ATM Question

As long as you notify your bank about your travel plans you won't have any problems using your ATM card. 90% of the machines you encounter will accept any card you stick into it:) In fact I don't even know what symbols are on the back of my card nor do I ever look at the symbols displayed above the machines. 9 times out of 10 my card will work, if it doesn't I just go the bank across the street and I'm back in business.

I have a bank ATM card with the Cirrus logo on it.
I have used the card in Italy many times so you should have no problem using yours. I do however make sure that the ATM displays the Cirrus logo. Not all ATMs do.

Virtually all banks give CheckCards for free now (i.e. with the Visa or Mastercard logo) that is, if it's for a checking account so it couldn't hurt, for maximum assurance that you'll be able to use it wherever, to get one of those before your trip.

We always open up a separate account and get two sets of cards in case we have trouble with one. I machine ate one of cards once and we closed the account just to be safe and used the card with the other account we had opened.

Be sure your card has a 4-digit PIN (and know the 'numbers', not just the 'letters', ex: don't memorize/type 'L-O-V-E', but instead '5-6-8-3'). Practice at home to feel more comfortable! Contact your bank to let them know when and where you'll be out of the country; otherwise, they will not allow any transactions to take place due to fraud concerns. If you have 2 cards on that account (a spouses, perhaps), bring both cards. If not, have another way of getting cash - another ATM card on another bank account, for example, or maybe someone at home to transfer money to another account. In Europe, try to use ATMs that are physically attached to an actual bank, and use the ATM during business hours. That way, if there's a problem (eats your card, doesn't give you money but receipt shows it did), you can get immediate help. I've read lots of posts today from experienced travelers who've said their cards don't say MC or VISA on them - only Cirrus, etc. - and they've had no problems. Likely, you'll have no problems, either! Have a great trip!

It's also worth checking with your bank or card issuer to see if they have a corresponding bank in Italy. That way you don't get dinged with high charges for withdrawing cash (can be a few Euros). For example my bank (in Canada) has a corresponding arrangement with Deutsche Bank which has branches in most large towns in Italy. Presumably the larger US banks have similar arrangements.

Thank you everyone for your comments. You have eased my fears. By this time next week I'll know for sure if my card works!!