Comments on: Rome: 5 rules for shopping in a Roman grocery store

By: Markandeyulu

Markandeyulu — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 15:33:34 +0000

carry exact change, sorry my name is not Barbabra

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 05 Aug 2015 12:11:58 +0000

Here’s one I just learned in Rome today, my third full day here as an American: if you are a young American woman shopping alone, you WILL be approached by at least one Italian gentleman over age 50, and you WILL be required to say no to his advances at least ten times before he finally gets the message and leaves you alone. I wasn’t rude, but I did have go full New Yorker On The Subway to shut him down. Here is what didn’t work:

– Showing him photos of me and my boyfriend
– Informing him (truthfully) I am religious and do not cheat sexually with strange or any, men
– Insisting more than ten times no, I am engaged, no thank you
– Ignoring him
– Pulling physically away and walking opposite direction

By the way, I am mixed black and Japanese-American. I was not expecting this level of attention from men at all and am, frankly, kind of terrified in Rome now. Especially since two more gentlemen repeated the same thing on me within two hours after I left Auchan where the first incident happened, at the meat counter.

By: Fruit and Veg Etiquette | ROAMING THROUGH ROMA

Fruit and Veg Etiquette | ROAMING THROUGH ROMA — Mon, 13 Oct 2014 06:06:30 +0000

[…] may be wiser for Rome’s visitors to try their luck at the local supermarket, where one can test the produce at their own will. Proper procedure is to place produce into […]

By: pietro

pietro — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 22:43:02 +0000

Rule n. 1: the apparent purpose is to prevent contamination but in reality this “rule” was pushed by the gloves providers ( see n. 4). Don’t let that stifle your search for that just-ripe avocado. Having been a farmer I can tell you that your hands are much cleaner than the groceries on supermarket shelves.

Rule n.2. They do occasionally check the weight if they have suspicions ( there are plaincloths security). so don’t cheat. At least, not too much.

Rule n. 3. If they had a bag boy he would be entitled to a full salary ( not minimum wage: we’re too civilized for that!)) of about € 2K for 14 months and 1 full month vacation. So, bag your grocery!

Rule n.4: it’s another scam ( see n.1). Bring your own bag!

Rule n. 5. Nice old ladies don’t cut the line. It’s …holes that try to do that. Don’t be afraid to shout at them. My wife being American obviously hasn’t yet learned how to cope with this and I find her forever at the end of the line…
And she just says: But everybody is getting ahead of me!

But, it is true that if you have just a few items ( and a nice smile) people will let you go ahead.

By: Deedles807

Deedles807 — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 06:50:05 +0000

Don’t forget, in Europe you are using the metric system; so you don’t buy produce or meats in pounds or ounces but in grams.

By: Steve from TravelingProfessor.Com

Steve from TravelingProfessor.Com — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 13:59:54 +0000

I love shopping at Italian grocery stores. I find the wine selections to be excellent.

By: Jenojenny

Jenojenny — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 14:22:29 +0000

And try to always have small change with you. For some reason, cashiers don’t like to break big bills. Not only will they always ask if you have something closer to the exact amount, they’ll frown and act put out, if you don’t.

By: Tweets that mention Rome: 5 rules for shopping in a Roman grocery store | Budget Travel Tips – EuroCheapo -- Topsy.com

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 17:49:05 +0000

[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tom and Pete Meyers, Heidi Brault. Heidi Brault said: RT @eurocheapo: 5 rules for shopping in a Roman grocery store – http://bit.ly/hIcFal […]