Is it better to carry cash in Italy?


Is it better to carry cash 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.


Should I bring my ATM card to Italy?

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.


Do I need cash while in Italy?

As Italy is a part of the European Union, official Italy currency is Euro. Of course, you don't need to pay by cash all the time as cards are very popular in Italy as well. However, we advise having at least 40-50 Euros per person just to stay worry-free and avoid rushing in order to track down the nearest ATM.


Is Italy mostly cashless?

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


How much cash should I carry in Italy?

You don't need to bring too much cash, but it's good to have some Euro (about $100 per person) to bring along if you want to grab a quick bite or a taxi before you have time to hit a cash machine. I think there are some Citibanks and tons of ATMs in general.


What is the cheapest way to get euros in Italy?

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.


What is the best way to carry money in 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.


Is it rude not to tip in Italy?

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.


Is it better to carry 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.


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.


Should I exchange money before I travel or when I get there?

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.


Is it better to 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.