Italy: Moderate Risk — watch out for counterfeit goods & antiques.
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Moderate Risk: Counterfeit goods & antiques. Counterfeit designer goods are aggressively enforced against, with real fines even for buyers. Genuine antiques and art require an official export permit to take out of the country.
Italy: Moderate Risk — watch out for counterfeit goods & antiques. Counterfeit designer goods are aggressively enforced against, with real fines even for buyers. Genuine antiques and art require an official export permit to take out of the country.
A specific category of souvenir here carries real export restrictions or requires documentation — check the note above before you buy.
Enforcement varies, but wildlife products (CITES-protected items), cultural antiquities, and anything requiring a permit are exactly what customs and airport security are trained to look for — both on departure and on arrival.
Reputable shops selling genuinely restricted items (like real ivory or protected coral) are rare and often illegal themselves — but "as seen in the market" is not proof an item is legal to export. When in doubt, ask for documentation or skip it.
Banks and airport kiosks quietly add 3–7% to every exchange through worse rates and fees. A Wise account converts your money at the real mid-market rate, holds 40+ currencies, and comes with a card that works at ATMs and terminals in Italy like a local one — usually the cheapest way for travelers to spend abroad.
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