What this solves
You need to buy a bus ticket, send a postcard, or pay for parking. The post office is closed (weekend). The bank is closed. The bus ticket machine only takes coins. The tabacchi across the street does all of it in 30 seconds. This tool tells you what you can buy at any tabacchi.
Find by need
What tabacchi sell
Bus / metro tickets
Major city tabacchi sell ATAC (Rome), ATM (Milan), ACTV (Venice) tickets. €1.50-2 for 100 min urban ticket.
Major city tabacchi sell ATAC (Rome), ATM (Milan), ACTV (Venice) tickets. €1.50-2 for 100 min urban ticket.
Postage stamps (francobolli)
All denominations, often cheaper than the post office. Limited international.
All denominations, often cheaper than the post office. Limited international.
Parking payment
Most blue zones use the "gratta e sosta" scratch card system. Tabacchi sell them.
Most blue zones use the "gratta e sosta" scratch card system. Tabacchi sell them.
SIM cards / phone top-up
Italian SIM cards (TIM, Vodafone, Wind Tre) and recharge top-ups.
Italian SIM cards (TIM, Vodafone, Wind Tre) and recharge top-ups.
Lottery tickets
SuperEnalotto, Lotto, 10eLotto, scratch cards.
SuperEnalotto, Lotto, 10eLotto, scratch cards.
Bill payment (bollettino)
Pay utilities, internet, phone bills via PagoPA.
Pay utilities, internet, phone bills via PagoPA.
F24 tax payment
Italian taxpayers can pay F24 forms.
Italian taxpayers can pay F24 forms.
Charges / fines
Some city tickets (ZTL fines) can be paid at tabacchi.
Some city tickets (ZTL fines) can be paid at tabacchi.
Limited snacks
Some tabacchi sell chips, candy, water. Not a substitute for a store.
Some tabacchi sell chips, candy, water. Not a substitute for a store.
Batteries
Sometimes AAA/AA batteries.
Sometimes AAA/AA batteries.
Postcards
Some sell blank postcards (you provide stamp).
Some sell blank postcards (you provide stamp).
Toilet paper / tissues
Some sell these at inflated prices.
Some sell these at inflated prices.
How to identify a tabacchi
- The "T" sign — large black letter T on a brown/white background. Standard in Italy.
- The awning — usually brown with "Tabacchi" or "Tabaccheria" written.
- Inside you'll see cigarette displays, lottery terminals, often a small bar/café.
- The state monopoly logo (a sort of eagle/coat of arms) is also used.
Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday-Friday | 7:00-13:00 and 15:30-19:30 |
| Saturday | 7:00-13:00 (some open afternoon) |
| Sunday | Closed (most) |
How to read the result
- The availability tells you if your need is typically served.
- The typical cost gives the price range.
- The how tells you the steps.
Limitations
- Not every tabacchi sells everything. Smaller rural ones may only sell tobacco + stamps.
- Bus tickets vary by city. ATAC (Rome) tickets don't work on ATM (Milan).
- Sunday closure is common — few tabacchi are open.
- Some tabacchi also have a bar attached (you can get a coffee there too).
- Tourist-district tabacchi often stay open longer.
FAQ
Can I pay with a card at tabacchi?
Yes, most have POS terminals. Some still prefer cash for small purchases. €5 minimum usually for card payment.
Why does my bus ticket from the tabacchi work differently than one from a machine?
Same ticket, same validity. The tabacchi version is a paper ticket you validate in the yellow machine on board; the kiosk version may be contactless or already validated. Same rules.
Sources
Italian tobacco monopoly regulations; observation across Italian regions 2024-2026.