Cash vs. Credit Card and Tapping.

We tapped virtually everywhere in April. We did pay cash at the grocery stores a few times to have some change ready for pay toilets. We found that many places didn't want cash and would just tell you they had no change.

*Our hotel in Rome gave us an 8% discount to pay cash. 6 years ago we got a 20% discount to pay cash at a hotel in Vencice.

You should be able to pay for most things with your credit card in Italy. I had no trouble this summer. However, if you are buying something for 2-3 EUR, they may ask for cash.

We tapped our way through Italy. One trend we found lately is that drivers and some tour guides prefer cash to anything else. This October, virtually every car service we inquired about required payment in cash. So we will still have to have cash on hand for those.

I had to double check that it wasn't me asking the question. I was also just in London and Liverpool this past April and will be going to Italy this October lol. I did't take out any cash in England either, just tapped away with my card. I was also hoping Italy will be the same, because I hate carrying cash. Its so much more convenient using the car on the buses, trains, restaurants. Glad you asked too!

One trend we found lately is that drivers and some tour guides prefer
cash to anything else.

I completely forgot about this. All of the tours we booked required cash in payment when we meet our guide. 3 tours added up to about €400.

When I was in Italy a couple years ago, tap was common, and almost preferred. I think since, things have backslid a bit, with smaller places wanting cash for small purchases, especially if you get off the tourist path. Then of course, Taxis seem to have lots of "Broken" machines, and you will find the odd restaurant, tour guide, or hotel that wants cash. In most cases, I think they find taxes eating into profits, but just my take.

Bottom line, have about 50 euro in your pocket, but use your card first, if they balk, insist a bit, but at least you have a back up, or if you decide to go to the restaurant across the way, they at least got the message.

I prefer to use either cash or credit cards whenever possible, but not tap with the CC's. I'd rather insert the card in a machine and enter a PIN. Since each tap transaction costs the merchants a few percent, I don't know why they wouldn't accept cash?

Since each tap transaction costs the merchants a few percent, I don't know why they wouldn't accept cash?

Often the banking charges are more expensive for a business to be be depositing cash than taking cards. Doesn't apply of course if the business itself is dealing in cash too.

I prefer to use either cash or credit cards whenever possible, but not tap with the CC's.

Then you need to read up on the technology and benefits of tapping your credit card. Each tap transaction uses a one-time, unique digital code to facilitate secure communication between your card and the card reader. This is one of the most if not the most secure way to use your credit card.

I have a BS in Computer Science, and I have been in the IT industry for 30 years. I'm Security+ certified and through continuing education I've kept up with new security technology, including financial transaction technology. Because of this, I tap my card whenever possible.

The transaction fee is built into the cost of doing business, just like accepting checks and even cash. The vendors are fine. Some may offer a slight discount for doing a cash transaction, but that may actually cost more. Some encourage cash transactions because they keep the sale off the books.

On my Oct. Italy trip I tapped so much I felt like Gregory Hines. Used less than €100 in 23 days.

Thanks to all for the indepth answers to my question - as usual RS forum readers come through in both quality and quantity. I too look forward to tapping my way through my Italy itinerary like those of you who have gone before! Not carrying around my credit card everywhere and just my phone is so appealing to me. :)

Oddly enough 3 out of 4 accommodations I have booked through booking.com only accept euros,Lovere, Lucca, Stresa. Unusual in my experience. A credit card required to book,but payment in cash. The one Airbnb in Parma will be billed to card on file.
And Bergamo booked directly only cash.
Re booking.com, the cash requirement is at the end of the booking details so it's important to know so you have enough cash ready to pay.
Getting some euros at my credit union at no charge to cover the first 2 bookings, just for convenience.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the likely reason some businesses insist on cash only ...

And FWIW I tapped my way across Britain and France recently, the Europeans have really embraced that concept since Covid. The fallback is to put a nice amount of cash into a free Schwab online account so if you need to, you can go to the nearest ATM wherever you are in the world and make a free withdrawal.

--- The fallback is to put a nice amount of cash into a free Schwab online account so if you need to, you can go to the nearest ATM wherever you are in the world and make a free withdrawal.

FYI - No free Schwab online available in Canada. Kindly note that is where I am posting from for my enquiry...

In response to those who commented on my earlier post, I'm sure my payment methods will evolve with time. I'm aware of the fact that Tap transactions are "tokenized", and very secure. Inserting the card and using a PIN will undoubtedly attract the dreaded DCC and while that doesn't affect tap transactions, and I'm still doing some research on how my credit union processes those.