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TRAVEL

The Roman Forum.

A tour guide offers clever tips to help you endear yourself to the locals, find the most authentic food and avoid getting scammed

Exploring the ancient ruins and bustling streets of Rome tops millions of travellers' must-do lists. But let's face it, the Italian capital can be overwhelming. The unfamiliar language, seemingly endless rows of restaurants and fear of pickpockets and taxi drivers who might take you for a ride in more ways than one may leave even the savviest visitors feeling trepidatious.

Tour guide Kylie Savage once walked in your shoes. Following a passion for Michelangelo, the Australian ex-pat relocated to Rome more than three years ago and she's happy to share her hard-won expertise in avoiding potential pitfalls and making the most of Italy's alluring capital.

Eat like a local

Steer clear of restaurants offering picture menus that are translated into more than two or three languages, because these aren't likely to be fresh and seasonal. "A lot of the food will probably come from a can," Savage warns.

Avoid any restaurant advertising either a "tourist" menu or a "non-tourist" menu. "They're both tourist menus," Savage explains.

Look for a restaurant where the waiter is actually serving customers, not calling people in from the streets. If the food and service are good, the staff will be too busy working to approach passersby.

The Gallery of Maps at the Vatican Museums is impressive, but the food nearby likely won’t be.

Don't eat anywhere near the Vatican. "They know they'll never see you again," Savage says, "so there is no real incentive to impress their customers."

Italians take their time over a meal, but you may be anxious to get on with your sightseeing. To receive your bill more quickly, order it with the last item you plan to eat or drink and ask for the waiter to bring them together. They'll be less likely to forget the check if they serve it with your coffee or dessert.

Sidestep gelaterias with hundreds of flavours, because that ice cream may have been sitting out since the Colosseum was built. Savage suggests sticking to gelaterias offering no more than 20 to 30 varieties, preferably stored under a lid. "Of course, even a bad gelato is still good here," she says. "But no blue … ever!"

Avoid getting ripped off

If you want to take a taxi, don't count on hailing one on the street. Ask your hotel concierge or a waiter at the restaurant where you're dining to arrange one for you.

Looking to hail a cab to see Rome's Trevi Fountain? Ask your hotel concierge to arrange it.

"The black and white taxis are the best," Savage says. "They have an ID number typically found on the taxi doors and they will have a sign on top."

Be aware that all licensed taxis in Rome are metered, so be sure that the driver turns it on when you get in the car. One notable exception applies: If you're travelling from Leonardo da Vinci International Airport or Ciampino Airport to a destination within the Aurelian Walls (or from within the Aurelian Walls to one of these airports), the journey is a flat rate. When you pay the taxi driver, state the amount of the currency that you're giving him. This should avoid any confusion over whether you gave him €10 or €20.

Lastly – and you may have heard this before – to deter pickpockets, always carry your rucksack on your chest, rather than your back.

Sprinkle your comments liberally – and in Italian

If you only learn three Italian words, make it these: buonissimo (the tastiest), benissimo (the best) and bellissimo (the most beautiful). As Savage attests, "These three important phrases will win you a friend for life."