Money Matters in Venice

Money Matters

Italy's prices are in line with those in the rest of Europe, with costs in the main cities comparable to those in other major capitals, such as Paris and London. Venice is the most expensive city in Italy, and is therefore one of Europe's priciest tourist destinations. Efforts are being made to hold the line on hotel and restaurant prices that have become inordinately high by U.S. standards. Depending on season and occupancy, you may be able to obtain unadvertised lower rates in hotels; always inquire.

In Venice, an inexpensive hotel room for two, including breakfast, is about EUR 90 in low season, nearly twice as much during spring and fall, and can go even higher during Carnevale. An inexpensive restaurant dinner for two is EUR 30, with a simple pasta dish on the menu running about EUR 10 and 1/2-liter carafe of house wine EUR 4. A bacaro (wine bar) lunch is EUR 15, including a glass of good wine. A Coca-Cola (standing) at a caffè is EUR 2, a cup of coffee EUR 1, and a pint of beer from a pub or pizzeria (at the table) EUR 5.

ATMs

An ATM (bancomat in Italian) is the easiest way to get euros in Italy. They are fairly common in large cities and small towns, as well as in airports and train stations. They are not common in places like grocery stores. Be sure to memorize your PIN number, as ATM keypads in Italy don't always display letters.