You’ll want both cards and cash in Italy.
Most hotels, major restaurants, and stores take credit and debit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard). Still, there’s a chance you’ll need cash at small trattorias, market stalls, public toilets (for coins), and on buses. Some places in Italy are cash only!
Oh, and Amex? Most won’t accept American Express due to higher processing fees.
A few euros in your pocket is the smartest Italy move you can make!
Where You Need Cash Vs. Cards
| Where Cash Is Recommended | Where Credit Cards Work |
|---|---|
| Public toilets (coins are super important!) | Upscale and most midrange restaurants |
| Street markets & food trucks | Major hotels & chain stores |
| Small restaurants & trattorias | Museums & attractions (with ticket desks) |
| Gelaterias and bars outside the tourist areas | Larger shops and souvenir store |
| Some taxis in smaller cities | Big city taxis with POS terminals |
| Some local buses and public transit kiosks | Train stations & ticket machines (most) |
| Street vendors & “tabacchi” shops | Supermarkets |
Most Common Cash-Only Places
- Ordering an espresso at a neighborhood bar
- Paying for the life-saving public bathroom
- Buying fruit, cheese, or souvenirs at a local market
- Catching a bus in a small town
- Tipping for good service or rounding up at restaurants
INSTANT DOWNLOAD FOR YOUR UPCOMING TRIP
ATMS in Italy
Where to find them: ATMs (“Bancomat”) are everywhere in big cities, train stations, airports, and main squares.
Fees: Your home bank and the local ATM operator may both charge a fee. Pro Tip: Take out larger amounts less often to minimize fees.
Avoid scam machines: Stick to ATMs inside banks or big-city branches, not the ones at convenience stores or right on touristy streets. If the machine looks sketchy, trust your gut!
Card tips: Use a debit card for ATM withdrawals for better rates. Decline the ATM’s “dynamic conversion” (take euros, not your home currency).
⭐ ATM Safety Tip: Always cover your PIN and pocket your cash before you turn away.
Credit & Debit Cards: What Works In Italy?
- Visa/Mastercard: Widely (but not universally) accepted, especially in big cities and at hotels, chain stores, and major attractions.
- American Express: Hits more roadblocks, carry a backup.
- Contactless: Growing fast! Tap-to-pay is showing up everywhere, but bring a chip card as a backup.
- PIN codes: Chip-and-PIN is preferred; you may get by with a signature, but you’re better off knowing your PIN.
Exchanging Money & Bank Hours
- Banks (“Banca”): Open roughly 8:30–13:30 and 14:30–16:00, weekdays. Closed on weekends/holidays.
- Currency Exchange: Airport kiosks have terrible rates. You’re better off using ATMs for small withdrawals.
💶 Pro Tip: Don’t travel with tons of cash from home, use ATMs as needed, and stash the money in your hotel safe, not your daypack.
Tourist Tips: How much cash to carry?
If you enjoy paying by card, you don’t need much cash. Having coins ready for public bathrooms, for a tip, or if you like to pay in cash (as many of us Europeans do), is a good idea.
Stashing smart: Split your cash, some on you, some in your bag, some hidden in your luggage/hotel safe.
⭐ Never carry your entire trip’s budget at once. Italian pickpockets are seriously talented (especially in big cities).
Cash In Italy FAQs
Will I need coins?
Yup! Public toilets and some buses won’t make change, so get used to carrying €1 and €2 coins.
How much do I tip?
Tipping is not required in Italy, but you can round up or leave small change for great service. See our Italian Tipping Guide
Can I use my card at markets?
Sometimes, BUT cash is often required, especially in smaller towns, or villages.
Related Articles For The Smart Traveler
How to Avoid Tourist Scams in Italy
Italy Trip Budget Calculator
Italy Travel Planning Checklist
Cheat Sheet on How to Order Coffee in Italy
So there you have it! Don’t turn up cashless in Italy, but don’t stuff your socks with euros either! Keep a little of both, know your ATM strategy, and you’re set to enjoy every gelato, coffee, and coin-operated bathroom your trip has in store.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on personal travel experiences across Italy and is meant for general informational purposes only. I’m not a financial advisor, nor do I offer financial or legal advice. Every traveler’s situation is different, always use your own judgment, check with your bank or card provider before your trip, and consult a qualified professional if you need financial or legal guidance while traveling.
I do my best to provide up-to-date, honest, and practical tips, but I can’t guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of every detail. Travel rules, regulations, and local practices can change without notice. You are solely responsible for your financial decisions and actions during your trip to Italy.
