I was scammed on the first day of my Italy trip. It happened at the Bologna centrale train station in the evening. I was nervous that day because i could not find a correct platform to change train to Modena. I am still confused after i asked the train conductors for directions, then i was approached by a young man.
He showed me all the directions to the platform and also advised me not to board the wrong train. Shortly after i thanked him, he asked me for tips. I refused to give him money but he kept on disturbing me. I had no choice so i gave him 2 euros to avoid any troubles. It was a horrible experience for me.
3 thoughts on “Helper at Bologna Centrale”
Doesn’t sound so horrible. He helped you out and it cost you a pittance.
I think it’s disgusting. I live in a touristy city in France and have often helped people with directions and information. Why would I charge for that? It’s just being a decent person.
I experienced the same in Amsterdam… I asked a local for directions, then he demanded payment. When I told him to “f.o” he got very aggressive and violent. He actually started following us around and wouldnt leave us alone! The bizarre thing was the door staff at a nearby hotel wouldnt help at all, until I went inside the reception lobby and we made a scene.
Yes it is a horrible experience.