How to pay bills in Italy - Guide for Brits

Paying bills in a foreign country can feel unfamiliar, especially if you're not used to the local systems. Whether you're staying in Italy short-term, planning to live there more permanently or you own a second home there, handling payments doesn’t have to be complicated.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to pay bills in Italy using the most common methods. From everyday services to official payments, understanding your options will help you handle payments efficiently and stay organised.

We’ll also highlight Wise, a safe and convenient payment solution. Whether you prefer manual transfers or automatic Direct Debits, a Wise account offers transparent fees* and supports 40+ currencies, making it easier to manage your bills from anywhere.

➡️ Learn more about the Wise account

Paying bills in Italy: Types of bills

When living in Italy or handling bills related to property or services there, it’s helpful to know the most common types of payments you’ll encounter. These typically include:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water
• TV/Phone/Internet
• Local taxes (waste tax, property taxes etc.)
• Insurance
• Building fees

Remembering these bills will help you manage your payments smoothly. Also, be sure to include any subscriptions or regular services as part of your ongoing expenses.

Post office

Most household and utility bills can be paid in person at Poste Italiane, Italy’s national post office.

To make a payment, simply bring the bill showing the amount due and the recipient’s banking details. You can pay using either cash or a card, depending on your preference.¹

Poste Italiane offers a digital identity service called PosteID. This service is part of SPID, Italy’s official digital identity system. Through PosteID, users can access many public and private websites, including those for paying bills online.²

Additionally, Poste Italiane partners with PagoPA, the national platform that makes paying bills to public services simple and secure.²

Bank transfer

Bank transfers, known in Italy as bonifico bancario, are a commonly accepted way to pay bills. This method involves sending money directly from your bank account to the service provider’s IBAN. Your bill usually provides the required IBAN, and for international transfers, you might also need a BIC or SWIFT code.

While bank transfers are secure and dependable, they can take several business days to process, particularly when sending funds from the UK. Transfer fees vary based on your bank and whether the payment is domestic or international.

If you have an Italian bank account and are in Italy, you can also pay bills at a local bank branch. Simply bring your bill and have the staff help you with making a payment. Some banks might charge a small fee for this service.

Tabaccheria (tobacco shops)

One popular option for how to pay bills in Italy is at the tabaccheria, small tobacco shops found in nearly every neighborhood. This method is convenient, especially in smaller towns or for those who prefer paying in person. Most tabaccherie will likely accept both cash and cards.³

Direct debits

To make bill payments easier and avoid missed deadlines, many Italian service providers allow you to set up direct debit, known as RID or addebito diretto.

By authorising a company or municipality to withdraw payments automatically from your bank account, bills like utilities and local taxes are paid on time without the need to initiate each transaction yourself.³

Setting up a direct debit usually involves completing a form with your bank details and submitting it to the provider or your bank. It's a practical option for recurring payments and helps reduce the risk of late fees.

This method is widely used across Italy and is also available to foreign residents who have an Italian bank account.³

Supermarket

Larger supermarket chains in Italy such as Coop sometimes let you pay bills directly at the checkout. If you’re already shopping, you can take care of your payment at the same time, making the process quick and convenient.³

Service provider websites

Many utility companies and public services in Italy have online portals where you can pay your bills. You can usually pay using credit or debit cards, as well as bank transfers. These websites often accept international cards, making it easy for foreigners to manage payments remotely.

Most suppliers don’t charge any commission for bill payments made through their websites. Just make sure the website is secure before you enter your card details.

Online money transfer services

Online payment platforms have made it much easier to pay bills in Italy, both domestically and from abroad. Many fintech services allow you to send euros directly to an Italian IBAN, often with lower fees than traditional banks. Many offer fast transfer times, often completing payments within one to two business days.

This method is especially convenient for anyone who needs to pay bills occasionally or on a regular basis while living outside Italy. Just make sure to double-check the IBAN and payment details before confirming any transfer.

Companies like Revolut, PayPal or Monzo allow for easy money transfer and secure transactions. You can also pay bills with Wise, whether through Direct Debits or with a manual transfer.

Send, spend and convert with a Wise account

Understanding how to pay bills in Italy will help you stay on top of your payments and avoid any unnecessary stress during your time in the country. For added convenience, services like Wise offer a simple and cost-effective way to handle international payments.

A Wise account provides a convenient way to pay your bills and subscriptions, either manually or via Direct Debit. It also lets you send and receive both domestic and international payments securely, without any surprise costs.

With Wise, you can hold up to 40+ currencies, including euros, and easily switch between them using the Wise app.

Whenever you convert money with Wise, you get the mid-market exchange rate, with no mark-ups or hidden margins. All fees* are transparent, so you always know exactly what you’re sending and receiving.

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Sources used in this article:

1. Armishaws - banking in Italy
2. Poste Italiane - payments
3. FBC Italia - paying bills

Sources last checked on date: 26-Sep-2025