Can I pay in instalments?
'Rate' — RA-te. Two syllables. 'Rateizzare' is the formal verb.
Ask for larger purchases — furniture, electronics, appliances. Many Italian retailers offer interest-free instalments ('finanziamento a zero interessi') for purchases over a certain threshold.
'Pagare a rate' — to pay in instalments (literally 'to pay in rates'). 'Rate' (plural of 'rata') means instalment. Italian retail finance is regulated and usually offered through specific financial partners. 'Finanziamento' (financing) is the formal term for the arrangement.
Avete un piano di finanziamento?
Do you have a financing plan?
More formal — asks about the full plan.
Quante rate sono disponibili?
How many instalments are available?
Asks about the terms.
È senza interessi?
Is it interest-free?
Critical question — check before agreeing.
Italian instalment plans ('rateizzazione') are heavily regulated. Interest-free offers ('a zero interessi' or 'tasso zero') are genuine in most major retailers. The 'codice fiscale' (tax code) is required for any credit arrangement in Italy.