Originally Posted by
GoCanes
When I was in Venice last year, a gelato vendor near our hotel tried to rip us off. We bought 2 gelato that were 3 euro each. I only had a 50 euro banknote on me, so gave him that for it. He hands me back two 2 euro coins and smiles. I was shocked. He owed me 44 euros. When I started to argue with him, he acted like he did not know what I was talking about. He kept playing dumb until finally he saw I was getting really pissed off. He then proceeded to give me a 10 euro banknote, as if that was what I was looking for. I gave it back to him and said No and in italian said 40. I told him I would wait all night. He finally caved and gave me the 40. Worst part about it, is that the gelato sucked!
That's really unfortunate it happened to you. In general, northern Italians are quite honest and don't "furbo" the tourists. It's a different story in Rome, Naples, Palermo, etc.. But good on ya for standing up to him. I would have gone a step further and after receiving the correct change, found the closest carabiniere or guardia di finanza. They are everywhere. One word to them and I guarantee that vendor wouldn't be playing that game. The carabinieri and guardia are known for being very honest and fair.