I'm travelling to Italy next week on vacation. How much cash should I have on hand for cabs, cafe's, etc?

Question

I will be taking my credit card, but I know I'll need cash for general everyday things where cards aren't accepted. Thanks! :)

Answer 1

I was just in Rome and Florence 8 weeks ago. I started with $500 in Euros and it lasted me 9 days! Of course I stayed away from cabs (very expensive). Italy is less pricey than say London or Paris, but you can easily blow some serious dough on all the shopping temptations.

I would buy a money belt to keep your cash and credit card in. Lots of pickpockets near the tourist sites. But if you have a debit card, take it. The ATM's display English and you can probably get a much better rate than a credit card (since you have to pay a high amount of intrest on the card).

Answer 2

I traveled to Italy about a year ago. You're gonna need to of course change the cash you have into euro once you're there for it to be accepted because most places don't take American money. A lot of things cost more over there, so you're gonna need to make sure you take just a little more money than you would normally take for a cross country trip here in the U.S. You have to be prepared you know? Have a great trip!

Answer 3

I suggest that you use the credit card wherever possible so that you don't have to take too much cash, I'd say, take $500. If you run out, you can always t=go to an ATM and use your check card.

Answer 4

Lots. Italy is really expensive, especially Rome. Thanks to Bush and his dreadful economic policy we are poor in Europe. God I envy you, I love Italy with all my heart. You can widely use your credit card. If you want to save on expense Rome and really all cities in Europe have wonderful public transit systems. Don't be afraid of them, use them. Taxi's are way too expensive. Food in restaurants is expensive. Try to eat in cafes if you want to cut the expense. Also when you eat get out of the area right around tourist attractions. You will pay a premium there. Another tip, forget American soft drinks and drink water or cafe.