Avoiding Foreign Card Fees in Italy

# Avoiding Foreign Card Fees in Italy

The single biggest invisible cost on a Tuscany trip. Easy to avoid.

What visitors ask

DCC scam?

Terminal asks: 'Pay in EUR or USD/GBP?' Always choose EUR. Their conversion rate adds 3–5%.

Best US cards?

Chase Sapphire, Capital One Venture — no foreign transaction fee.

Best UK cards?

Chase, Starling, Monzo, Revolut. Avoid most high-street debit cards abroad.

ATM withdrawals?

Decline the on-screen conversion. Let your bank do it.

Wise / Revolut?

Both work great in Italy. Keep one as backup.

Local tip

If the terminal pre-selects USD/GBP, hand it back and say 'EUR, please.' Saves 3–5% on every transaction.

Related guides

• Read more
• Read more

Final word

Questions we didn't answer? Write us at redazione@visitsienaguide.it — your question probably helps the next traveler.