Italy has been slowly embracing card payments over the past decade but anyone who says cash is unnecessary in Italy has probably only stayed in major city hotels and visited chain restaurants.
When You Definitely Need Cash
- Small restaurants and trattorias – Many family-run establishments still prefer or only accept cash. It's always worth checking before you order.
- Markets and street food – The weekly outdoor markets (pescherie, mercati rionali) that sell the best fresh produce, cheese, and cured meats are predominantly cash-only.
- Smaller towns and villages – Outside major tourist cities, card acceptance is patchy. In rural Puglia, Calabria, or the Apennine villages, carry cash.
- Churches and chapels – Entry fees (even small ones) and donation boxes are cash-only. Some museums also prefer cash for small amounts.
- Taxis – Traditional Roman and Neapolitan taxis often still prefer cash, even if technically they're required to accept cards.
- Tips – Tipping in Italy is done by leaving a few coins on the table, not added to card payments.
When Cards Work Fine
- Major supermarkets (Conad, Esselunga, Carrefour)
- Hotel check-ins and international chain restaurants
- Train tickets (Trenitalia, Italo, card accepted online and at machines)
- Pharmacies and large department stores
- Major tourist attractions (Colosseum, Uffizi, Vatican when you book online, you can use your card)
The "Coperto" and "Servizio" Situation
Italian restaurants often add a coperto (cover charge, €1.50–4 per person for bread and table service) and sometimes a servizio (service charge, 10–15%). These are legal and standard and they're not a scam. By using cash it makes settling these faster and clearer for everyone.
How Much Cash to Carry?
For a typical day in a major city, €50–80 in cash is comfortable. In smaller towns or market days, have €100–150 on hand. Italy has ATMs (Bancomat) everywhere in cities just look for the national Bancomat network. Try to use ATMs that belong to actual banks rather than independent operators to avoid high fees.
Currency Exchange
Avoid airport exchange booths because the rates are terrible. Use your bank's ATM card to withdraw euros directly from a Bancomat, or use a travel card like Wise or Revolut loaded with euros before departure. Never exchange cash at "Change" kiosks near tourist attractions. If asked whether to charge your card in dollars or euros, select euros. Your bank will get better exchange rates.
Bottom line: Italy is not a cashless society. You need to carry a modest amount of euros at all times, use your card where accepted, and you'll navigate Italy's payment culture easily.