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Credit card payments are very widespread in Italy. A law stipulates that even the smallest amounts can be paid by credit card.
With the exception of coffee at the bar and newspaper kiosks, you can pay electronically almost anywhere in Italy. Even on the beach you will find merchants who accept card payments.
Accordingly, it is rare to find restaurants that, for whatever reason, do not accept electronic payment. It is rare to find a card reader hanging from the ceiling of a restaurant. Only some taxi drivers seem to have chronically broken card readers. In this case you should be extra careful, show the bill clearly and state the value, so that the driver does not claim later that you only gave him a 10 Euro bill instead of the 50 Euro bill.
Credit cards
Cashless payment is possible almost everywhere in Italy, unless you are in a deserted village of 50 people. However, you should be aware that not all cards are always accepted. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere. Other payment systems, such as American Express, are less popular and may not be accepted, especially in supermarkets.
A credit card is essential if you want to rent a car cheaply. Many car rental companies also require the card to be valid for at least 6 months in order to charge any fines. For this reason, debit cards are only accepted by a few car rental companies and usually only if you take out expensive additional insurance.
Debit Cards
Many online banks issue Mastercard or Visa cards, which are debit cards rather than credit cards. They also work for normal payments. Problems may arise with car rental and other deposit services.
Cash withdrawal
ATMs in Italy are called Bancomats and pay out a maximum of 250 euros per transaction. The amount of the fee depends on your bank’s terms and conditions.
Some ATMs display rather adventurous translations. However, it is usually sufficient to enter the amount you wish to withdraw, enter your PIN and press the green button. You should get your money.
If your card is in a currency other than euros, it is usually cheaper to have your bank do the conversion rather than the ATM bank.
Only use official ATMs. In Rome, there are many ATMs outside shops and bureaux de change, which often charge exorbitant fees.
Contactless and mobile payments
Contactless payments are widespread in Italy. In most shops, amounts up to €50 can be paid without entering a PIN – however, each shop sets its own limit, so some POS terminals may ask for a PIN from €25 onwards. After several consecutive contactless transactions without PIN entry, the system may require authentication for security reasons.
Those paying by smartphone or smartwatch are exempt from these limits: Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay use the device’s biometric authentication – Face ID, fingerprint or device code – and are therefore considered secure for higher amounts. Apple Watch, Android smartwatches with Wear OS and other wearables work at any NFC-enabled POS terminal in Italy.
Card payments in restaurants
Payment by credit card is common in restaurants. Either the waiter comes with a portable reader or you pay at the cash register. As a rule, the PIN is always required.
It is not common in Italy to pay tips by credit card. Either leave the tip, 1 – 2 euros per guest, at the table or drop it at a collection box at the cash register.
In shops
In most shops, amounts up to €50 can be paid contactlessly without a PIN. Since each shop sets its own limit, it may happen that a PIN is requested from €25 onwards.
When refueling
Gas stations in Italy have self-service pumps that accept card payments. After entering your PIN, approximately 100 euros is typically pre-authorized on your card. The exact amount is charged at the end of the refueling process.
In case of loss of the card
If the card is lost, it must be blocked immediately. As a precaution, write down the card number and the phone number of your bank or credit card company. You must also report the loss or theft (smarrimento o furto) to the police or the Carabinieri.
The Italian telephone numbers of the credit card companies are:
Mastercard
800 870 866
Visa
800 819 014
American Express
06 72 900 347
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about payments in Italy
Can I pay by card everywhere in Italy?
Almost everywhere. Merchants are legally required to accept card payments. Exceptions are mainly coffee bars, newspaper kiosks and individual taxi drivers whose card readers seem to be permanently out of order.
Which cards are accepted in Italy?
Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere. American Express is less common and is frequently not accepted, particularly in supermarkets.
Can I use my debit card in Italy?
Yes, if it carries the logo of an international payment provider such as Visa or Mastercard. Many online banks issue Mastercard or Visa debit cards that work for everyday payments. However, they are often not accepted by car rental companies and for other deposit payments.
How much can I pay contactlessly without a PIN?
In most shops up to €50. Since each shop sets its own limit, a PIN may be requested from €25 onwards. When paying by smartphone or smartwatch there is no amount limit.
Can I pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay in Italy?
Yes, at all NFC-enabled POS terminals. Payment is made via the device’s biometric authentication and is not subject to an amount limit. Apple Watch and Android smartwatches with Wear OS also work without any issues.
What should I do if I lose my card in Italy?
Block the card immediately – via your bank’s app or the card providers’ emergency numbers. The loss or theft must also be reported to the police or the Carabinieri.
