Currency in Italy: Is Credit Card Accepted?

The currency in Italy is the euro (€), and credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, shops and public transport points. Still, don't rely solely on your card: small cafés, markets and rural areas may ask for cash. Below are the things you need to do regarding cards, cash and commissions.

In brief

• Italy's currency is the euro; Turkish lira and dollars are not accepted.
• Cards are common in cities, but keep cash euros for small businesses.
• At POS or ATM, decline the TL conversion and pay in euros.
• Confirm with your bank before departure that your card is enabled for international use.
• A Schengen visa is required; the fee is €90, and processing takes 15-21 business days.

The gist of the rule: euro is valid, cards are common, cash is backup

Italy is in the eurozone. Payments in the country are made in euros; Turkish lira or dollars are not accepted. Euros can be spent both in cash and by card.

Visa and Mastercard branded credit and debit cards work smoothly in hotels, mid-to-upper segment restaurants, museums, train stations and shopping centers in major cities. Contactless payment is also common.

Therefore, the safest method is mixed payment: make the bulk of your daily spending by card, and keep a small cash reserve with you. Cash will serve you well for small transactions such as coffee bars, ice cream shops, market stalls and tips.

Before entering Italy, also clarify your visa. Turkish citizens need a Schengen visa; for up-to-date requirements, see the Italy visa page.

Which cards work, which cause problems?

Cards with the Visa and Mastercard logo are the most widely accepted. Chip and PIN cards work without issues; cards with contactless features speed things up at checkouts.

American Express and local Turkish card brands are not accepted everywhere. At small businesses, you may encounter POS devices that only accept Visa and Mastercard.

Credit card or debit card?

• Credit card: Generally preferred for hotel, car rental and reservation deposits.
• Debit card: Useful for withdrawing cash and small purchases, but may not always be sufficient for hotel deposits.
• Virtual card: Can be used for online tickets. If you add it to a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, it also works on contactless POS devices; ask your bank in advance whether it allows adding a virtual card this way.

Confirm with your bank before departure that your card is enabled for international use and online purchases.

Situations requiring cash

Even in major cities, some places may have issues with cash. Keep euros on hand in these situations:

• Neighborhood cafés, bars, bakeries and gelato shops
• Open-air markets and local stalls
• Small family-run guesthouses and some rural accommodations
• City tax (tassa di soggiorno): some hotels may request this at the hotel or at checkout, in cash; check the conditions at the time of booking
• Restrooms, some museum exits and church donations

Card payment is mostly possible for taxis and private transfers; still, ask the driver before boarding whether they accept cards, and clarify the payment method for private transfers at the time of booking.

Card acceptance is less consistent than in cities in rural Tuscany, Southern Italy and the islands. It makes sense to carry cash for food and fuel in small settlements.

If you're heading to local restaurants and small trattorias, our Italy cuisine guide explains regional differences; factor in the need for cash at small restaurants.

Commissions and exchange rate traps

When spending euros with a Turkish card, two types of costs may arise: your bank's foreign transaction commission and the exchange rate difference. Rates vary by bank; check your own bank's current tariff for figures.

Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)

The POS or ATM may offer to show the amount in Turkish lira. This option generally comes with a poor exchange rate. Always choose to pay in euros. If the device asks for TL confirmation, decline it.

ATM usage

• Prefer ATMs attached to a bank branch.
• Independent, standalone ATMs may charge high fees.
• Read the additional fee information shown on the screen before withdrawing.
• Keep the receipt for every transaction.

Currency exchange offices

Rates at offices in airports and tourist squares are generally unfavorable. If possible, get as much euro as you need from Turkey and don't carry more than necessary.

Step-by-step preparation before departure

1. Complete your visa. A Schengen visa is required; the application fee is €90, and processing takes 15-21 business days. The right to stay is a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. See the Italy page for details.
2. Call your bank. Find out whether your card is enabled for international use, its limits and the commission tariff.
3. Bring two cards. One should stay in your bag, the other in the hotel safe or suitcase. Don't carry both in the same place.
4. Get some euro cash. An amount sufficient for transport, coffee and small expenses on the first day is enough.
5. Set up mobile banking. Test the card-blocking and notification features in advance.
6. Check reservation conditions. Find out the hotel's deposit, city tax and payment method.
7. If you choose a package tour, check what's included. Meals, entry fees and transfers vary by package; browse Italy tours.

Payment by trip and travel type

Payment habits vary depending on the type of trip.

On city tours

Cards are common in cities like Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice. You can usually buy museum tickets and train tickets by card. If you're planning a short program, main items on organized routes like the Italy Icons Tour are mostly prepaid; still, you'll need cash during free time for coffee and small purchases.

At the airport

Cards are generally accepted at airport shops and cafés. On your flight day, keep your card and a small euro reserve in your carry-on, somewhere easily accessible; don't put it in your checked luggage. Losing your payment card with checked baggage is one of the most frustrating issues abroad.

On cruise tours

Onboard expenses are mostly charged to the cabin account and billed to the card at the end of the trip. At ports, euro cash is useful for small businesses.

Semi-rural areas and small towns

If you're driving through a town, fuel stations and parking machines may decline cards. Keep cash on hand.

Checklist

Before departure, check off the following:

• Schengen visa ready; stay duration doesn't exceed 90 days within 180 days
• Card enabled for international use and online transactions
• Two different cards with you, stored separately
• Some euro coins and small banknotes on hand
• You know your card's PIN; chip and PIN work
• Bank app installed, emergency card blocking number saved
• You know you'll always choose to pay in euros at POS
• You've checked the hotel's city tax and deposit conditions
• You'll keep ATM receipts and spending records
• If choosing a tour, you've compared international tours and checked what's included

With this preparation, you'll be comfortable with both cards and cash in Italy.

Frequently asked questions

What is Italy's currency?

Italy's currency is the euro (€). Since the country is in the eurozone, payments are made in euros. It's not possible to pay with Turkish lira or dollars.

Is credit card accepted in Italy?

Yes, cards branded Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops and museums. Cash may be needed at small businesses, markets and rural areas. Therefore, it's recommended to carry some euros with you.

Should I buy euros with Turkish lira before going to Italy?

You can get as much euro as you need from Turkey. Turkish lira is not accepted in Italy, and currency exchange offices at the airport generally apply unfavorable rates. Instead of carrying excess cash, make the card your main payment tool.

Should I choose TL or euro when paying by card in Italy?

You should choose to pay in euros. If the POS device offers a TL conversion, decline it; this option generally comes with a poor exchange rate. Leaving the price in the local currency reduces the cost.

Can a virtual card be used at POS in Italy?

If you add the virtual card to a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, you can use it at contactless POS devices. Ask your bank in advance whether it allows this kind of addition. As a backup, also carry your physical card with you.

Is withdrawing cash from an ATM safe in Italy?

Yes, but prefer ATMs attached to a bank branch. Independent ATMs may charge high fees. Find out withdrawal limits and commissions from your bank in advance.

Do I need a visa to go to Italy?

Yes, Turkish citizens need a Schengen visa. The right to stay is a maximum of 90 days within 180 days. The application fee is €90 and processing takes 15-21 business days.