Beware of Locals in Tourists Destination in Europe

One thing you need to remember when visiting tourist destinations in Europe is that there will be locals who will try to swindle or steal from you. And they will be aggressive and sneaky in their methods.

For example, to get to the entrance of The Basilica of the Sacred Heart from the front, you need to walk up from either the left or the right road. The locals will block your way and ambush you. They will offer you some shitty bracelets for free. Even if you say no, they will forcefully put the bracelets on your arms by grabbing your arm strongly. Resist and keep on walking.

Or when you walk around in Berlin, they will ask you if you speak English and will ask you to read a piece of paper about collecting signatures for donation or something, then they will ask you to sign it. Obviously, don’t sign it. Imagine what they will do with your signature. And they will surely ask you for money after you sign the paper. But here is the sneaky part. When more than one person approaches you, do not let them touch you. Because while one person will distract you by begging for signatures while shaking your arm, another person will snatch your wallet.

Or when you just taking your time taking pictures in front of Duomo in Milan, someone will approach you and hand you a pigeon to spice up your pictures. Then they will ask for money. Persistently.

True story.

Be alert when you’re travelling. Don’t accept anything from locals. Don’t let them touch you. Unless you travel to Japan of course. You can leave your iPhone on a table in an open cafe and expect it to still be there when you come back.