How much cash will I need in Italy?

[MichaelAndEagle]

Hi all
Very excited about my first ever trip abroad just me and 2 kids, 4 years post divorce!
We are going to Italy (rome and sorrento).
Is anyone familiar with Italy can give me a clue about how prevalent is contactless? For example even in markets etc around here i use contactless. I hardly need any cash.
Also, anyone know about Sunday opening? Shops, restaurants etc?

Hoping some experienced travellers can help me out!

I'm in Milan but I'm sure Rome is the same. Contactless is everywhere, I can't remember the last time I used cash! I've used it on some outdoor markets too. The public transport here and Rome is also contactless, so you don't even need to buy a ticket anymore, just tap your car on the turnstile. People refer to paying by card as 'bancomat' or 'carta' in case you get stuck, and differently to UK you tap your card on the top of the machine for any amount of money, but have to put your pin in for over €25 or over €50 ( depends on the business). Apple & Google pay, smart watches are also everywhere. Most things are generally open Sundays now and public holidays too, it's not like 20 years ago where literally nothing was open, again this is how it is in Milan but I don't expect Rome or to be any different and Sorrento is a tourist area so I would expect the same. Enjoy your holiday!

Thanks! That is such a helpful answer, thank you

We mostly use contactless in Italy but we have our bank cards with us so we'll just go to an ATM and take out cash if we need it for some like a market stall.

Didn’t use cash at all in Rome this year. Sorrento was a few years ago, but I can’t remember needing cash for most things, certainly didn’t bring it with me. Used the Monzo card to get some cash out for market stuff.

Thanks all😊

Find out what fees you will be charged.

Get a starling card, then you won't get charged fees for using the card. It's easy to apply for the account online.

Or a chase card