Why do Italians charge tourists up to 30% more for their meals?
Diner Beware: Turisti Pay More in Roman Restaurants
“They don’t see it as a crime but as a kind of justification,” said Tegan Shioler, a Canadian chef and sommelier who has worked in restaurants and hotels around Rome for several years. “It is part of the Italian psyche, and I don’t think it is done without humor. Italians are very possessive of their culture, which makes them beautiful. But some Romans disdain visitors, so they humorously justify the fact that to be served is some sort of privilege.”
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Back in 98 when Pam and I were travelling in Italy, we listened with amusement to the owners of a bar in Ischia arguing about our nationality and how much to charge us for a soda.
A translation of the conversation:
Lady 1: They’re German, 4 Lire
Lady 2: They’re English, 5 Lire
Pam: We speak Italian
(pause)
Lady 1: 3 Lire