I love the LA Times - "In God we trust. All others pay cash."

Vatican is said to be seeking alternative partner to reinstate electronic payment. You can still book a timed entry for the Vatican Museums using cards, so perhsps they are using an external processor in Italy.

The LA Times reporter cribbed that line from the title of humorist Jean Shepherd's book of short stories in 1966. Shepherd is best remembered now for A Christmas Story, a staple of festive TV viewing, based in large part on that book.

I noticed the cash only on the museum website the other day.

Notice
No electronic payments from 1 January

We regret to inform visitors that from 1 January 2013, for reasons beyond the control of the Directorate of the Museums, it will not be possible to make payments in the Vatican Museums by electronic means such as Bancomat or credit/debit card.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Still ongoing;
http://ansa.it/web/notizie/rubriche/english/2013/01/15/Credit-card-freeze-costs-Vatican-30-000-euros-day_8079949.html Also @ http://tinyurl.com/byyxsy9

Hi all. Just came on here in a panic! I am heading to Italy (first trip!!) in March. We will be in Rome 3/16 through 3/18. Were thinking of going to Vatican on 3/18 for the day.

Had hoped to book tour through Vatican itself. Just entered the 45 day window. When the pope resigned today, made us speed up a bit because we don't want to risk no availability. Well, went online and found exactly what this post says. No credit cards!

Do you all have a clue how to pre-book with the Vatican now to avoid all the lines? Private tours are out there, but are they as good?

Doesn't appear the Vatican can take CC online anymore. When you click the link, goes nowhere.

Thanks for any ideas!!

You still book with the Vatican on their website. They will send you a confirmation to bring with you. You pay when you get there. Don't get in the ticket line. Go on to the entrance and show them your reservation.

Oh thank you!! The site must have been down last night when I kept trying. It looks totally different today, and I see all the options. THANK YOU!

I just heard, or think so, that cc's are now allowed again. I need to find a link.