Italy Currency Guide
Italy is a spectacular country that is overloaded with beauty, culture, and history. From the iconic canals of Venice to the awe-inspiring Coliseum in Rome, you will never be lacking things to marvel at. With its idyllic coastline dotted with picturesque villages and bustling cosmopolitan cities, Italy offers something for everybody. Whether it’s kicking back on a beach, shopping with the locals or just experiencing the vibrant local culture, you will come away feeling enriched and inspired.
Taking Travel Money to Italy
If you’re travelling to Italy, you’ll need to exchange your Australian dollars (AUD) for Euros (EUR) before you leave. Get information on how to exchange your AUD to EUR.
Is it better to convert currency in Australia or Italy?
When heading to Italy, it’s a good idea to exchange your currency in Australia. Since the Australian Dollar (AUD) is considered uncommon in Europe, exchanging it overseas can often lead to higher fees and less favourable rates. By converting to Euros before you depart, you’ll secure a better rate and avoid the inconvenience of searching for an exchange that accepts AUD. Arriving with Euros in hand allows you to dive straight into your Italian adventure, knowing your budget is optimised for all that Italy has to offer.
How much cash can I take to Italy?
There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency you can bring into the country or the eurozone, so you can carry all the funds necessary for your travels. However, if you’re entering or leaving Italy with more than €10,000, you’ll have to declare your cash. Make sure that this is part of your preparation process before arriving at the airport or other travel point in Italy.
Where to convert currency?
Crown Currency Exchange is Australia’s largest and leading foreign exchange provider. With over 20 years of experience in ensuring our customers have the exact currencies needed to get the most from their travel adventures, we offer great rates on foreign currency and exceptional customer service. You can collect your foreign currencies from over 60 stores across Australia and get your travel money on the spot, locking in a fantastic exchange rate. Our stores are located nationwide in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, Tasmania & Perth.
What should you budget per day?
Budget
When travelling to Italy on a limited budget, you should aim for a daily allowance of at least €80 EUR. This amount covers accommodation in the form of hostels, home-cooked meals and transport around the country using public means. Free activities such as beach-going, hiking and sightseeing tours can also be enjoyed while adhering to this budget. If alcohol is a desired part of your stay in Italy, it is worth adjusting the daily allowance by €10 EUR.
Moderate
If you’re on a moderate budget, setting aside €160 EUR per day should do the trick! With this amount of money, you’ll be able to stay in a nice Airbnb, sample some of the divine Italian cuisine out-and-about and still have enough money to quench your thirst with some drinks or coffee. Plus, you can explore local attractions like the Colosseum or Pompeii without breaking the bank.
Luxury
Ready to experience Italy to the fullest? With a luxury budget of €360 EUR or more per day, you can live like a king! Treat yourself to comfortable accommodations at a cozy budget hotel, enjoy delicious authentic Italian food from all the best restaurants, indulge in plenty of drinks, whether it be Prosecco or Aperol spritz, rent your own car for extra convenience and flexibility, and treat yourself to some unforgettable experiences like gondola rides in Venice or walking tours around Florence.
What is ATM access like in Italy?
ATM access in Italy is plentiful and easy to use. Most of the country’s largest cities have ATMs, which are commonly located outside banks and stores. While these machines accept cards from most major credit cards, it is recommended to inform your bank before travelling so that you can use their debit and credit cards without any difficulty. In addition, it’s important to be aware of any expenses you might incur for using non-Italian ATMs.
Is tipping customary in Italy? How much is expected?
When travelling to a new country, it can be difficult to know what the customs are for tipping. In Italy, tipping is expected and customary in certain situations. Here’s an overview of when and how much you should tip while visiting Italy.
Restaurants and Cafes: When dining at restaurants or cafes in Italy, a few Euro up to 10% of the bill is expected as a tip. When leaving your tip, you don’t need to leave it on the table; instead, give it directly to the waiter/waitress when they present you with your bill. If there is no service charge included in your bill, then 10% is usually considered standard. If there is already a service charge included in your bill, then 5-8% would be more appropriate
Taxi Drivers: The best way to show appreciation for taxi drivers in Italy is by rounding up the charge at the end of the ride up to a couple of euros or so. This isn’t necessary, but it will certainly be appreciated by them.
Tour Guides: Tipping tour guides is also common practice in Italy, depending on how satisfied you were with their services during your tour. Anything between 5 Euro and 5-10% of the cost of the tour should suffice as a thank you for their time and knowledge.
Hotels: If you use bellhops at hotels or check into hostels that have porters available, 1 Euro per bag is customary – usually up to 5 Euro if they help carry multiple bags for you. For housekeeping staff at hotel rooms, 1 Euro per day of stay is common as a thank you for cleaning and tidying up your room each day during your stay.
Hairdressers: If getting some styling done by hairdressers or barbershops while travelling around Italy, 5 Euros should suffice as a thank you for their service.
Can you bargain in Italy?
Bargaining at markets and with street vendors is commonplace in Italy, so if you’re looking for a good deal on shoes, clothes or handcrafted items, chances are you can get some decent savings by having a friendly chat. Of course, the amount of money saved will depend on the vendor, but on average, you can expect to get 10% off the initial price. It’s important to note that this strategy does not usually work with food vendors—they will not be willing to negotiate on prices.
Must-Do's in Italy
1
Take a scenic Gondola Ride in Venice
A gondola ride in Venice is one of the most iconic experiences you can have while visiting Italy. Gliding down the Grand Canal, taking in the sights and sounds of this beautiful city is a must when you’re in Venice. Make sure to book your ride during the day or early evening, as that will provide you with the best views of the city.
2
Marvel at the Art and Architecture of Florence
As far as art and architecture go, there’s no better place to be than Florence. Home to some of the world’s greatest works of art, including Michelangelo’s David, it’s easy to see why Florence is one of Italy’s most popular destinations. Spend your days wandering around this beautiful city and admiring its impressive monuments and breathtaking works of art.
3
Cruise the canals of Venice On A Venetian Gondola
There’s no better way to explore Venice than on a traditional Venetian gondola. While taking in all that this incredible city has to offer, take time to appreciate its intricate canals and bridges as you cruise along them on your gondola. And don’t forget to look up! The stunning architecture that adorns many buildings will take your breath away.
4
Climb to the top of Michelangelo's David In Florence
One of the most iconic statues in all of Italy, Michelangelo’s David stands tall in Florence and is definitely worth seeing firsthand. Climb up to the top of this masterpiece and marvel at its size and detail up close—you won’t regret it! Plus, it’s an amazing photo opportunity, so bring your camera!
5
Visit the Leaning Tower Of Pisa
Last but not least, don’t forget about the Leaning Tower Of Pisa! This remarkable structure stands tall against the backdrop of Tuscany’s rolling hillsides; just make sure not to lean too much while taking pictures! It’s an incredible sight not only because it leans but also because it symbolizes centuries of architectural history right before your eyes.