Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state, is packed with art, history, and spiritual significance – but understanding money in Vatican City and how currency works is still important for a smooth visit. Whether you’re browsing the Vatican Museums, dining in nearby cafés, or buying souvenirs, knowing how to pay matters. This guide explains what currency to bring, how to get money and currency in Vatican City (Euro – EUR), tips for safe and efficient payments, and essential dos and don’ts. With these insights, you’ll avoid confusion and enjoy this unique destination without money worries.
How to pay in Vatican City – cash or card?
In Vatican City, both cash and cards are widely accepted. The euro (EUR) is the official currency. Most visitors enter from Rome, so the payment situation is much like Italy’s. Some tourist spots like museums and souvenir shops accept cards, but some shops are still strictly cash. It’s safest to have a good amount of small-euro notes and coins for things like tiny museum kiosks, street-side buys, or museum ticket machines.
You can use cash for:
- Small Purchases: Souvenirs, postcards, and snacks from small kiosks may require cash.
- Tips and Gratuities: Cash tips are common for guides and private tour services.
- Some Street Vendors: Certain stalls outside Vatican walls prefer cash.
You can use card for:
- Hotels: Most visitors stay in Rome; hotels there widely accept cards.
- Restaurants and Cafés: Dining spots around St. Peter’s Basilica accept cards.
- Retail Stores: Vatican Museums gift shops and nearby stores take cards.
- Online Bookings: Entry tickets for Vatican Museums and guided tours can be booked online by card.
What’s the best currency to take to Vatican City?
The Euro (EUR) is the official and only accepted currency in Vatican City, since it shares a monetary agreement with the European Union. It is absolutely the best currency to bring – you’ll use it for everything from museum tickets to souvenirs and snacks.
No other currency is accepted.
Where to get currency in Vatican City?
There is really no way to get money inside the Vatican City – you can use the following 3 days to get money in the nearby city of Rome or in Italy. They are:
- ATMs, or
- Currency exchange, or
- Money transfer & local pick-up
Types of cards to swipe in Vatican City
Establishments with POS machines readily accept Visa and Mastercards for swiping. You might also find some places that accept Amex and other cards, albeit less frequently.
Should I exchange money before travelling to Vatican City?
Vatican City uses the Euro (EUR), so if you’re arriving from a Eurozone country, no exchange is necessary. Travelers from outside the Eurozone should consider bringing EUR cash, especially in small denominations.
There are no dedicated ATMs within the Vatican, but ATMs are easily accessible just outside the Vatican walls, in Rome. Most accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus, though international withdrawal fees may apply.
Currency exchange services are not available within Vatican City itself, so it’s best to exchange money in Rome before visiting. Avoid airport counters for large exchanges due to poor rates.
Where to withdraw money in Vatican City
You can withdraw money in Vatican City not inside the Vatican but from the nearby city of Rome as that’s where the ATMs are.
For a detailed guide, read Cash and ATMs in Vatican City.
Where to exchange currency in Vatican City
Common places to exchange currency in Vatican City are licenced exchange bureaus or banks, however, not inside Vatican City, but in nearby Rome.
Currency exchange offices: Use exchange services in Rome, especially near Termini Station, Vatican Museums, and Via della Conciliazione. Notable providers include Forexchange, Best and Fast Change, and Western Union branches.
Banks: Italian banks like Unicredit, Intesa Sanpaolo, and Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL) operate nearby in Rome. They offer currency exchange services but may require ID and are generally open Monday to Friday.
Pro Tip: Since Vatican City has no standalone currency exchange offices, plan to exchange or withdraw Euros before entering. Avoid airport exchanges in Rome, which tend to have poor rates.
You can find good currency exchanges in Vatican City using the ATM Fee Saver app – it will guide you to the nearest currency exchange on the map. The app helps you with forex places in 160+ countries, including Vatican City. Download now from the App Store or Play Store.
Avoid Airport Exchanges and no-fee exchange offices: They have the highest fees and poorest exchange rates. Wait to get to the city to exchange cash.
Download ATM Fee Saver now.
Is carrying cash in Vatican City safe?
Carrying cash in Vatican City is very safe, as the area is heavily policed and crime is rare. That said, since it’s a major tourist attraction within Rome, pickpocketing can still occur – especially in the surrounding crowds of St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums.
To carry cash safely in Vatican City:
- Carry only what you need for the day and secure the rest in your hotel in Rome.
- Use a front-pocket wallet or zippered crossbody bag to deter pickpockets.
- Be discreet when paying for entry tickets, souvenirs, or cafés nearby.
- Stay alert in crowded spots – especially near Vatican entrances or while queuing.
- Use ATMs inside reputable banks or museums.
- Credit and debit cards are widely accepted within the Vatican gift shops and cafés.
Is it better to use debit or credit cards or pay by cash in Vatican City
Use a card if it is fee-free i.e. your bank does not charge any fees to swipe the card, when the merchant / POS also does not impose any extra charge to use a card, you need to use the insurance of the card, don’t want to block cash of large purchases and card’s swipe fees are lower than withdrawal fees.
Pay by cash by withdrawing cash from ATM or exchanging currency where – fees on ATM withdrawals are lesser than fees on swiping cards, you don’t want to leave any digital footprint of your expenses, it is convenient and easier to conduct transactions.
