The destination has been chosen, the to-do lists have been made, and it’s officially the countdown to your Italian adventure abroad. 

However, have you considered how you will pay for food, souvenirs, and other things once you’re on Italian soil? Italy’s currency may be different than your home currency. Will your debit card work? There’s so much to know.

 Don’t worry – I’m here to demystify the topic. 

What is Italy’s currency?  

Italy uses the euro (€), a currency that is used throughout several places in Europe, such as nearby countries like France, Spain, and Portugal. 

Where can I get euros? 

There are a few different ways to get euros before you head abroad. 

Before traveling, you can visit a currency exchange service in your home country. This is a great option, as you’ll have euros in hand when you land in Italy. However, make sure you read company reviews and review their exchange rate before doing business. Some companies will offer better exchange rates than others, so doing a little research could save you a few dollars, or even more. 

Similarly, you can visit a currency exchange kiosk once you arrive in Italy. They’re fairly prevalent in larger cities, typically in known tourist areas. The same advice applies here – check reviews and make sure you understand the exchange rate.

Another option is to ask your bank or financial institution if they can get euros for you. If you’d like to choose this option, ask your bank with plenty of time to spare before you travel, as they may need to special order it for you.

One popular method for getting euros while traveling is using a foreign ATM once you’re abroad. While you’ll still be subject to exchange rates and may have to pay a transaction fee, it’s an easy way to quickly get the local currency when you need it. Not all ATMs may accept your card though, so it’s best to do a little research ahead of time to see which ATMs are available to you in your destination. 

The one caveat to using an ATM for cash abroad is that there is usually a daily upper limit to how much can be withdrawn, so just know this going in.

The final option is to exchange currency at the international airport you’re traveling through. While it may be the most convenient option, the practicality comes at a price. Exchange rates are typically really high in airports, so watch out. 

Can I use my debit card in Italy? 

While you should always check with your bank to make sure, most debit cards can be used internationally – and they’re usually widely accepted in larger Italian cities.

There are a few things to think about before you use your debit card (or credit card, for that matter). 

While abroad, you may be subject to international transaction fees. This can be a percentage per transaction, a flat rate, or sometimes both. While using your card relieves you from the burden of deciding how you want to convert currency, exchanging it, and then carrying it around with you, the fees can add up depending on your purchasing habits. 

If you decide to use your debit or credit card or want to make sure it’s available for emergencies, make sure you let your bank/company know about your travels ahead of time. 

Nowadays, many banks and credit card companies have threat detection built into their systems, meaning your card could be locked due to suspicious activity, making it unusable until the hold has been lifted. For some institutions, sudden purchases abroad will be flagged, which is what triggers the temporary freeze on your card. 

Luckily, you can prevent this from happening by calling your bank to let them know that you’ll be traveling. They can then put a note in your account, preventing the freezing of funds. If you have a banking app, you may also be able to add the note yourself. 

With the right knowledge and a little bit of preparation, you can confidently head to Italy, understanding how you’ll pay for whatever it is you need. Buon viaggio!

Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.