Paying Bills & Banking In Italy

Like in the UK, most Italian companies require a direct debit in place in order to open an account for services like mobile phone contracts, electricity, etc.

Traditionally Italians paid most bills directly through the post office (Poste Italiane). The practise is still common among older residents and many bills can still be paid through the Poste Italiane app but online banking increasingly the main means of paying bills.

Paying Bills

List of common household utilities in Italy:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• TV
• Phone/Wi-Fi
• Building fees
• Waste tax

Electricity

There are a large number of electricity suppliers in Italy. Some buildings still have older wiring with a limited power supply. Electricity providers can update/increase your supply. Bills can be sent and settled on a monthly basis by direct debit or you can pay via the post office. Increasingly it is possible to opt for ‘green energy’ from sustainable technology such as solar and wind farms.

Gas

Gas tends to only be used for cooking in Italy. It is most commonplace to have a joint gas/electricity provider and like the UK you’ll receive a separate bill for both. Bills can be sent and settled on a monthly basis by direct debit or you can pay via the post office.

Water

Mostly mains water runs on metres. Properties sign up to a set amount on an agreed rate, properties exceeding the amount face a higher charge. Outdoor water (such as swimming pools, standpipes for gardening) are billed separately but from the same water supplier. Bills are normally sent twice a year and based on metre readings. You can pay by online transfer, direct debit or through the post office.

TV

RAI (Radio Audizioni Italiane) is the Italian equivalent of the BBC and residents are required to pay Canone RAI, similar to the TV License in the UK. This is paid once for the household (not per TV). Canone RAI can be paid at the post office, by direct debit or online.

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Phone/WiFi

There are a number of mobile phone companies offering different tariffs. Packages can also include landlines and WiFi. Not all services cover every town or region and it is worth shopping around to get the best deal. It’s best to research broadband speed and reliability offered by companies in your area before signing on to a provider.

Building Fees

Apartment buildings and gated communities have some common, shared expenses covering things like maintenance, grounds, cleaning of communal areas, waste tax, etc. Spese condominiali are similar to UK building management fees and can be paid by direct debit or banking app. Fees can fluctuate depending on any extra maintenance, building work required.

Waste Tax

Known as TARI, this tax pays for the collection, transport and processing of waste. The cost of TARI is based on the size of your property (by metres²) including storage space and garage, plus the number of occupants. For apartments, TARI may be included in the rent or building management fees.

Italians take their recycling seriously. Failure to recycle household waste correctly can result in a fine.

Rental Properties

Most rental properties in Italy are ‘all inclusive’ with a single payment covering all the bills mentioned above. Make sure you check exactly what is or isn’t included in the bill before signing a contract.

Banking In Italy

Payment Methods

1. Online Banking

Like many European countries, online banking is on the rise. However Traditionally, Italy’s older generation tend to be more resistant to change so paying via the post is still very common. The larger Italian banks do have English translation websites and services.

There are banking apps available, as well as the apps offered by the major Italian banks, there are independent payment apps available to manage all your payments from one service. IO (l’app dei servizi pubblici or ‘the public service app’) is another handy app which allows you to interact with local public services, update account information and make payments.

2. Direct Debits

Most usually this will be set up at the time of signing up to a particular utility or service as part of the contract. You will need proof of your address, photo ID and bank details.

3. Cheques

The use of cheques is in decline but they’re still accepted at the post office and in banks as long as you have ID.

4. Post Office

Most utility and household bills can be paid at the post office, you’ll need a copy of the bill detailing the amount owed and payment details of the recipient. You can pay using cash or card.

Opening a Bank Account

To open a bank account in Italy you’ll need;

• Photo ID
• Proof of address
• Your Italian tax code (codice fiscale)

It is possible to open an Italian bank account as a non-resident but in most cases the account will offer restricted services and fees are likely to be higher.

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