The Euro (€) is made up of 100 cents. Please check with your bank for rates of exchange. Euros can be purchased at foreign exchange departments at your local bank or at any bank in Ireland (including those located at airports which are open for all flight arrivals). ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) are located at most banks and most accept major credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, as well as Plus and Cirrus debit cards.
It is always advisable to carry a mixture of cash and traveler's cheques to protect ones self against any situation. It is extremely easy to exchange money in any urban center in Italy, although it is somewhat more difficult in rural areas. US and all major European currencies are readily accepted. Interest rates and commissions vary somewhat drastically from financial institution to financial institution, with banks normally having the best rates. Tourists can get a relatively better exchange rate for traveler's cheques and they are safer to carry though not as liquid as cash. American Express, Visa or Thomas Cook Traveler’s Cheques are readily accepted. Many hotels do not accept Traveler’s checks without a high commission. Many hotels, restaurants and shops in urban areas accept credit cards, the well-known and more accepted ones being American Express, MasterCard, and Visa.
The price of most goods includes value-added tax, or VAT. As a visitor you can have this sales tax refunded at the end of your trip. Be sure to ask for a tax-free shopping form with each purchase and follow the instructions for completion.