Will be visiting Florence for a week in February and recently have used credit cards almost exclusively in Paris, throughout France and in London. Question - will I be able to do so in Florence? I especially like to use the cards in restaurants. <BR> <BR>The last time I was in Italy was about 10 years ago and had to use cash almost exclusively. I recall having to break a very large lira note to buy an dish of gelato and got a shrug and an evil eye from the gal behind the counter.

Regarding restaurants in Florence, in the middle and upper scale, the vast majority accepts both cards (Sostanza, Buca dell'Orafo, Del Fagioli come to mind as exceptions). Maybe 2/3 of the restaurants in the lower scale don't accept cards. I also doubt you'll be able to pay a gelatto using a card. Vivoli, for instance, doesn't accept them. Unless things have changed recently, for most most site admission chearges cash should be required. <BR><BR>Paulo<BR>

I'm back from Florence about a month ago <BR>and it's plenty accepted Visa, MC,Amex. <BR>Also street vendors accept them. <BR> <BR>Anyway you can use it in ATM machines(PIN NUMBER REQUIRED) where it's in every corner of Florence and around the world

In two trips to Italy in the past 13 months, I've never had a situation where I couldn't use a credit card. (Of course, I don't try to use it for small purchases like gelato!)

Ditto the above post. In Italy this year, it was hard to find a place that DIDN'T accept visa.

I agree - October this year - didn't have a problem anywhere including Florence. One full page of Italy on my VISA statement attests to that! But do take cash to Vivoli - there are numerous ATMs but you need a 4 digit PIN. Have a good trip.

Are Discover Cards accepted?