getting money from ATM card inside a bank in florence, Italy.

Have your bank raise your daily limit in order to withdraw enough money to cover what you need. They can do this. When you get to Italy you can use any ATM machine to get the funds. You may need to do multiple transactions because most ATM's have a transaction limit but they do not have a limit on how many transactions you can make. For example: If you need 1000 euros and the transaction limit is 300 euros per transaction you'll need to make 4 transactions to get enough money. Donna

Thanks. Should I open a separate account for just the rent money transaction?

I am sorry but your comments about your bank is not making much sense. An ATM behind the counter does make any sense. Taking money from an ATM is automatic. You bank does not need to call anyone. How much money do you need the first day? If you needing money for 30 days it seems the landlord should cooperate by allowing you to pay over a couple of days. Another alternative would be to get an money order from your bank on another foreign bank in Florence and hand carry it. The cost could be $50 or so but small in comparison to the total.

I think I would ask more questions of your bank. The issue is at an ATM, your bank places limits on daily withdrawals and an ATM may also place limits. If they are letting yopu know that by going to a Bank, they can circumvent the daily limit and get cash from your account, then great, I just have not yet heard of this. I can get a Cash Advance on a credit card at a bank, maybe this is a similar action, just from your account.

Robin, The information provided by your Bank sounds a bit "questionable" at best. For example: > I've never heard of or seen an "ATM behind the counter". The entire concept sounds a bit ridiculous! Why would a Bank install an ATM behind the counter (presumably operated by a Teller) when the intent of ATM's is to be "automated"? > The idea of your Bank "calling them" also sounds ridiculous. If you were in an Italian Bank at 10:00, that would be about 04:00 in your home area. Is there likely to be an Italian-speaking employee of your Bank working at that time??? Also, the staff at the Italian Bank have absolutely NO idea whether the person on the other end of the phone is legitimate or a "scammer". How much rent will you need to pay? How long will you be in Florence? Here's a few things you could do: 1.) Ask your Bank to increase your daily withdrawal limit for the duration of your trip, as high as possible. NOTE that the limits set by European Banks will take precedence! Also note that your travel funds must usually be in a chequing account with a four-number PIN. 2.) Pack along ~€250 for "travel expenses" until you can get settled in Florence. 3.) Start making maximum daily withdrawals as soon as you arrive. This will prove both that your ATM card is working and will also provide the funds that you need within a few days. 4.) Pack along a "backup" ATM card on a different account (or perhaps a different Bank). That will allow you to withdraw twice as much each day. Good luck and happy travels!