American tourists asking about U.S. currency in Rome

[u/miketheman0506]

[u/AutoModerator]

Welcome to r/TikTokCringe!

This is a message directed to all newcomers to make you aware that r/TikTokCringe evolved long ago from only cringe-worthy content to TikToks of all kinds! If you’re looking to find only the cringe-worthy TikToks on this subreddit (which are still regularly posted) we recommend sorting by flair which you can do here (Currently supported by desktop and reddit mobile).

See someone asking how this post is cringe because they didn't read this comment? Show them this!

Be sure to read the rules of this subreddit before posting or commenting. Thanks!

##CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THIS VIDEO

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/TotallynotAlbedo]

Yeah italian here, their system Is not "down" they don't want to pay taxes, unrelated to the americans asking if they take dollars

Edit: to all my american or foreign Friends Who do not want to carry around tons of cash, if you stay in famous tourist cities, go, sit, order, eat, then Ask them to pay with card, if they want to argue here Is the MAGIC WORDS "Chiamiamo la Guardia di Finanza?" The system Will magically be up

[u/Illustrious-Poet-557 → u/TotallynotAlbedo]

Like my barber. His credit card machine has been broken since he opened

[u/BabiYodaa → u/Illustrious-Poet-557]

Leave the guy alone, it’s hard living off £12,500 per year.

[u/Vectorman1989 → u/BabiYodaa]

Every time I see a 'cash is king' poster in a business window I just assume they're a tax dodger.

[u/Lawyerida → u/Vectorman1989]

The assumption is likely correct.

[u/tallMichdude → u/Lawyerida]

I have it at the shop, because i ALWAYS have people who's damn card never works, then i gotta explain to them that it dont matter "if the banks messed up" the job stays there until its paid for because ive discovered a medical phenomena.. If i let the pricks leave, they INSTANTLY develop sudden and acute amnesia and totally forget they didnt pay for it so yeah, id LOVE if they all paid cash, or had a fking card that worked...

[u/imnotpoopingyouare → u/tallMichdude]

Lots of words to say "I'm a tax dodger" lol

Totally joking ofc 😉

[u/TheScrambone → u/BabiYodaa]

Each client is your gig employer so as long as they don’t get more than $400 in haircuts per year per customer he could be making $0!

[u/fr33d0mw47ch → u/Illustrious-Poet-557]

My Italian barber took over for is father who opened the shop in ‘67. The chairs still have ashtrays in the armrests, and he only takes cash. It’s like a time machine and I love it.

[u/countysat → u/fr33d0mw47ch]

Are the Playboys still on the end table for those waiting?

[u/DataDude00 → u/Illustrious-Poet-557]

My barber shop is literally two 70 year old Italian guys and they don't even pretend to do anything electronic

They have one cash register that looks like it is from the 60s. They have to pull a large lever like a slot machine to open it up when they "ring you up"

The way a real barbershop should be

[u/dartdoug → u/DataDude00]

I used to go to a one chair barber shop run by an old timer. The place was a dump but the haircut was decent.

Several times I walked in and the place was empty. Empty as in...no barber.

After a few minutes the barber would return smelling like cigarettes. He'd walk to the cash register and plug it into the nearby electrical outlet. His "security system" to protect his money was pulling that cord.

[u/Naive_Personality367 → u/TotallynotAlbedo]

Its usually how it goes when they insist on cash.

[u/Letsgoski_Broski → u/Naive_Personality367]

It's *ALWAYS* how it goes when they insist on cash. For foreigners, 117 is the phone number for Guardia di Finanza, which is the police corp in charge of tax collection, evasion, and drug enforcement (alongside Digos for drugs). "Should we call 117 and have em deal with it?" is your English approach to it.
This shit is common practice with pubs, bars, restaurants, taxis, and any activity that runs strictly in contact with the public.

Note, they can accept dollars, but it's usually a burden, to go to exchange them. Just use your card. No card? 117. Always. Make them shit their trousers.

[u/Big_Mulberry_5446 → u/Letsgoski_Broski]

I'd be worried they'd shit in my food.

[u/Suzume_Chikahisa → u/Big_Mulberry_5446]

That's why you pay the bill at the end.

And don't return there if things had to reach this point.

[u/SirSkittles111 → u/TotallynotAlbedo]

It can definitely happen if the place is having connection issues, but more often than not its going to be the tax evasion option

[u/64590949354397548569 → u/SirSkittles111]

Or they don't want to pay for credit card fees. That's why amex is not accepted everywhere.

[u/onespiker → u/64590949354397548569]

In Europe they are capped at 0.2% for debit and 0.3% for credit cards.

American Express some how are able to draw a higher one regardless because of something. But still much lower than in USA.

[u/Wolfeatingupshadows → u/SirSkittles111]

In the states many Chinese restaurants dont take cards :/

[u/SirSkittles111 → u/Wolfeatingupshadows]

Chinese restaurants are usually up to some dodgy shit here in Europe aswell.

A local one to me in ireland shut down for having a rat infestation, it came back the next week under a different name. Guess who was still the owner and who all the employees were? Right, you guessed it, the exact same people.

Were there still rats present? You bet! Do they want cash only? You guessed it!

[u/Officer412-L → u/SirSkittles111]

Were there still rats present? You bet! Do they want cash only? You guessed it!

Now I'm imagining the rats saying the credit card reader is down.

[u/SirSkittles111 → u/Officer412-L]

The chef behind the madness

https://giphy.com/gifs/WxMBQU7IS82Q0

[u/moralprolapse → u/TotallynotAlbedo]

Lol, maybe the American tourist knew the game and was actually being deft.

Meanwhile, here I sit with my second hand embarrassment as an American relative to the guy in the video trying to impress his British dining companion with how he is aware of Euros, and isn’t like those OTHER Americans.

Edit: People are reading this comment the wrong way, lol. While I don’t see a big deal with politely asking if a place takes US dollars IF there are extenuating circumstances like here… it is still pretty ignorant to travel to other developed countries with a wallet full of dollars and just plan to use them instead of the local currency. That WOULD be cringey if that’s what happened; but it doesn’t look like that’s what happened.

But the guy videotaping it and subtly bragging about his awareness of the existence of Euros and basic travel etiquette is definitely cringe. That was my point.

[u/Few-Amphibian-4858 → u/moralprolapse]

Yeah the guy in the video is giving real loser energy to me.

[u/blaawker → u/Few-Amphibian-4858]

Tour guide: "Damn, the card payment terminal is offline here and I only have USD. Oh well, can't hurt to ask them if they accept it."

Loser: "LOLMAO get a load of this guy. Hey, buddy, euros exist. Lol AMIRIGHT? Americans, so ignorant. Except for me."

As an european I cringed too.

[u/Most_Unprofitable → u/blaawker]

Self conscious about being an American abroad so he makes fun of other Americans abroad to make himself feel like one of the “good one.” He’s not like most Americans, don’t you know? Definitely rubbed me the wrong way.

[u/scifiandsuch → u/blaawker]

And then he films himself saying it lmaoooo

[u/ZeroWasted → u/[deleted]]

When I was in Dublin I noticed a shitload of US dollars in a tip jar, so I asked the barista about it. He said they don't mind. They just wait until they have a lot and then go exchange it. It's better than not getting tipped. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[u/toss_me_good → u/[deleted]]

A friend had their wallet stolen with 200 euros in it. It was found in the trash with 200 euros in it and returned. This was in Texas 😂 they literally looked at the euros and tossed them along with the wallet

[u/marriottfordays → u/TotallynotAlbedo]

This! The system is not down. A local Roman tour guide clued us in on this common scam to get cash to avoid paying tax, mostly used by taxis but at some restaurants too.

Maybe the American tourists are not entitled, maybe they are actually the smart ones who know this. That’s why they said well we only have American dollars. They’re probably going inside now because they were then told well our system may be working now.

[u/harrywalterss → u/marriottfordays]

Not really a scam. For you at least. They are scamming the government by not paying sale taxes

[u/HeroesandvillainsOS → u/TotallynotAlbedo]

Exactly. When I was in Rome a few months ago, every single taxi’s card system was down during my entire trip.

Everywhere we went someone was trying to force something in mine or my wife’s hands, which obviously is a ploy to force us to buy it afterwards.

I’ve done quite a bit of traveling and this was the first time I felt like I was genuinely trying to be taken advantage of just about everywhere I went.

I hate to say it because Rome is quite beautiful but I don’t think I’ll think I’ll ever go back. It’s tiring feeling like everyone is trying to scam you every where you go.

[u/TotallynotAlbedo → u/HeroesandvillainsOS]

No no dude, you have no idea, taxists here are a literal crime syndicate, they do this to not pay shit, and to cry to the governament to give them more Money, some even get violent if you ask them to pay with card, they are ALL Pieces of shit, that literaly strong armed the governament to ban Uber in Italy cause they did not want neither competition nor having to offer Better service, cherry on top of the shit pie they used to inherit liceses to drive taxis, INHERIT, They now can't anymore but do a farce exam that their sons or the One they sell the license too, mysteriously Always pass, I would rather Die than give a cent to an Italian taxi driver or use their services.

Sorry for your experiences but Money hungry tourist trappers are the shit here more than in many places

[u/Dioptase89 → u/TotallynotAlbedo]

My first time using a taxi in Rome I tried paying with a card. The guy said cash but I hadn’t gone to the atm yet. He was so mad because he had to turn on the whole card reader. He was saying a lot in Italian in an angry tone and I genuinely felt bad bc I thought I was in the wrong. 😆 now thanks to this thread I’m thinking screw him for ruining half my day.

One of the days I was there they went on strike because there was too much competition.

[u/BirdLawGrad → u/TotallynotAlbedo]

Only place I’ve been scammed in a taxi was Rome and Dublin. Dublin guy just shortchanged me

[u/TotallynotAlbedo → u/BirdLawGrad]

In naples they May even get pretty confrontational or violent

[u/StrawDog- → u/HeroesandvillainsOS]

The taxis sometimes... man. 

I actually had a guy stand his ground on this shit when the reader was clearly working (and of course showing a different total than what he was saying). I told him that I would either be paying with card or I would be walking away and not paying and he threatened to call the police right after threatening to beat me up. 

End of the day, I got a free cab ride because dude was all bark. 

Another tip for Americans abroad - Make sure you don't let cab drivers turn off the meter. In some countries some will definitely try to do that so they demand a higher rate. Use flat-rate if you can, but if you can't, make sure the meter is running and not doing anything shady. Also don't let someone tell you that the flat rate is different than what it says on the sticker, and check the conversion rate if paying non-local currency. 

[u/chroner → u/TotallynotAlbedo]

Shall we talk with the department of finance?

I feel like I wouldn't want to eat what they serve me after threatening them, lol.

[u/TotallynotAlbedo → u/chroner]

That Is why you go there, order, eat and then do It, if they have a sign outside saying they accept no card It Is illegal in Italy, if the sign says It Is because of internet It Is likely that It Is not about internet, but i encourage you to avoid Those places.

Here in Italy the "guardia di finanza" Is literaly the tax Police, they are here for these kinds of situations

[u/chroner → u/TotallynotAlbedo]

I didn't know they have an actual tax police. That's a pretty intense threat then.

[u/Nathremar8 → u/chroner]

Something similar happened to ny friends here in Prague. They got handed pay terminal with 10% tip already selected and when they clicked 0% (the service was terrible and we waited for a very long time for basic meals) they argued about it. Now this is illegal in Czechia, but sometimes you get funny guys trying with tourists.

I wish I could frame the waitresses face when I asked (in czech) if she wants an inspection sent her way.

[u/SweatyButtcheek → u/TotallynotAlbedo]

Common scheme, I assume?

[u/GAE_1902 → u/SweatyButtcheek]

Not really a scheme, it’s tax evasion though.

[u/Huge_Bee1595 → u/TotallynotAlbedo]

The guy who made the video is typical nauseating “pick me” American.

[u/cpav8r]

I was traveling with my boss in Ireland once. Here’s a guy who is in the C suite of a $15B global company, and he couldn’t comprehend why a taxi driver didn’t want dollars. 😐

[u/AtBat3 → u/cpav8r]

I accidentally tried to give US dollars in a cafe in France, the guy was so upset and I genuinely didn’t know I was handing him US cash until I looked down. It’s an easy mistake to just laugh at yourself for making if you’re a well adjusted human being

[u/lambda_14 → u/AtBat3]

in a cafe in France

the guy was so upset

Checks out

[u/Takeurvitamins → u/lambda_14]

A French waiter once slapped my hand bc I didn’t eat the quiche. I was 12.

[u/PeskyAntagonist → u/Takeurvitamins]

Welcome to France: Fuck you!

[u/fr33d0mw47ch → u/PeskyAntagonist]

I was just in Paris and expected to be treated that way. It did happen but only a couple times. It was not deserved in any way either. Mostly the people in shops and restaurants and locals on the street were very kind and polite. I was pleasantly surprised honestly. Much much better than my last time in 2008.

[u/LuxAgaetes → u/fr33d0mw47ch]

Honestly, every Paris horror story I've heard has taken place between 2007-2009. Idk what was happening then, if it's just anecdotal, or based on my age, but something was in the water...

A couple of friends were visiting during that time and had SEVERAL!! serial masturbators stalk them throughout the city. Fucking wild!

[u/sanedragon → u/LuxAgaetes]

Was in Paris for a week on a school trip in 1998, all girls group, and there were no fewer than 5 instances of men masturbating at one or more girls in the group.

[u/LuxAgaetes → u/sanedragon]

Like, what the actual fuck?! I'm pretty sure that was my reaction when they told me all those decades ago, but I guess it continues to blow my freakin' mind 😳

[u/Lioness_lair → u/LuxAgaetes]

Your profile pic matches your comment and my reaction

[u/ImissDigg_jk → u/Takeurvitamins]

Did you end up eating the quiche?

[u/Takeurvitamins → u/ImissDigg_jk]

No. He hit me and took it from me in one fell swoop

[u/HeinousMitch → u/lambda_14]

France is chill. Parisian’s aren’t.

[u/MorseCode1992 → u/HeinousMitch]

This is true. I believe the majority of France also dislike Parisians

[u/poo_on_my_scarf → u/MorseCode1992]

I didn't find this in Paris and even with my absolute dog shit French I managed to muddle my way through. I think the main thing is to show you are trying

[u/rhamphol30n → u/poo_on_my_scarf]

Yep, I barely speak French and they were all super friendly. I suspect a lot of the people who have trouble are the ones who give them a hard time over stupid stuff.

[u/Lost-in-LA-CA-USA → u/poo_on_my_scarf]

You don’t even need to try. You just need to not be stupid and people will be nice to you in Paris. When I look at the types of people who complain about the French 🫣

[u/zyrkseas97 → u/cpav8r]

People misunderstand the notion that Nations trade with the dollar due to economic incentives to do so, but that doesn’t mean those nations trade with dollars within their borders.

[u/handsoapdispenser → u/zyrkseas97]

I have been several places where dollars were highly desirable but it's typically places with unstable local currency.

[u/NoSloppyStakes → u/zyrkseas97]

No, they do not. The average person has no idea how Nations trade. They have zero clue about it.

They’re just ignorant, and as an American i can absolutely vouch that we have many ignorant people here.

They may be nice people, but they’re ignorant of anything beyond their day-to-day.

[u/Freddich99 → u/NoSloppyStakes]

If it makes you feel any better, people, mostly Germans, try to pay with Euros here in Sweden all the time.

So it's not really a US only thing at least..

[u/DM_me_ur_PPSN → u/Freddich99]

Towns bordering the Eurozone often accept the Euro, and visa versa. Lots of places either side of the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland to accept £ or € for example, the exchange rate is usually shit but they’ll take it.

[u/timkatt10 → u/zyrkseas97]

Millions of Americans didn't, and still don't know how tariffs work, and that's been all over their news for years.

[u/Abject_Interview5988 → u/cpav8r]

I think the confusion is that many countries popular with US tourists or businesses would often accept dollars but usually we're talking smaller countries that either don't have their own currency or have a very unstable one, or it's just somewhere so tiny the tourist presence dominates the local economy (resorts, small islands only for tourists etc)

[u/Goldnglam → u/Abject_Interview5988]

to be fair those countries will accept pretty much any stable currency. ive visited egypt several times and they didnt want local currency they much preferred to be paid in pounds because Britain's economy is far more stable than their own (my family member ended up in the middle of a civil war breaking out during on trip, the last time they went for obvious reasons)

[u/Abject_Interview5988 → u/Goldnglam]

Yea exactly, I'm just saying American tourists often won't even notice they need foreign currency if they've been to these places

Many actually prefer EUR or GBP these days, since the dollar isn't the darling currency it once was

[u/Donkey__Balls → u/Abject_Interview5988]

I stopped in El Salvador and the official currency is bitcoin. It’s fucking weird to see impoverished street vendors with hand painted signs that list the price for coconuts and mangoes in BTC with tiny decimal places. I had never purchased bitcoin in my life so I had no idea how to use it. But I had US cash and that’s the only paper money anyone takes.

[u/Dingmann → u/Donkey__Balls]

LOL, I can see prices listed using exponential notation due to too many decimal points.

[u/Donkey__Balls → u/Dingmann]

And yet it’s still the best and cheapest fruit you’ve ever eaten even with a couple extra zeros.

Honestly, was a pretty great time. I ended up getting injured and spending the last three days in my hotel recovering, and I had lobster and fresh caught fish every night for room service for about 4 USD. The steps they took were pretty extreme and I’m not 100% okay with the ends justifying the methods, but holy crap is it safe now. Complete 180 turn from a few years ago.

[u/TrustedNotBelieved → u/cpav8r]

I was suprice visit in Hongkong. Flight problems. Need to take taxi and I didn't have Hongkong dollars. Euros work just fine, when paid little extra. 😁

[u/candleelit]

“Look at us. We aren’t like THOSE Americans.”

[u/dungeoncrawler71520 → u/candleelit]

https://giphy.com/gifs/9MJ6xrgVR9aEwF8zCJ

[u/kewlbeanz83 → u/dungeoncrawler71520]

https://giphy.com/gifs/L3WTlXoNT7B0nj51BX

[u/Candid-Culture3956 → u/kewlbeanz83]

https://giphy.com/gifs/Y9lEM3WZPb5q6AMSv8

[u/LockeAbout → u/Candid-Culture3956]

https://giphy.com/gifs/1Zr9tBf3ZbPaUkjSnQ

[u/Candid-Culture3956 → u/LockeAbout]

https://giphy.com/gifs/LNZbin64gT0kjIqo09

[u/OkWolverine2976 → u/candleelit]

[u/SeniorVermicelli7537 → u/OkWolverine2976]

Amazing!

[u/cheercharlatan → u/candleelit]

I’m not a regular American, I’m a *cool* American.

[u/ThanksForTheF-Shack → u/cheercharlatan]

I'd never make such a faux pas, especially since I spent a semester abroad in Barthelona.

[u/uhmerikin → u/cheercharlatan]

I'm such a 'cool American' they call me Ranch.

[u/gatch-attack → u/candleelit]

Pick me behavior is always lame

[u/Puzzleheaded_Hatter → u/candleelit]

"I didn't know those amwricans actually exist. I never leave Williamsburg unless it is go to the Med. As in the Mediterranean. HuehueheU"

I'd rather hang out with the guy who is like "well shit this is the money I have will it work?"

There is NOTHING wrong with asking.

If the reply is "no" and you cause a scene, then it's ok to make fun of them. But for this AH to have second hand embarrassment for asking a question means he's a wannabe. He wants to be cool and cultured. He's just an AH.

• Thanos take me away

[u/Lithogiraffe → u/Puzzleheaded_Hatter]

i thought the same. a disruption happened and all they have is US cash. poor planning on their part, but not a reproachable offense.

[u/GreatScottCreates → u/Lithogiraffe]

I definitely dislike the American making content at the table more than the one who ask to use american dollars.

[u/StreetCollar2708 → u/GreatScottCreates]

I remember being in Montreal and was at a club with some friends. An American dude was trying to buy drinks, but his card was being declined for some reason, and all he had was USD. He asked them if they took USD and when they said no, instead of laughing at them, know what I did? I offered to exchange some money for them. They gave me an extra 10 bucks as thanks. Felt much better than laughing at them.

[u/Ok_Firefighter3441 → u/GreatScottCreates]

Well the way the wife/gf laughed immediately at his comment leads me to believe that they both think they are better than everyone else so filming themselves for Tik Tok at the table tracks.

[u/MilkChocolate21 → u/Ok_Firefighter3441]

He's a content creator. I have seen him on YouTube. Every video he posts is about how superior the UK is to the US. He married a Brit I think. He's a chode.

[u/toggl3d → u/GreatScottCreates]

Those laughs seem so fake, it's a very offputting video.

[u/KinkyPaddling → u/Puzzleheaded_Hatter]

Yeah the real embarrassment is watching this asshole act like he’s some cosmopolitan globetrotter. These people have a problem, and they’re trying to figure out a solution. Nothing wrong with that. The place might even tell them, “No we don’t accept American dollars, but there’s a bank two blocks away that can exchange for Euros.”

[u/Seanspeed → u/KinkyPaddling]

It actually sounds like they were told their credit card machine was down only to get them to pay in cash, but when told they dont have anything except US dollars, then the person said they can come in and pay anyways(with their card, which will magically work now).

Restaurant was hoping to avoid having to deal with credit card payments, and can better hide cash payments, plus no fees.

[u/TheAlmightyMojo → u/KinkyPaddling]

Exactly this. The group leader was calm. I was expecting him to go off on the staff and try to steal a sign or something but this douchebag is just sitting there scoffing at them. Rick Steves would disapprove of Don Eyebrow's behavior.

[u/humanreporting4duty → u/Puzzleheaded_Hatter]

“Shit this is the money I have…” is the greatest way to put it. Because the answer is: 1. No it won’t work, sorry. 2. No it won’t work but you can change it at the bank. 3. Yeah sure let me bring out a Google currency calculator. Tourists exist and I work in the industry adjacent to tourism.

[u/Pretend_Purchase_893 → u/Puzzleheaded_Hatter]

Yah seriously. I get American tourists at my job all the time. It's extremely common for them to pay in American. The only time I get annoyed is when they get pissy about the change. I don't carry American money in Canada. Not sorry

[u/Horror-Engineer-9782 → u/Puzzleheaded_Hatter]

The way he said 'do they know that Euro's exist' definitely made it sound like that was pretty much the most in-depth piece of knowledge about Europe he himself had acquired.

[u/ChemicalBus608 → u/candleelit]

Right this is "Not like the other Americans" super weird. It was a valid question though some places do accept US currency in other countries.

[u/mikeyzee52679]

Guy says “ do they know euros exist ” , probably why they asked if they take American cash ?

[u/Cute_Economics2829 → u/mikeyzee52679]

Dude so addicted to social media he has to stretch this far to make a sensationalist reaction video.

Talk about second hand embarrassing...

[u/ConsiderationBoth406 → u/Cute_Economics2829]

The fake laughing was SOOO cringe. No cap.

[u/tk_0907 → u/ConsiderationBoth406]

[u/Nvrfinddisacct → u/tk_0907]

This screenshot is dirty work.

🥇

[u/beastwood6 → u/tk_0907]

Resting Williamsburg face.

Grinds his own Queefie beans

[u/Hail_of_Grophia → u/mikeyzee52679]

Yeah they were caught off guard with no CC option so instead of gong to find a euro ATM it didn’t hurt to ask if they accepted what they had in them which was USD

Never heard of the expression “it never hurts to ask” (politely)

[u/Throwawayforsaftyy → u/Hail_of_Grophia]

I am training to be a pilot, and I sent this to my CFI, who flew for United for years. he told me it's actually a fair question to ask sometimes; ultra tourist spots do SOMETIMES accept USD

It's a fair expectation in some tourist towns and restaurants linked to hotels and resorts and such and ofc at airports and certain ports of entry

[u/toomanyteeth55 → u/mikeyzee52679]

I've spent 6 weeks in europe this year so far for work and fun. Used my phone for every payment. Haven't even seen local currency once.

I keep american cash with me as a back up cause from past experience folks will accept it.

Obviously that American group knows what a euro is.

[u/silentbutjudgey]

Yeah I mean…I think it’s not that crazy considering they probably intended on paying with a card, but when that option was removed, they are having to rely on what they have. Maybe the actually do have euros but are worried they don’t have enough. I think shaming them for asking is not a good look.

[u/Veronome → u/silentbutjudgey]

As someone who lives in Italy: that card machine was 100% working fine, but businesses prefer cash in order to evade tax.

So while it might seem a daft question, it is not unreasonable for a tourist to a first world country to expect to be able to pay by card in 2026.

[u/adrianp07 → u/Veronome]

Plus, travelling with cash is an extra hassle if most places take card. One less trip to the ATM or Exchange, don't have to worry about having $78 euro to do something with on the last day, etc.

[u/erocknine → u/adrianp07]

And being in italy, less cash on your body the better

[u/pronult3 → u/adrianp07]

And the places they are visiting are likely infested with pickpockets.

[u/GrabWorking3045 → u/silentbutjudgey]

That's what I thought. I don't see it as a big deal.

[u/AExtendedWarranty → u/GrabWorking3045]

There isn't one. These people, the ones recording, just suck

[u/PorgiWanKenobi]

This is a minor faux pas at most. No reason to record and then post across the internet to shame a group of tourists for being tourists.

[u/slowbilly → u/PorgiWanKenobi]

This guy whining is more cringe.

[u/SEA_CLE → u/slowbilly]

Seems like the type of person that uses big words to seem smart but gets upsold at every oil change

[u/BeautifulShoes75 → u/SEA_CLE]

This is such a clutch insult

[u/OpalFalcon → u/BeautifulShoes75]

More of an oil filter insult.

[u/IBetThisIsTakenToo → u/slowbilly]

The way he kept looking off the side and snickering to himself physically hurt. Guy is such a fucking dork

[u/Ling0 → u/PorgiWanKenobi]

Credit card system is down, it's in a touristy location, most Americans probably don't do an exchange because everything is card, why not just ask to see what they say? I've seen some restaurants that had exchange rates posted where you could exchange money there. It's not like they left and just left USD on the table... they asked to see and the restaurant didn't. Move on

[u/Ahtman1 → u/PorgiWanKenobi]

But then how will people know that you aren't like other Americans?

[u/Pure-Pessimism]

The guy filming is an insufferable turd

[u/WhenMeWasAYouth → u/Pure-Pessimism]

Yeah, what an absolute douchebag.

[u/AvailableWriter2057]

Is it stupid question? Maybe. Is it a valid question? Probably. Should we stop posting everything on the internet for clout? Yes.

[u/geneusutwerk → u/AvailableWriter2057]

I was recently traveling in Europe with someone who mostly travels to Mexico and the Caribbean. He also seemed surprised when I told him people wouldn't be taking US dollars mostly. Of course we had a day trip to Turkey where they happily took his dollars. Context matters.

[u/SpecialCounter1000 → u/geneusutwerk]

I've been to Mexico and Central America as well. They are more than happy to take "American Dollars" They even ask for it in the street as you walk by.

[u/Khristafer → u/SpecialCounter1000]

In Argentina, many places would give me one price for pesos and another for USD.

[u/virus1618 → u/SpecialCounter1000]

lol literally one time I got a bunch of pesos for tipping at all inclusive in Cancun and it was an inconvenience, no one had change for me, I was the only one tipping not in US dollars, even their atms were US dollars

[u/illbebackpain → u/geneusutwerk]

dude when I was in Turkey I had to beg places to take Lira, they all wanted USD

[u/Similar-Ice-9250 → u/illbebackpain]

On another post, I spoke with a Turkish guy who lives in Europe, on this exact issue. He says Turkey loves to overcharge foreigners, at restaurants for example they give foreigners the foreigner menu with marked up prices, compared to prices locals pay from the local menu. He says tourists are happy to pay in USD, having bypassed exchanging, but they didn’t realize how much more they’re paying.

He said he went on a boat trip while there and said the Americans paid 10x more than him. Another time they were visiting with a friend who wanted to pay in euro and at end of trip the friend ended up spending 2,000 more euro while doing pretty much the same things (maybe the friend got a hair transplant without telling them, who knows lol). Joking aside, point is there’s pretty drastic price hikes that add up over time.

Person said to go to an exchange place (not at hotel or airport as it’s terrible rates) more so at a local exchange place in town, and then hope places accept the Lira, I guess. It’ll be tough for non-Turkish foreigners.

[u/MothChasingFlame → u/AvailableWriter2057]

Yes! Stop. Filming. Strangers. You fucking creeps! I feel more judgement for the person filming by a landslide

[u/sentientshadeofgreen → u/MothChasingFlame]

1000%. When did it become cool to secretly film people, be judgmental, and mock them. Even if they're dumb, it doesn't mean you not an asshole. Twice as much damage to American reputation.

You know what the pretentious American couple here could have done? "Hey, we're also Americans, we can swap some Euros for you this time, just know that no companies here will accept USD so you'll want to go find an exchange".

That easy. Instead, they let the wait staff continue to deal with these morons who were clearly not on their A-game on their vacation so that they could self-fallate and clout-post, like they're the enlightened ones. Maybe Americans wouldn't be so lost abroad if we weren't such a self-centered culture.

Be nice, teach others, help others, don't be a fucking prick.

[u/MarshallBoogie → u/sentientshadeofgreen]

An amazing suggestion. Be good people

[u/i_understood_nothing → u/sentientshadeofgreen]

This, an opportunity to help someone who’s probably out of their element and unaware. Let’s all do better, please 🙏🏼 

[u/serenitynowdamnit → u/sentientshadeofgreen]

The other American tourists aren't even morons. It's not the end of the world to ask if they take dollars, since their machine is down. The restaurant staff can simply say no or point them towards an ATM. No big deal.

[u/tothewindooooow → u/AvailableWriter2057]

I feel like it’s worth the ask if there’s no other alternative. I used American dollars in Paris- I didn’t ask, they offered. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[u/Darth-Ragnar → u/tothewindooooow]

Exactly. It's like the video pretends Europeans can't access a currency exchange lol.

"Sure I'll take USD at a 2x mark up."

They're not (necessarily) being entitled, they're admitting the situation they're in and seeing if the business wants them to patronize them given the circumstances.

[u/Fauked → u/Darth-Ragnar]

If the group was hassling the business because they didn't take USD I would understand but they just asked because they aren't able to take debit/credit temporarily but still want to give them their business. I don't see the issue.

[u/resisting_a_rest → u/Fauked]

Exactly. If they did use a credit card the money would still have to be exchanged, it is just handled by the credit card company.

Since that wasn’t an option, asking if they (the restaurant) wanted to do the exchange instead seemed like a valid question. If no, then they would have to leave the restaurant to get the cash. Would I also be stupid to think they wouldn’t want me to leave without paying first?

[u/No_Damage_731 → u/Fauked]

Oh thank god. I came to the comments to make sure I wasn’t taking crazy pills here. The tourist did nothing wrong here, some places take American cash. And if they showed up expecting to pay via card and had no Euro on them it’s perfectly reasonable to ask if they take USD.

[u/danboyc3 → u/AvailableWriter2057]

Speaking as a Dutch local, this question would certainly not be viewed as rude or out of touch in any city here. Expecially since digital payment is down here, it makes sense he would ask. And what's wrong with asking something? That said, restaurants will never accept USD, it's an administrative no go.

[u/I_Rarely_Jump → u/danboyc3]

Yeah it's a massive pain in the ass to exchange dollars in the Netherlands.

No bank accepts dollars for currency exchange, so you have to physically go to a GWK exchange location, which only has a few locations in the country.

[u/HereOnCompanyTime → u/AvailableWriter2057]

He said the card machine was down so I'm guessing they just asked if they take American because of that. Carrying cash of any tender is rare nowadays and they may have even had euros previously but ran out and have been using their cards. It's an exaggerated pretentious response by the OOP, they weren't entitled they asked.

[u/chairmanghost → u/AvailableWriter2057]

Seeing as how the resteraunt normally takes cards and thats how they planned to pay, so they hadn't changed their money, it's not the craziest question.

[u/notsocharmingprince → u/AvailableWriter2057]

When I worked in locations where people paid with cash, there were always options for alternate currencies. It's a reasonable ask. I don't know why these people are being dicks.

[u/rupert36 → u/AvailableWriter2057]

No it’s not a stupid question, the guy shooting the video comes off as pretentious. There are many places that will take USD in Europe. Plus their card system is down, and they may have limited amounts of Euros and didn’t budget it for restaurants where they expected to be able to use their card.

[u/G1RLonMove → u/rupert36]

That's true! I owned a shop for many years in a very touristic place (located in southern Europe) and I gladly accepted dollars or pounds. Money is money! 🤷🏻‍♀️

[u/PoopyisSmelly → u/AvailableWriter2057]

A ton of European places take dollars, especially in touristy areas

[u/EyeLikePie → u/AvailableWriter2057]

It’s not a stupid question at all.  I’ve been quite a few places where many vendors would gladly accept US currency.  It would have been a problem if the guy got bent out of shape that they did not, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with asking. The guy who posted this video is obviously not very well traveled. 

[u/Yuichiro_Bakura → u/AvailableWriter2057]

Depending on where they are, I could see some accept American cash thought most places wont. For all we know, that was all the cash they had on hand and was using debit or credit everywhere.

At least they didn't order and eat the food before asking.

[u/outermind_762]

The guy recorded is handing out way more second hand embarrassment. Sometimes you run out of euros, sometimes you forget to change money out. Some places in Europe accept USD. Not everything needs to be recorded, and not everyone needs to be shamed, especially for simply being a tourist. Although, there are situations where it is needed, just not this one.

[u/laxfool10 → u/outermind_762]

Especially since their card reader is down. Every time I travel internationally, 99% of my stuff gets put on the credit card with no foreign transaction fee and charged in the local currency. The big banks usually have exchange rates within 3-5% of the market rates. I might carry like 50-100$ in converted currency for random stuff not a sit down meal. Having to go convert currency in a tourist spot makes this meal cost 15-30% more depending on where you are. Not only that you have to waste time dealing with this shit.

[u/f23n09fnu0w → u/laxfool10]

it wasn't really down

[u/JeanEBH]

When I was in Prague some places asked if I had American currency and took it instead.

[u/AppropriateBall8834 → u/JeanEBH]

Yeah its not a dumb question, considering its like the 2nd most widely accepted form of currency in the universe next to dogecoin of course

[u/Nibaa → u/AppropriateBall8834]

Taking dollars in the Eurozone is 100% to evade taxes or to scam the tourists with really bad rates. The dollar isn't, and has never really been, especially strong against the euro(and vice versa, they've typically been relatively stable), meaning that there is no benefit to taking American cash. On the contrary, converting costs money. So the only reason to do so is either a) you pocket it without taxes so even with conversions you make a profit, or b) you give them ridiculous conversion rate, like 1.5$ per euro, so you make a profit.

[u/thatoneguy512]

The only embarrassing thing I'm seeing in this video is the super entitled couple mocking a group of tourists for asking a legitimate question and carrying on.

Now if they were trying to pay their tab and screaming at the waitress for not accepting USD, then sure, make a video.

[u/MikeFrancesa66 → u/thatoneguy512]

Yeah based on the title of the post I was expecting some wild stuff, but this is nothing worthy of a video.

[u/Confident-Breath2615]

This guy being SO embarrassed is way more cringe than the harmless question.

[u/turdferguson3891 → u/Confident-Breath2615]

Like a little girl that has to cover her mouth when she laughs

[u/InitiativeThese4606]

Italian here. Just to reinforce what's been said in other comments already: their payment system is not down, they're just trying to evade taxes. Businesses must accept card payments by law, but since those are traceable their payment system supposedly breaks down all the time. What you need to do in these cases is say that you only have the card, either you pay with that or you don't, and don't mention it until after you've been served. Payment system will magically start working again, guaranteed. (happened many times) 

...but there's more: you need to ask for the fiscal receipt. (not the card payment receipt, which they will happily print you, the fiscal one) Even paying with card leaves room for tax evasion as there are ways to make it appear a non taxable transaction. Guess what: they often forget to print it. So clumsy. (again, happened many times)

...and for the love of God don't tip. Tips are not a thing here. They're trying to make it a thing to rip off tourists, but you should not pay them.

Now, it is true you should get some amount of local cash when you travel abroad. But the business is the embarassment here. They're ripping both of us off. Don't treat them like they're good

Also posting other people on social media for karma... Yikes. They should be embarrassed too 

[u/Roach_Coach_Bangbus → u/InitiativeThese4606]

It does suck but it's always good to prompt places with "Do you take card? I don't have cash" just to get rid of the dumb machine down scam these places do.

[u/Successful_Risk_1730]

As a European, the guy with shit eyebrows is the type of Americans i hate.

[u/poeticentropy → u/Successful_Risk_1730]

shit eyebrows are universally hated worldwide

[u/Equa_Caelum]

I got second hand embarrassment from watching this guy talk about a perfectly valid question

[u/SnooDoggos8487]

Card isn't working, he has no euros? valid fucking question. Plenty of places take multiple types of currency.
What a jackass for asking a question! /s

[u/BorkusMaximus3742]

Am I taking crazy pills?

"Does he know that euros exist?" Uhm yes he does, that's why he asked if they take US currency. Wtf is this man embarrassed about? It's a totally reasonable question because if the waitress ended up saying yes then it would've saved them a trip to exchange their money.

[u/Different-Raisin2321 → u/BorkusMaximus3742]

Not at all. This guy recording himself is obnoxious as fuck and has a video setup and body language that matches it.

[u/MyLadyBits]

I’ve been to plenty of places in the world where they take American dollars. It’s not an insane question.

[u/NotBradPitt9 → u/MyLadyBits]

I’ve used USD in Europe. Some places accept it. It’s not a big deal.

[u/NYLotteGiants → u/MyLadyBits]

Yea it's not like they're saying "what do you mean you don't take dollars?"

[u/fefsgdsgsgddsvsdv → u/NYLotteGiants]

The guy in the video is an expat influencer too. Literally the worst kind of tourist. With such videos like

• British Politics is literally a joke
• 7 British Things American's find completely weird
• Here's what dating a Brit is really like

No, I am not joking. Literally the worst type of American Tourist

[u/HopefulSwing5578]

I travelled with an American on the hostel scene 20 years ago, he figured if he spoke English with an Italian accent then the locals should understand him, it was hilarious and he was dead serious

[u/Noizylatino → u/HopefulSwing5578]

Lol they were just a head of there time. Needed the mustache to make it work like Peter

https://giphy.com/gifs/1x9UTjPYiDVPq

[u/MundosChair → u/HopefulSwing5578]

Ironically it does workout depending on where you go, like Japan 😂

[u/Abject_Interview5988 → u/MundosChair]

Japan uses a ton of English loan words that are just the word in a Japanese accent. This is not the case almost anywhere else

[u/Outside_Glass4880 → u/HopefulSwing5578]

This guy may be an idiot, but I think it’s been proven that for people who speak English as a second language that they will understand English better if spoken with their accent. Maybe he was referencing that.

[u/adammat57]

Debit/Visa was down, so they asked to use another form of payment? Clutch your pearls

[u/Just_okay_advice]

Insufferable person recording this

[u/spicy_ass_mayo → u/Just_okay_advice]

Was it the fake forced chortles for you? Because it was the faked forced chortles for me.

Hope he tells this story to a room full of people at a holiday party.

[u/Major-Material7231 → u/spicy_ass_mayo]

He want everyone to be like “wow this is one of the good Americans” like no your just an asshole talking shit about people who were minding their own business

[u/Aromatic-Turnip7371]

Imagine spending your vacation time filming other people ? Damn.
It’s obvious he and this woman he’s with are so damn bored on this trip that the only way to entertain themselves is to film other people and make fun of them. 😂 these two are so boring!

[u/TROGDOR_X69]

a lot of the places take american cash and dont care

stop being so embarrassed who gives a fuck

[u/jephph_]

So what if they asked. That in and of itself isn’t ‘entitled’

This is some mountain out of a molehill type shit

[u/Jadertott → u/jephph_]

Right? It would have been entitled if they just went in without checking, ordered, ate, and at check time, just ASSUMING they took their country’s currency.

[u/TedsFaustianBargain]

The restaurant should say yes, but there is a 50% markup.

[u/CorrectorThanU → u/TedsFaustianBargain]

In Canada we take it on par, if the exchange rate is good enough

[u/BenHeli → u/TedsFaustianBargain]

In Switzerland you're often offered to pay in Euro in a restaurant. The exchange rate is cruel.

[u/Capable-Broccoli2179]

Not a dumb question. This guy is kind of a condescending prick.

[u/arejay3]

kind of found his eyebrows rude.