« Back to About Italy
Banks and exchange in Italy
In Italy, you’ll get the best rate of exchange ( cambio ) at a bank . There are a few nationwide banking chains - the Banca Nazionale del Lavoro, Crédito Italiano and Cassa di Risparmio, among others - as well as regional chains like the Banca di Roma, Banco di Napoli or Banco di Sicilia. Banking hours are normally Monday to Friday mornings from 8.30am until 1pm, and for an hour in the afternoon (usually 3-4pm). There are local variations on this and banks are usually open only in the morning on the day before a public holiday. Be warned that changing travellers’ cheques in a bank can entail a long move - up to half an hour - so make sure you’re in the right queue. Outside banking hours, the larger hotels will change money or travellers’ cheques, although if you’re staying in a reasonably large city the rate is invariably better at the train station exchange bureaux - normally open evenings and weekends. Check the “Listings” sections of the main city accounts in the Guide for locations and specific opening hours.
Tags: 4pm, banca di roma, banca nazionale del lavoro, banco di napoli, banco di sicilia, banking hours, banks, cassa di risparmio, half an hour, italiano, long wait, monday to friday, open evenings, public holiday, queue, rate of exchange, regional chains, train station, travellers, variations