card readers

Michelle, I think you may be panicking. I use ATM cards all over Europe -- but I use the ones that are inside the protection of the front door of a bank. Use a "neck wallet" which is on a rope around your neck and keep your debit card, credit cards and the majority of your cash. In your purse, keep a coin purse like Gramma had, with enough money to do what you need to do during the day. You will have many coins, so you will need one. Relax!

I think you mean "card skimmers". I don't understand your comment "another way to steal from Americans". This type of fraud happens all over the world including here in the U.S. In Europe, the people who are most likely to be using ATMs are Europeans. Do a google search on "credit card skimmer" and you will see some photos of what the devices look like. Most people recommend that you use an ATM at a bank.

So I should not use one a ATM at the Train Station?? I am coming in on a Saturday and the banks I am sure are closed.. What do I do without EURO Until Monday?? Michelle

Michelle, I sent you a private message!!! Read it! Get some euros before your trip!!! You're safer using ATM at the airport rather than train station.

Michelle,
Get a couple of hundred Euro from your local bank before you leave. That way you will have taxi fare, food / drink funds, and walking around money until the banks are open and you can access an ATM inside the bank. TC

Thank you Donna You are right.. I am a bit nervous.. I just read Rick Steves Chapter on how Americans are scammed and stolen from.. The thing is I do not want to be an ugly American at all.. But how do you protect yourself and be friendly.. it is a scary thing

I am coming in on a Saturday and the banks I am sure are closed.. Yes, but just like in the U.S. bank ATMs operate everyday of the week.

DO they operate inside of the bank or outside?

Do you use ATMs that are outdoors at your bank in the U.S.? If you are willing to use an outdoor ATM in the U.S., then Italy is not going to be any different. Yes, someone can place a skimmer on an ATM. It has happened on banks here in the U.S. Has this ever happened to you in the U.S.? It hasn't happened to me anywhere. Of course it can happen, but that doesn't mean it is likely to happen or that it will happen to you. It is good to know about it so you can exercise care, but it is not something to stress about. I personally just look ATMs that are attached to a bank ... I don't care if they are indoors. Not every bank has an indoor ATM.

Michelle, there's a lot of info on the web about how to detect a skimmer. You can jiggle the little piece of plastic that surrounds the slot you stick your ATM card into. If it seems secure, it's not a skimmer. Also, be sure to shield the keypad as you enter your PIN so no one can see it and a hidden camera cannot record it. Just hold your left hand a few inches above the pad while you "digit" with your right hand. You'll be fine.

Thank you Laurel.. That is all I needed to know Michelle

I just read Rick Steves Chapter on how Americans are scammed and stolen from.. As a travel educator RS feels an obligation to write about some things in his books so that travelers are aware of 99.9% the great things they can see and do in Europe, and 0.1% the obstacles they may encounter. Michelle, as an adult you have probably used an ATM card or credit card at home at an ATM machine or at gas stations etc. at least 100 times. Exactly how many of those times has your card been 'skimmed'? Would I be wrong to say zero? Then that's the same amount of times it is likely to happen in Europe. You have let your fears and anxiety consume your thoughts. And you didn't do any searches within this site before you began asking your questions. If you had done, and had read the many threads in which fears about petty crime against tourists has been discussed, you would probably have been reassured and would not have had to expose yourself to some ridicule as you have done. Post about something positive and you will see that you will get an entirely different sort of response. Roberto's point is actually a fair one. If you go to Europe full of fear, you will have a miserable time. I actually met someone like that on my last trip, and she did indeed have a miserable time. Traveling closer to home might indeed be better for you if you can't put your fear aside.

I remember before I went over I read and heard a lot about scams and ran some worst case scenarios through my head. I guess it's good to be aware that it can happen and to use some extra vigilance but will tell you in two years of wandering around Italy and a short trip to Greece I never once ran into a scam, got pickpocketed or had any trouble with ATM ripoffs. The worst I can say is got a few hotel rooms that were not exactly as advertised, payed too much for some souveniers (don't buy anything around the Trevi fountain lol) and got some crappy food around the major tourist attractions. Of course there are those looking to ripoff tourists in some way or other but 99.9% of Italians,and the Greeks also, are warm friendly people who are just doing their jobs and going about life. Just stay aware of your surroundings, wear a moneybelt and don't flash money/jewelry around and you'll be ok. Relax and enjoy the time you'll have there.

thank you Ron
good advice you offer can you tell me how you would find a good place to eat.. since I am in tourist area most places are full of tourist.. I do want to eat local foods I wont be buying too many things there.. no room in my bags to take then home lol

Michelle, First to clarify one point.... Again another way to steal from Americans.. Anyone using a card skimmer is stealing from everyone, not just Americans. Regarding ATM use, you're probably safer using a machine in a very public place like a large rail station, as there are Police wandering around on a regular basis so it's more difficult to tamper with the machines unnoticed. I often use ATM's that are inside a foyer, but have used street side machines at times also with no problems at all(so far). I always try to choose larger Banks, as they usually have good Camera surveillance around the machines. The scammers know that and will try to avoid leaving video evidence. Look at the ATM machine when you approach it. The card reader will likely be firmly mounted on the front of the machine. If it seems a bit loose, that's a cause for concern. The machine will draw the card inside (a bit slowly) and you'll then have to choose the language. When the transaction is complete, be sure to remove your card right away as if it's left in the machine too long, it will be "seized". I'd suggest taking €50-100 cash to provide some money for travel expenses, and then use ATM's from then on. Be sure to speak with your Bank regarding your daily withdrawal limit, and get that increased if necessary. Also, it's a REALLY good idea to pack along a "backup" ATM card, in case your primary card fails (I've had that happen). Also, note that travel funds must usually be in a chequing account with a four number PIN. I've seen a few ATM's this trip that had a "Savings" account option, but those are an exception. Happy travels!

Sorry but other than the usual advice I can't be too much of a help on that as I had to go with what my family usually wanted to eat which was pizza 99.99.9% of the time. Yes, you'll be in mainly touristy destinations but what I meant was that usually the immediate area around the major tourist attractions in any given city. I usually avoided places that had the little sidewalk billboard with pictures of food (though a couple of times I got some decent quick eats) and most places that offer a tourist menu. In addition to usually not being the best food it's usually overpriced as well. Just wander a couple blocks away from ( tourist attraction here) and start reading menus. The times I did get to do that and pick where we would eat were usually a good experience.

SO I just walk over a few blocks and find someone that does not speak English and say I am hungry in Italian?? Maybe I can learn to say that much and they will help me.. I do not want to eat off a tourist menu.. I want to eat what Italians eat.. I would stay home if I wanted McDonalds.

Michelle, buy one of Rick's small Italian phrasebooks and study it beforehand so it will be familiar - there are lots and lots of menu items there. Then go into a place where you only see an Italian menu - either scribbled outside or on some chalkboard. No matter where you go, the food will be prepared differently than typical Italian food in the US (especially chain food restaurant Italian) - they don't drown things in sauce and the tomatoes have taste (I apologize for any offense... in my state, at least, tomatoes have no taste). Just learn the customs - that you'll be pretty much ignored until you say you're ready for the check and that (as far as I remember) they'll run the credit card table side instead of taking it somewhere. And wine is cheaper than water or soda, so get a carafe and enjoy yourself.

I found a good thing to do when looking for a restaurant is to ask the person at your hotel desk. They usually have a stack of maps there and will show you where it is. (Hint, take the map with their directions and the name of the restaurant. The time I didn't we couldnt find the restaurant, but it worked out fine since we really liked where we ended up!) We probably wound up with liking 75% of the recommended restaurants we went to that way. After a few days you will get a feel for what the neighborhood is like around your hotel. Don't stop at one that has a tout or a person standing out front asking if you are hungry/thirsty and trying to herd you in to a seat. And yes, they will be speaking English. You might want to get an Italian phrase book if you don't already have one. I got Rick's as part of his tour we went on, but I'm sure there are others that will do you well. He has some hilarious phrases in his. I also printed out some phrases off the internet for specific foods I don't eat and if I didn't think the waiter was understanding my awful Italian, I would show him the card. Communicating with waiters was usually pretty easy.

I think I better start a new topic thread for this question Yes I want to eat Italian.. not at any tourist menus.. I am brave when it comes to food

Well, I guess if that works for you then do that. Io fame - I'm hungry. If you should get someone that doesn't speak English (in Rome you're likely to get someone that speaks at least some)it could lead to a conversation you won't be prepared for. Don't remember saying anything about Mickey D's. Just to clarify - a tourist menu isn't American style food but Italian food that places think (probably with some validity) tourists want. I would suggest looking up some Italian menu/food related info before going. It'll save you hassle at both the table and looking for a place to eat. Most places will have a menu posted outside the door. Two Roman pasta dishes to try - Cabonara and Amatriciana.