Need advice from those who have been there

Rent the car before you leave. Most people find that renting the car from the US is cheaper than waiting until you get there. Plus you will be more assured that there will be a car available.

Autoeurope seems to be a favorite here.

A debit card tied to your checking account in the US is a good way to access cash through ATMs in Italy. You get a good exchange rate and don't have to carry a ton of cash. ATms are every where. You'll need a card that is linked in with the big networks like STAR, Cirrus etc. Usually if it has a VISA logo on the debit card you'll be OK.

ALso take a credit card or two for non cash purchases and to rent the car. They'll put a large hold on your debit card for the rental that may interfere with your cash flow.

Yes, have more than just the debit card. It's not at all unusual to have a card turned up "frozen" over there. It has happened to me more than once. Luckily I've always had a backup card that worked.

Before you go,notify your card vendors about your trip to Italy. This helps prevent your card getting frozen, but sometimes their fraud dept. fouls up and freezes the card anyway, thinking it has been stolen by someone overseas.

Even if you've paid for your car in advance, they'll want a credit card number to guarantee that any additional charges will be paid. Additional charges are things like refilling it with gas if you return it less than full, or if the car gets ticketed by a traffic camera and the government sends them a ticket. All that needs to be covered by a credit card, not a debit card.

But you definitely want to use a debit card to draw out cash at the ATMs. It gets you the best rate with lower fees than using a credit card, and some ATMs just don't like credit cards as much as debit cards...that is, they reject them even if they work fine at other machines.

Reserve your car ahead of time or you may not have a car at all or end up paying too much. With some rental companies like Europcar, if you pre-pay for it, you get a discounted rate. Don't forget to buy all the insurance that they offer! Also, buy your own GPS (with European maps) before you leave and learn to use it and program it. You will have such an easier time navigating. With all the roundabouts and poorly marked roads, you will get lost. If you have one, a Capitol One credit card is best because they don't charge a foreign transaction fee. Also, bring your ATM card so that you don't have to carry large sums of cash on you all the time. Withdraw cash as you need it. Be sure to let your bank/credit card company know that you will be using your card overseas. The tolls are not much, and it is easiest just to use your credit card at the tollbooth. You will insert your ticket and then insert your credit card into the very same slot.

Jeff,

I agree with the others in that it would be better to arrange the rental from home. You could either speak with a travel agent or do it on the net. Check the Italy Guidebook for more detailed information on the CDW, etc.

A "Debit card from my local bank" will be needed to obtain cash from ATM's, but you will also need a credit card for the car rental. I'd suggest taking at least TWO Debit cards and at least ONE credit card (preferably VISA or MASTERCARD as AmEx is not as readily accpeted in Europe).

One other important point to mention is that an International Driver's Permit is compulsory for driving in Italy. Failure to produce one if requested can result in fines on the spot. These must be used in conjunction with your home Driver's License and each driver must have their own I.D.P. You can obtain an IDP for very reasonable cost from any AAA office (they may also be able to arrange the car rental for you - I usually arrange both domestic and international car rentals through my local CAA affiliate as there's often a "member discount").

One final (but again important) point to mention - be VERY careful to note signs if you'll be driving into cities/towns, ESPECIALLY Florence (if you were planning to go there?). Some towns have "limited traffic" zones (Zona Traffico Limitato) and anyone passing through these will have their license plates photographed by automated Cameras. A few months after you get home, you'll receive expensive traffic tickets in the mail. Check other posts here on the HelpLine for more detailed information on these.

Happy travels!

Jeff, About the debit cards, make sure they have a 4 digit pin, the ATM's in Italy won't take a 5 digit pin. Also, check to see what the daily limit for your card is, you may want to increase the daily limit. When you check into the hotels, or before you leave here, ask them if they will give you a discount if you pay in cash. Many do.
Read the posts about the restricted traffic zones in some of the cities and even smaller towns!
Have a great trip!

Definitely reserve the car from the U.S. I did this through Auto Europe & it was a very easy process. Definitely also take your ATM & at least 1-2 credit cards. My husband & I each got ATM cards for each others' accounts so that if the ATM eats his card, we will have a back-up card. We bank w/ B of A & we called them this week & got our daily limit increased (they said we could increase it to $1700/day). Definitely tell your bank to note on your account that you will be travelling internationally & the dates that you'll be there so they won't flag activity as fraudulent & freeze your account. Happy travels.

Reserve a car BEFORE you leave. I really like Autoeurope. You must take the insurance inclusive package because the destination is Italy. I think it is a good deal. One last item, driving in Italy is an ADVENTURE IN MOTORING!

Take an ATM card with a 4 number pin. ATM's are everywhere. I also take several credit cards with me.

Wear a money belt. Read my post under travel scams on this bulletin board. The incident I described happened this month and it was my 12th trip to Italy.

Buon viaggio,

RB