Boasting ancient ruins and rich culture, Italy is a dream destination. Want to dine out on gelato and relax by the beach? Head to coastal destinations like Positano or Sorrento in the south. Prefer snowy villages to sand and sea? Make your way north to the mountainous Lombardy Province, where it snows in winter and the cities are bordered by glacial lakes.
4/5 stars – ATMs are almost as common as pizzerias in most Italian cities and towns. Getting cash out can be slightly trickier in rural areas, so it pays to plan ahead when touring the countryside.
Simply round up to the nearest euro
Not the worst in Europe, but not perfezionare (perfect)
Ah, Italy – land of delicious coffee, boundless carbs, and affordable travel costs.
Coffee: NZ$1.85 (regular espresso)
Water: NZ$1.40 (standard water bottle)
Beer: NZ$8.70 (a pint. Peroni Anyone?)
Food: NZ$14.75 (pizza in a restaurant)
Taxi: NZ$63 (Fiumicino airport – Rome)
Big Mac: NZ$5.50 (grande!)
Budget: Around AU$80/day (2x cheap meals, supermarket snacks, and entry to the Leaning Tower of Pisa)
Moderate: Around AU$150/day (2x cheap meals, supermarket snacks, train ticket, and a tour of the Colosseum)
Luxury: Around AU$200/day (3x restaurant meals, taxi rides and a gondola ride in Venice)
4/5 stars - Other than the occasional pickpocket, tourists don’t have much to worry about in Italy (just be sure to keep a tight grip on your wallet at all times).
Vino country
Italy is one of the largest wine exporters (second only to France).
Tourism dollars
Tourism provides over 50% of Italy’s national income.
Euro Veterans
The Italian lira was replaced with the euro back in 1999.
Catch-up economy
Despite lagging behind for much of the 20th century, Italy now has the 4th largest economy in Europe.
Trevi Fountain fortune
Around €3,000 gets thrown into the Trevi Fountain every day. Màma mia!
Since every region of Italy accepts the euro (including the Vatican City and the Republic of San Marino), you shouldn’t have too much trouble managing your money. ATMs and credit card facilities are readily available throughout the country, so you can use cash, card, or a combination of both.
Wine tasting in Tuscany
Savour some of the best vinos in the world while exploring Italy’s premier wine region. In between vineyard tours, you can stop by Florence and see Michelangelo’s statue of David
Carnival of Venice
Celebrated since the Renaissance period, the Carnival of Venice is held annually in the weeks leading up to Lent. The carnival is designed to showcase the city’s cultural heritage, and is world-famous for its traditional Venetian masks.
Pompeii
Walk the eerie streets of Pompeii, an ancient Roman city near the town of Naples that was buried in ash and consequently frozen in time after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D.
St Peter’s Basilica
As one of the most famous cathedrals in the world (and where the Pope hangs out), no trip to Italy would be complete without a visit to St Peter’s Basilica.
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Travel Money NZ has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication. Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money NZ accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation.