Phrases › Paying the Bill › Non ho moneta spicciola.

Non ho moneta spicciola.

I don't have small change.

Pronunciation

SPEET-cho-lah — three syllables, stress on first. 'spicciola' is a lovely Italian word for coins/small change.

When to use it

Use when paying in cash but only have large notes. This alerts the cashier to prepare change in advance.

What it means

'Moneta spicciola' = small change/coins. 'Moneta' can mean currency or a coin. 'Spicciola' = loose/small. 'Non ho' = I don't have. Alternative: 'non ho spiccioli' (spiccioli = loose coins, plural).

Variations

Ho solo un biglietto da cento.

I only have a hundred-euro note.

Specifying the denomination — large notes can be problematic.

Avete da cambiare?

Do you have change?

Asking directly if they can break a note.

Posso pagare con la carta invece?

Can I pay by card instead?

Offering card as alternative if no change available.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Non ho moneta spicciola. Ho solo un biglietto da cinquanta. Cameriere: Il conto è tredici euro. Vedo se ho il resto. Cameriere: Sì, ho trentasette euro di resto. Cliente: Perfetto, grazie.

Client: I don't have small change. I only have a fifty-euro note. Waiter: The bill is thirteen euros. Let me see if I have change. Waiter: Yes, I have thirty-seven euros change. Client: Perfect, thank you.

Cultural Note

Italian bars and small restaurants sometimes struggle to change large notes (€50, €100) especially at opening time. The phrase 'non ho il resto' (I don't have change) from the cashier's side is common. Using a card or smaller notes is always smoother in small establishments.

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Abbiamo già pagato.

Pago solo la mia parte.

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