Should I use cash or card in Italy?

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.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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).

MORE DETAILS

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!

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

Start off with 200 or 300 Euros and then take some out as you need it from a Bancomat (bank owned ATM) and not from a money exchanger such as TravelEX. Use your credit card as much as possible for larger purchases and keep your cash (large denominations) and passport in your money belt or pouch.

MORE DETAILS

If you are the kind of person who gets uncomfortable about not having some local currency in your wallet before you arrive, then order around €100-200 (in tens and twenties) from your home bank or exchange bureau in your home country and bring it with you so you can use it to pay for a cab or accommodation in an ...

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

Italy - currency In keeping with the rest of the EU, the Euro is the only form of legal tender in Italy. You'll see it represented as either 'EUR' or €. Euros can be easily picked up at any major supermarket or for ease, order online and get your cash delivered straight to your door.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS