Should I use cash or card in Rome?


Should I use cash or card in Rome? 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.


How much money do you need for 3 days in Rome?

Adding it all up, it looks to me as though you could keep your expenses for food and public transportation to 600 euros total (for both of you) for the three days. Of course, shopping, taxis within Rome, and maybe an occasional tour guide, would add to that.


Are Rome taxis cash only?

All Rome city taxis are required by law to have POS machines. This means you SHOULD be able to pay with a credit card. I say should because sometimes you will find these POS machines to mysteriously be out of order. On the other hand, since Covid, many drivers are happy to use a contact-less pay system.


How do you signal a waiter in Italy?

You're supposed to have the liberty (and luxury) of lingering at your table, finishing your wine, water and even ordering a coffee. So once you're ready to go, signal for the waiter and say, “Il conto, per favore.” The universal squiggly-finger-in-the-air hand signal will always work, too.


Is it better to use card or 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.


How much cash should you bring to Rome?

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.


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.


What is the safest form of payment when traveling?

Although using a credit card to pay for travel is more convenient and safer than using other methods, you still have various options available to you that you can use to book your travel. PayPal, cash, gift cards and debit cards all make it possible to pay for travel without a credit card.


Should I carry cash in Italy?

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!