Italy / Money rules

Italy money rules

Eight things worth remembering while you are there, each linking to the fuller explanation.

Open it, then press and hold to keep it in your photos. Works with no signal.

1. 1Choose euros, and learn the Italian for itTerminals and cash machines will both ask whether you would rather be charged in dollars. Saying yes costs 3 to 8 percent. On an Italian screen the option you want reads senza conversione, without conversion.Cards, euros and cash machines
2. 2Drive into a historic centre and a camera bills youZTL zones ring the old heart of nearly every Italian city. Each entry is its own fine, in the region of 80 to 130 euros, the rental firm adds a handling charge, and it reaches you months after you are home.The ZTL trap, and what driving costs
3. 3Walk past the bright blue cash machinesThe free-standing ones near the big sights are the dearest draw in Italy and the pushiest about dollars. Use a Bancomat at an actual bank, and check the fee on screen first.Where to get euros
4. 4Coperto is a table charge, not a gratuityA couple of euros a head, printed on the menu, entirely legitimate. Italians add very little on top of it, so look at what is already there before you decide to.The coperto, and what to tip
5. 5Your hotel will want the city tax separatelyAlmost every town sets its own, it lands per head for each night you stay, and the rate you booked online rarely covers it. Many places still want cash on the way out.What each city charges
6. 6Day-tripping to Venice? Buy the entry code firstThere is a published list of dates when entering the old city requires a QR code you have paid for, and even people who owe nothing must still register. Book it early on the official site and it costs half.The Venice access fee
7. 7Hailing a cab off the street will not workItalian cabs are licensed to ranks and apps, so find a rank or open itTaxi or FreeNow. Into central Rome from Fiumicino the fare is set by rule, bags included, so a driver quoting his own figure is ignoring it.Taxis, apps and the airport fare
8. 8Spent over 70 euros in one shop? Claim the VAT backOne store, one day, and the goods go home unused. Get the form validated at an airport kiosk before you check the bag it is packed in, because afterwards there is nothing to claim.How the VAT refund works

These are the rules that do not really change, which is why they are worth carrying. Exact fees, rates and prices do move, so check the Italy guide for anything current before you rely on a number.

truetripcosts.com/italy/rules