Loading Page...

Should I bring cash to Italy?

Italy's currency is the Euro (€). We recommend that you take a mixture of cash along with currency on a pre-paid currency card. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and autostrada tollbooths.



People Also Ask

Italy's currency is the Euro (€). We recommend that you take a mixture of cash along with currency on a pre-paid currency card.

MORE DETAILS

Should I bring a lot of euros with me from home? No. The first thing to know is that when visiting Rome, bringing a lot of money with you is a very bad idea. By buying euros in advance, you will get ripped off on the exchange rate in your home country.

MORE DETAILS

The cost of a trip to Italy for a week will vary depending on your travel style and preferences. A budget traveler can expect to spend around 800-1000 euros, while a mid-range traveler can expect to spend around 1500-2000 euros. Luxury travelers can expect to spend upwards of 3000 euros.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

What is the rule for tipping in Italy? There is no strict rule about tipping in Italy. Leaving a tip is a courteous gesture that shows the person who provided a service to you, that you appreciated their help. As such, leaving a tip is entirely up to you and, in many cases, it will not be expected, albeit appreciated.

MORE DETAILS

Advantages of using cash If your spending discipline breaks down when you use credit cards, cash may be a better choice while you let loose on vacation. No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards charge an extra fee of up to 3% on purchases made outside the country, although you can find cards that don't.

MORE DETAILS

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).

MORE DETAILS

I like to set aside around 50 euros per day for travel expenses when traveling anywhere in Europe and, to be honest, I didn't even spend that half of the time in Italy – unless I was splurging on a day trip. You can easily get by on that while still enjoying yourself.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS