Bracelets, roses, sunglasses, bags — the street sellers outside every monument. What's happening and how to respond.
Plan your Italy trip →Bracelet/string tie: Forces a bracelet on your wrist, demands payment. Rose sellers: Hands you a flower, demands €5-10. Selfie stick/umbrella sellers: Appear the moment it rains or the sun comes out. Legal (if annoying), prices negotiable but always inflated. Counterfeit goods sellers: Fake designer bags, sunglasses, watches laid on blankets near tourist sites. See our fake goods guide.
A firm "No, grazie" without stopping or making eye contact is sufficient. Don't engage in conversation — any engagement is interpreted as interest. If someone puts something in your hand, put it down and walk away. You are not obligated to pay for something you didn't ask for.
These sellers are generally not dangerous — they're persistent but not threatening. They're usually immigrants in precarious economic situations. Being polite but firm is the appropriate response. Aggression is unnecessary and unkind.
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