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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Catania, Italy: how to avoid them
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Catania is a lively Sicilian city where most visitors have a safe trip, but you should stay alert around transport hubs and tourist sights. The main risks are overcharging taxis, pickpocketing in crowded areas, and pressure tactics in restaurants and shops. Use official taxi ranks and the airport bus, and keep valuables secured.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Catania, Italy and how to avoid them
1. Unlicensed drivers at the airport
How it works: Men approach arriving passengers inside and outside the arrivals hall offering a ride to the centre, quoting inflated fares with no meter. They are not official taxis and may drive unsafe or uninsured vehicles.
How to avoid it: Walk to the official taxi rank outside the terminal and take a licensed car with a meter or agree to a fair fixed rate of about 25 to 30 euros.
2. Pickpocketing in crowded areas
How it works: Thieves work in pairs or groups in busy spots, distracting you with questions, dropped items or bumping while a partner lifts your wallet, phone or bag.
How to avoid it: Keep bags zipped and in front of you, avoid keeping phones in back pockets, and stay alert in markets and on busy buses.
3. Menu with no prices
How it works: Some restaurants near main tourist sights present menus without prices or add unexpected cover charges, service fees or bread charges at the end of the meal.
How to avoid it: Confirm prices before ordering, check that the menu lists prices, and review the itemised bill before paying.
4. Poor-rate currency exchange booths
How it works: Exchange offices near the cathedral and main streets advertise attractive rates in the window but apply large commissions or poor actual rates at the counter, especially for cash conversions.
How to avoid it: Withdraw euros from a bank ATM or pay by card. If you must exchange, compare the final amount offered before committing.
5. Fake charities and petitions
How it works: People with clipboards approach tourists asking for signatures for a fake charity or petition, then pressure them for cash donations. A second person may pickpocket while you are distracted.
How to avoid it: Politely decline and keep walking. Do not stop to sign or engage with clipboard solicitors.
6. Friendly stranger offers help
How it works: A stranger offers unsolicited help with directions, luggage or tickets, then demands payment or works with a pickpocket partner while you are distracted.
How to avoid it: Use a map app or ask staff in official shops, stations or hotels. Decline help from strangers who insist or follow you.
Official tickets for the top sights in Catania, Italy
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): €25 - €30. Use only the official taxi rank outside the arrivals terminal. Agree on the fare or insist on the meter. Unlicensed drivers approach travelers inside and outside the terminal; refuse them.
Best alternative: AMT Alibus bus to Piazza Stazione Centrale and the city centre (€4, about 30 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- €1 (Single-ride ticket valid for 90 minutes on AMT buses in the urban zone)
- Validation rules
- Buy your ticket before boarding at tabacchi shops, newsstands or the AMT app, then validate it in the machine inside the bus. Unvalidated tickets are treated as no ticket. Police and inspectors check randomly.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- €50. Fine for riding without a valid ticket, roughly 50 euros, payable on the spot or by invoice later
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank cards are not yet accepted on AMT buses; buy tickets from the app or sales points. Circumetnea trains accept tickets bought at stations.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Small tips appreciated for good service, not mandatory. Round up the bill or leave a euro or two in restaurants and bars. Taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Cover and service charges: A coperto cover charge per person is common in Sicilian restaurants and is shown on the menu or bill. Service is usually included. Be wary of places with no prices on the menu, and check the bill before paying.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in euros and decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card terminals. Prefer ATMs attached to bank branches over standalone machines, which often carry higher fees. Pay with your card in shops and restaurants whenever possible.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Around the central station and bus terminal: Late at night, keep bags closed and valuables out of sight, and use official taxis rather than accepting rides from drivers who approach you.
- Via Etnea and the fish market area: Very crowded during the day; watch your pockets and bag in tight spaces and at stalls.
Emergency number
112
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Frequently Asked Questions about Catania, Italy
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Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.