Should I exchange money before I travel to Italy?

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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Unless you enjoy spending your vacation at financial institutions, you're better off either exchanging before you go, or hitting an ATM on the ground. Because just like the airport kiosk and the ATM, these currency houses charge fees.

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

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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.

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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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How much money will you need for your trip to Italy? You should plan to spend around €167 ($181) per day on your vacation in Italy, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, €45 ($49) on meals for one day and €26 ($28) on local transportation.

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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.

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Greece uses the euro as its currency, and businesses only accept Euros for payment. It's a good idea to carry some Greece currency for cash transactions, especially in remote areas. The best way to get euros in Greece is via an ATM or to exchange American dollars for euros before arriving.

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Backpackers should expect to spend between $40 – $70 USD/day in Eastern Europe, $70 – $100/day in Western Europe, and $150 – $200/day in the Nordic countries.

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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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2. Costs of living in Italy for international students. The overall living costs for international students in Italy range between 700 and 1,000 EUR/month. These costs include: accommodation, food, public transportation, local travel and/or entertainment.

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