Do you need cash in Tuscany?

The Bottom Line. With such an abundance of choice, both in locations to visit and things to do in the Tuscany region, your best bet is ensuring you have several means of payment, including an international credit card, a prepaid currency card which is designed for travel, and some trusty cash in Euros.



While Italy is becoming increasingly digital, you definitely still need some cash in Tuscany, especially when exploring smaller hilltop towns like Pienza or San Gimignano. While the law now requires businesses to accept cards, many small family-run "trattorias," gelaterias, and village markets still strongly prefer—or even insist on—cash for small purchases under €10, such as a quick espresso or a scoop of gelato. Additionally, you will need cash for city tourist taxes at many B&Bs or farmstays (agriturismi), as these often cannot be included in your credit card payment. Taxis and local bus drivers also frequently rely on cash exchanges. A "pro-tip" for 2026 is to carry a mix of small bills (€5 and €10) and coins for public restrooms, which often require a small fee. While you can pay for your main hotel bill and expensive dinners with a Visa or Mastercard, having a "backup stash" of about €50–€100 in your wallet will save you from the frustration of finding a broken ATM in a remote Tuscan vineyard.

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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 hardly need any cash at all. You can use your credit or debit card wherever there is a PoS (point of sale) machine. Your card needs to be on the Mastercard or VISA international network to function. (Most businesses in Italy refuse Amex and Diners because they charge too much commission.)

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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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If you prefer dealing in cash, then by all means get some euros out before your trip. But actually, you'll find that debit and credit cards are widely accepted in most European cities. Paying by card can be easier and more convenient, without the potential security risk of carrying cash around you.

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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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It all depends on where you're going and what you plan to do during your trip. As you can see from our travel costs table above, some European cities are cheaper or more expensive than others. As a general rule, though, it's a good idea to budget at least $100 a day for your vacation.

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It's always a good idea to have some extra cash on hand for emergencies or unexpected expenses. For a 10-day trip, you can expect to spend around €50-€200 on miscellaneous expenses. In total, for a 10-day trip to Italy, you can expect to spend around €700-€2700, depending on your travel style, preferences, and budget.

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Bring $100-200 USD cash, but keep it stashed away and don't change into Euro. It's only to be used as a fallback if every ATM in the country is out of order at the same time. Use ATMs to withdraw Euro from cash machine in the airport upon arrival, and replenish your Euro supply at an ATM when you run low.

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Compared to many other countries in Europe and around the world, Italy remains a predominantly cash-driven society.

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Using credit and debit cards in Italy is the easiest and cheapest way to get local currency. Make sure to notify your banks that you'll be traveling to Italy before you go. Be sure your PIN is both four digits long and numbers rather than letters.

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Italian translation of 'cash'
  1. ( coins, notes) soldi mpl ? denaro. in cash in contanti. £200 in cash 200 sterline in contanti. ...
  2. ( immediate payment) to pay cash down pagare in contanti. cash with order/on delivery (business) pagamento all'ordinazione/alla consegna.
  3. ( informal) (money) quattrini mpl.


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Use credit cards for purchases and most meals. You'll get the best exchange rate. (This is assuming your cc balance is zero.) For two people I would budget about $2,000 for two weeks.

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You'll get the best exchange rate. (This is assuming your cc balance is zero.) For two people I would budget about $2,000 for two weeks. But have more available in case you need it.

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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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Buy currency before you travel.
Doing so gives you time to shop around for the best rate. Plus, when you arrive, you won't have to immediately find a bank or currency exchange. Do some research ahead of time to see if US dollars are widely accepted at places you plan to go to.

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