Do people Barter for things/services in Italy?

Question

Should I take American cigarettes and try to Barter with the Gondola drivers (in venice) for a better fare?

Answer 1

Good question. I am in the military, and I myself have bartered for many things in Italy and other countries. First thing, when you go places, it sometimes helps to tell people that you are Canadian. In some parts of Italy, if you go out to eat, they have a regular menu and one priced just for Americans - which of course is higher in price.  Some of the things that I have used to barter with are military medals and wings (pilot, nfo eaws, ect) and sometimes just telling them you can only spend 2/3 of what they are asking. 9 out of 10 times they ask to much because bartering is expected, so never pay full price for ANYTHING unless you have at least tried to get it down. And we used to trade cigarettes in Romania because we got them cheap on base and they are really expensive there, so that may indeed work for you. There is always ways to get around paying full price for anything.