Sicily · city guide

Banks and ATMs in Palermo

Where to withdraw cash in Palermo, which bank ATMs are cheapest for foreign cards, and the days when Palermo's banks are closed.

By Ionut PopeaChecked

Short answer

Withdraw euros from a bank ATM in Palermo, not an independent machine, and always choose to be charged in euros. Banks open Monday to Friday, usually 8:30 to 13:30 and for an hour or so in the afternoon, and close on 15 July for Saint Rosalia.

Local bank holiday15 JulySaint Rosalia
AirportsPalermo Falcone e Borsellino (PMO)
Main stationPalermo Centrale
Banks with roots hereUniCredit absorbed Banco di Sicilia, Palermo’s historic bank, in 2010.

Banks with branches and ATMs in Palermo

These banks have branches in central Palermo. Banks with deep local roots are listed first. The fee column shows what travellers report for foreign cards in 2026; the ATM always shows its fee before you confirm.

BankSWIFT / BICForeign-card ATM feeGuide
UniCreditUNCRITMM€0 to about €3 operator fee reportedUniCredit guide
Intesa SanpaoloBCITITMM€0 to about €3 operator fee reportedIntesa guide
BNL BNP ParibasBNLIITRRNo fee for Bank of America cards; often none for othersBNL guide
Poste Italiane (BancoPosta)BPPIITRRPostamat ATMs; fee shown on screenPoste guide
Monte dei Paschi di SienaPASCITMMFee shown on screenMPS guide
Banco BPMBAPPIT21Often no operator fee reportedBanco BPM guide
BPER BancaBPMOIT22Fees of up to €5 reportedBPER guide

Tips for withdrawing cash in Palermo

  • Markets such as Ballarò and the Vucciria are cash-first. Bring small notes.
  • Banks close on 15 July for Santa Rosalia, Palermo’s patron saint.

Cash at Palermo’s airport and station

Airports and stations have both bank ATMs and independent machines. Independent ones, often branded Euronet, Travelex or similar, typically add a fixed fee of a few euros and offer “dynamic currency conversion”, a home-currency rate that is usually several percent worse than your card’s. If you need cash on arrival, take out a small amount from a bank ATM and use your card for the train or taxi.

Changing money in Palermo

Exchange booths in tourist areas advertise “0% commission” but build their margin into the rate. You will almost always get more euros by withdrawing from a bank ATM with a low-fee card. See where to exchange money in Italy for the full comparison.

Palermo’s banking history

Banco di Sicilia, with roots in 16th-century Sicilian public banks, became part of UniCredit through Capitalia and was merged in 2010.

Banking in Palermo: common questions

Which ATMs should I use in Palermo?

Use ATMs that belong to a bank, such as UniCredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, BNL BNP Paribas. Avoid independent machines like Euronet, which charge higher fees and push poor exchange rates. Always choose to be charged in euros.

Are banks in Palermo open on Saturday?

Most bank branches in Palermo are closed on Saturday and Sunday. ATMs work around the clock, and a few branches in shopping centres open on Saturday morning.

When are banks closed in Palermo?

Banks in Palermo close on Italy's national holidays and on 15 July, the feast of Saint Rosalia, Palermo's patron saint.

Can I pay by card in Palermo?

Yes. Italian law requires shops, restaurants and taxis to accept card payments, and contactless is widespread in Palermo. Carry some cash for small purchases and markets.

Sources and fact-checking

Checked on 2 November 2026 by Ionut Popea following our editorial policy. Fees, codes and rules change; confirm anything important with the bank or authority before acting.

  1. Bank of Italy, list of supervised banks
  2. Italian Government, national public holidays