We use the Euro (EUR, €) in Italy. Other currencies aren’t widely accepted.
Avoid currency exchange services in airports, hotels, and around popular tourist destinations. They often offer poor exchange rates.
If you don't have any euros in your pocket when you arrive, exchange only what you need immediately - and then shop around in town for a better deal.
We regularly use the Revolut banking app to exchange our currency and for contactless payments. It offers the interbank exchange rate, with no hidden costs or charges (except for a small 0.5% fee for exchanges above €1,000 each month although a flat mark-up on weekends and on certain currencies may apply). More details here.
If you are considering using the Revolut banking app then consider supporting our website by using our referral code, in return for which we may get a small bonus.
| Euro Symbols | EUR, € |
| 1 EUR | One euro is made up of 100 cents. |
| EUR coins | Coins are available in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as €1 and €2. |
| EUR banknotes | Commonly used notes are 5, 10, 20 and 50 Euro denominations. Although €100, €200 and €500 notes are also available, they won’t be accepted by many businesses. |
Hello Big Gay Podcast. It looks like my trip to Puglia is happening!! We were wondering about using cash. Normally the preferred way of paying - but with covid will restaurants prefer card payments?
FM, Belfast
Bella ciao from Puglia.
The covid-19 regulations encourage payment by card, but we regularly pay small checks using cash (for coffee at the bar), and larger bills using a debit card, contactless or Apple Pay. However you won’t have any problem settling larger bills by cash or credit card either.
Most bars, restaurants and retailers will accept contactless payment - even street vendors have machines that allow them to take electronic payment. Cash will not be refused however!
Buone vacanze.
Since originally providing this reply we visited London on business. We had failed to realise what was driving this enquiry - that in the UK most retailers, bars and restaurants had stopped accepting cash, insisting on card or electronic payment.
This is not the case in Puglia. Cash is still accepted almost everywhere. When we have tendered cash as payment, it has never been refused
If you are considering using the Revolut banking app then consider supporting our website by using our referral code, in return for which we may get a small bonus.