In fact, there are around 50,000 Tabacchi in Italy — about as common as cafés. They may look like simple cigarette shops — but they’re much more than that. Tickets, stamps, snacks, lottery slips, phone credit — all in one tiny place.
You’ll find similar stores in other countries too: Tabac in France, Kiosk or Tabakladen in Germany, R-Kiosk in Estonia, Newsagents in the UK. But Italian Tabacchi feel different — they’re woven into daily life, part of the country’s rhythm and tradition.
Most are run by just one person. If you’re outside the main tourist zones, don’t count on them speaking English — but they’ll usually do their best to help.
What Can You Do at a Tabacchi Shop in Italy?
1. Buy bus or train tickets
Some train stations don’t have machines, and you can’t buy tickets on board. Fortunately, most Tabacchi sell regional train and city bus tickets.
2. Send postcards
Italian post offices are famous for long lines. Luckily, you can skip them. Just buy francobolli (stamps) at a Tabacchi and drop your postcard in a nearby red mailbox.
3. Top-up SIM cards
You can recharge your mobile balance for €5, €10, or €20. It’s fast and doesn’t require any paperwork.
4. Hitchhike in villages
In small towns, you might catch a ride near the Tabacchi — not just at petrol stations. This works especially well where buses are rare.
5. Grab everyday essentials
You’ll find pens, toothpaste, snacks, and cheap phone cables here. Some even sell umbrellas or toys. In addition, Tabacchi are the only legal retailers of tobacco in Italy.
6. Buy lottery tickets
Italians love gioco del lotto. These little shops are where locals often buy their lucky numbers — with a smile and a hopeful shrug.
7. Pay bills
Some Tabacchi act like mini post offices — you can pay utility bills and fines here, often with just a barcode and some cash.
How to Find a Tabacchi Shop in Italy
Look for the big “T” sign on a blue or black background. Some signs say Sali e Tabacchi, which refers to the days when both salt and tobacco were state monopolies. If you need help, apps like Tabacchi Italia show the nearest shops.
Typical Opening Hours
Most Tabacchi are open Monday to Saturday, usually 08:00–13:00 and 15:00–19:30. Many close for a long lunch. On Sundays, they are often closed — especially in small towns — so plan accordingly.
A Fading Piece of Italian Life?
There’s something nostalgic about a good Tabacchi. The cigarette price boards, the lotto posters, the cluttered counters — it all tells a story.
These places may look modest, but they’re rich in atmosphere. And as more things move online, Tabacchi might slowly turn into little time capsules. One day, they could feel more like small museums of Italian daily life than working shops.
So even if you don’t need a bus ticket or a SIM card, step inside a Tabacchi at least once. It’s a glimpse into real Italian life — and who knows? You might leave with a bus ticket, a lighter, a lucky number — and a little piece of Italy in your pocket.
