corner. Its not what I would call relaxing. Its a sad state of affairs, and I can´t see why nothing can be done about it.
What actually fighting?
Thank you so much! Are luggage storage sites ok to use? We have booked Bounce luggage storage so we can go to Duomo and it has high reviews but wanted to see your thoughts. Thank you!
We were followed by a gang of some sort for an afternoon. It was very scary
Thanks we are going to Milan on tuesday
stayed in bergamo and caught the train to milan,just out of the station and they tried to give me a plastic turtle thankfully a sercurity guard moved them ,plus at the station i lost my change while getting a ticket from the machine
2013- we were at the Duomo and they attempted to scam me with 🐦 seed. The scammer forced it into my hand as I was trying to avoid him. He grabbed my wrist and demanded money. The more I tried to pull away, the more demanding he got. I finally dumped the seed and we got into a shoving match. When he saw the police running toward us, he and his buddies ran.
Vamos por más videos 💪 🎉
Please see if you can do Scams in Civitavecchia too. It is small town but big little scams there. Thanks
We have been here a day and saw the ticket hustle at the train station. At the Duomo, similar to the bracelet scam there were guys handing out popcorn kernels to feed pigeons. They were just reaching their hands out hoping you would take it.
What cities in Italy would you recommend in February or March
I had got by the bracelet one. Was not the worse in the world, but made me alert for the rest of my Europa trip.
6:24 OMG that poor child. LOL! When he grows up and sees all these pics of himself asleep and everyone posing around him like some tourist attraction.
Even if you win at those street games they do not pay you and if you insist they threaten you.
Ciao from Italy, from Lago Maggiore
Yes, in Lille, France I set my purse on ground to take a picture with my friends and two local boys on the street offered to take a picture, and we used my friends camera for the picture and mine was in my purse. Well, after the boys walked away i realizes my camera was gone, and they were long gone. This is for ANY big city. Seems like common sense I know! 😂
The bracelet scam happened to my son in Rome. I also saw it all over the place in Athens.
Luckily for me I can barely afford to get to Italy so when I finally do my pockets will already be empty 😅
If you’re carrying anything, even your passport, there’s still a danger. When my wife and I were in Rome, the pickpockets on the underground were such a threat. Also, it was so annoying with all those people trying to get us to accept their roses.
You were such an inspiration for me to start my own channel!!! Thank you!! I will be posting my first video introducing myself on New Year’s Eve. My channel will be about family, food and Travel. 😊 Milan is on my list for next year!! First stop is Portugal in February🎉
Yes the bracelet guys are so annoying.
Merry Christmas Mark. 🎅
Super annoying. Merry Xhristmas Leo!
I had the bracelet scam happen to me. Fortunately took it off and all was ok they were a nuisance though
Glad you got away
@@woltersworld thanks Wolter they were really pushy about the bracelets basically forced them onto us to be honest but just took it off really fast said no thank you and fortunately they went away. Happened whilst I was eating at a restaurant outside
Scam happened in Rome with my tennis bracelet. It had a solid clasp with lock reinforcement and I had never taken it off in years. BUT STILL HAD THE BEST TIME IN ITALY. ❤🥰
Actually i was in france 2 weeks ago and then one day when I was walking around the tower in paris I saw some scamers around so people be very careful with that thank u so much for everything u doing here greetings and have a wonderful time with ur family and friends take care
problem is that we avoid all people, and dont want to - be nice to people, cause there are so many scammers..
I live and work in Milan. It's everything he said is true and tourists should be aware and keep attention to thier belongings!
1) Bracelet (or flowers) whatever. First time was in Paris, but other cities. My wife knew enough to say no. I told him no. He literally shoved the rose into her hand, then asked for money. I looked the guy in the eye, probably the coldest freaking look he's ever gotten, and told him "She said no, I said no," snap flower into pieces, "be somewhere else or it will not be good."
2) Pickpockets Rome, but other places, my friend taught me some sleight of hand... and I use it spook them right quick. Like they think I might pick their pocket. That and I have my pockets safety pinned from the inside.
3) Taxis, use the right app if you have a smartphone. You might have to wait a bit, especially in Milan, but you'll get a fair price.
4) Clubbing, don't do it alone. Seriously, just don't do it alone. Always have friends with you, one (or more, depending on group size) that will stay completely sober. They'll hold the money.
5) Taught the kids about street games in London, but happens most places. I also taught them to watch the crowd during street games, for pickpockets.
What do you think of taking a bus from Milan malpensa to Milan central but I would get off the bus at 1 am and my hotel is 8-10 min from there. Is it safe for me to do so?
not only in Milano, unfortunately, this happens also in France, Spain and other European countries.
Hearing this always makes my blood boil. I remember going to Venice as a teenager and the tour bus guide spent the entire hour ride over to the city telling us how the locals try to scam and steal from you. I still carry my wallet to this day in my front pocket because they said they slit your back pocket or the bottom of womens purses with a small scalpel, and pick up the contents that fall out. This makes me want to carry small bags with nothing but glue, feathers, and stinkbombs that blast you when you open it. im 6'4" and well built,and would love to see someone get confrontational on me after tying something to my wrist. Nope you said it was free, mine now. People don't stand up to them that's why they get away with doing it so much.
I doubt the problem is the "locals", the scams from locals you may experience are mainly overpriced meals, nearly all other scams are done by non locals.
For real. Put something on my wrist and try to force me to give you money afterwards. I'd be like "That's your own d*mn fault for tying your s*** on my wrist." And tell them to back the **** off of me.
i think i must give off the vibe of "i've watched mark wolter's scam alerts" because i didn't have any problems in milan! 😂 but seriously, the only one i came across was a woman dressed and covered in black sitting at the side of the duomo begging for money. in the heat wave. even her face was covered. we opted not to give. one of my nieces was asking about her and i asked if she wanted to give the woman money and she said no 😂
Some of them are professional beggars. Nothing wrong, just easy money from people with good hearts
Went to Rome for a few days in the mid 90s and got hit by a bunch of gypsy kids. The gist of it from what I remember is that a woman offered to sell me … something to do with a newspaper … it was bent over the top of my Fanny pack. A kid came up from underneath and stole my wallet . Fortunately a cop was nearby and caught the kid and I got all my stuff back. The only reason was cause I didn’t have any lira yet 😂 Lesson learned: try not to look like a dumb tourist 😅
You were lucky.
don't leave your cellphone on the table if you are eating or drinking something, especially at outside tables. some thieves could come and ask you for directions, place a map on your phone and steal it
Anyone thinking of going It's really not that bad, just be observant as you should be in any large city centre, most people walk around with phone in hand etc. no ones gona pounce on you like a vulture 😅 Metro pay attention to whos around you and move away if they seem suspicious like on any busy subway 👍
Target my kid and I’ll be there for a little bit longer than planned
Going to Milian is it frowned upon to show aggression back towards the lowlife scammers if they harass you
I might as well be the scary angry guy nobody messes with.
What happens if you just take the free bracelet and don't give them money? I would be amused by them verbally getting upset.
Hmmm I didn't know Alex Jones was soo traveled & cultured...
So is Milan as bad as Florence? I'm guessing Florence is worse because it's more of a tourist destination.
Florence is worse with scams
spilling things on me to scam me, i think i would get into a fight
don't go there if it's that bad , stay safe.
I go to Milan regularly.Never had any problems I would consider it a fairly safe city.
i went once and felt really safe. but then again, i watched a lot of travel videos prior and especially videos like mark's that teach you how to travel safely. i also visit nyc at least once or twice a year (prior to the pandemic) so traveling safely is embedded in my psyche. it's all about having some common sense.
It's not that bad. I'm just letting people know. Still so worth going to
That’s why, as a Milanese, I stay well clear of tourists’ attraction places.
How is it possible for someone you don't know to INSIST on giving you something "for free" without setting off your alarm system? Not even at Disneyland...
Also want to share an unfortunate experience we had while waiting for our room at a small hotel lobby. We were a group of about 18 persons, and when we came inside the hotel, there was a bearded man sitting on the sofa when we entered, so I guess he felt crowded, and gradually he inched himself slowly towards the hotel door and was able to get one of our carry-on luggage with back-pack on top. The back-pack did have his Euro wallet but fortunately not his dollars, passport or his license. Unfortunately, the manager of the hotel was not available to review the lobby camera footage until the following morning. Otherwise, our Milan trip was a success other than this unfortunate experience. - Mike
When Wolter said "100 euros by taxi to the center," I then realized I would likely not be going to Milan. Other things are going to be expensive too. $$$$.
because the main International airport (Malpensa) is 45km away from the city, but there is a train station that cost 13€(6,50€ for Kids), and now from the other airport (Linate) there is the new metro line.
Italy is a beautiful country but pickpockets I have found are the worse there. It is still safe but be careful.
True
👏👏👏❤️👏👏👏
Explore Golgumbaz
Regardless of where you are visiting, be aggressive towards all panhandlers, bums, hobos, winos and slicksters. Maybe because I'm from Philadelphia I act differently towards these leeches. Don't be a rube. A quick punch or kick will keep these scammers away from you. Don't trust anyone!!!
being physically violent with a stranger probably not the best advice. 🙄
@A. M. just like Jesus would do.
If somebody paid 100 euros from Milan Airport they should never be allowed travel again 😂😂😂😂
👍🙏
I will always remember police with machine guns in Milan
Milan is cool tho
He didn't say it wasn't
Yes it is
@@kindmulberry7196 lol true
@@woltersworld yesss. I have a friend that lives near Milan and hes sent me photos of everything. Having been in the usa all my life, it is quite fascinating how different life is over there
That's ALL true. Be careful to foreigners because these skams doesn't comes from italians
I think the bracelet scam would stop if all of them got a big punch in the face as a standard response for a week or month. But then some of them would pull out knives, and there are of course a group of them vs one or two of you. Don't risk a knife cut.
I encountered scams during my visit to Milan, but thankfully I was able to spot them and did not become a victim.
1. Bracelet scam
2. Metro ticket scam
3. Bird guy
4. Someone trying to help with my luggage
I didn’t have a good impression of Milan. I won’t be back. Once I arrived in Switzerland I didn’t encounter and beggars, scams, or street hawkers.
I give to beggars.....who am I to judge? maybe they actually need it
This is true.
Milano Card. Don’t buy it. It’s way to difficult to obtain and more expensive than the tickets you buy at kiosks.
I was visiting a friend in Milan when I was 15 and we were in a park. They (black lul) just approached me with one of those rainbow bracelets and insisted to put it on my wrist. I was like “thanks dude” and they they wanted cash. I was like “card only, you said it was free anyway” and I just ran off to my friend. And he told me that happens all the time xD
😂😂
I tried to take a taxi from Milan to Genoa -- and the driver wanted 600 euros. Ridiculous for 100 miles
trains are the best in speed and cost
you did count that you also need to pay the way back trip, it is 200miles.
@A. M. and the motorway tools is around 11€ each trip
@A. M. and the motorway tools is around 11€ each trip
First like given
Thank you
Worst city I've been when it comes to crimes and robberies. :(
It's not that bad tbh, the sammers are really only agressive near the Arco della Pace
Don’t bother coming here. You will be ripped off.
it's not a scam but PLEASE, for the love of your own decency, DON'T do a spin on the balls of the bull in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele... you are supposed to do that on New Year's Eve, not all year round...
To są pierdolone bzdury - nic mnie takiego nie spotkało, nawet z dalekoa :) moze to moje szczescie, a moze jest bezpiecznie? nie wiem - ale filmy takie jak ten - krzywdzą Włochy
first
So, in other words, DON'T GO TO MILAN!
this scam are common around all the major touristic and historic city.
Don't go to NYC, London, Paris, Madrid, LA or Barcelona then, I've come across the same scams in those places. Just stay home .
@@supertrooper6879 There are tons of other places to visit besides those messed-up tourist traps (although Madrid should be fine).
Got to say that Milan is one of the worst Cities I have ever visited. Public transport is terrible and that's why the taxis can take advantage. There are much better places to visit in Italy, like Venice and Florence. Don't waste your time or money in Milan...
Ok. This guy is telling you common sense tips. Not very helpful.
General advice in Italy (I would say: in Europe) keep away from "small talk"...
If anybody gives you grief in Italy, just shout "Vaffanculo!" at them. They'll get the message!
Hey, that's a good video! Thanks to the author of the channel for this fascinating video! It is interesting to see how people live in other countries! It is very important to know foreign languages on such trips. I would like to recommend to all travelers a practical guide to learning foreign languages by Yuriy Ivantsiv "Polyglot Notes. Practical tips for learning foreign languages". This book contains a lot of useful tips on how to learn a foreign language for tourists, students, entrepreneurs and anyone who needs a foreign language in life. There are a lot of good tips on how to solve problems with the language from beginner to advanced level of language learning. It turns out that the traveler only needs to know a few dialogues and you can easily travel around the world! You don't have to spend a lot of time to fully learn a foreign language, you just need to learn what you can use when you travel. I wish everyone exciting travels!