Cash on VFR trip

You should be able to get euros from a bank ATM with the same ATM card you use at home. There is no need to guess how much money you might spend and assume the risk (however tiny) of carrying around that much cash. My credit union doesn't charge me for making withdrawals overseas, so I us the ATM card often for small withdrawals, typically just 40 euros so I know I will not get stuck with any 50-euro notes. Those are sometimes frowned upon in Italy. If your bank assesses substantial fees for ATM use overseas, as many do, you would probably want to make fewer and larger withdrawals if you need cash.

It is never a good idea, anywhere, to carry more cash than you need for the day in an accessible pocket or purse. The same goes for more than one credit card and your ATM card. There are tons of threads on this forum in which people discuss this. I'm comfortable locking excess money and cards inside the suitcase in my hotel room. Other folks prefer to carry things with them inside their clothes (neck pouch, money belt, inside pocket, etc.).

I recommend reading the money and scam topics under "Travel Tips" on this website. The link is to the left. There are things you need to know that you haven't asked about.

thank you acraven

leveringtonvk, how would you manage this for a trip in the US (assuming thats where you're from)? It should be about the same. Some people are comfortable carrying no or minimal cash, while others prefer the surety and anonymity of cash for small transactions. It depends on your spending habits. I seem to leak small amounts of cash all day long when I travel, for small purchases on the street, a bottle of water, a pay toilet, a quick snack, a few cans of diet coke, postage stamps. postcards, etc., so I prefer to use cash. Some days you spend 50, and some days 0. The VFR covers much of your meals, so those days you're on your own may use more.

Maybe just hit the ATM (bankomat) when you get there, and see how fast it goes.