Best travel cards for Italy
Read our guide on the best travel card for Italy, including card comparisons and travel tips.
Every year, Italy sees nearly fifty million overseas visitors arrive. This makes it the fifth most visited country in the world - and a fair share of those tourists pass through Naples at some point on their journey.
The third largest city in Italy, Naples boasts castles, piazzas and historic churches - for a city originally founded in the 8th century B.C., it’s a real walk through history.
Whether you're travelling for business or pleasure, you’ll need some euros in your wallet. Make the most of your trip by finding the best places to exchange your cash in Naples.
Use this guide to avoid the rip-offs and get a fair deal when converting your cash in Naples.
The mid-market rate is important because it is the only ‘real’ exchange rate, and the one banks use when dealing with each other. This is the rate you’ll see on Google - with no commission charges inflating it.
A handy tool when it comes to exchanging your cash, is an online currency converter. Know where to access one before you travel and you’ll have the mid-market rate at your fingertips, whatever currencies you need to convert. You can use it to compare the consumer rate offered you in Naples to the real rate online to see if you’re actually getting a good deal.
Although you might need quick cash when you arrive, it’s best to avoid the currency exchange services in airport and hotel exchanges, as their rates are usually poorer than the ones you’ll find in town. If you must, change enough for your taxi or transportation and then exchange the rest when you get into a place with more friendly prices.
For many travellers, using an ATM can offer both convenience and reasonable exchange rates. If you plan on withdrawing cash during your trip, ask your home bank if they have any partnership agreements with banks in the region. If they do, you might be able to withdraw cash from the ATM of a partner bank at a lower cost.
Something to be aware of when using a foreign bank card, the ATM might offer to charge your withdrawal in your home currency. This is a bad idea, as it allows the ATM’s bank to impose a poorer exchange rate. Get charged in the local currency instead, to get a fairer deal. If the ATM asks instead whose conversion rate you wish applied - choose your home bank’s rate, not the one offered by the ATM.
However you get your hands on cash for your trip, don't convert more than you’ll need. Changing your excess Euros back to your home currency means you're charged twice to get your hands on your own cash. Spend any excess cash instead.
Even if they claim ‘zero commission’, all of the services - including those listed below - will take a cut from your currency exchange, generally hiding their commission in a poorer exchange rate. Shop around and be sure to compare the rates you’re offered with the real mid-market rate so you can choose the fairest deal.
Travelex has exchange desks in several airports around Naples. If you're desperate to change cash you might be best exchanging only a small amount and looking for a better deal in town.
| --- | --- |
| Locations | Phone Number |
| Naples International Airport (arrivals & departures) | 08 17809107 (arrivals), 08 17801825 (departures), italianapoli@travelex.com |
| Catania International Airport (arrivals) | 09 57232186, italiacatania@travelex.com |
| Bologna Airport G Marconi (arrivals, boarding & departures) | 05 16472306 (arrivals), 05 16472181 (boarding), 05 16472386 (departures), bologna.italia@travelex.com |
All airport locations are open 7 days a week.
Forexchange has a desk in the main train station.
| --- | --- |
| Location | Phone Number |
| Naples’ Central Station | +39 800 305357 |
7:30 - 21:30 seven days a week
Currency exchange near the port.
| --- | --- |
| Location | Phone Number |
| 6 Via Colombo, 80133 Napoli | +39 081 5529145 |
09.00 - 18.00, closed on the weekends.
Alternatively - for an even better deal with low, transparent fees - use Wise. If you (or a friend) have an Italian bank account, you can transfer money between accounts using the real mid-market exchange rate.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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