Italian Currency

Q: What is the currency in Rome?

The currency in Rome is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents. When you’re in Italy you’ll see the symbol € written down in shops and on menus, and the currency code EUR used in exchange offices.

Q: What was the former currency of Italy?

Italy entered the Eurozone in 2002. Before adopting the euro , the official currency in Italy was the lira.

Find out what currency is used in Italy, tips and tricks for Italian currency exchange, and how you can save money on your visit with the Wise euro card.

Learn about the euro card

What is the currency in Italy?

The currency in Italy is the euro. Each euro is divided into 100 cents.

When you’re buying currency for Italy, look out for the currency code EUR. And once you’re in Italy, you’ll see the symbol € used to show prices.

You’ll find Euro banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 - although the 200 and 500 EUR notes are seldom used. There are also 1 and 2 euro coins.

Cents come in coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50.

Use the Wise euro card to spend in Italian currency.

The Wise euro travel money card lets you top up in your local currency, and switch to euro to spend when you’re in Italy. You’ll get the best rate for spending in euro - and can also hold and spend 40+ other currencies with the same card.

Get your Wise travel money card online for free, to send and spend money around the world at the mid-market exchange rate.

Simply top up your card and convert to the currency you need in real time using the Wise app.

You’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden costs, and you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees while withdrawing from ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights.

Learn more about the euro card

Tips for exchanging currency in Italy.



The mid-market rate is the true exchange rate - with no sneaky hidden fees. Use an online currency converter before your trip to get a feel for what your money is worth and make sure you get a fair rate when you buy your travel money.



Being offered to pay in your own currency at an ATM is a sneaky trick and causes many travellers to pay more than they need to. Always choose to pay in the local currency - in this case, euro - to cut your costs and get the best rates available.



Currency exchange desks at airports and hotels often markup the exchange rates they use, and may charge hidden fees. Avoid this expensive option whenever you can.



Withdraw money, pay for meals in restaurants or spend in shops in euro, all at the mid-market exchange rate with the Wise debit card.

Spending money in Italy.

Paying by credit or debit card in Italy

If you're in a major town or city, paying by credit or debit card should pose no problem.

However if you're adventuring deep into the countryside, check if card payments are possible before you sit down to your plate of pasta.

ATMs in Italy

Cash machines are called Bancomat in Italy - and can be found easily in Italian cities and towns.

Smaller and more rural towns and villages may not have ATM services available, though, so keep cash handy when in remote areas. Most ATMs will have a withdrawal limit of around EUR250.

To get the best deal when spending on card or withdrawing money in Italy, don’t forget to use the Wise travel money card to avoid sneaky exchange rate markups and excessive fees.