Juan Carlos Bustamente
Chile- Venezuelan Tourist's Cafe Experience in Venice
- Cafe's Explanation
- Similar Incidents
- Venice and Rome: Affordable or Extravagant
- Coffee and Drinks Worldwide
Venezuelan Tourist's Cafe Experience in Venice
Juan Carlos Bustamente, a 62-year-old tourist from Chile, faced a hefty bill of £38 (over 3000 rubles) for two cups of coffee and two bottles of water at a Venetian cafe. Bustamente shared the receipt on Facebook, sparking outrage among commentators who deemed the charges excessive.
Cafe's Explanation
The Lavena cafe, located in St. Mark's Square, defends its pricing by citing the premium surcharge for outdoor seating. A spokesperson explains that customers often disregard the menu's clear notice of increased prices for outdoor service, leading to confrontations when the bill arrives.
Similar Incidents
In 2013, a British family complained of paying £13.50 (1100 rubles) per ice cream in Rome. The tourists were charged double after leaving their table to sit on the Spanish Steps. In San Antonio, Ibiza, a group of tourists were shocked by a £46 (3800 rubles) bill for four soft drinks at a bar.
Venice and Rome: Affordable or Extravagant
Despite these incidents, Venice and Rome are not inherently expensive destinations. According to a study by Hoppa, New York is the most costly city for tourists, followed by Venice in fourth place and London in ninth place.
Coffee and Drinks Worldwide
Hoppa's study also highlights the global variations in beverage prices. In the coffee category, Caracas, Venezuela, has the most expensive cups at £6 (500 rubles), while Siem Reap, Cambodia, offers the cheapest pints of beer at £2.30 (190 rubles). For cocktails under £3 (250 rubles), Havana, Cuba, and Marmaris, Turkey, are recommended.
