Can you use US dollars in Italy?

DON'T BRING CASH US DOLLARS A note: use your credit card, use ATM machines (which in Italy are called “BANCOMAT”), but don't exchange your cash dollars, unless it's an emergency, because shops will give you a terrible rate and you'll end up paying a commission.



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It's always wise to carry a small amount of cash for smaller cafes and restaurants, some public transport options, and taxis who may not accept credit card payments. We once visited the same restaurant 5 years in a row, only to discover each time that their card machine was out of order!

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Many Italian restaurants and shops prefer cash, making it essential that you have a little on hand as you travel. While it can be better value to buy the currency before you go (see our section on that below), you can also get currency once you arrive in the country.

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Don't bring any more cash with you than you'd normally carry with you in your own country on a daily basis. Bear in mind the increased pickpocketing risk for a tourist in Rome. When you get to the airport, get one or two hundred euros out of one of the ATMs in the baggage hall just in case (they don't charge fees).

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In Italy, cash is still preferred in most restaurants, cafes and other establishments, although credit and debit cards are becoming more widely used throughout Italy and are an increasingly convenient way to pay for things. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, although American Express is not.

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You'll also likely find Italy to be less expensive than other popular European destinations such as the UK or Scandinavia. On average you can expect a trip to Italy to cost €70-295 per person per day (around $74 to $310 USD).

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The average price of a 7-day trip to Italy is $1,170 for a solo traveler, $1,859 for a couple, and $2,034 for a family of 4. Italy hotels range from $50 to $232 per night with an average of $80, while most vacation rentals will cost $150 to $420 per night for the entire home.

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Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip. Some tourists feel like they just have to have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

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The easiest and cheapest way is to use an ATM at the airport in Rome to get some Euros, although there is usually no need to get Euros before you leave. You can buy Euros in the US but you will pay a premium.

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Most US-issued credit cards work in Italy. It's best to use cards issued by Visa or Mastercard, rather than American Express or Discover. The latter two are not as widely accepted, except in major cities and tourist hotspots. And it never hurts to have a little cash in euros in your wallet either, just in case.

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