Paying for a taxi by card
Italian taxi drivers must have a working card terminal (POS), and refusing card payments can lead to a fine. Most terminals are contactless, so Apple Pay and Google Pay work too. Say “pago con carta” (I will pay by card) when you get in; it avoids surprises at the end.
Taking a taxi the right way
- Use official ranks at stations and airports, or call a radio-taxi company. Licensed taxis are white in most cities and show a licence number on the door and a meter inside.
- Use apps. In large cities, apps such as itTaxi, appTaxi and FreeNow connect you with licensed drivers and let you pay in the app.
- Ignore drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall. They are often unlicensed and charge far more.
Fixed fares and supplements
Several cities set fixed fares from the airport to the centre, notably Rome from Fiumicino and Ciampino, and Florence and Milan for some routes. Fixed fares cover the whole car, not each passenger. Outside fixed fares, meters add supplements for luggage, night rides, Sundays and holidays, and booking by phone (the meter starts when the driver sets off to pick you up).
Get a receipt
Ask for a receipt (“la ricevuta, per favore”) if you need it for expenses or if you think the fare is wrong. The receipt shows the licence number, which you need for any complaint.
Tipping
Tips are not expected. Rounding up is enough. See tipping in Italy.
Frequently asked questions
Can a taxi driver in Italy refuse a card?
Licensed taxi drivers are required to accept card payments and can be fined for refusing. If a driver claims the machine is broken, you can ask to stop at an ATM, pay cash, or note the taxi’s licence number and report it to the city.
Do Italian taxis take American Express?
Some do, many do not. Visa and Mastercard are accepted by almost every card-equipped taxi; ask before the ride if you only have an American Express card.
How much is a taxi from Rome Fiumicino to the city centre?
Rome has a fixed fare between Fiumicino airport and the city centre inside the Aurelian walls. The amount is set by the city and displayed on the taxi; check the current fare on arrival, as it is revised periodically.
Should I tip taxi drivers in Italy?
Tipping taxi drivers is not expected in Italy. Rounding up to the next euro, or adding a euro or two for help with heavy bags, is a polite gesture.
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.