Using Money in Italy | Print |
The Euro (Symbol = €) is now the official Italian currency and in the 12 nations that comprise the European Union. These 12 nations are: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. Notably, the United Kingdom has not adopted the Euro. They are still using the Pound.

The Euro has replaced the Lira (Symbol = £) since January 1, 2002, after an implementation period which began in 1999. To aid in the transition, sometimes you will still see prices quoted in the Lira equivalent (1 Euro = 1936.27 Lira), along with the Euro price. However, it is more of a convenience, or for information purposes to assist people with the transition. The European Union also accepted the old currency up through February 28, 2002 to further assist in the transition.

The new currency consists of 7 bank notes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro (dollars).

The eight coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Euro cents plus a 1 Euro (dollar) and 2 Euro (dollars). The "heads" side of the coin will display a common European Community symbol. However, the "tails" side of the coin will have a design unique to each country in the union.

100 Euro Cents = 1 Euro Dollar

Note that commas and periods are reversed when differentiating between dollars and cents and the thousands.

For example € 3.100,50 would be expressed in the US as $ 3,100.50
intending to mean three thousand one hundred dollars and fifty cents.

ATM Machines in Italy/ Bancomat

banco-mat-250Many ATM machines (Bancomat) are available for retrieving funds in Euros. Most of them will have an English menu selection. Check with your bank to determine whether there are any fees involved. Most will charge a fee per transaction. Usually the exchange rate will be more favorable than using an exchange (Cambio) in a train station or airport. The more common ATM networks that we use in the United States, such as Cirrus and Plus, are also widely accepted in Italy.

Note - many ATM's in Europe only accept a 4-digit PIN number. If your PIN is more than 4-digits, check with your bank to see if you can change it to 4-digits prior to your trip.

Also important is to let you bank know (prior to your trip) that you will be making foreign withdrawls. Otherwise, they may block the card for suspicious activity that is not in your normal course of transactions.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are gaining acceptance in all parts of Italy. Most of your hotels, restaurants, upscale shops, etc. in the tourist areas will usually accept MasterCard and Visa, with American Express not too far behind. Discover and Diner's Club are not as readily accepted.

Keep in mind that cash is king for some merchants. Some gas stations, for example, will only accept cash. And some hotels will even add a surcharge (usually 3 - 4%) if you are using a credit card.