{"id":50666,"date":"2017-08-23T14:42:03","date_gmt":"2017-08-23T13:42:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?page_id=50666"},"modified":"2026-03-06T11:42:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T11:42:36","slug":"italy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy","title":{"rendered":"Best ways to spend travel money in Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Compared to countries like France, Germany and the UK, Italy is still a somewhat cash-based economy. Don\u2019t think you\u2019re going to be paying cash all the time, though. Shops and merchants in Italy are well equipped to accept card payments (Visa and Mastercard are more common than American Express) \u2014 the uptake of contactless payment technology increases year on year.<\/p><div class=\"keyTakeaways\">\n  <div class=\"keyTakeaways__header\">\n          <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"32\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 314.16 201.03\" fill=\"none\">\n  <path d=\"M212.32,190.62c-19.66,0-38.8-6.44-54.42-18.24-15.63,11.79-34.77,18.24-54.42,18.24-49.84,0-90.39-40.55-90.39-90.39V9.83h199.24c49.84,0,90.39,40.55,90.39,90.39s-40.55,90.39-90.39,90.39Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path>\n  <path d=\"M212.32,15.9c46.57,0,84.33,37.75,84.33,84.33h0c0,46.57-37.75,84.33-84.33,84.33h0c-20.75,0-39.74-7.51-54.42-19.94-14.69,12.43-33.68,19.94-54.42,19.94h0c-46.57,0-84.33-37.75-84.33-84.33V15.9h193.18M212.32,3.76H7.01v96.46c0,53.19,43.27,96.46,96.46,96.46,19.47,0,38.46-5.92,54.43-16.84,15.96,10.91,34.95,16.84,54.42,16.84,53.19,0,96.46-43.27,96.46-96.46S265.51,3.76,212.32,3.76h0Z\" fill=\"#232320\"><\/path>\n  <path d=\"M216.34,90.21c.19-1.69,1.76-2.87,3.43-2.6,11.91,1.94,22.41-7.31,20.93-20.1-.45-3.93-2.28-6.56-4.43-9.31-1.05-1.35-.74-3.34.71-4.26,15.6-9.82,31.64-1.91,40.78,13.29,11.21,18.64,11.54,47.15.53,65.94-15.41,26.3-42.91,23.48-56.04-3.04-6.09-12.29-7.47-26.4-5.92-39.93Z\" fill=\"#232320\"><\/path>\n  <path d=\"M105.92,90.21c.19-1.69,1.76-2.87,3.43-2.6,11.91,1.94,22.41-7.31,20.93-20.1-.45-3.93-2.28-6.56-4.43-9.31-1.05-1.35-.74-3.34.71-4.26,15.6-9.82,31.64-1.91,40.78,13.29,11.21,18.64,11.54,47.15.53,65.94-15.41,26.3-42.91,23.48-56.04-3.04-6.09-12.29-7.47-26.4-5.92-39.93Z\" fill=\"#232320\"><\/path>\n<\/svg>        <h3 data-toc=\"false\">Key takeaways<\/h3>\n  <\/div>\n\n    <ul>\n          <li>Italy uses the euro as its official currency.<\/li>\n          <li>Some bank-owned ATMs don\u2019t charge withdrawal fees, but you might still be charged by your own bank.<\/li>\n          <li>Choose a debit card with low fees (or no fees) for travel <a href=\"#toppicks\">from our top picks<\/a>.<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n\n  \n  <\/div>\n<h4 id=\"cash\">Should I use cash or a card to pay for things in Italy?<\/h4><p>Italy is a cash-based society compared to other major economies in Europe and North America. You can still use your card in almost as many places as you would in the UK and other countries, but there\u2019s a reluctance among Italians to let go of cash as a method of payment for things like rent, food, clothing and so on.<\/p><h3 id=\"toppicks\">Low-cost travel money options for Italy<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>\n.newpicks.topPicksF1 .topPicks__card { border: 2px solid #232320; border-radius: 1rem; -webkit-box-shadow: 4px 6px 0 0 #232320; box-shadow: 4px 6px 0 0 #232320; margin-right: 4px; }\n.pickfor { line-height: 20px; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; flex-direction: column; justify-content: center; background-color: #e5f7ff; border-radius: 0.9rem 0.9rem 0 0; min-height: 58px; }\n.pickpros, .gxfcydsc { font-size: 14.75px; letter-spacing: -0.1px; line-height: 21px; }\n.topPicks__card { overflow: visible !important; }\n.topPicks__card figure.award { padding-bottom: 20px; margin: -3px auto 3px auto; }\n.topPicks__card span.gx-badge__body { box-sizing: border-box !important; }\n.topPicks__card figure.noward { padding: 10px; }\n.newpicks.flex { display: flex; flex-wrap: nowrap; overflow: auto; }\n.newpicks .flex-item { flex: 0 0 auto; margin-right: 10px !important;  width: calc((100% - 20px) \/ 3) !important; max-width: 280px; }\n.topPicks__optionalLabel span.table-popover::before { margin: 0px 0px -2px 2px; }\n.topPicks__card .text-small.dsclmr { font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: -.28px; }\n@media only screen and (min-width: 960px) { .newpicks { -webkit-box-pack: center; -webkit-justify-content: center; -ms-flex-pack: center; justify-content: center; } }\n@media only screen and (max-width: 960px) { .newpicks .flex-item { min-width: 270px; } }\n.newpicks .pick { line-height: 1.4em; min-height: 3.3em; }\n.newpicks .flex-item article { border-radius: 0.7em; }\n.newpicks .topPicks__optionalLabel { font-weight: 600; padding: 0.5em 0.65em 0.6em; width: auto; font-size: 0.875rem; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 0px !important; }\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"toppicks\" class=\"newpicks impression__toppicks-container u-grid u-grid--alignStretch u-grid--gutterCollapse flex has-padding-top-xsmall topPicksF1\" data-count-items=\"3\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"u-grid__col flex-item has-margin-bottom-small\">\n<article class=\"luna-card luna-card--stretch luna-card--shadow topPicks__card\">\n<div class=\"pickfor text-center has-padding-xsmall u-font--bold u-italic\">\nPromoted for low fees + sign-up bonus<\/div>\n<div class=\"luna-card__block luna-card__topPick text-center\">\n<figure class=\"luna-card__figure noward\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/66db251e3e0db.png\" class=\"topPicks__image\" alt=\"Revolut  logo\" width=\"97\" height=\"60\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/66db251e3e0db.png?fit=180 180w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/66db251e3e0db.png?fit=291 291w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 291px) 100vw, 291px\" loading=\"lazy\">\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-small\"><a class=\"luna-button luna-button--success  luna-button--fluid\" href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/revolut-review#comparison-table-0000000000\">See deal<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ukfin_offrpll\">\n<div class=\"topPicks__optionalLabel aligncenter box u-rounded--lg\" style=\"background: #e5ffed; border: 1px solid #1dd751;\"><svg class=\"luna-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 256 256\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Special offer\" style=\"width: 17px; height: 17px; margin-right: 3px;\"><path fill=\"#1dd751\" d=\"M208 128v72a8 8 0 0 1-8 8H56a8 8 0 0 1-8-8v-72Z\"><\/path><path fill=\"#232320\" d=\"M216 72h-35.08q.6-.49 1.17-1A29.5 29.5 0 0 0 192 49.57 32.6 32.6 0 0 0 158.44 16 29.5 29.5 0 0 0 137 25.91a55 55 0 0 0-9 14.48 55 55 0 0 0-9-14.48A29.5 29.5 0 0 0 97.56 16 32.6 32.6 0 0 0 64 49.57 29.5 29.5 0 0 0 73.91 71q.58.49 1.17 1H40a16 16 0 0 0-16 16v32a16 16 0 0 0 16 16v64a16 16 0 0 0 16 16h144a16 16 0 0 0 16-16v-64a16 16 0 0 0 16-16V88a16 16 0 0 0-16-16m-67-35.49a13.7 13.7 0 0 1 10-4.5h.49A16.6 16.6 0 0 1 176 49.08a13.7 13.7 0 0 1-4.5 10c-9.49 8.4-25.24 11.36-35 12.4 1.2-10.59 4.5-25.98 12.5-34.97m-64.09.36A16.6 16.6 0 0 1 96.59 32h.49a13.7 13.7 0 0 1 10 4.5c8.39 9.48 11.35 25.2 12.39 34.92-9.72-1-25.44-4-34.92-12.39a13.7 13.7 0 0 1-4.5-10 16.6 16.6 0 0 1 4.82-12.16ZM40 88h80v32H40Zm16 48h64v64H56Zm144 64h-64v-64h64Zm16-80h-80V88h80z\"><\/path><\/svg>\u00a320 welcome bonus<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"has-margin-bottom-xsmall text-left pickpros\">\n<svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Pay like a local with excellent exchange rates<br><svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Send money in 29 currencies<br><svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Cashback on hotel bookings<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"u-grid__col flex-item has-margin-bottom-small\">\n<article class=\"luna-card luna-card--stretch luna-card--shadow topPicks__card\">\n<div class=\"pickfor text-center has-padding-xsmall u-font--bold u-italic\">\nPromoted for no overseas fees card &amp; budgeting<\/div>\n<div class=\"luna-card__block luna-card__topPick text-center\">\n<figure class=\"luna-card__figure noward\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/64d4f89e1aa8f.png\" class=\"topPicks__image\" alt=\"Monzo logo\" width=\"97\" height=\"60\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/64d4f89e1aa8f.png?fit=180 180w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/64d4f89e1aa8f.png?fit=291 291w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 291px) 100vw, 291px\" loading=\"lazy\">\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-small\"><a class=\" luna-button luna-button--success  luna-button--fluid  impression__toppicks-cta\" style=\"text-wrap: wrap;\" title=\"Go to Monzo\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/redirect\/uk\/travel-money\/monzo-travel-uk-secure.html?nb=1&amp;src_country=uk&amp;redirect_tracking_params=%7B%22placement_type%22%3A%22nb-product%22%2C%22product_id%22%3A%224b7deca5-4152-460d-bd12-4d0074d34d61%22%2C%22product_name%22%3A%22Monzo%22%2C%22offer_id%22%3A%2225676%22%2C%22decorator%22%3A%22GLOBAL.PRODUCT.CTA_UKFIN_REDIRECT_BUTTON%22%2C%22niche_code%22%3A%22UKFTM%22%2C%22position%22%3A%222%22%2C%22post_id%22%3A%2250666%22%2C%22post_path%22%3A%22travel-money%252Fitaly%22%2C%22post_country%22%3A%22uk%22%2C%22partial%22%3A%7B%22id%22%3A486358%2C%22name%22%3A%22ukfin-masthead-top-picks%22%2C%22country%22%3A%22uk%22%7D%7D\"> \r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to site\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ukfin_offrpll\">\n<div class=\"topPicks__optionalLabel aligncenter box u-rounded--lg\" style=\"background: #e5ffed; border: 1px solid #1dd751;\"><svg class=\"luna-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 256 256\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Special offer\" style=\"width: 17px; height: 17px; margin-right: 3px;\"><path fill=\"#1dd751\" d=\"M208 128v72a8 8 0 0 1-8 8H56a8 8 0 0 1-8-8v-72Z\"><\/path><path fill=\"#232320\" d=\"M216 72h-35.08q.6-.49 1.17-1A29.5 29.5 0 0 0 192 49.57 32.6 32.6 0 0 0 158.44 16 29.5 29.5 0 0 0 137 25.91a55 55 0 0 0-9 14.48 55 55 0 0 0-9-14.48A29.5 29.5 0 0 0 97.56 16 32.6 32.6 0 0 0 64 49.57 29.5 29.5 0 0 0 73.91 71q.58.49 1.17 1H40a16 16 0 0 0-16 16v32a16 16 0 0 0 16 16v64a16 16 0 0 0 16 16h144a16 16 0 0 0 16-16v-64a16 16 0 0 0 16-16V88a16 16 0 0 0-16-16m-67-35.49a13.7 13.7 0 0 1 10-4.5h.49A16.6 16.6 0 0 1 176 49.08a13.7 13.7 0 0 1-4.5 10c-9.49 8.4-25.24 11.36-35 12.4 1.2-10.59 4.5-25.98 12.5-34.97m-64.09.36A16.6 16.6 0 0 1 96.59 32h.49a13.7 13.7 0 0 1 10 4.5c8.39 9.48 11.35 25.2 12.39 34.92-9.72-1-25.44-4-34.92-12.39a13.7 13.7 0 0 1-4.5-10 16.6 16.6 0 0 1 4.82-12.16ZM40 88h80v32H40Zm16 48h64v64H56Zm144 64h-64v-64h64Zm16-80h-80V88h80z\"><\/path><\/svg>Earn interest on your holiday money with a savings pot<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"has-margin-bottom-xsmall text-left pickpros\">\n<svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Make fee-free cash withdrawals<br><svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Spend abroad with no fees<br><svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Split costs with friends in seconds<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"u-grid__col flex-item has-margin-bottom-small\" style=\"margin-right: 0px !important;\">\n<article class=\"luna-card luna-card--stretch luna-card--shadow topPicks__card\">\n<div class=\"pickfor text-center has-padding-xsmall u-font--bold u-italic\">\nPromoted for low fx fees<\/div>\n<div class=\"luna-card__block luna-card__topPick text-center\">\n<figure class=\"luna-card__figure noward\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/66db25e6c6685.png\" class=\"topPicks__image\" alt=\"Wise Multi-currency Account logo\" width=\"97\" height=\"60\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/66db25e6c6685.png?fit=180 180w, https:\/\/www.finder.com\/niche-builder\/66db25e6c6685.png?fit=291 291w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 291px) 100vw, 291px\" loading=\"lazy\">\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"has-padding-top-small has-padding-bottom-small\"><a class=\" luna-button luna-button--success  luna-button--fluid  impression__toppicks-cta\" style=\"text-wrap: wrap;\" title=\"Go to Wise\" rel=\"sponsored nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/redirect\/uk\/travel-money\/wise-multucyrrency-uk-secure.html?nb=1&amp;src_country=uk&amp;redirect_tracking_params=%7B%22placement_type%22%3A%22nb-product%22%2C%22product_id%22%3A%22bf57b237-53f7-4885-adc9-f9fb9275c9b7%22%2C%22product_name%22%3A%22Wise%2BMulti-currency%2BAccount%22%2C%22offer_id%22%3A%2225128%22%2C%22decorator%22%3A%22GLOBAL.PRODUCT.CTA_UKFIN_REDIRECT_BUTTON%22%2C%22niche_code%22%3A%22UKFTM%22%2C%22position%22%3A%223%22%2C%22post_id%22%3A%2250666%22%2C%22post_path%22%3A%22travel-money%252Fitaly%22%2C%22post_country%22%3A%22uk%22%2C%22partial%22%3A%7B%22id%22%3A486358%2C%22name%22%3A%22ukfin-masthead-top-picks%22%2C%22country%22%3A%22uk%22%7D%7D\"> \r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\tGo to site\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"ukfin_offrpll\">\n<div class=\"topPicks__optionalLabel aligncenter box u-rounded--lg\" style=\"background: #e5ffed; border: 1px solid #1dd751;\"><svg class=\"luna-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 256 256\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"Special offer\" style=\"width: 17px; height: 17px; margin-right: 3px;\"><path fill=\"#1dd751\" d=\"M208 128v72a8 8 0 0 1-8 8H56a8 8 0 0 1-8-8v-72Z\"><\/path><path fill=\"#232320\" d=\"M216 72h-35.08q.6-.49 1.17-1A29.5 29.5 0 0 0 192 49.57 32.6 32.6 0 0 0 158.44 16 29.5 29.5 0 0 0 137 25.91a55 55 0 0 0-9 14.48 55 55 0 0 0-9-14.48A29.5 29.5 0 0 0 97.56 16 32.6 32.6 0 0 0 64 49.57 29.5 29.5 0 0 0 73.91 71q.58.49 1.17 1H40a16 16 0 0 0-16 16v32a16 16 0 0 0 16 16v64a16 16 0 0 0 16 16h144a16 16 0 0 0 16-16v-64a16 16 0 0 0 16-16V88a16 16 0 0 0-16-16m-67-35.49a13.7 13.7 0 0 1 10-4.5h.49A16.6 16.6 0 0 1 176 49.08a13.7 13.7 0 0 1-4.5 10c-9.49 8.4-25.24 11.36-35 12.4 1.2-10.59 4.5-25.98 12.5-34.97m-64.09.36A16.6 16.6 0 0 1 96.59 32h.49a13.7 13.7 0 0 1 10 4.5c8.39 9.48 11.35 25.2 12.39 34.92-9.72-1-25.44-4-34.92-12.39a13.7 13.7 0 0 1-4.5-10 16.6 16.6 0 0 1 4.82-12.16ZM40 88h80v32H40Zm16 48h64v64H56Zm144 64h-64v-64h64Zm16-80h-80V88h80z\"><\/path><\/svg>More than 150 countries<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"has-margin-bottom-xsmall text-left pickpros\">\n<svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Open an account in minutes<br><svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> Use in more than 150 countries<br><svg class=\"luna-icon luna-icon--primary luna-icon--small\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"20\" height=\"21\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 21\"><path d=\"M10.0007 1.23193C4.93804 1.23193 0.833984 5.33599 0.833984 10.3986C0.833984 15.4612 4.93804 19.5653 10.0007 19.5653C15.0633 19.5653 19.1673 15.4612 19.1673 10.3986C19.1673 5.33599 15.0633 1.23193 10.0007 1.23193Z\" fill=\"#1DD751\"><\/path><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.0886 8.14398C13.414 8.46942 13.414 8.99705 13.0886 9.32249L9.75527 12.6558C9.42983 12.9813 8.9022 12.9813 8.57676 12.6558L6.91009 10.9892C6.58466 10.6637 6.58466 10.1361 6.91009 9.81065C7.23553 9.48521 7.76317 9.48521 8.0886 9.81065L9.16602 10.8881L11.9101 8.14398C12.2355 7.81854 12.7632 7.81854 13.0886 8.14398Z\" fill=\"white\"><\/path><\/svg> 2 free cash withdrawals per month<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<style>@media only screen and (min-width: 601px) { .ukfin_offrpll { min-height: 46px; } }<\/style><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div id=\"toppicks-methodology\" class=\"topPicksMethodology--shortcode luna-accordionGroup accordionGroup\">\n\t<div class=\"luna-accordion\" data-accordion=\"accordion\">\n\t\t<div class=\"luna-accordion__summary\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"luna-accordion__heading\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"luna-accordion__action collapsed\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"methodology-expander-0000000000\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#methodology-expander-0000000000\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"luna-accordion__title\">How we chose these accounts<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"luna-icon topPicksMethodology__toggleIcon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#chevron-down\" data-toggle-icon=\"show\" class=\"topPicksMethodology__toggleIcon-down\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<use xlink:href=\"#chevron-up\" data-toggle-icon=\"hide\" class=\"topPicksMethodology__toggleIcon-up is-hidden\"><\/use>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"luna-accordion__details collapse\" aria-hidden=\"true\" id=\"methodology-expander-0000000000\" data-accordion=\"details\" style=\"height: 0px;\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordionContent\">The accounts shown above are promoted picks. If we show a \"Promoted for\" pick, this means it's been chosen from among our partners and is based on factors that include special features or offers, and the commission we receive. Keep in mind that our picks may not always be the best fit for you, and it's important to compare for yourself to find a product that works for you.<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h4 id=\"debit-cards\">Can I use my debit card in Italy?<\/h4><p>Generally speaking, yes. Most shops, restaurants and bars in Italy accept debit cards from UK banks, though some smaller businesses may not accept them and it would be worth taking cash too. You may also be charged high overseas fees depending on your bank.<\/p><p>Travel-friendly debit cards waive the 3% fee for currency conversion when you transact in euros. Unlike prepaid travel money cards, there\u2019s no need to manage exchanging foreign currency before you spend. In addition, the card scheme (Visa or Mastercard) daily exchange rate applies. This is usually the most competitive rate you can get on a personal finance product (credit card transactions in a foreign currency also use this rate).<\/p><ul class=\"list-4\"><li><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Italy has been slower to adopt contactless payment technology than France, Germany and UK. However, you can use your CHIP debit card to make contactless payments at Italian supermarkets, fast food chains like McDonald\u2019s, some restaurants and bars. Merchants in Italy allow minimum contactless payments of just a couple of euros.<\/li><li><strong>Tip:<\/strong> You can also use a debit card with a magnetic strip in Italy. However, your debit card will work in more places if it has a CHIP. A debit card with a CHIP will work at unmanned point of sale terminals such as petrol stations, ticket kiosks, toll booths and parking payment machines.<\/li><\/ul><p><a class=\"more-link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/debit-cards-low-foreign-transaction-fees\"> Compare UK debit cards with low transaction fees<\/a><\/p><h4 id=\"travel-money-cards\">Using prepaid travel money cards<\/h4><p>Preload a travel card with euros and spend in euros and you\u2019ll avoid the fees that usually go hand in hand with international purchases. Compare these cards by their ATM fees, initial load and reload fees. Most ATMs in Italy don\u2019t charge an ATM operator fee. By choosing a product which waives the international ATM withdrawal fee, you can access your money at Italian bancomat machines and spend over the counter without paying any additional fees or charges.<\/p><ul class=\"list-4\"><li><b>Tip:<\/b> A travel card lets you lock in the exchange rate when you transfer funds between different currencies. This feature can be handy if you think it will become more expensive to purchase euros during your trip.<\/li><\/ul><p><a class=\"more-link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/prepaid-cards\"> Compare prepaid cards for travelling<\/a><\/p><h4 id=\"credit-cards\">Using credit cards<\/h4><p>Credit cards offer up to 55 days interest-free on purchases when you pay your balance in full by the statement due date. This gives you time to make purchases without paying any interest. Credit cards can also offer perks such as complimentary international travel insurance and purchase protection insurance, which is money that would have been an out of pocket expense.<\/p><p>Credit cards which waive the fee for currency conversion can be used over the counter for purchases and you won\u2019t pay any additional fees. There are credit cards that don\u2019t charge for international ATM withdrawals either. But be warned that interest applies from the moment you use your card at an ATM \u2014 a cash advance should therefore be avoided if you\u2019re conscious of saving on unnecessary charges. Plus, withdrawing cash using a credit card can negatively impact your credit file. So you might want to use a debit card or travel card to withdraw from ATMs instead.<\/p><ul class=\"list-4\"><li><strong>Tip: <\/strong>A no currency conversion fee rewards credit card can be a good way to rack up frequent flyer or rewards points when you\u2019re in Italy.<\/li><li><strong>Tip: <\/strong>Make sure you tell your bank about your travel plans in Italy and Europe. Your card provider may put a block on your account if it sees a transaction in another country.<\/li><\/ul><p><a class=\"more-link-arrow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/credit-cards\/travel-credit-cards\"> Compare travel credit cards<\/a><\/p><h4 id=\"travellers-cheque\">Using traveller\u2019s cheques<\/h4><p>Traveller\u2019s cheques have largely been replaced by prepaid travel money cards. Many banks in Italy will refuse to cash traveller\u2019s cheques, so don\u2019t bother with this travel money product. Make bancomat (ATM) withdrawals instead.<\/p><h3 id=\"howmuch\">How many euros do I need to bring to Rome?<\/h3><p>High summer season premiums will add to the cost of an Italian trip, but the cost of living and travel varies depending on where you are in the country. In smaller towns, especially in the South, Italy is surprisingly affordable. In the middle of the country and the north and especially in touristic places like Rome, Venice and Milan, it can be very expensive. If you go to Italy during high season (late June, July and August) expect to pay a premium for everything. Off-season, prices drop dramatically.<\/p><h4>Find out some typical Roman holiday prices<\/h4><table class=\"custom-table js-custom-table\" style=\"height: 393px;\" width=\"697\"><thead><tr><th><\/th><th style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>Budget<\/b><\/th><th style=\"text-align: center;\">Mid-range<\/th><th style=\"text-align: center;\">Expensive<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-205585 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/bldg.png\" alt=\"bldg\" width=\"82\" height=\"84\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/bldg.png?fit=180 180w, https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/bldg.png?fit=246 246w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 246px) 100vw, 246px\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/td><td><p style=\"text-align: center;\">Camping in Rome<\/p><p style=\"text-align: center;\">\u00a325 per night<\/p><\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">2-star hotel in Rome<br>\u00a360\u2013\u00a3100 per night<\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">5-star hotel in Rome<br>\u00a3250\u2013\u00a3400 per night<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-205583 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/utensil.png\" alt=\"utensil\" width=\"91\" height=\"89\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/utensil.png?fit=180 180w, https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/utensil.png?fit=273 273w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 273px) 100vw, 273px\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Trapizzino: \u00a34<br>Sandwich: \u00a33\u2013\u00a35<\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Dinner for 2 at a mid-range restaurant with wine<br>\u00a350\u2013\u00a360<\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">5-star restaurant<br>\u00a3100\u2013\u00a3350<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-205587 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/camera.png\" alt=\"camera\" width=\"86\" height=\"92\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/camera.png?fit=180 180w, https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/camera.png?fit=258 258w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 258px) 100vw, 258px\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Colosseum entry<br>\u00a325<\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Rome and Colosseum 1\/2 Day Walking Tour<br>\u00a345<\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">Imperial Rome golf cart tour (per person)<br>\u00a3150<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p><sub>*Prices are for example purposes only.<\/sub><\/p><h3>Exchange rate history<\/h3><table class=\"custom-table\"><tbody><tr><th style=\"width: 30%; text-align: center;\">Year<\/th><th style=\"text-align: center;\">Average annual exchange pound sterling (GBP) to euro (EUR)<\/th><\/tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">2016<\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">1.2242<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">2017<\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">1.1414<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">2018<\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">1.1301<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">2019<\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">1.1405<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">2020<\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">1.1248<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">2021<\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">1.1632<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">2022<\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">1.173<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">2023<\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">1.1492<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">2024<\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">1.1811<\/td><\/tr><tr><td style=\"text-align: center;\">2025<\/td><td style=\"text-align: center;\">1.1672<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><h3 id=\"travel\">Should it be a travel card, a debit card or a credit card?<\/h3><p>Credit cards and debit cards with travel features are just as suitable to take on a trip to Italy and Europe as a prepaid travel money card. You can use your Visa or Mastercard card in Italy without issue. American Express cards charge a higher surcharge and are accepted in fewer places. You can use your card to pay for train tickets, souvenirs at gift shops, hotels, trattorias (Italian eateries), restaurants and more. The range of merchants which accept cards is similar to Britain. You\u2019ll need cash to pay for street food, taxis, to pay tour guides and for purchases under \u20ac10\u2013\u20ac20, for example, so avoiding the international ATM transaction fee should be a factor when you\u2019re comparing options.<\/p><h4>A quick summary of travel money options in Italy<\/h4><table class=\"custom-table js-custom-table\" dir=\"ltr\" border=\"1\" width=\"1147\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\"><tbody><tr><th>Travel money option<\/th><th>Pros<\/th><th>Considerations<\/th><\/tr><tr><td>Debit cards for travel<\/td><td><ul class=\"list-1\"><li>Protected by PIN &amp; chip<\/li><li>Using your debit card overseas offers the convenience of having access to your own money, without needing a separate \u2018travel account\u2019.<\/li><li>The right debit card will give you cheap and convenient access to cash.<\/li><\/ul><\/td><td><ul class=\"list-12\"><li>Compare and choose carefully \u2014 the wrong debit card can charge you excessively.<\/li><li>Linked to your bank account which can be an issue if your card is stolen.<\/li><li>Not a credit product. No emergency funds available though a cash advance facility.<\/li><\/ul><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Prepaid travel money cards<\/td><td><ul class=\"list-1\"><li>Pre-load euro and spend in Italy without incurring fees for currency conversion<\/li><li>Protected by PIN &amp; chip<\/li><\/ul><ul class=\"list-1\"><li>Accepted worldwide<\/li><li>Emergency card replacement and backup cards<\/li><li>Reloadable with your own money to help you keep track of your spending<\/li><\/ul><\/td><td><ul class=\"list-12\"><li>While travel cards do not charge for international transactions (currency conversion fees), you may still be charged for ATM withdrawals.<\/li><li>Reload fees could be high<\/li><li>Foreign exchange rates are usually less competitive than other personal finance products.<\/li><\/ul><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Credit cards for travel<\/td><td><ul class=\"list-1\"><li>Protected by PIN &amp; chip<\/li><li>Access to funds up to your credit limit<\/li><li>Accepted worldwide<\/li><li>No currency conversion\/ transaction fees<\/li><li>Interest free days when you pay your account in full<\/li><li>Emergency card replacement<\/li><\/ul><\/td><td><ul class=\"list-12\"><li>Can charge high interest rates and cash advance fees<\/li><li>Higher spending limit (depends on your approved credit limit)<\/li><li>May attract an annual fee<\/li><\/ul><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Traveller\u2019s cheques<\/td><td><ul class=\"list-1\"><li>Secure and can be easily replaced if lost or stolen<\/li><li>Photo ID needed to cash cheques<\/li><\/ul><\/td><td><ul class=\"list-12\"><li>Many banks in Italy will refuse to cash traveller\u2019s cheques.<\/li><li>Can be costly with initial purchase charges<\/li><\/ul><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Cash<\/td><td><ul class=\"list-1\"><li>Greater payment flexibility<\/li><li>Convenience<\/li><\/ul><\/td><td><ul class=\"list-12\"><li>More difficult to manage expenses<\/li><li>Higher risk of theft<\/li><\/ul><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p style=\"text-align: right;\"><em><sub>This table is a general summary of the travel money products in the market. Features and benefits can vary between cards.<\/sub><\/em><\/p><h3 id=\"currency\">Buying currency in Britain<\/h3><p>You can take as many euros with you to the European Union as you want. You have to declare if you\u2019re carrying more than \u20ac10,000 cash. This includes bank notes and traveller\u2019s cheques, gold bullion etc. It\u2019s easy to buy euros in the UK \u2013 you can exchange pounds to euros in almost any bank, high street or online travel shop, as well as in the airport.<\/p><h3>Making ATM withdrawals<\/h3><p>The best way to get cash in Italy is to make an ATM withdrawal when you arrive. The Visa or Mastercard exchange rate applies and is better than any rate you\u2019re likely to get exchanging currency at an exchange office or a bank.<\/p><p>Italian bank ATMs are called <em>bancomats<\/em> and do not charge a local ATM operator fee, but avoid using independent ATMs. These third-party ATMs charge like a wounded bull and you can usually find these machines alongside bank ATMs. It will be obvious which ATMs are affiliated with a bank and which aren\u2019t.<\/p><p><strong>Tips<\/strong><\/p><ul class=\"list-4\"><li>Italian bank ATMs generally have a maximum withdrawal limit somewhere between \u20ac250 and \u20ac300 per day and you can select English as a language option when you insert your card.<\/li><\/ul><h3>Why you\u2019ll need a combination of travel money options<\/h3><p>A combination of the products compared on this page is the best approach to taking travel money to Italy. It\u2019s advised that you take more than one way to withdraw cash as there have been anecdotal reports Italian ATMs can be temperamental with foreign cards. You don\u2019t want to be caught without access to your money in the event a card is lost or stolen.<\/p><p>There are few destinations that evoke history and romance quite like Italy. It\u2019s no surprise then, that Italy is one of the planet\u2019s most visited countries in the world. Every year, tourists flock to Italy to enjoy themselves among some of the finest and longest living monuments to human civilisation; revel in the richness of it\u2019s art and culture, and eat and drink to their heart\u2019s content. Make your holiday memorable for all the right reasons and travel with peace of mind that you\u2019re getting the most from your budget with a travel card, credit card or debit card.<\/p><article class=\"luna-card luna-card--alt\"><div class=\"luna-card__block has-padding-small\">We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms \"best\", \"top\", \"cheap\" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/terms-of-use\" class=\"fin-text-navy\">terms of use<\/a>. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables is provided by Defaqto. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.<\/div><\/article><div id=\"sources\" style=\"position: relative;\"><h3 style=\"position: absolute; width: 1px; height: 1px; padding: 0; margin: -1px; overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0,0,0,0); white-space: nowrap; border: 0;\">Sources<\/h3>\n<div id=\"lazy0000000001\"><\/div>\n<script type=\"application\/json\" id=\"lazyloaded-assets-json-lazy0000000001\" class=\"lazyloaded-assets-json\">{\"critical-scripts\":[],\"scripts\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.finder.com\\\/parent-theme\\\/shortcodes\\\/article-source\\\/prod\\\/article-source.de087a0da9824e407767.js\"],\"styles\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.finder.com\\\/parent-theme\\\/shortcodes\\\/article-source\\\/prod\\\/article-source.87684078d471e76125dd.css\"]}<\/script><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn more about the best card to use, if you should use a UK debit card and other ways to take spending money to Italy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":639,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[525],"tags":[],"asset_tag":[],"class_list":["post-50666","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-travel-money"],"apple_news_notices":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.9 (Yoast SEO v24.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Best ways to spend travel money in Italy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you&#039;re planning on visiting Italy, make sure you compare your travel money options to avoid huge charges, and to make your money go further.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Best ways to spend travel money in Italy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"If you&#039;re planning on visiting Italy, make sure you compare your travel money options to avoid huge charges, and to make your money go further.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Finder UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/findercomuk\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2017-08-23T13:42:03+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/bldg.png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Jason Loewenthal\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@findercomUK\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@findercomUK\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Jason Loewenthal\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Jason Loewenthal\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/9e17420e96fcfdf0d0fd4a676608e6df\"},\"headline\":\"Best ways to spend travel money in Italy\",\"datePublished\":\"2017-08-23T13:42:03+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-05T13:17:54+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy\"},\"wordCount\":1863,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/bldg.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Travel Money\"],\"inLanguage\":{\"@type\":\"Language\",\"name\":\"English\",\"alternateName\":\"en\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#respond\"]}],\"copyrightYear\":\"2017\",\"copyrightHolder\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/#organization\"},\"citation\":[{\"@type\":\"CreativeWork\",\"name\":\"Exchange Rates UK\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.exchangerates.org.uk\/GBP-EUR-exchange-rate-history.html\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy\",\"name\":\"Best ways to spend travel money in Italy\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/bldg.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2017-08-23T13:42:03+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-03-05T13:17:54+00:00\",\"description\":\"If you're planning on visiting Italy, make sure you compare your travel money options to avoid huge charges, and to make your money go further.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/bldg.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/bldg.png\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"UK\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Travel Money\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Best ways to spend travel money in Italy\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/\",\"name\":\"Finder UK\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Finder\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/Finder-Logo-696x696-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/Finder-Logo-696x696-1.png\",\"width\":1392,\"height\":1392,\"caption\":\"Finder\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/findercomuk\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/findercomUK\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/finder\/\",\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Finder_(website)\"],\"description\":\"Every month more than 2 million unique visitors turn to Finder to save money and time, and to make important life choices. We compare everything from bank accounts, personal loans, investing platforms and much more.\",\"email\":\"heythere@finder.com\",\"legalName\":\"Finder\",\"foundingDate\":\"2006-01-01\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"51\",\"maxValue\":\"200\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/9e17420e96fcfdf0d0fd4a676608e6df\",\"name\":\"Jason Loewenthal\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/11\/JasonLoewenthalF1_Finder_600x600.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/11\/JasonLoewenthalF1_Finder_600x600.png\",\"caption\":\"Jason Loewenthal\"},\"description\":\"Jason is a writer and editor. He worked as a senior subeditor for Finder for 5 years and in that time became familiar with a wide range of financial products and services. Before that, he worked for Australian Associated Press. He has a BA from Macquarie University in Australia. Jason loves to help other people find new ways to save money.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jason-loewenthal-8aa27a122\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/author\/jasonloewenthal\",\"jobTitle\":\"Senior writer\",\"worksFor\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Finder\"}}]}<\/script>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-05T13:17:54+00:00\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Best ways to spend travel money in Italy","description":"If you're planning on visiting Italy, make sure you compare your travel money options to avoid huge charges, and to make your money go further.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Best ways to spend travel money in Italy","og_description":"If you're planning on visiting Italy, make sure you compare your travel money options to avoid huge charges, and to make your money go further.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy","og_site_name":"Finder UK","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/findercomuk","article_published_time":"2017-08-23T13:42:03+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/bldg.png","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"author":"Jason Loewenthal","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@findercomUK","twitter_site":"@findercomUK","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Jason Loewenthal","Est. reading time":"12 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy"},"author":{"name":"Jason Loewenthal","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/9e17420e96fcfdf0d0fd4a676608e6df"},"headline":"Best ways to spend travel money in Italy","datePublished":"2017-08-23T13:42:03+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-05T13:17:54+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy"},"wordCount":1863,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/bldg.png","articleSection":["Travel Money"],"inLanguage":{"@type":"Language","name":"English","alternateName":"en"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#respond"]}],"copyrightYear":"2017","copyrightHolder":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/#organization"},"citation":[{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Exchange Rates UK","url":"https:\/\/www.exchangerates.org.uk\/GBP-EUR-exchange-rate-history.html"}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy","url":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy","name":"Best ways to spend travel money in Italy","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/bldg.png","datePublished":"2017-08-23T13:42:03+00:00","dateModified":"2026-03-05T13:17:54+00:00","description":"If you're planning on visiting Italy, make sure you compare your travel money options to avoid huge charges, and to make your money go further.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/bldg.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/credit-cards\/wp-uploads\/bldg.png"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money\/italy#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"UK","item":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Travel Money","item":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/travel-money"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Best ways to spend travel money in Italy"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/","name":"Finder UK","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization","name":"Finder","url":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/Finder-Logo-696x696-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/sites\/3\/2025\/05\/Finder-Logo-696x696-1.png","width":1392,"height":1392,"caption":"Finder"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/findercomuk","https:\/\/x.com\/findercomUK","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/finder\/","https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Finder_(website)"],"description":"Every month more than 2 million unique visitors turn to Finder to save money and time, and to make important life choices. We compare everything from bank accounts, personal loans, investing platforms and much more.","email":"heythere@finder.com","legalName":"Finder","foundingDate":"2006-01-01","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"51","maxValue":"200"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/9e17420e96fcfdf0d0fd4a676608e6df","name":"Jason Loewenthal","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/11\/JasonLoewenthalF1_Finder_600x600.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.finder.com.au\/finder-us\/wp-uploads\/2025\/11\/JasonLoewenthalF1_Finder_600x600.png","caption":"Jason Loewenthal"},"description":"Jason is a writer and editor. He worked as a senior subeditor for Finder for 5 years and in that time became familiar with a wide range of financial products and services. Before that, he worked for Australian Associated Press. He has a BA from Macquarie University in Australia. Jason loves to help other people find new ways to save money.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jason-loewenthal-8aa27a122\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/author\/jasonloewenthal","jobTitle":"Senior writer","worksFor":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/#organization","name":"Finder"}}]},"article_modified_time":"2026-03-05T13:17:54+00:00"},"custom_fields":{"_wp_page_template":["default"],"_content_type":["niche-content\/comparison\/compare-guide"],"_masthead_variant":["{\"id\":\"standard-blue\",\"showFeaturedImage\":false,\"presetId\":\"\",\"shouldUsePrimaryCTAFieldName\":false,\"shouldUseSecondaryCTAFieldName\":false,\"primaryCTA\":null,\"secondaryCTA\":null,\"widgetShortcode\":\"\",\"widgetHeading\":\"\",\"widgetStats\":\"\",\"hasPrioritizedWidget\":false,\"hasMaximizedWidget\":false,\"shouldUseOverrideCTALabel\":false,\"overrideCTA\":null,\"cleanTopPicks\":\"\",\"tilesMenuId\":\"\"}"],"_masthead_subheading":["{\"text\":\"Learn more about the best card to use, if you should use a UK debit card and other ways to take spending money to Italy.\"}"],"custom_post_template":["single-masthead-two-column.php"]},"amp_enabled":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50666"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/639"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=50666"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50666\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":574313,"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50666\/revisions\/574313"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=50666"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=50666"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=50666"},{"taxonomy":"asset_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/asset_tag?post=50666"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}