Prepaid credit card In euros or actual cash?

NEITHER !!!!! Pre-paid cards have historically had high fees both hidden and disclosed and generally a poor deal. You have to read the fine print three times. This has been posted over and over and over ----- The cheapest and most convenient way to obtain local currency is a debit card at a bank owned ATM in the country. Even if your banks charges fees for using the debit card, it is still cheaper than money exchanges at airports or in the city or pre-loaded cards. Your debit card at a bank ATM is your BEST option.

You have your answer. For more details, see our host's free tips:

https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money

A quote: "Using your debit card at an ATM takes dollars directly from your bank account at home and gives you foreign cash. You’ll pay fees, but you’ll still get a better rate than you would exchanging cash dollars at a bank."

Just stay away from all things "what if". Credit Cards work well to pay for hotels and debit cards work well to withdraw cash. There have been countless theories about using preloaded travel cards, and it usually boils down to adding another layer of complexity and/or middleman to an otherwise simple solution.

Just don't do it.

We have a brokerage/checking account with Charles Schwab and their ATM card does not charge any fees. Additionally, they will reimburse your account at the end of the month if the bank charges a transition fee. You do not invest with them, only open a checking account. They do not have a minimum balance and this account is easy, easy.

We've used this for years and we've never been disappointed.

Buon viaggio,

As the others have mentioned, prepaid cards are often not the best value. Obtaining "good old cash" is very easy at local ATM's (Bancomat). It would help to know why you're considering prepaid cards?

Some prepaid cards have an activation fee, in addition to other fees. And unless you spend down to the exact card value, you will need some cash anyway (or risk leaving money on the card that you do not use).

GOOD OLD CASH. Italy is even a place where you can still get cash discounts. Just wear a $$ belt and only keep a little out for immediate use (like meals, transport, etc). I'll say this about everywhere every time.