In preparation for our anticipated trip to Rome, we pulled out some undated news clips written by people that visited Rome in the past who had trouble with ATMs from the Banca di Roma. According to their story, they received only 10% of the requested amount of money from the machine, while their debit card was charged 100%. When making an inquiry at the Bank's office in Rome, they were told this "happens all the time" and there is nothing they could do about it. Is this old news? Anyone else experience such a problem?
Posted by
Wichita
831 posts
Jim,
Never had that problem. It does not seem reasonable that it could be an on going problem that Italians just accepted.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23282 posts
We have spent about a month in Rome over the past four years or so. Never heard of such a problem. And have never had any problem with an ATM in Rome or else where in Europe. I follow several travel sites and have never seen a posting related to that problem. Could it be a urban rumor???
Posted by
Denver, Colorado, USA
26 posts
I too have never heard of this happening. We have traveled through Italy extensively and have spent a a large quality of time in Rome. Knock on wood, we have NEVER had any issues while using an ATM or Bancomat while in Rome
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Jim,
I use Banco di Roma ATM's often and have never had a problem... Actually, all my ATM problems come from living here and NOT using my card in the States... so about every 90-120 days I have to call my bank and remind them! But problems from a Roma bank... not yet - knock on wood!
Posted by
Henson, Florida, USA
466 posts
I have used Banca di Roma ATM's and have never had a problem. My sister lives in Rome and she said that she has never heard of that problem.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Sounds like an urban myth. You won't have any problems.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1449 posts
I've taken hundreds of euros out of ATMs in Rome on several trips. Neither me nor anyone I know of has ever had a problem like this.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23282 posts
I checked the various rumors sites to see if there were any stories of ATMs short changing people. Lots of stories about ATM scams and frauds but nothing on this subject.
I am sure it a possibility. I had it happen locally one time when I asked for a $100. The machine ran, heard the money being counted inside, the receipt popped out, card was returned, I was charged but the door never opened and no money came out. It was a major hassle for several weeks to get my hundred dollars.
For those kinds of reasons, I never use a stand alone machine at an airport or anywhere else. Always use an ATM attached to a bank during open hours. Figure those are in better working order than a machine in a remote location. And I always use an ATM that someone else has just used. If it worked for them, it should work for me.
Posted by
Media, PA, USA
11 posts
I didn't have trouble with the amount of money, but I did have trouble finding working ATM's while in Rome. Some were out of money, some out of order, some not the right bank. My friends also had this problem and we were happy we had enough euros with us. I was successful at Termini station, downstairs.
Posted by
boulder, colorado
192 posts
I have never heard of this problem. Only times I ever had problems was when I was trying to take more money out than my daily limit. If that problem existed, no one would use the machines.