Although Euro (€) is accepted in Italy, the conventional Italian Money is known as Lira . Like most European Countries, Euro has been made the official currency of Italy. Euro coins and notes were first introduced in Italy in January 2002 and since then Lira has been completely replaced.
Euro as the official Italian Money needs to be understood properly by all, especially for the people visiting Italy. Euro is divided into 100 Eurocents . Euro notes can be found in the denomination of
- €500
- €200
- €100
- €50
- €20
- €10
- €5
Coins can be found in €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 Eurocents.
Various Euro notes can be found in various colors and sizes. The coins of various values also differ in their metal composition. While a €500 note is violet a €200 note is yellow. Successively, €100 note is green, €50 note is orange, €20 note is blue, €10 note is reddish and €5 is grayish. Similarly a €2 and €1 coin can be found both in gold and silver with the value embossed on one side of the coin. The 50, 20, 10 cents coins are found in golden metal while the 5, 2 and 1 cent coins are in Bronze Metal.
In case you run short of cash Traveler's cheques, Diners Club, Masters Club, Visa Cards and Eurocheque cards are accepted in most places preferably in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. Italian Money should be converted and accepted keeping in mind the existing exchange rates of the particular countries. Money can be converted almost anywhere in Italy. While banks pay a flat commission rate, private exchange offices convert without commission.
The maximum limit of cash that you can carry to Italy is €12,500. In case you need to take more Italian money along, get it declared and validated on Form V2.
