MONEY
The Italian currency is the Euro. For current exchange rates check www.xe.com
Tourists arriving in Italy without foreign currency can obtain Euros at exchange offices (Ufficio di cambio,) banks or ATM machines (Bancomat) Exchange offices can be found at the airports, main train stations, seaports and major tourist places. ATM machines can be found throughout Italy. Contact your local bank to ask about compatibility with the banking system. By inserting a foreign card, the system will prompt you to choose a language. To withdraw money you can use your ATM card (there is usually a daily limit; money will be dispensed in Euro) or your credit card (be careful though; some banks charge fees of 2.5% or 4% of the amount withdrawn for credit card cash advances)

Banking hours: Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 1:35 pm (sometimes 2:00 pm) Some banks open in the afternoon from 3:00 pm till 4:00 pm. Banks and exchange services in some tourist areas are open from 8:30 am till 4:00 pm Travelers Checks are accepted in major tourist cities.

What's best? You will have to pay exchange fees no matter what. Base your money decision on the amount of cash that you think you will need daily, and/or on the amount of cash your bank allows you daily. For major restaurants and shopping in major stores and you can use your ATM or credit card; for smaller restaurants, shopping at the markets, museums and other attractions, you will have to use cash.It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks. You should also exchange enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel before you leave home, or withdraw money upon arrival at an airport ATM.


   TIPPING
Restaurants: Tips are not mandatory, therefore any tip you leave will bring you very good Karma
Hotels: it's customary to tip for bell boy's and room service.
Guides: it’s customary to tip your guide, starting at 10 Euro per person for private services and from 3 to 5 Euro per person for group tours.
Drivers: it’s customary to tip your driver. The amount will vary with the duration of the transfer or of the tour, starting at 15 Euro for transfers lasting over 30 minutes (ex Rome airport to city center or Naples to Sorrento.)


   TAX REFUND
A tax refund on personal purchases can be claimed by non-resident travelers. Make sure you get your receipt stamped at the custom office (be there in advance as lines are sometimes very long - also do not check in the items purchased, as you will need to show them to the custom agent in order to get your receipt stamped.)
Companies specializing in sales tax refund: Premier Tax Free www.premiertaxfree.com, and Global Refund www.globalrefund.com