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| Italy
Currency |
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The Euro
(Single European currency) is now the official currency of
Italy and 12 EU member states.
The first Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002,
the Italian Lira was in circulation until 28th February 2002, when
it was completely replaced by the Euro. Euro (€) = 100 cents.
Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and
5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10,
5, 2 and 1 cents.
Currency exchange
Travellers cheques, cheques and foreign money can be changed at
banks, railway stations and airports, and very often at major hotels
(generally at a less convenient rate). Many UK banks offer differing
exchange rates depending on the denominations of currency being
bought or sold. Check with banks for details and current rates.
Credit & debit cards in Italy
Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted, as well as
Eurocheque cards. Check with your credit or debit card company for
merchant acceptability and other facilities that may be available.
Travellers cheques
Travellers cheques are accepted almost everywhere. To avoid additional
exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers
cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Currency
restrictions
Check with the Embassy before departure. Import and export of both
local and foreign currency is limited to €10,329.14. If it
is intended to import or export amounts greater than this, the amount
should be declared and validated in Italy on form V2.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of
the Euro against Sterling and the US Dollar: |
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| Date |
Nov
'07 |
| £1.00= |
1.43635 |
| $1.00= |
0.68904 |
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Banking
hours
These vary from city to city but, in general, Monday-Friday 0830-1330hrs
and 1500-1600 hrs, Saturday 0830-1300 hrs, although many banks are
closed on Saturdays and Sundays. |
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