We will be arriving at Rome Fiumcino late on a Saturday night (~10 PM) and taking a taxi to our hotel since it's so late and we'll probably be tired, etc. I'm sure there are many ATMs in the airport, but would anyone recommend getting some euros before we leave (normally something I'd not even consider) just in case, so we could at least get to our hotel?
Sure, we always take 100 to 200E into the country. These are mostly saved from a prior trip but nothing wrong with having a few Euro in your pocket so that you don't have to worry finding that machine and it is working.
If you get euros at the ATM in the airport be aware that some of them reject your card. We tried and were rejected but moved to another with no problem.
Just outside the arrivals area in Terminal 3 you'll see three or four ATM's so you do have a few options. This post has a picture and location of an ATM ***** http://tinyurl.com/FCO-meet ***** There are also ATM's upstairs in the departures area. I'd still have some euros in advance - you don't want to forced in using a money exchange at the airport.... Go to your home bank or you can order online. Do check the fees. Your "peace of mind" (and one less thing to worry about upon arrival) is probably worth the effort up front. Good Luck!
Christine, two options for you to consider. If you have sufficient time, you could arrange perhaps €100 through your financial institution, which would provide some travel funds until you get "settled" in Italy. ¶ Another option would be to use a credit card to purchase tickets for the Leonardo Express. When you arrive at Roma Termini, one person can stay with the luggage at track level, while the other can go downstairs one level and then to the right. As I recall there's at least one ATM there right beside the "supermarket". I've never had any problems with that particular one. ¶ NOTE that your travel funds must usually be in a chequing account with a four-number PIN. I'd HIGHLY recommend taking a "backup" ATM card as well as at least one credit card (Visa or MasterCard, as AMEX is not widely accepted). Happy travels!
We had no problem using the ATM right next to our baggage claim. We had a VISA debit card from Everbank. The limit was about $500/day. Get 200 euro from a bank here before you go. You might want to arrange a transfer, rather than take a taxi. We arranged thru www.guestinitaly.com and it was easy from the airport to the door of our apartment.
We went to Rome last week, we got euros at our bank here in the states before leaving.
I'm with the others. I ordered 100E from my bank just to get me through the airport. I wanted to be prepared so I can at least pay for my shuttle from the airport. I still plan to hit the ATM when I get to Fiumicino but if I have any problems, I know I'll have back up cash with me.
Yes, I'm in the camp of taking 100 euros with me. My bank didn't charge me any extra fees - just the conversion fee. You'll be tired from the flight and it'll be one less thing to think about.