Cash or card in Rome — what do locals actually use?

Romans use both, but cash still wins for anything under €10-15. Small bars (the counter espresso culture runs on coins), street food stalls, neighborhood alimentari, and most outdoor markets — particularly Porta Portese on Sundays or Campo de' Fiori's produce section — expect cash and will sometimes give you a look if you produce a card for a €1.20 coffee. That said, card acceptance has expanded considerably since 2020; EU law now requires merchants to accept card payments, so major restaurants, shops, and tourist sites are fully equipped. Contactless works nearly everywhere cards do. Carry €50-80 in small bills when you arrive, replenished at ATMs (Bancomat) inside bank branches rather than the standalone machines on Via del Corso or near the Colosseo, which carry unfavorable conversion rates if they're operated by Euronet or similar third-party networks. Inform your bank before traveling to avoid a blocked card on day one.

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