Pay in Italy


In Italy, just like with us, they pay with the euro since 2002. The price level is about the same as in the Netherlands and Belgium and payment with a bank card or credit card is widely accepted in Italy. So it's not all that difficult. In this article we briefly outline the most important things worth knowing about paying in Italy.

Pin and withdraw money

In Italy you can pay at all major shops and supermarkets with your debit card with pin code. Just like in the Netherlands or Belgium, many shops also offer the option of contactless payment. But beware: small shops and eateries sometimes only have the option to pay in cash or 'the ATM is kaput').

You will always find ATMs in villages and towns of any size. These are called 'bancomat' and you can also go there with your Dutch or Belgian bank card. Just like with us, you have to be aware that no one can read your PIN and that there are no strange devices on the ATM.

Pay with your credit card

You can almost always pay with your credit card where you can pay by card. There is no charge for it. Paying with a credit card has the advantage that the money is not directly debited from your account and that your purchases are usually automatically insured for six months. Withdrawing money with your credit card is also possible, but this is usually not free. So it's better to do that with your regular bank card.

When paying for hotels and car rental, the credit card is the most common method of payment. Do you want rent a car in Italy, then you need a credit card. The rental company uses your credit card as a deposit for the rental car.

Pay toll

On the highway to your holiday destination in Italy you have to pay toll. The credit card also comes in handy here. Just put the card in the machine and the toll gate opens. If you have to work with coins, it will take a lot longer before you can continue driving.

The line for cash is always longer than the one for carte. In terms of the amount of the toll on the way to Tuscany you have to count on an amount of about € 30 – € 40 one way. In addition, you need a vignette for Switzerland and Austria.

Is Italy expensive?

Italy is not the cheapest holiday destination, but certainly not the most expensive either. Shopping is comparable to the costs in the Netherlands or Belgium (if you go to a supermarket). Groceries in small local shops are of course more expensive.

If you eat out in touristy places, the costs can add up. But if you choose a street away to eat or get your food in the supermarket, you can keep it very affordable.

You are in control of the costs for an accommodation. There are many expensive hotels in Italy, but also plenty of cheap accommodations. When you book a stay through Airbnb, you can a cheap holiday in Italy to arrange. Campsites in Italy are generally more expensive than you are used to in France.

Price level in Italy

• Overnight stay on a family camping holiday plus car: about €50.
• Budget overnight stay in a hostel: from €15.
• Mid-range overnight stay in a hotel: approximately €100.
• Airbnb: from €70 per night.
• Simple meal: from €15.
• Dinner 3 courses: from €25.
• Taxi ride (approx. 3 km): from €11.
• Cup of coffee: from €1.
• Beer: from € 2,50.

Note that sitting on the terrace in Italy is usually more expensive than having a drink at the bar inside.

More about the costs of Italy as a holiday country read in this article.

Tips

Tipping is not 'mandatory' in Italy. If the service has been good, you can round up the amount or otherwise give a small tip. When Italians drink a cup of coffee at the bar of a coffee shop, they sometimes leave a coin as a tip. Catering staff are paid relatively well in Italy, so that a tipping culture as in America, for example, does not exist.

Source: ANWB