Money Exchange

There are places to exchange dollars to euros, but the exchange rate will be more favorable to the business and not you.

It's easier and usually more cost-efficient to just use an ATM to withdraw money. There are ATMs at the airport and they are easy to find. You can find more information here (this will also show you where the exchange counters are if you still want to use them). https://www.ifly.com/rome-leonardo-da-vinci-airport/ATM-banks-currency

Recent discussion here
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/best-exchange-options-at-fiumicino

I've always used ATM's when we landed in baggage claim to exchange some dollars. The last trip we took, this to Portugal, I used an ATM to get 200E. With bank fees, that cost me $40. (exchange rate was not as good as right now, but still)

I decided to contact my bank, Wells Fargo, and found out that if I go to a teller, get 200E, there is no bank fee, and I only paid an exchange rate.
For the first time ever, I'm traveling with Euro in hand before we get to Italy next month. I'm so tired of paying ATM fees on both banks. Wells Fargo charged $5 and the European bank was $8, just to use the machine. No more ATM's for me! (Keep in mind we took 200E both times. This time I paid $15 for 200E...a much better deal in my mind.

@Ellen there are many banks in the US that do not charge fees for using ATMs - Capital One and Schwab are two prominent ones. I'd suggest checking them out. I have a C1 checking account and savings account that I use primarily for travel and they don't charge ATM fees. I just transfer a small amount of my travel funds from my checking to my savings when I'm ready to use it, to protect in the event of a lost debit card. Look for banks in Europe that don't have ATM fees too.

@katherine215. We used to bank with BBVA and had no fees, hubby switched to Wells Fargo for business. Since we only travel 1-2 times a year, I don’t see the value in time, etc to open a new account for travel purposes. Since I know now that I can order Euros and have them in hand , that’s the way I’m going in the near future. Since we charge most of our purchases, and don’t have any fees on our cc for travel/exchange, I’m very content with my decision. Thanks for your thoughts, might work for other readers here on RS.

Wait! I thought if you used a bank ATM in Europe/Italy that there would be no ATM fees. Are there no bank ATM's in FCO (arrivals Terminal 3 in particular)?

Joan,

I thought if you used a bank ATM in Europe/Italy that there would be no ATM fees.

I don't think that's generally true any longer