Do you have small change? The ticket costs one euro fifty.
'Spiccioli' — 'SPEE-cho-li'. Three syllables; 'ch' is hard 'k' before 'i'... wait, here 'ci' gives 'chi' — so it is 'SPEE-cho-li' with a 'ch' as in 'cheese'.
Ask a fellow passenger for small change when you only have large notes and the vending machine or tabaccheria requires exact money.
'Spiccioli' means loose change or coins. 'Ha' is the formal 'Lei' form of 'avere'. This is a very common, slightly apologetic request — Italians generally respond warmly to people asking for change at bus stops.
Mi cambia un cinque euro?
Can you change a five euro note for me?
Direct request to break a note.
Ho solo un biglietto da dieci.
I only have a ten euro note.
Explains your situation before asking for help.
Sa dove posso cambiare dei soldi?
Do you know where I can get some change?
Broader question if the person cannot help directly.
In Italy, asking strangers for coins is completely normal and not considered begging. The culture of 'fare cambio' (making change) is deeply embedded in daily Italian life — most people will happily dig through their pocket.