Exchanging American dollars in Italy

You can or use Exchange Bureaus. Either way you will pay a very health premium -- potentially in the range of 10% -- to do that. That is not the recommended method but you can do it.

Are you intending to not use ATM machines? Or, are you looking for backup to convert your American Dollars. I would indicate that traveling with a whole lot of American dollars is not wise.

You can exhange money in the larger banks but you will pay a higher exchange cost than you would by withdrawing from the ATM. The banks really don't want the foreign money.

You will also find several money exchange places near the major tourist areas. You won't like the exchange rate. I've seen it as high as 35%. I would suggest avoiding these tourist traps.

The ATMs are everywhere and you won't have trouble getting Euros. However, if you must have Euros, go to one of your large banks in Hawaii and pay the 5% extra fee to get a supply of Euros.

Thank you sooo much. I had no idea that there would be that hefty a fee as I have done the exchange in Eng/Ire/Scot and years ago in Europe without that big a deal. Very helpful thank you both (and so fast!) I was a little worried about 'what if you lost your ATM card or something'

I would hope that you carry two ATM cards. It's really for backup but in Italy, you only get to withdraw so many Euros in a 24-hr period. Usually, its enough. But, you only get to use that card once in a 24-hr period as well. The second card gives you lots of options and is great for backup.

Norma, I am sure you paid an equally high fee before. The problem is that most people have no idea what the exchange rate is. When you don't know the rate, you are at the mercy of what they tell you.

Actually Larry, in 2005 and earlier this year, I tried taking the maximum shown on the ATM twice. In '05 in Siena a sign indicated that could be done if additional money was needed and this May in Florence I tried even though there wasn't a sign and it worked. The total amount withdrawn was less than my total daily amount allowed.

Norma. use your ATM to save yourself money and headaches. Have fun and don't carry Dollars with you except maybe $100.00 for an exergency or until you find your first ATM!! Have fun.

Norma, that hefty fee was around when you last changed money; we just didn't have the ATM option then. No choice. It's soooo much easier now...no traipsing around, tryng to figure out who has the best deal in changing money. Money changers don't have to be as competitive now, either...

Do bring a back-up card, and let your bank know that you'll be leaving the US. VERY important!!!

And, many banks don't change money - I know, sounds weird. Some will break a large bill if you bat your eyelashes just right.

All this info is invaluable and I have only started the helpline. At 67 batting my eyes is probably not gonna work :-}

LOL! You haven't SEEN me!!!

I bat my eyelashes in more of a 'pitiful me, if you help me you'll be doing me a HUGE favor, I'll me most appreciative, and then go away' kind of way, not a Paris Hilton kind of way!!!

I'm finally learning that it never hurts to try...if it doesn't work out, I'm just where I was anyway.

(yes, that was a very good line; you may quote me)(giggle)