Can I use a card to pay for taxis in Italy, or should I carry local cash?
Used both taxis and rideshares across Bologna and Venice. Card payments were hit or miss. I got caught out once in Bologna when I had no cash and the driver’s card reader froze. Had to walk to an ATM. Now I keep at least 30 euros just for transport and try to use Uber or Bolt where available to avoid the hassle.
I used Free Now in Naples to book taxis and paid by card in the app which worked great. But street-hailing is different. Two drivers refused my Mastercard saying cash only. Best to either use a taxi app or ask clearly before getting in. Some taxis show card logos on the window but still try to avoid using the machine.
Used taxis in Florence and Milan. Florence was mostly cash-only unless you pre-booked with an app. Milan taxis were more modern and had working card machines in the car. Still, a driver once insisted on cash for a ten minute ride. I’d say carry some cash for short city trips or backup when the machine mysteriously doesn’t work.
In Rome I found that most official white taxis now accept cards, but you have to ask before the ride. Some drivers still claim their machine is broken or they prefer cash. I used my Visa card successfully a few times but always had around 20 to 30 euros on me just in case. Especially for airport rides or late night trips.