Does Apple Pay Work in Italy?
I get asked this all the time. The short answer? Yes, Apple Pay works in Italy.
I’ve been living and traveling around Italy for over three years now, and in my experience, every single place that accepts credit card payments has a machine with tap-to-pay functionality. If you see a card reader, you can probably pay with your iPhone (and yes, Android users, Google Pay works too—it’s the same thing).
Going to Rome soon? Check out my post Where to Stay in Rome (on any budget)
Tap-to-Pay is Everywhere
In Italy, contactless payments (pagamenti contactless) are standard. Whether you’re at a supermarket, a café, a high-end boutique, or even a gas station, you’ll see the tap-to-pay symbol on the machine. No need to fumble with your wallet—just double-click your side button and go.
And if you’re paying with a credit card at a restaurant, they bring the POS (point-of-sale) machine to your table—they won’t ever take your card away from you.
Should You Still Carry Cash?
Yes, but no more than about 200 euro at a time. While Apple Pay works almost everywhere, some places still prefer cash, especially:
- Small, family-run businesses
- Street vendors and markets
- Very rural areas
- Taxis (some accept Apple Pay, but not all)
If you’re grabbing an espresso at a neighborhood bar, buying fresh produce at a market, or shopping from street vendors, cash is still king.
Also, if you’re shopping at a street market, you can negotiate on price—but only with cash.
Pro Tips for Using Apple Pay in Italy
✅ Make sure your card is accepted. Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere. Amex is hit-or-miss.
✅ Don’t rely on Apple Pay for everything. Some places still prefer cash, and rare technical issues happen.
✅ Tell the cashier if you’re paying by card. In smaller shops, they might assume you’re paying cash unless you say “con la carta” (with a card).
Final Thoughts
If you’re traveling to Italy, Apple Pay is an easy, secure way to pay almost anywhere. Just bring a little backup cash, and you’ll be good to go.
More tips from a local: 7 Italy Travel FAQs for First Timers