Hello-
I will be staying for a few months in Italy and would like to open a bank account in town ( Agropoli). I don't want to keep cash in the house or continue to pay withdraw fees while I am there. Does anyone know of a bank I could utilize while in Italy.
Thank you-
Kelly
See this similar forum thread: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/budget-tips/is-it-better-to-carry-all-your-money-with-you-while-traveling-in-Italy.
I'd suggest setting up US cards or accounts with minimal fees, such as a credit card from Capital One and a debit card/checking account at a local credit union at home. See https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money for tips for leisure travel. If you will have a residence permit, then you may have other options.
Some banks may open bank accounts to non residents. But not all. Most stay away from US people because of reporting requirements. I opened one but it wasn't easy. Many employees have no experience, fortunately I knew the person well and she figured out the bureaucratic hoops. But not sure which bank in southern Italy. Try Banca Intesa or Unicredit, which are big institutions.
If opening an account is too complicated, many US credit unions have no-fee account options, just open an account here and use your debit card in Italy.
