ATM use in Italy, Swiss., and Germany

Jason, The ATM's in Italy, Switzerland and Germany are at least as "safe" as the ones you have at home. The Interbank rate is typically used with ATM withdrawals, so that will be the most favourable rate. I would not recommend that you "load up" with Euros and Swiss Francs. Note that your travel funds must usually be in a chequing account with a four number PIN. It's also prudent to pack along a "backup" ATM card in case of any problems with the primary card. Finally, DON'T forget to notify your financial institutions that you'll be travelling in Europe, so they don't "freeze" your card when they notice transaction activity there. Happy travels!

The rule we follow is to only use ATM's that are attached to a bank, and use them during banking hours. In Germany, this often means entering a locked lobby area, using the card itself to gain access (at least that is what I found last time I was in Germany, which was some years ago). My husband and I go together and he stands close by to shield me from any bystanders. Most people waiting are respectful and keep their distance, but if anyone tries to get close just tell them to back away.

The safest ATM's to use are inside buildings, grocery stores, banks, department stores, because they're less likely to be messed with by scammers. If you're worried about being assaulted, it's generally not as likely as in the U.S. but can happen if you fail to use common sense. Loading up on cash isn't generally the best idea.

....and whatever you do, don't "dillydally" around when you are doing your transaction, or the machine will "eat" your ATM card. This happened to me in Italy, and I had to come back the next day and get my card from the bank. One more reason to use the ATM's at the bank, and bring along a spare. We use the ATM's wherever we go, and usually never bring any other cash than our $200 US "reserves".

Not sure Steve is clear about eating the card. The card will be sucked into the ATM during the transaction and returned when the transaction is completed. Same as in the US. Most ATMs, US included, are programmed to take the card back if it is not removed with a limited time window of about 30 seconds. It is a security issue. The ATM thinks that maybe you walked away without taking your card and it sucks it back to protect you. This is different from when the ATM takes your card in and will not return it because of a malfunction or suspicion of fraud. That is a bigger problem. Using a debit card at a bank owned ATM is the cheapest, regardless of fees charged by your card issuer, and most convenient way to obtain local currency. And even better if your card issuer does not charge any fees.

A few more notes about using the ATM machines. Check to see what your daily withdrawal limit is. You might want to increase it for your trip. When using the ATMs in Europe, they will ask you how many euros you want, not dollars. If you ask for more euros than your daily allowance, you will get a message similar to "contact your bank". Try the card again and ask for fewer euros. Another reason to bring a back-up card is that the ATM you want to use may specify which system they honor--Plus, Interlink, etc. Have a great trip.

Good posts here, especially Elles tips and Denises.. I take out as much as I can at once, I quickly stash it in my moneybelt, and I then take it back to hotel and stash bulk of it in safe, or if out and about for the day I just leave bulk of cash in my moneybelt and only carry one days cash on me in my purse ( in your case wallet) Do not bring all your cash from home.