Is cash still widely used?
Moderately. Vatican City is a tiny sovereign state within Rome. The Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica gift shops, and main tourist facilities accept cards. However, votive candles, small donations, street vendors outside the Vatican walls, and St. Peter’s Square vendors are cash-only.
ATMs and withdrawing cash
There is one ATM inside Vatican City (near the Vatican Museums entrance). Rome’s extensive ATM network is easily accessible just outside Vatican walls.
- Use Roman bank ATMs for the best rates and lowest fees
- The Vatican ATM is a Bancomat machine — accepts standard European cards
- Vatican-issued euro coins are collector’s items — exchange offices within the city
Card acceptance
Good at Vatican Museums and major gift shops. Visa and Mastercard accepted. Small offerings and candles require coin coins.
Tips for travelers
- Book Vatican Museums tickets online well in advance — queues are enormous
- Dress code is strict — covered shoulders and knees required to enter basilicas
- The Vatican issues its own euro coins — different from Italian euro coins
- Papal audiences on Wednesdays are free but require tickets from the Apostolic Prefecture