ITALY Readers's Tips - You lived in Florence and you took a taxi from a man that "directed" you to cab You of all people should have known better. Read any guidebook and it will tell you to only take a taxi with a meter.

I would like to add to my initial post that all taxis waiting by the taxi signage area looked identical this was not an 'unmarked' or 'rogue' cab.It was white and had the same "Commune di Roma" markings on the side as the others.The taxi that my friend took apparently did have a running meter and despite of this she was also overcharged by the driver and had her money quickly changed.The taxi I was in also apparently had a 'meter' present it was not used properly.Please note it is also not unusual in some cities to be quoted a flat rate to some destinations (away from the city center so although this definitely read as sketchy to me, the legitimate looking taxi stationed with the others and my travel fatigue (this taxi was my 10th mode of transport yesterday got the best of me.It is also not terribly unsual to have someone 'directing' people to taxis to keep things orderly by transportation stations.As far as taxis in Florence ten years ago I was a student on a budget and recall taking only one taxi home after a late night and was therefore not familiar with these practices. I have heard of this happening to others.Your post will hopefully warn fellow travelers of this unfortunate and common scam at the Rome central train station. Thank you for sharing your experience. Zoe

Thank you for sharing your experience. will be travelling solo and like to be aware of this type of thing.

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