Is it better to use cash or card in Italy?

Getting ready for a trip to Italy is always exciting, especially when you’re busy planning your itinerary and deciding what you want to see and do. However, it’s just as important to think about your spending plans, how you’ll manage your money and how payment habits in Italy differ from those in the UK.

Cash is the most popular way to pay in Italy, but cards are also widely used. While the figures suggest that cards are generally easy to use, there are certain situations where carrying cash can be more convenient. We’ll go into more detail to help answer the question - Which is more convenient, cash or card in Italy?

We’ll also introduce the Wise card, a cost-effective option for spending abroad or online. It allows you to pay and withdraw cash like a local in 150+ countries, with low, transparent fees* and the mid-market exchange rate.

Learn more about the Wise card 💳

How cash-centric is Italy?

Cash remains a popular payment method in Italy, particularly for everyday in-person purchases. According to a study by the European Central Bank, cash was used for 61% of point-of-sale transactions, compared with 32% paid by card. Mobile apps accounted for a further 4%.¹

This shows that while card payments are widely accepted and increasingly common, cash still plays a major role in how people pay in Italy.

Cash etiquette in Italy

It’s worth carrying smaller denominations when using cash in Italy, particularly €1 and €2 coins and €5 notes, as these are useful for everyday purchases and tipping. Tipping is generally optional, but if you receive exceptional service at a restaurant, leaving 10 to 15% is appropriate.²

For taxis, tipping isn’t expected, although you can round up the fare or leave €2 to €3 if the driver helps with your bags. At cafés with table service, leaving your change or up to €2 to €3 is also appreciated.²

Cash or card in Italy - the comparison

We’ve listed some situations where you’ll be paying for things in Italy. Here’s whether you’ll be able to pay by card, in cash or both:

Want to work out exactly how much things cost? Explore our live euro exchange rate currency converter.

Using your card in Italy at an ATM

There are over 47,000 ATMs in Italy, found at banks as well as shopping centres, markets and busy tourist areas. Most standalone machines are available 24/7, while ATMs inside bank branches may only be accessible during opening hours, generally from around 9am to 3pm.⁷

International Visa and Mastercard cards are widely accepted, although withdrawal limits usually range from €250 to €1,000. To keep fees down, use ATMs run by established banks and check your own bank’s charges for overseas withdrawals.⁷

When given the option, choose to withdraw in euros rather than pounds. This avoids the ATM’s own currency conversion and allows your card provider to handle the exchange.

Will my UK debit card work in Italy?

Yes, you can use UK-issued debit cards on your trip to Italy. However, keep in mind that some smaller businesses may not accept them.⁸

Can I use my UK credit card in Italy?

Yes, UK credit cards are suitable for use across Italy.⁸

Reasons to use cash in Italy

Although card payments are becoming more common in Italy, it’s still a good idea to carry some cash with you.

Not every taxi accepts cards and some smaller shops and cafés may prefer cash. This can be especially true in rural areas or outside the major cities.

Cash is also useful for market stalls, street vendors and smaller purchases, as well as leaving a tip. While you can rely on your card for many everyday expenses, carrying some euros gives you more flexibility during your trip.

Reasons to use credit or debit cards in Italy

If you’re mainly visiting large, popular cities, paying by card can be the easier option. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and other tourist-focused businesses, so you may not need to carry much cash with you. This can also reduce the risk of losing your money or having cash stolen while you’re out exploring.

Card payments are convenient too, especially for quick purchases. Contactless payments mean you can simply tap and go, without carrying around coins or ending up with leftover euros at the end of your trip.

Just remember to keep a backup payment method with you in case your card doesn’t work or a business only accepts cash.

Are contactless card payments common in Italy?

Yes, they are rather common among Italians. The limit for contactless card payments in Italy is 50 euros, the same as it is in other Eurozone countries.⁹

Your Wise card can also be used for contactless payments in Italy. If you don’t want to carry cards with you, you can get the Wise virtual card with the same features.

Other payment methods in Italy

Besides traditional credit and debit cards, other payment methods are also available in Italy.

Mobile and e-wallet payment

Digital payment methods are becoming increasingly popular in Italy. Common options include Apple Pay, Google Pay, Satispay, Bancomat Pay and PayPal.¹⁰

If you plan to use a digital wallet while travelling, make sure your phone and payment app are updated before you leave.Some local services, such as Satispay, are only available to residents or citizens of supported European countries, so it may not be an option for every traveller.¹¹

For an additional layer of security, you could add your Wise virtual card to your wallet. It has all the benefits of a regular Wise card, but it exists in your phone only. You can freeze your Wise virtual card after every transaction, too.

Buy now pay later options (BNPL)

BNPL is a payment method that’s gaining popularity worldwide and Italy is not an exception. The locals are beginning to use foreign and Italian apps that allow them to split their purchases into monthly instalments.¹²

Some of the most popular BNPL options are Klarna, PayPal Pay in 3 and Scalapay, an Italian company.¹²

Cash or card in Rome

If you’re spending most of your trip in Rome, paying by card is generally a convenient option.

Contactless cards and digital wallets can even be used directly on ATAC buses, trams and Metro lines through the Tap & Go system.⁵ This means you can visit sights such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Vatican Museums without needing to carry much cash.

However, keeping some change on hand is especially helpful when browsing places like Campo de' Fiori or picking up snacks from local vendors.

Italy cash vs card: Which is best?

If you had to pick between one or the other, you could easily rely on cash in Italy. It’s accepted everywhere, including taxis and small businesses and you can use it to leave tips.

However, the better choice would be using both cash and cards. Each option has its advantages and you could make the most of them.

Spend like a local in Italy with the Wise card

Want to spend like a local in Italy without worrying about exchange rates and hidden fees? The Wise card might be just the option you were looking for.

The Wise card can be used for all international payments, from your accommodation costs to daily expenses. It automatically converts your pounds at the mid-market exchange rate with only a small, transparent currency conversion fee*.

You can also use it to easily withdraw cash from the ATMs in Italy. You can make ATM withdrawals for free until you reach £250 each month, with no limit on the number of free withdrawals. After that, there is a charge of 2.69%*. Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

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Cash or card in Italy - FAQs

Here are some of the most frequent questions about using cash or cards in Italy:

Can I use my UK debit card in Italy?

Yes, you can use it across Italy as long as the place you’re at accepts card payments.

Should I buy euros before going to Italy?

There’s no need to get euros ahead of your trip. You could also rely on your Wise card and have it automatically convert pounds to euros for you.

Is it better to use a credit card or debit card in Italy?

Both are widely used, so feel free to use what you like better.

Can I use my Visa at an ATM in Italy?

Yes, Visa cards are used in Italy, both at ATMs and at POS.

Can I use contactless in Italy?

Yes, contactless payments are common in Italy.

Is tourist tax paid in cash or card in Italy?

It’s up to you - you can pay the tourist tax with both cash and cards.¹³

What is the cheapest way to withdraw cash in Italy?

You could find out if your bank has a correspondent in Italy or use the Wise card for withdrawals.

How much spending money do you need for a 2 week trip to Italy?

This depends on your style of travel. On average, mid-range travellers spend between €100 and €150 per day, so you might need €1,400 and €2,100 for a two-week trip.¹⁴

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Sources used:

1. European Central Bank - Study on the payment attitudes in the euro area
2. AFAR - Tipping in Italy
3. Italy Taxi Service - Italian taxis
4. Magic Towns - Using cash in Italy
5. ATAC Roma - Tap & go ticket purchases
6. Vittoria Rent - Vespa and scooter rental
7. ATM Fee Saver - ATMs in Italy
8. Finder - Spending in Italy
9. Global Payments - Contactless limits
10. L’economia per tutti - Payment methods
11. Satispay - Satispay info
12. Yahoo Finance - Italy buy now pay later
13. Experto Italy - Italian tourist tax
14. Holiday Hypermarket - Currency and prices in Italy

Source last checked on date: 31-Aug-2026