I need some help figuring out how much

01/18/2015 - 12:13

I need some help figuring out how much cash (euros) to bring on my trip to Italy. I want to bring as little cash as possible and use credit cards whenever possible and avoid having to get additional euros while in Italy. We will be staying in a house in Piedmont for two weeks then Como for 3 days followed by 3 days in Venice. While in Piedmont we hope to prepare many of our meals at "home" and plan to buy whatever food we can at the weekly markets in Santo Stefano Belbo, Mango, Asti and others. Can anyone tell me if the vendors at the weekly markets accept credit cards or are they cash only? Any other businesses/activities that may require cash only (winery visits, Vespa rentals, small eateries, public transportation in Como and Venice? Any guidance would be appreciated.

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Travel

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Credit cards are being used more and more in Italy, BUT for winery visits, Vespa rentals, small eateries, public transportation etc you will probably always need cash. [not sure on Vespa rentals]In many ways Italy is still a cash oriented society, so you do need to have plenty of Euros available. If you have the 'right' debit card, ATMs can be charge free when getting cash out. When paying cash [or card], don't forget to get a receipts, and keep hold of it- the tax man may ask to see it [to check the trader isn't putting cash under the counter. Enjoy your trip

I would highly recommend one of the debit cards where you use the ATM free of charge. We have one through Charles Schwab. The �� banks do charge a fee to use the ATM but we then get credited back all of their fees on our monthly statement. We usually stay at agriturismos, many of which prefer payment in cash. Before we leave for Italy, we call Schwab to let them know we will be in Italy and we usually increase the amount that we can withdraw daily, to allow for the agriturismo payment, etc. We never bring more than a few hundred euros cash (leftover from a previous trip) and do not go to a bank in Italy to exchange dollars.

Thank you Alan h! That is very helpful.

Having lived in Italy's Veneto region for 5 years, I can tell you that all this info is correct. Be careful of the "zingari", local gypsies. I have had to give some one the elbow when I felt a hand going into my purse. In France a tweaker tried to accost my friend on the Metro train. She too was given the elb ow. We are just a couple of septuagenarians trying to have some fun. Just be aware of your surroundings.

Connor,As alan mentions you can get euro direct from an ATM (bancomat). My bank provides an excellent exchange when I use my US ATM card here, much better than you will get at any exchange purchase outside of Italy. We always tell our guests to use the ATMs, there is one in every airport. Be sure to tell your banks you will be travelling and have a contact number for them you can use from here.Also our experience is that everyone at the weekly markets excepts only cash.