Money Exchange/ATM Card

Using an ATM card is definitely the way to go. I only use the card while the bank is open. If there is a problem I can go into the bank and ask for help. I plan ahead for the weekends so I do not need to use it while the bank would be closed.

Also, examine the ATM machine prior to using it or wait until you see someone else using it. THe thieves in Italy are extremely skilled at placing covers over the front of the machine to steal your card. Also examine the slot where you insert the card. If you notice any strange things around the slot do not use thhat machine. They place wire contraptions into the slot so the machine will not be able to eject your card. They will come by with tweezers and remove your card.

Traveler's checks will cost you time and money and not every bank will exchange them. Also, it can take any where from 5 minutes to 45 minutes to cash one check.

Buon viaggio,

RB

You should never completely rely on plastic. As Rick recommends, you should always carry about $200-$300 in cash stored in a money belt in case of an emergency like you've described. I only travel with one debit card, two credit cards, and my emergency cash.

It normally takes more than a week to receive a new ATM card.

In the future, if I were you, I would open a second account for travel at a large back such as Chase. And use their ATM card. That way you would be covered.

If you carry US$, avoid 100$ bills. These are frequently counterfeited and, thus, refused in many places. I carry 20$ bills, around $100 worth.

My experience is that banks and exchange desks prefer (new) hundred dollar bills and new twentys. In more remote areas outside of Europe the fifties are the bills some changers like to avoid.

Mike is correct. It is the 50 bill that is highly counterfeited. I always use a ATM attached to a bank during business hours so if it is eaten I have a chance of recovery by having someone guard and I go into the bank. At least that is the plan as I have had a problem in some 15 years. A quick way around the double card would be to add another name to the account and have the devit issued in that name. Do you have a handy sister or mother you trust?

Thanks for all the tips. I will just use my ATM card inside banks as suggested. I thought of adding someone to the account but it will still be too late for me to get the card I think.

I had originally planned to just bring several hundred $ in euros but then found out that the exchange rate is bad, so didn't think about having a 2nd backup ATM card. I did get a credit card as a backup but then there are all the big fees for a cash advance. Guess i'll just get a small amount of euros in the us and then cross my fingers that my atm card works

We had a small problem the first time we tried to use our ATM cards in Florence. Several other foreigners were as well. It just simply would not work. After a few frustrating hours and trying several machines, it finally DID work. In the meantime, I did get a small cash advance on my credit card. Be sure to always have cash on you (whether in your money belt or your PacSafe or similar purse) (I assume you're female!) just in case there's a glitch and you can't get cash immediately.
I was told that traveler's cheques were easily counterfeited and difficult to exchange over there; overall, ATM card was the way to go.