Can the Lira still be used in Italy? or only Euros now?

Question

Can the Lira still be used in Italy? or only Euros now?

Answer 1

euros

Answer 2

As said, sometimes it happens some store (generally big ones) accept Lira; you find a sign that clearly state ("Si accettano pagamenti in lire" or similar), but don't count on it.

But if you want to change your lire in euro, you can till 2012 in Banca d'Italia (Italian central bank) branches only. So *not* in any other banks.

Answer 3

Only Euros or maybe dollars in center city Florence, venice and maybe Rome & Milan.

Some places have advertised taking Lire but it's just been more for publicity than anything else.

Why? Have you a mattress full of Lire? You can still cash it in at the Banca d'Italia.

Answer 4

Not anymore...unless you dont go to the Banca d'Italia but it takes time and you cant use in shops...only euros now

Answer 5

Not anymore, only euros.

Answer 6

No, Lira was replaced by € / Euro cash since 1 January 2002.

(--,)

Answer 7

It's only euros.

They will not take liras.

I lived there for 15 yrs of my life.

Answer 8

now use the euro no lira

Answer 9

Alas, I miss the days of the lire, when the dollar was strong.

Just Euros now and it has made trips to Europe expensive!

A good time for Europeans to come to the states.

Answer 10

Actually there are a few stores that will still accept your lira (few and far between) -- they just then take it to the central bank and get in exchanged into euro. But don't count on getting by with just lira, the euro is the official currency and that is what all pricing is based on. (Although don't be suprised to find the lira equivalent on your sales receipts -- Italians are still adjusting to the exchange rate of the new currency and often still talk about prices using the old system.)

If you've got a lot of lira, you too can go to the central bank and exchange it. It's not that big of a process, although you might have to wait in line and be warned, they won't take coins. Or exchange it at some of the currency centers that will do this -- but you'll take a bit hit on commissions and poor rates that favor them.

Answer 11

No, only euros are accepted now.