Just a few weeks away and trying to get organized! So, do most of the museums and shops take American Express, or should I plan otherwise? Thanks!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11838 posts
Italy is a very cash-oriented place. While a shop or museum may accept AMEX, you will pay a fee for foreign transactions, and you cannot be sure everywhere you want to use it, the card will be accepted. An ATM card from Charles Schwab has no fees for bank withdrawals and you get a good exchange rate. A credit card from Capital One has no Intl transaction fees. For any bank or credit card you bring, be sure the provider knows where you are traveling so they don't lock it up when you try to use it. Amex has given me trouble time after time living here although I constantly remind them I am here permanently. IF you get turned down at a point of purchase, call the number on the back of the card immediately and they can "release" the card so you can complete your transaction.
Posted by
US
605 posts
When I was in Florence last September, the Uffizi and Accademia only accepted cash--no credit cards of any kind. Have a great trip.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Marjie, I agree, American Express is the least favorite card to use - not as many places accept it, and there is a foreign transaction fee. Even if a shop or restaurant has an American Express decal, they may not take the card any longer, so best to ask if that's the only card you plan to use. Speaking of cash, I've found several shops and some hotels offer a discount for cash (usually 5-10&).
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
American Express is not like it was 30 years or so ago. It's much less popular than today's Visa or MasterCharge. As mentioned above, we do have a Charles Schwab ATM/debit card. No fees of any kind. They reverse them at the end of the month. So far, they've done that.
Posted by
OP
Callaway, VA, US
107 posts
Thanks for the input, everyone - so even the museum shops don't accept credit cards (Visa/MC)? How about shops in/around in Rome, for ex. at the Vatican?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32398 posts
Marjie, You'll probably find that in Florence (and elsewhere in Europe) that American Express is NOT widely accepted, except at "high end" Hotels and similar establishments. As someone else mentioned, Italy is very "cash-oriented" so that will be the form of payment preferred by many merchants. If credit cards are accepted, the only choices will likely be Visa and MasterCard. Happy travels!