Dollar to euro exchange

Thank you, Ellen. The information I've received from seasoned travelers on this board has been invaluable.

Don't take cash or travelers checks. Take your ATM card and stop at the ATM in the airport in Palermo. Your exchange rate will be HORRIBLE if you use the exchange office and even a bank. If you are arriving on a Saturday, you are out of luck using a bank anyway. ATM - it's the way to go. Just make sure you call your bank to let them know the days and countries you will be in...and the same with your credit cards. Also DO NOT let anyone assist you using any automated machine. As friendly and helpful as they seem, they are there to rip you off in most cases. And if you are new to travel...make sure if you are getting a taxi in Palermo to your hotel, you get in a Taxi line, and do not accept a ride from anyone who approaches you offering "taxi service". Best thing you can do is read, read, read this board. Use the search box on the upper right hand side to insert your questions and make notes of the replies. If you are new to travel, you need to be informed, or expect to MAYBE be ripped off.

Make sure you notify your banks and credit card companies of your travel plans, or they will block your cards. Make sure you have the international numbers to call in case they block them anyway. You might also want to bring a couple hundred dollars worth of euro with you, so you have peace of mind of having local cash on arrival. Your major bank branch in Tampa will do the exchange. The rate won't be great, but it buys some comfort and leeway in case your card doesn't work for a day or two.

thank you, doug!

Here's a page of Rick's excellent money tips. Read all the links, and you'll be an expert: http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/tips/money-travel-tips.htm