Getting Euros for Your Trip to Italy

Italy remains one of the most popular destinations for British travellers, offering everything from the ancient ruins of Rome to the canals of Venice, the art of Florence, and the stunning Amalfi Coast. As a Eurozone country, Italy uses the Euro, making it easy to combine with other European destinations.

Italy has traditionally been more cash-oriented than northern Europe, but this is changing rapidly. Tourist areas, restaurants, and shops in major cities now widely accept cards. However, having some cash remains important for smaller establishments, trattorias, and rural areas.

Key insight for 2026: Italy has embraced digital payments significantly, with even small businesses increasingly accepting cards. However, the "cash culture" persists in some areas, so always carry €50-100 as backup. Contactless payment is now common in cities but not universal.

Best Ways to Get Euros for Italy

1. Fee-free travel cards (Wise, Revolut) — Best option. Pay by card where accepted, withdraw cash from ATMs when needed. Real exchange rate with no fees.
2. Italian bank ATMs — Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, BNL don't charge foreign card fees. Use with a fee-free card.
3. Online currency order — Order Euros online for home delivery. Better than high street bureaux.
4. Post Office / high street — Order online for collection. Walk-in rates are poor.
5. UK airport exchanges — Poor rates, avoid if possible.
6. Italian airport exchanges — Also poor rates. Use ATMs instead.

Using Cards in Italy

Card acceptance varies by location and establishment type:

Where Cards Work Well

• Hotels — All accept cards
• Restaurants in tourist areas — Most accept cards, especially larger establishments
• Supermarkets — Coop, Conad, Carrefour, Esselunga all accept cards
• Department stores and shops — Coin, La Rinascente, boutiques
• Train tickets — Trenitalia machines and counters accept cards
• Major attractions — Vatican, Colosseum, Uffizi etc.
• Pharmacies — Most accept cards

Where You Might Need Cash

• Small trattorias and osterias — Family restaurants may prefer cash
• Gelaterias — Many small ice cream shops are cash-only
• Coffee bars — For a quick espresso at the bar, cash is often expected
• Markets — Street markets, antique markets often cash-only
• Small shops and artisans — Especially in smaller towns
• Taxis — Some prefer cash, though this is changing
• Churches — Entry fees, candles, donations
• Toilets — Public toilets often require €0.50-1 coins

Important: If a shop offers to charge you in GBP instead of EUR, always decline. This Dynamic Currency Conversion gives you a poor rate.

ATMs in Italy

Italian ATMs (Bancomat) are widely available:

Recommended Bank ATMs

• Intesa Sanpaolo — One of Italy's largest banks, green and orange logo
• UniCredit — Red logo, widespread across Italy
• BNL (Banca Nazionale del Lavoro) — Part of BNP Paribas group
• Banco BPM — Common in northern Italy
• Monte dei Paschi di Siena — Historic bank, good coverage in Tuscany

ATMs to Avoid

• Euronet — Bright blue standalone machines charge high fees (€4-5+) and offer bad rates
• Tourist area ATMs — Often have worse fees, stick to bank branches

DCC Warning: Italian ATMs often push "conversion" to GBP. Always select "NO" or "Senza conversione" and withdraw in Euros for the best rate.

Money Tips by Italian Region

Rome

Tourist areas around the Vatican, Colosseum, and Trevi Fountain are well set up for cards. Traditional trattorias in Trastevere and Testaccio may prefer cash. Keep coins for fountains and churches.

Florence & Tuscany

Florence city centre is card-friendly. Smaller hill towns and agriturismi (farm stays) may prefer cash. Wine estates often accept cards but bring cash for smaller purchases.

Venice

Venice is expensive and tourist-focused, so cards work widely. Water taxis and vaporetti accept cards. Murano and Burano glass/lace shops may prefer cash for negotiations.

Amalfi Coast & Southern Italy

Tourist hotels and restaurants accept cards. Smaller establishments and beach clubs may prefer cash. The south is generally more cash-oriented than the north.

Milan & Northern Italy

Most card-friendly region of Italy. Milan is very modern in payment terms. Lakes and ski resorts are well equipped for cards.

Tipping in Italy

Italian tipping culture is quite different from the US or UK:

• Coperto — A cover charge of €1-3 per person is often added to restaurant bills. This is not a tip but a standard charge for bread and service.
• Restaurants — Tipping is appreciated but not expected. Rounding up or leaving €2-5 for excellent service is generous.
• Cafes — No tip expected for coffee at the bar
• Taxis — Round up to the nearest Euro
• Hotels — €1-2 for porters if you wish
• Tour guides — €5-10 for a good tour

If you see "servizio incluso" on a bill, service is already included. Additional tipping is purely optional.