How much cash for Italy?

[Appleblum]

We're spending 2 weeks in Italy, touring Rome and Tuscany. Do I need to prepare lots of cash? The last time we were there was almost 10 years ago and I have no idea if they are pretty much cash free now?

I know hotels and restaurants accept cards, but what about general admission tickets, metro/bus rides, etc? Previously when we went to outdoor markets and random shops we had to pay mostly in cash.

Thanks!

You can pay by card almost everywhere now but in small shops they won’t appreciate it for small amounts, so I would take some cash. Personally I’d take a bit of cash (100€) and if it’s not enough you can always get more from an atm. You pay a bit in commission/fees but you’ll have that anyway if you pay by card and better than having a load of euros left over. If you want to check before you commit to a shop/restaurant/ market stall, ask ‘avete il bancomat?’ (for debit card) or ‘posso pagare con la carta di credito?’ (for credit card).

Didn't use any cash in 10 days in Italy. I've not used actual money euros in quite a few years to be honest anywhere in Europe I've been and go months in the U.K.

Just back and didn’t use any cash at all but I had some on me, just in case.

I never get cash to take on holiday these days. If I need some when I'm there I get it out of an ATM.

Just had 7 days in Rome. We took a credit card with no charges for euro transactions and about €500. We only spent about €300 of the cash as it was mostly easiest to use card.

Nb our accommodation required us to pay the tourist tax on arrival in cash and we only had €50 notes and they were annoyed with us for not coming prepared with exact change

We’ve just got back and mainly neeeded cash for taxis and smaller purchases (bottles of water, snacks). Most places take cards and easy to get cash out at an ATM if you run low.

In Rome you use your debit card on the bus and metro; just tap in at the start.

Thanks!

I walk around with the fear of getting pickpocketed but it sounds like maybe I'd budget for €50 per day in cash. We have 2 young children and that means we always end up buying overpriced bottles of water, snacks and random trinkets for them.

@Oriunda that's really helpful, thanks!

No need to buy overpriced bottles of water; just get them from supermarkets. Near the Vatican is a small Carrefour for eg where it’s much cheaper to pick up your snacks and water. Plus you can use your card. Search on google maps for the small supermarkets as you’re going round the sites.

Remember, too, that you will be charged a premium to sit outside. Always cheaper to sit inside at a café.

We went to Amalfi and Cervinia this year and Tuscany last year. I took hardly any cash and didn’t need it. I put all our spends in my Starling current account as they don’t charge for transactions and just tapped everywhere.