Vatican City (VA)
Vatican City — the Holy See — is the world's smallest independent state and the spiritual centre of the Roman Catholic Church.
Currency & Money
Practical money tips for living in Vatican City.
Denominations
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2. Notes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200. Vatican City mints its own euro coins featuring the Pope — these are highly collectible and rarely circulate.
Payment Culture
Vatican City uses euros, identical to Italy. Within Vatican territory, card payments are accepted at Vatican Museums, post office, and official shops. The Vatican Pharmacy and Supermarket (for employees) accept both cash and card. Italian ATMs and shops are immediately adjacent. Vatican employee salaries are paid in euros directly.
ATM Tips
No ATMs exist inside Vatican City proper. Use Italian bank ATMs in the Prati neighbourhood (metres from Vatican walls). Avoid airport exchange bureaus — use Wise or Revolut for international transfers.
Exchange Tips
As an employee, your salary is paid in EUR. Vatican coins are worth face value legally but significantly more to collectors — keep any Vatican-minted coins you receive. Currency exchange is not necessary for residents using EUR.
Pro tip: Best apps for expats
- • Wise — Send money internationally at near-interbank rates
- • Revolut — Multi-currency account, free ATM withdrawals (limits apply)
- • N26 — German IBAN, free account, good for EU residents