Currency in Italy and Greece Explained

Italy and Greece are both popular tourist destinations, but they have different currencies, which can be confusing for travelers.

The Euro is the official currency of Italy, and it's widely accepted in Greece as well.

You can exchange your money at a bank or a currency exchange office in Italy, but be aware that the rates might not be the best.

In Greece, you can use ATMs to withdraw euros, but be mindful of the fees associated with international transactions.

Make sure to have some cash with you when you arrive in Italy, as not all shops and restaurants accept credit or debit cards.

In Greece, you can also use credit or debit cards at many places, especially in tourist areas.

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The official currency of Italy is the euro, symbolised by € and abbreviated as EUR. Italy has used the euro since 2002, when it replaced the Italian lira.

The euro is widely accepted throughout Italy, making it convenient for travellers moving between Italy and other Eurozone countries. This is because Italy shares the euro with 18 other European countries.

The euro is used throughout the country of Italy, including all of the islands of Italy such as Sicily and Sardinia.

Here are some key facts about the euro in Italy:

The transition to the euro in Italy was a significant event that took place in 2002. Italy adopted the euro, replacing the Italian lira, which had been the country's currency since 1861.

The conversion rate from lira to euro was set at 1,936.27 lira to 1 euro, reflecting the significant devaluation of the lira by the time the euro was introduced. This change was a part of Italy's integration into the Eurozone, a group of 18 European countries that share the euro as their official currency.

The euro is widely accepted throughout Italy, making it a convenient choice for travelers. You can use euros in all major cities, from Rome to Milan, and even in smaller towns and villages.

Here are some key facts about the euro in Italy:

The euro has made travel in Italy much simpler, as you can use the same currency throughout the country. No need to exchange money or worry about different exchange rates.

The Italian Lira was introduced in 1861, following the unification of Italy, and was modelled after the French franc.

It was part of the Latin Monetary Union, a European currency agreement that aimed to simplify international trade.

The lira became a symbol of Italy's national identity and remained the country's official currency for over 140 years.

The lira struggled with devaluation and inflation during the 20th century, particularly following World War II.

Smaller denominations of money in Italy were called centesimi, where 100 centesimi = 1 lira.

The fixed exchange rate of the euro to the Italian lira was 1 EUR=1936.27 ITL.

Unfortunately, if you still have Italian lira from a previous trip to Italy, the Banca d'Italia stopped exchanging it for euros in 2012.

The Italian lira was the currency of Italy from 1861 until 2002, when the euro became the official currency.

The euro is the official currency in both Italy and Greece, making it easy to travel between the two countries. Italy adopted the euro in 2002, replacing the Italian lira, while Greece started using euro notes and coins in January 2002.

You'll find that euros are widely accepted throughout Italy and Greece, from major cities to smaller towns and rural areas. Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted, especially in major cities, but it's still a good idea to carry some cash with you.

If you're planning to use your bank card in Greece, be aware that there may be hidden fees when using your card abroad, especially if you opt to pay in British pounds instead of the local currency. Mastercard and Visa are generally accepted, but it's a good idea to have an alternative to hand if needed.

Here are the key facts about the euro in Italy and Greece:

To avoid last-minute ATM fees or poor exchange rates, it's a good idea to order your euros before you travel. You can easily do this online from Travelex and have your euros delivered to your home or pick them up from one of the many convenient locations and most major UK airports.

Italy uses the euro as its official currency, and it's been that way since 2002. The euro is widely accepted throughout the country, making it convenient for travellers.

The euro is symbolised by € and abbreviated as EUR. It's a member of the Eurozone, which means it shares this currency with 18 other European countries.

You'll find euros are what you'll be spending whether you're enjoying an espresso in a quaint Roman café or shopping for leather goods in Florence. The euro is a popular currency, and you'll have no problem finding places that accept it.

Here are some key facts about the euro used in Italy:

The euro is the official currency in Italy and Greece, and it's widely accepted throughout both countries. You'll find euros in circulation from the bustling markets of Naples to the high-end boutiques of Milan.

The euro comes in both banknotes and coins, and you'll likely use a mix of both during your travels. Banknotes have denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500.

To break down the euro's minor unit, one euro is made up of 100 cents. This means that you'll see coins with values like 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, and 50 cents.

Here's a list of the euro coins you'll likely encounter:

The euro is a convenient currency for travelers, as it's shared by 18 other European countries, making it easy to move between nations.

Using ATMs in Italy and Greece can be convenient, but be aware that there are often transaction fees and exchange costs.

In Italy, you'll find ATMs widely available, especially in major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, where credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

In both Italy and Greece, it's a good idea to check with your bank before traveling to see what fees they charge for international transactions.

ATMs in Greece can be found in most places, but you may need to travel a bit to find one on very remote islands.

Transaction fees and exchange costs can make withdrawing money from ATMs costly, so it's essential to be mindful of these costs.

For a more convenient option, consider using a Travelex Money Card, which can be used to withdraw cash at an ATM if needed.

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Using other currencies in Italy can be tricky, as most places won't accept them. US dollars and British pounds are not widely accepted, but some international hotels or large retailers in heavily touristed areas might take them.

You can exchange your pounds for euros before traveling to Italy, and Travelex is a convenient option for doing so. Whether you order online and have it delivered to your home or collect it from a UK airport, it's easy to get prepared for your Italian adventure.

Most places in Italy will have unfavorable exchange rates if they do accept foreign currency, so it's best to stick with euros for all transactions.

Traveling to Greece is a dream for many, and it's definitely worth it. The country has a rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture.

You'll need to exchange your money for the Greek currency, the Euro, which is also used in Italy. Make sure to exchange your money at a reputable currency exchange office or a bank to get the best rates.

On a similar theme: Wire Money to Italy

Greece has a lot to offer, from the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the beautiful islands of Santorini and Mykonos. With a little planning, you can have a great time exploring this amazing country.

Be sure to check the current exchange rates before your trip to get an idea of how much your money is worth in Euros. This will help you budget and plan your expenses accordingly.

Many shops, hotels, and restaurants in Greece will accept payment by credit or debit card.

Mastercard and Visa are generally accepted in outlets, and contactless payment is the norm.

Not many places may accept American Express and Diners Club cards, so it can help to have an alternative to hand if needed.

It's a good idea to speak to your bank to understand what it will cost you to use your card for payments in Greece.

You may also want to consider using the Travelex Money Card, powered by Mastercard, which lets you make contactless payments and can help you manage your holiday budget.

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Contactless payments are increasingly possible in Greece, but it's always a good idea to carry some euros in cash for unexpected expenses like taxis, buses, snacks, and drinks.

ATMs are widely available in Greece, although you may need to travel to find one in very remote islands.

Transaction fees and exchange costs can make it costly to withdraw money, so it's essential to check with your bank before you travel.

The Travelex Money Card can also be used to withdraw cash at an ATM if needed.

Related reading: Atm Machines in Greece

Traveling to Greece can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider the costs involved. You'll need to think about how much currency you'll need for your trip.

The amount of euros you'll need depends on several factors, including your travel style and the time of year you visit. Cash can sometimes be simpler and faster, especially in more remote areas.

Some expenses, like accommodations and food, can be paid with a card, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for unexpected costs.