Hello! I'm travelling to Italy in a few weeks and staying in one villa in Tuscany and then another in Salerno. Both villas require that I pay cash.
Any suggestion for the best way to get a large amount of euros to the villa safely, securely and without costing me a ton in fees? Thanks, Andy
Posted by
Portland, Maine
2916 posts
The best way would probably be to withdraw cash from your bank account(s) using ATMs in the area, but a complicating factor could be the daily withdrawal limit, depending on how much you need.
Posted by
Baton Rouge, LA, United States
56 posts
We ran into the same problem for our trip this summer - we ended up figuring out that if we withdraw our daily limit from two accounts starting as soon as we get to Italy, we'll have enough money to eat/tour and still pay our balance on the Florence apartment when we arrive (day 5). We are not thrilled about carrying around that much cash for a couple of days, but they would not take any other method of payment (including PayPal). We have accepted the fees as part of the cost of a private rental - we figure we are still saving money with a two bedroom apartment compared to two hotel rooms.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10259 posts
You can ask your bank to up your daily limit. That amount might exceed the ATM limit. In that case you can make multiple withdrawals. Do this daily until you have enough money. If you have two accounts you can draw from that is even better if you need the money quickly. At what point after arrival do you arrive at the first villa? As to how to keep the money safe, that's what the money belt is for.