How to Exchange Money at a Bank or Exchange Office in Italian
Learn to say you want to exchange dollars for euros in Italian, ask about the exchange rate and commissions, and handle a bank or exchange office visit with confidence.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
Exchanging money in Italy usually happens at a bank (banca) or an exchange office (ufficio di cambio), not at an ATM. At the counter you will need a few polite, practical phrases: state what you want to exchange, ask for the rate (il cambio), and check the commission (la commissione). This lesson gives you the exact sentences for that conversation, distinct from using a bancomat to withdraw cash.
By the end, you can…
- say I would like to exchange dollars for euros at a bank or exchange office.
- ask what the exchange rate is and whether there is a commission.
- understand and respond to simple questions about my passport and the amount.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Vorrei cambiare dei dollari in euro.
I would like to exchange some dollars for euros.
vor-RAY kam-BYA-reh day DOH-lah-ree een EH-oo-roh
The standard polite request at a bank or exchange counter. 'Vorrei' is the polite form of 'I want'.
Qual è il cambio oggi?
What is the exchange rate today?
kwal EH eel KAM-byoh OH-joh
'Il cambio' means the exchange rate here. Use it to see how many euros one dollar buys.
C'è una commissione?
Is there a commission?
cheh OO-nah kom-mees-SYOH-neh
Ask this before agreeing, because exchange offices often add a fee on top of the rate.
Quanto costa il servizio?
How much does the service cost?
KWAN-toh KOS-tah eel ser-VEET-tsyoh
A clear way to ask about any fixed charge for the transaction.
Ecco il mio passaporto.
Here is my passport.
EK-koh eel MEE-oh pas-sah-POR-toh
Banks and exchange offices in Italy normally require photo ID for currency exchange.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The key pattern is 'Vorrei cambiare [amount] in [currency]'. 'Vorrei' is polite and works in banks, shops and offices. Examples: 'Vorrei cambiare cento dollari in euro' (I would like to exchange one hundred dollars for euros); 'Vorrei cambiare cinquanta sterline in euro' (fifty pounds into euros). For a simpler register you can say 'Voglio cambiare...', but 'Vorrei' is safer and more courteous.
When to use it
Use these phrases at the counter, not at an ATM. At a bank you might hear 'Quanto vuole cambiare?' (How much do you want to exchange?) or 'Ha un documento?' (Do you have ID?). Answer with 'Vorrei cambiare...' and 'Ecco il passaporto'. If the rate is poor or the commission is high, you can say 'No, grazie, ci penso' (No thanks, I'll think about it) and try another office. Rates vary, so compare before you hand over money.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Buongiorno, vorrei cambiare dei dollari in euro.
Good morning, I would like to exchange some dollars for euros.bwon-JOR-noh, vor-RAY kam-BYA-reh day DOH-lah-ree een EH-oo-rohCerto. Quanto vuole cambiare?
Of course. How much do you want to exchange?CHER-toh. KWAN-toh VWOH-leh kam-BYA-rehDuecento dollari. Qual è il cambio oggi?
Two hundred dollars. What is the exchange rate today?doo-eh-CHEN-toh DOH-lah-ree. kwal EH eel KAM-byoh OH-johOggi è uno virgola dieci. C'è una commissione di tre euro.
Today it is one point ten. There is a three-euro commission.OH-joh eh OO-noh VEER-go-lah DYEH-chee. cheh OO-nah kom-mees-SYOH-neh dee treh EH-oo-rohA little context goes a long way
In Italy, exchange offices (uffici di cambio) are common near train stations and tourist areas, but their rates and commissions can be much worse than a bank's. Banks often charge a fixed commission and may require you to be a customer for the best rate. Always ask 'C'è una commissione?' before agreeing, and keep the receipt. Note: 'sportello' is the standard word for a bank counter anywhere in Italy; small independent 'agenzie di cambio' exist in many cities, north and south, though they cluster in tourist areas.
One thing to watch for
Saying 'Voglio cambiare dollari per euro' by translating English 'for' literally as 'per'.
Try this instead: Italian uses 'in' for the currency you receive: 'Vorrei cambiare dollari in euro'. Use 'per' for purpose, not exchange. Example: 'Vorrei cambiare cento dollari in euro' is correct.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you politely say you would like to exchange dollars for euros?
Show a sample answer
Vorrei cambiare dei dollari in euro.
'Vorrei' is the polite conditional of 'volere', and 'in' introduces the currency you receive. 'Voglio cambiare...' is also grammatical but less polite.
2Ask whether there is a commission.
Show a sample answer
C'è una commissione?
'C'è' means 'there is'. You could also ask 'Quanto costa il servizio?' for the service charge; both are valid at a counter.
3What might the clerk ask to see?
Show a sample answer
Il passaporto. / Un documento.
Banks and exchange offices normally ask for photo ID. 'Ecco il passaporto' (Here is my passport) is a natural reply.
At a bank or exchange office, start with 'Vorrei cambiare... in...', then ask 'Qual è il cambio?' and 'C'è una commissione?' before you hand over your money and passport.
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