Tourists thought he was buying gelato then checked his bank balance

When you’re on holiday, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and  splurge a bit more on items than you typically would at home.

That’s precisely what occurred with one man who indulged his wife and daughter with a daily gelato during their Italian getaway, accepting the steep price as part of the experience.

However, upon inspecting his bank balance, he spotted something peculiar. So he decided to challenge the shop about it.

In a TikTok video, he revealed: “I got scammed in Rome, Italy… We went every single day because my daughter and wife loved it.

“But I noticed that the last two times it was $9 for two small gelatos, and then all of a sudden she was charging me $20 for two ice creams.”

Baffled, he scrutinised his bank balance further and noticed the inconsistency, leading him to confront the shop. He alleges staff informed him they “change prices every day” and the higher charge was accurate for that specific day.

Subsequently, he searched for the shop online and found numerous negative reviews from customers alleging they had encountered the same pricing problem.

He stated: “It’s happening to me, it’s happening to everyone else, and people should be made aware.”

How to avoid being overcharged for gelato in Italy

By law, gelaterias are required to display their prices. Look for a clear price list (prezzi) before ordering.

If you don’t see one, request prices before ordering.

Some establishments charge by weight (al etto or al kilo), which can become costly quickly. If you spot “€2.50/100g” or similar pricing, request a fixed price cup or cone instead.

A small cup or cone (typically €2–€3) is standard. If they attempt to provide you with a larger portion without asking, insist on the small one.

You should also request a receipt or pay in cash to avoid being over-charged.

It’s also important to consider the location. Outlets right next to famous landmarks (like the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain) often charge more.

So, it’s advisable to walk a few streets away for better prices and quality.

Sitting down at a table (especially in touristy areas) can double or triple the price. However, ordering and eating at the counter (al banco) is much cheaper.

If you see lots of Italians in line, it’s probably a good sign for both price and quality. On the contrary, shops with huge queues and flashy gimmicks are likely to be inauthentic options.

The finest gelato is usually kept in covered metal tubs, not piled high with flashy decorations. Over-the-top displays often mean lower quality and higher prices.