My wife and I are planning to visit Lucca Italy in Oct. We have booked an apt through VBRO. I have made them a down payment via Pay Pal and the fees that were taken out were not expected, making the refund less than I expected. For the balance when we are there, they will only accept cash or wire transfer or PP. I don't want to use these services because I can find nothing that specifies all the fees, and I have little confidence that there isn't some skimming going on here. Can I take travelers checks and cash them in Lucca? Is there a better way? We're talking about $800. Should I try to bring cash?
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
Don't take travelers checks! They are no longer widely accepted. You'll land up paying a fee to cash them - so you'll loose money in the transaction. I would just bring cash or if you are not comfortable with that than use PayPal. I'm not sure what you mean by the "refund" was less than expected. PayPal and wire transfers cost money as these services are not done for free. Don't expect the apartment owner to pay for the fees when sending payment in advance. It is a convenience for you because you don't want bring cash.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
By "cash" do you mean dollars or euros? You can get euros through your local bank before you go, the exchange rate will be good and you'll pay a small fee for the transaction/fedexing the euros to your local bank.