cash advances on credit cards.

Glenn, getting a cash advance from your credit card is the worse way to go. It IS possible, but defnitely NOT preferred.

If you have time, why not open a separate checking account with your bank or credit union for cash. So for the places that are cash only, you have access to the money by ATM, and charge the other items with the Capital one Visa card.

I opened a new checking account and it took 1 week to get the card.

If you are referring to your "credit card" and not an ATM card, be advised on the difference. Using an ATM card, you withdraw money from your own account. Using a credit card, you are borrowing money from the credit card company and, in addition to the transaction fee, the interest charges could begin the moment you touch the cash. It is strongly advised not to use a credit card to withdraw cash.

You said "credit card". If what you're talking about is an ATM or debit card, using it to get cash from an ATM machine is the standard method used these days and generally results in the lowest fees. But using a credit card to get what amounts to a cash advance is not the preferred method because generally the fee is higher. This is explained here: Rick's Money 101

check out this post on ATM/ Charles Schwab:
click here

Glenn:
I agree with the other posters...do not use your credit card to get a cash advance..you will pay too much in fees, and I would be surprised if you accrue miles when using the credit card for a cash advance. Use an ATM card for cash and use your Capital One card for purchases, hotels, rail tickets, etc. The great thing about Capital One is that they do not charge any trasaction fee if you use their credit card for a purchase while in Europe.

Have a great time in Italy!

Thanks for all the replies. Just what I thought. I will look into Charles Schwab.