Exchanging Money in Italy

Bring travelers checks for emergency use only - no one wants them and you will be charged a fee to cash them.

The ATMs in Italy do not charge a fee but your bank may charge you for using an ATM that is not on its network.

Avoid changing money at airports and train stations - the exchange rate is usually poor. Contact your local bank or American Express Travel Office.

Hi Kelley,

This is an FAQ on this board, and some very helpful advice is given in our FAQ section found HERE under the "Euros" section.

As far as bringing money with you vs. waiting until you get to Italy, it is really a matter of personal choice in doing what you feel most comfortable with. Some people feel better getting a small amount out to take with them, others feel just as comfortable stepping off the plane in Europe euro-free with the intention of getting money out at an ATM.

Thanks for the info and for the link!

No problem - and welcome to the Helpline!

ATM's are your best (and cheapest) option. It's good to have a back up but travler's checks aren't even good for a back up. You have to change them at a bank during bank hours because no one else will touch them.

I bring some US currency to exchange in an emergency but generally it's all ATM.

Be sure to notify your bank your departure and return dates and the countries you intend to visit. You may also want to increase your daily withdrawal limit.

ATM is the only way to go.

And make sure the pin # on your ATM is a 4 digit, not 5. The Italian ATM's wouldn't take a 5 digit #.
I carry 2 ATM cards from different banks in case something happens to one of them, and like another poster said, notify the bank where and when you will be travelling.

Kelley,

I normally take €50-100 in "travelling funds" which provides some money to buy meals or for local transportation on arrival. After I'm "settled" I use ATM's to obtain whatever Cash I need.

Your travel funds MUST be in a chequing account with a four-number PIN. As the others have suggested, it's usually a good idea to take at least two ATM cards on different accounts, in case there are "problems" with one of them and at least one credit card.

I normally have a few Euros left over from previous trips but if I do need to obtain any before leaving, I normally have to notify my Bank or Credit Union a few days in advance as they have to order them in.

I'm with Rick on the matter of Traveller's Cheques - "I've cashed my last Traveller's Cheque!"

Happy travels!

Thank you all for sharing this information; it is very helpful, and I appreciate it!