Public toilets in Italy : what is the charge? What coins are needed?

Prices vary. These days credit cards are sometimes accepted, especially in high-traffic locations like large train station. However, I've run into multiple places (not necessarily in Italy) where the credit card equipment, though present, wasn't working, so you were out of luck if you didn't have coins.

I haven't been to Italy since September 2024. At that time toilet fees ranged from 0.50 euros to 1.50 euros. I have seen a fee of 0.70 also.

Note that public toilets in Italy (especially in the southern part of the country) may not always be stocked with toilet paper. This situation can arise anywhere in the world, but in my experience it is relatively more common in Italy, most frequently later in the day; it's as if the toilets are serviced only once a day, early in the morning. Italian women all seem to carry little packages of tissues, and tourists are smart to do the same. You also cannot count on having a way to dry your hands after washing them.

You should have some cash on hand when traveling in Italy since there are some transactions you can only do with cash like buying things at markets and things you probably should do with cash like single coffe (~1.2e) or gelato (2-3e) or tipping. You can certainly survive mostly on credit card - some people only use their phones - but there is still a level of transactions that are better in cash.

You can get euros from any ATM with your debit card just like in the states. You will pay some surcharges - ATM fees and currency conversion fees - so you should withdraw money as few times as possible. Also use an ATM physically attached to bank or post office to avoid any additional fees. You can also get euros in the states before you go but that is even more expensive.

There are many threads here about cash and credit if you search the forum. These days you should check that your card has tap capability since it will save you a lot of credit card trouble.

Hope that helps, have a great trip,
=Tod

I have to add, in a half dozen trips to Italy, I do not recall ever paying for a toilet. There are plenty of free toilets in museums, bars, cafes, restaurants, and other places. If I am someplace, I always take the opportunity to at least "try", and especially urge my wife to do the same. We seem to be able to "hold it" until we get the opportunity, though I realize everyone's health may not allow that.

If you get a little cash from an ATM, then use it for small items (a bottle of water, a snack) then soon you will have more coins than you want.

Thanks. I thought they charged at railway stations. They do in the UK

As a guide told a friend of mine who just got back from Europe: "There are two types of public toilets - free and clean." which I find hard to dispute.

Train stations generally do charge for bathrooms but there are also bathrooms on the trains as well so unless you have a long change this isn't a generally a crisis. Large stations tend to charge but there is no rule of how much - generally about a euro - or whether they will take cards, change or cash and give you change. In older places there may even be a Madam Pepe who collects money and makes change. And sometimes they are broken or easy to cheat - watch the backpackers wait for their friends by the exit to see if they can slip in or enter pressed together two at a time.

If you have a card and a few euros in your pocket you're as set as you can be. On the scale of things to worry about or prepare for I think this ranks pretty low.

Have a great trip,
=Tod

Last year, the toilets in the Bologna Train Station took either a contactless credit card or a Euro coin. In one of the train stations in a smaller city (might have been Parma), it was cash and there was an attendant,

I just use cash to pay for small items and set aside some of the coins I get as change so I have it if it is needed for a pay toilet.

When in Italy do as the Italians do. Use cash for small transactions. That is especially true in small towns/rural areas where a lot of people (the elderly) don’t even have credit cards.

At Pompei train station you still have to pay 3 denarii to use the latrine. Don't think twice about crossing Grumio, the fierce looking attendant.

The larger train stations charge more, and the range I’ve experienced in the last few years is .50 - 1 Euro.

I’ve been surprised that I rarely needed my toilet paper in my purse in Italy for train stations, trains, museums or restaurants- north or south. But, in southern Spain, I was replenishing it every day!

Three euros to use the toilet at Pompeii! By the way, are there public toilets at the historic sites?

Definitely at key places like Pompeii, Ercolano and Paestum. I haven't been to the smaller places like Oplontis so cannot be sure, but I would guess the answer is "yes".

Three euros to use the toilet at Pompeii

no

read the joke again, it is in ancient money

Yes I got the joke but I am astonished that they would charge as much as three, ancient or modern. Any way to take advantage of the tourist I guess.

Have been in a lot of toilets in Italy over the years. Have never seen one charging three euros. Mostly it is a euro coin. Some have attendents that need to be tipped. I generally toss a couple of coins on the plate. Unfortunately, the hole in the floor has not completely gone away but it was free. Aim well.

In 4 trips to Italy the only place I've been charged for use of toilets was at the Firenze SMN station. But absolutely take tissues and hand sanitizer with you for ALL restrooms.

Here are a few helpful blog posts about toilets in Rome and Venice:

https://www.romewise.com/bathrooms-in-rome.html

https://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/public_toilets.htm

https://www.veniceinsiderguide.com/public-toilets-in-venice-italy/