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PhrasesTaking a TaxiHa il cambio per cinquanta euro?
A2

Ha il cambio per cinquanta euro?

Do you have change for fifty euros?

Pronunciation

'Cambio' — 'CAM-byo'. Two syllables; stress on the first.

When to use it

Ask before handing over a large note to make sure the driver can give you correct change.

What it means

'Ha il cambio per' means 'do you have change for'. 'Cinquanta euro' is fifty euros. In Italy it is considered bad form to pay with a €100 or €200 note for a small fare — drivers often lack change for these.

Variations

Non ho spiccioli. Va bene cento?

I don't have small change. Is a hundred okay?

States the problem and offers the large note.

Ho solo un biglietto da venti.

I only have a twenty-euro note.

Useful when the fare is less than €20.

Posso pagare con bancomat per evitare il cambio?

Can I pay by card to avoid the change issue?

Offers a digital solution to the cash problem.

Mini Dialogue

— Ha il cambio per cinquanta euro? — Per questa volta sì, ma la prossima volta meglio i pezzi piccoli. — Mi scusi, è quello che ho. — Non si preoccupi, ecco il suo resto.

— Do you have change for fifty euros? — This time yes, but next time smaller bills are better. — Sorry, it's all I have. — Don't worry, here's your change.

Cultural Note

Italian taxi drivers often struggle with change for large notes because their cash turnover is mostly coins and small bills. Asking before departure gives both parties time to solve the problem before it becomes awkward.