Has the Euro totally replaced the Lira? If so, what do I do with the Lira I brought home intending to use on my next trip?

Well, let me try to put this diplomatically: you were supposed to think about that sometime before January 1, 2002.<BR><BR>If you're traveling to Italy before March 1, 2002, you can use your lira during the period of "dual circulation", the same as before 1/1/2002.<BR><BR>From March 1, 2002 to March 1, 2012 - - you will still be able to exchange lire (the plural of lira) for euros at any Banca d'Italia location.<BR><BR>source: www.bancaditalia.it - - or more specifically, at www.bancaditalia.it/changeover you can read an extensive .PDF file that explains all the legal provisions for the changeover.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

Rex, if this is your idea of diplomacy, then I am so very relieved you're not working at the U.N., or are on the Joint Chiefs of Staff!!<BR><BR>Larry, your own bank in your own town may be able to change your lire for you, if you're not going to be in Italy in the first couple of months of 2002. (A lot depends on the size of your town & the banks in it, to be truthful.) You will lose something on the exchange rate, naturally, but that's reasonable in light of the conversion to the Euro.

Or continue with your original plan when you kept those lira for a return trip to italy. As long as you go in the next 10 years or so, take the lira with you, stop in at any National Bank of Italy and exchange them at full value for euros. No exchange fee, no commission, no problem.

That is surprising that you can exchange lira ten years from now as all the old money is supposed to be completely out of circulation within this year. I bet that poster doensn't live in europe. As for the original poster take it to a bank in the US and hope for the best. As many stores have opted not to take the old money because it is too much of a hassle for the staff to try and juggle different currancies.

I live in Europe, and I can tell you that Patrick is right: in France, as I suppose in Italy, you will be able to exchange the former national currency into Euros until 2012.

Rex - apologies. I am the 'real' Inky, depsite Inky obviously being a fake name. Someone used my moniker.<BR><BR>For the record, I probably would have said the same to Larry.<BR>

Agree with Patrick and Vincent. In Spain, you will be able to change Pesetas to Euros at any office of the Bank of Spain. There is one in every province capital (52).<BR>Rgds, Cova

hi larry<BR><BR>well, this with the 10 years is nice but as i know the banca d'italia (national bank) they might tell you in 5 years, that they will not change it, maybe even in 1 year. knowing italy this is very possible. and you have to consider, that if you go ceuing in a banca d'italia, you might do this for quite a long time.... just make sure you have your ? when travelling to the participating countries here in europe and try to change the lire here. but if you anyway have to change us$ to ? it might be easier paying now the percent more. you never know how us$ and ? will be in the future.<BR><BR>;-)<BR><BR>christina

The Bank of Italmia will certainly respect this 10 years rule. AFAIK, being able to change at the central bank old notes and coins which aren't any more circulating, during an extended period (or in some countries forever) is a standart practice. I don't see why it would be any different in this situation.

the questionmark should be an euro sign, don't know why it's not accepted. fodors should change this.<BR><BR>claire, france is for sure completely different then italy. can you immagine that in the first week of january some banks in lecce (deep south of italy) didn't had the euro money (my friend told me that they even have it today)? they nether offerd the euro kit to their clients as they should and shops didn't accept when you want to pay in euro.... italy is based on chaos, everyone is doing his one stuff and this will be like this forever. that's why i tell you it could be very easy going to a counter of the banca d'italia in 2 years, asking for changing your old lire to euro, that it could be possible the guy behind the counter telling you he can't do it. and try to argue with someone behind a counter in italy (specially when you are a tourist......). <BR><BR>have a nice evening.<BR><BR>christina