Where you will still want cash
- Coffee at the bar. You can pay by card, but many people pay a euro or two in coins.
- Markets and street food. Stalls at markets such as Rome’s Campo de’ Fiori, Florence’s Sant’Ambrogio or Palermo’s Ballarò often prefer cash.
- Small towns and the South. Family trattorias, B&Bs and small shops are more likely to ask for cash.
- Tips. Even when you pay by card, tips are usually left in cash. See tipping in Italy.
- Churches and toilets. Candles, donations and public toilets (often €0.50 to €1.50) need coins.
- City tourist taxes. Most hotels take cards, but some small guesthouses collect the tourist tax in cash.
Where cards are better
Hotels, trains (Trenitalia and Italo), museums, restaurants in cities, supermarkets, petrol stations and car hire. Car hire companies need a credit card, not a debit card, for the deposit.
Cash or card: the short version
| Situation | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Hotel, train, museum, car hire | Card |
| Dinner in a city restaurant | Card (tip in cash if you wish) |
| Espresso at the bar | Either; coins are quicker |
| Market stall, street food | Cash |
| Taxi | Card is accepted by law; cash also fine |
| Village shop, small B&B | Cash, often |
How to carry it
Withdraw from a bank ATM once or twice in a trip rather than every day, ask for small notes where possible, and split cash between two places. If you are worried about arriving with no euros, see should I get euros before going to Italy?
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to take cash or card to Italy?
Take both, but rely mainly on cards. Cards are accepted almost everywhere and give better exchange rates and fraud protection. Carry a small amount of cash for places that prefer it, and withdraw more from a bank ATM if you need it.
How much cash should I bring to Italy for a week?
For a week in the cities, about €70 to €100 per person in cash is usually enough. In rural areas or the South, plan on €150 or more. The estimator on this page gives a figure for your trip.
Is Italy a cash-based country?
Italy used to rely heavily on cash, but card payments grew quickly after the pandemic and a 2022 rule requiring businesses to accept cards. Cash is still more common in the South, in small towns and for small purchases.
Is it safe to carry cash in Italy?
Italy is generally safe, but pickpocketing is common on crowded buses, metros and around major sights. Carry only what you need for the day, keep it in a front pocket or zipped bag, and leave the rest in your accommodation’s safe.
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.