Someone ties a bracelet on your wrist, then demands money. How to avoid and respond.
Plan your Italy trip →Usually near the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, or Sacré-Cœur (Paris version). A person approaches, often with a friendly "Where are you from?", then quickly ties a string or woven bracelet around your wrist. Once it's on, they demand €5-10 for the "gift." If you resist, they become aggressive or loudly shame you.
Don't extend your hand. Don't stop to chat. If someone reaches for your wrist, pull it back immediately. "No, grazie" and keep walking. If they manage to tie one on: untie it, drop it, walk away. You owe nothing for something forced on you.
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