If we're going to be in Tuscany for about a week, and do day trips to Florence and Pisa, how much cash would a person bring? Other than for lodging is Visa accepted at most restaurants and store?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32404 posts
joe, Could you clarify your question? The title says "Travelling to Lucca" but your questions relate to money. I'd suggest taking €50-100 when you leave home for "travel expenses" and then obtain cash at ATM's whenever needed. Note that your travel funds must usually be in a chequing account with a four number PIN. Having a backup ATM card is recommended in case of any problems with your primary card (I've had that happen). Don't forget to notify your Bank and credit card companies that you'll be travelling so they don't "freeze" your cards when they detect transaction activity in Europe. Visa and MasterCard will be accepted at many hotels, but in my experience only at larger stores and restaurants. Many of the smaller places only accept cash. Cheers!
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9078 posts
Small businesses - shops and restaurants- prefer cash, & may refuse credit card for small purchases. They prefer cash because they have to pay for card transactions and also taxes can be avoided with cash. You may get offered a lower price for cash purchases in shops as a result.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32404 posts
@stan, The Guardia di Finanza has been cracking down on businesses that try to avoid taxes with cash transactions. In my experience, especially this year, customers will almost always be given a Ricevuta Fiscale, which means there's a record of the transaction. Penalties can be severe, so I don't think tax avoidance is happening as much now as it was in the past. Cheers!