Money in Italy

Currency Exchange in Italy

Italy uses the Euro (EUR), so travelers from other Eurozone countries need no exchange. For visitors converting from USD, GBP, AUD, CAD or other currencies, ATMs offer the best rates. Dedicated exchange offices (cambio) exist at airports, train stations and tourist areas — especially around Rome's Termini, Florence's Santa Maria Novella and Venice's Santa Lucia — but commissions of 3–8% are standard, and the more prominent the location, the worse the rate tends to be. Banks exchange currency but with limited hours and paperwork. Avoid airport and train station exchanges where possible; an ATM withdrawal on arrival gives a far better rate.

ATM Availability

ATMs (bancomat) are widespread throughout Italy — in bank branches, town squares, train stations, airports and even small villages. Major banks include Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, BNL (BNP Paribas), Monte dei Paschi di Siena and Banco BPM. Daily withdrawal limits vary by bank and card, typically enough to cover a few days of spending — the machine displays its own ceiling before you confirm. Visa and Mastercard work at virtually all ATMs; Maestro at most. Always decline the "conversion to your home currency" option (Dynamic Currency Conversion) — it adds a 3–5% markup. Italian ATMs occasionally charge a small per-withdrawal fee on top of whatever your home bank adds for international use — check the on-screen notice and your card's terms rather than assuming a figure. In very small towns and rural areas, the ATM at the local bank branch or post office (Poste Italiane) may be the only option — withdraw before heading to remote areas.

Card Acceptance

Card acceptance in Italy has improved dramatically in recent years — a 2022 law requires all businesses to accept electronic payments, with penalties for refusal. Visa and Mastercard (including contactless) work at most shops, restaurants, supermarkets, petrol stations and hotels. Apple Pay and Google Pay function at modern terminals. However, enforcement is uneven: some small family-run trattorias, market stalls, beach establishments (stabilimenti balneari), some taxis, and rural businesses may still resist cards for small amounts or cite "terminal problems." The further south you go, the more cash-reliant the culture tends to be. Carry some small notes as backup, especially in southern Italy, Sicily and Sardinia.

Tipping Customs

Tipping in Italy is not obligatory — and Italians rarely leave large tips. Many restaurants include a coperto (a modest per-person cover charge) and sometimes a servizio (service charge, 10–15%) on the bill; when servizio is included, no additional tip is expected. When it's not included, rounding up or leaving a small amount at the table is generous. At bars, leaving a small coin on the counter when ordering coffee is customary but not required. A small amount per bag is typical for hotel porters; taxis get rounded up to the nearest euro; tour guides receive something modest for a half-day tour; housekeeping gets a small daily amount. Tip in cash even if paying the bill by card.