A tourist couple paid €44 for two ice creams in Rome: “It was a trap, we didn't realize the real cost”
A couple of American tourists paid 44 euros for two ice creams eaten at the counter at a gelateria near Piazza Navona in Rome, the experience going viral on social media and sparking discussions about prices in tourist areas.
44 euros for two ice creams in Rome Photo: X
The incident took place on June 3 and was reported online by Nicole Ann, a tourist from Florida, who shared the experience in a Facebook group dedicated to traveling to Rome, euronews writes.
According to her, she and her husband stopped at a gelateria on Via di Tor Millina, where they ordered two scoops of ice cream, each with three varieties. The problem arose, the tourist claims, when the staff added additional products to the order, without these being clearly presented as being paid for.
“While the ice creams were being prepared, staff added other items, including macarons and pistachio cannoli, without it being immediately clear that these were extras“, she reported. At the time of payment, the final amount surprised her.
“We thought they said €14. We didn't realize the real cost,” wrote Nicole Ann in her post, stating that she only realized the real cost after checking her tax receipt.
According to the voucher later published online, the two scoops of ice cream cost €12 each, with additional costs for whipped cream, macarons and pistachio cannoli added, bringing the total to €44.
In her post, the woman described the experience as a “tourist trap” term often used for situations where visitors end up paying prices considered exaggerated in heavily frequented areas.
However, the tourist stated that she does not intend to contest the payment, although she considers the experience unpleasant. She also said she had traveled to other regions of Italy without encountering similar prices for ice cream.
The reactions were not slow to appear. The post went viral, garnering hundreds of comments and shares. Many users showed solidarity with American tourists and criticized the lack of transparency regarding additional costs, while others pointed out that in the central tourist areas of major European cities prices can be significantly higher.
