Although Vatican City is an independent state, from a tourist's point of view it functions in much the same way as Rome. It uses the euro and most payments are handled the same as anywhere else in Italy.

Unlike other countries, however, you'll hardly find mainstream shops, restaurants or services in the Vatican.

Most visitors here only spend money on tickets, souvenirs or postcards.

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Euro (EUR)

The official currency is the Euro (€).

The Vatican does mint its own euro coins with papal motifs, but these only enter general circulation on a limited basis and are sought after by collectors.

As in Rome:

• 1 euro = 100 cents
• the same banknotes are commonly used as in the euro area as a whole

Can I pay by card?

Yes.

Credit cards are commonly accepted:

• in the Vatican Museums
• in souvenir shops
• at the post office
• in St. Peter's Basilica

Cash is useful as a backup rather than a necessity.

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Where do you actually spend your money in the Vatican?

Most of the Vatican is off-limits to the public, and tourists are limited to a few locations.

Realistically, you can spend mainly on:

• Admission to the Vatican Museums
• Admission to the dome of St. Peter's Basilica
• postcards and stamps at the Vatican post office
• souvenirs at the few stalls near the security checkpoint

How much money do you need to visit?

Low budget

0-10 €

• St. Peter's Square
• St. Peter's Basilica without a reservation for an exact time
• Possibly a postcard or small souvenir

Normal visit

30-60 €

• Vatican Museums
• Dome of the Basilica
• a few small souvenirs

A full day at the Vatican

60 € and more

• Museums
• Dome
• Gardens
• souvenirs
• refreshments

Need to change money?

No.

If you're coming from another Eurozone country, you don't need to deal with anything at all.

If you're traveling from a country with a different currency, I recommend using the same strategy as when visiting Rome - you'll hardly find any currency exchange offices in the Vatican, and most visitors make do with a credit card.

💡 In fact, Vatican City is one of the cheapest "countries" you can visit. If you skip the museums and the dome, you can tour the most famous parts, including St. Peter's Basilica, completely free of charge.