We are planning on using ATM for cash while in Italy and Switzerland but am thinking I read in RS Guidebook somewhere to also bring cash from home...am I remembering this correctly?
thanks
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23653 posts
We always have $200 US in twenties as emergency backup. In nearly 20 have never used it. Also have a hundred or so of local currency going in. If we have not saved local currency from a previous trip, then we get it at a currency exchange (expensive) in the US or a local bank (still expensive less than a currency exchange.) Rest of the time depend on two debit cards. Never had a problem which does not mean that we cannot have a problem the next time.
Posted by
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1649 posts
We took $200 USD in 20's to Europe with us. In the event the ATM cards wouldn't work, we'd have some cash to exchange as a last resort. We didn't need as the ATM's worked flawlessly, and just kept the cash in the money belts. I think we used the cash to pay for partking when we arrived home. Exchanging USD for Euros would be at a bad exchange rate, so only use dollars as a last resort.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Rick carries a few hundred dollars in hard cash as a back up. In 20s. And then he says "Don't bother changing cash before you leave home - ATMs are easy to find and easy to use."
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
Some people like to have local currency on them when they arrive, feeling that an ATM stop is a hassle. Since it's expensive to exchange even at banks, just do $100-200 if you are so inclined. The idea of bringing $100-200 US dollars with you is a great one. It's there for an emergency (assuming you can get to an exchange office) and if you don't need it you lose nothing. And you'll need some cash at home to pay for Starbucks at the airport, parking or a taxi anyway.