Currency in Italy: what does it look like, where can I get it and what's it worth?

Yes.

Like the rest of Italy, the Vatican City - which is officially a separate country and not a member of the European Union - had its own 'lira' coins until they were replaced by the Euro in 2002. So the Euro is the legal tender in the Vatican.

Although Euro coins from anywhere in Europe are accepted here, the Vatican has its own coins which, on the obverse, show portraits of its popes: John Paul II (2002-2005), Benedict XVI (2006-2013), and Francis since 2013, or "Sede Vacante" during vacancies. The common side shows the city's coat of arms.

This is an old "Sede Vacante" coin, marked as 500 Lire. These coins can become collector's items.

These coins can become collector's items, since they are not minted in great numbers. Vatican mint sets are available through official channels.​

The Vatican City also produces some special commemorative coins to celebrate events such as the 80th birthday of Pope Benedict the 16th in 2007.​

Although the coins in daily use are not worth anything above their face value, they are one of the more interesting souvenirs of Rome.

What's the best way of getting Italian currency?

Before you travel: get some cash

Don't leave getting currency until you're at the airport! The exchange rates are always worse than if you buy before you fly.

Avoid ATMs at airports like this one at Fiumicino. The exchange rates are poor.

From the UK, we always use the Post Office to get euros. their exchange rates are good and, unless you need thousands of Euros, they have a good stock of cash. They also have a very useful "click and collect" service which can save a lot of time, especially in peak tourist season.

From the US and anywhere else: use your bank to change your local currency into Euros.

How much currency is enough?

That really depends on how you're traveling and where you're going. Once you arrive in Italy, you'll have access to cash machines, so get enough currency to cover your immediate needs on arrival.

For example, if you're going to travel by train, you'll be able to buy tickets with a card but you'll need money to buy refreshments on board.

If travelling by taxi at your destination, cash is handy as some drivers prefer it or claim card machines are down, though Italian law requires card acceptance for all payments. Allow at least €50-100 per ride. Unless you're travelling a long way to your hotel it won't be that much, but better be on the safe side.
Travellers' cheques

Travellers' cheques

These used to be very popular but are rarely seen these days and we'd advise against getting them. They're not accepted in shops and can be tricky to exchange.

If you already have them, avoid exchanging them at the 'Change' offices you'll see at airports and train stations - they almost always give a poor rate. Use a bank wherever possible.

Currency when in Italy

You will almost always get the best rate of exchange when buying foreign currency with either a credit or a debit card. The rates of exchange will be between two and seven percent better than using traveler's cheques or cash. 

Using debit and credit cards

You'll find cash machines (ATMs) in most places. Look out for the 'Bancomat' sign. The most popular credit card by far in Italy is Visa, with Mastercard a close second.

Both credit and debit cards can be used in Italy to withdraw cash from the bancomat and to pay for goods and services in hotels and shops. Contactless and mobile payments are now widespread too.​

Bigger cities and even small towns are full of cash machines (ATMs) these days. Look for those linked to banks ('banco' or 'banca'), like this...

In the tinier and more remote villages you won't find them, though, so make sure you carry enough cash with you if you're heading out for the day.

Remember that your home bank may charge a commission fee for withdrawing cash by card. The more you withdraw at once the lower the commission will be. (limits vary: often €250-€1000 daily per bank/ATM).​

Local 'Festas' which provide local produce, and markets, will very rarely take cards - you'll need cash for those.

Warning!

Make sure your bank knows you're going to be using your cards abroad before you go.

We've had so many examples of visitors being refused money at cash tills and having cards refused in shops and restaurants. It's embarrassing for everyone concerned, so try to avoid it by asking your bank before you travel to mark your file with your travel dates.

It's not foolproof by any means. They may still ask you to call, to make sure your card isn't being fraudulently used.

And worse case scenario, they may suspend use of the cards if they see what they think is an unusual spending pattern. And that can be really embarrassing!

What about buying currency in Italy - how much will I get?

Currency rates of exchange fluctuate by the hour - even by the minute - so it's not possible to give any 'rule of thumb' here.

The only way to find out how much your money will be worth against the Italian Euro at the point of travel is to check the exchange rates on that day. For example, today's EUR/USD is around 1.18.​

For your convenience, this is our free currency converter. 

This complimentary currency converter will calculate from any currency worldwide to Euros. The exchange rates are accurate as at today's date.  

Keeping this page bookmarked and coming back to it regularly will help you know when's a good time to buy your currency. Watch for small exchange rate changes, either up or down.

Also use it to practice being able to convert quickly from Euros to your own currency so that you have an idea when buying items in Italy of how much they're costing.

Knowing the value of 10 Euros in your own currency will be particularly helpful since you can calculate goods or services to the nearest multiple.

Looking for other facts about Italy for your trip? Just click on one of the photos below to go to our page.

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