martync

One more question....my wife and I fly to Italy tomorrow and we're wondering about the general acceptance of credit cards in restarants, museums, etc. We're thinking about how much ATM usage we're going to have.

Thanks all for so much good advice. We promise to write when we're back home.

richardab

Most all places accept credit cards but will frown or not accept them for small purchases below $15. I guess getting an espresso means paying cash.

Alice_Twain

Restaurants, hotels and shops commonly accept credit cards and /or ATM cards. For museums and bars it is safer to bring some cash since not all of them accept either.

jody

They are generally accepted but make sure before you order and are presented with the bil! happened twice to us in Rome in expensive restaurants..one accepted only Amex and DC..my H had to run out to the nearest ATM because we only had about 60 Euros and the bill was 90! A few nights later even though the sign on the door said they took Visa ..it was an old sign and the resto. had a new owner...again a run to the ATM..while I sat over a limoncello! Funny thing at that place the young French couple sitting next to us overheard and the man had to go with my H to get some money too!

Riffic

Here's some credit card etiquette that you may not be aware of when paying a restaurant bill. In most countries, especially in Germany, you should tell the waiter the total amount he/she should charge to your bill at the time you give him the credit card. This is because there often is not a place to enter a tip, as in the U.S. Of course, you can always pay by cc, but leave the tip in cash, which I think the waiters appreciate more.

ira

Hi all,

Following up on Riffic's remark, in many European countries the extra amount added as a "tip" on a CC is considered to be payment to the owner, not the waiter.

Often this amount is given by the owners to the waiters, but the amount is considered to be part of their base pay. That is, the owner gets the tip.

If service is included and you wish to tip the server, give him/her cash.

xxxx

Even though there was no specific place to add a tip to the credit card receipt, I always did and then handwrote the new total. The only "strange" thing is that it always came through as two separate transactions and amounts on my credit card statement.

Alice_Twain

NO TIPS! In italy there is no need to tip. if you really want to tip, just leave 1 euro or so (not mopre) to the waiter. Unlike in the Usa and in several other countries, witers in italy receive a full wage and they are not dependent on tips for their survival. Tipping in Italy is though as an extra to be given the waiter only in case the service has been extra excellent, it is a thankyou for esrvices that go beyond what is due.

JoyceL

Most museums accept only cash.