Study abroad in Rome advice

None - he should withdraw money from his bank account via his ATM card as needed.

Really Larry? He does not have a bank account in Italy. Also, there are huge foreign transaction fees.

There are cards at banks/credt unions that do not charge foreign transaction fees. Unfortunately you have probably left it too late to obtain them.

That said, foreign transaction fees are not "huge", and are almost certainly less than obtaining euros in the US.

Since you are new to the board, and on here the stock answer for everyone is "use an ATM" I think you should take a step back and talk to both your bank and credit card and inquire about the following, or at least provide some general information first, in order to plan what might be best.:

Credit Card: What card do you have? Mastercard and Visa should see perfectly fine acceptance, other cards may be spotty or non-existent. What fees does your Card charge for a transaction in Europe? Some levy a 3% FTF, otherss less, or no fees. If he has a no Fee Mastercard or Visa, then he should use that as much as possible, just take a few minutes to learn about Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).

Debit/ATM Card: Ask the bank what fees he will encounter. Some of the big banks do charge a $5 fee if you use an out of network ATM, and some of those do have Partner Banks that may have ATMS in Rome. Some banks also charge up to 3% of the transaction as a Foreign Transaction Fee (FTF). If you have a smaller credit union, then you need to verify that the card will work in Rome, though typically no fees are levied. ATM fees there are becoming more common, though they are disclosed during the transaction, plus DCC is becoming more common, so finding an ATM to avoid Fees and declining DCC will save you money.

Depending what your fees are, that will determine if, or how much currency you may need ahead. I do assume your Son only has one credit card and one ATM card? If so, then I would suggest getting at least a couple hundred euro as back-up in case he gets there and something does not work, or he loses a card. If he does have fees, then up to 500 euro might be justified, it really depends on his needs. Cash will be needed mainly for small purchases, snacks, some entry fees and the like, larger expenses can go on a credit card.

He may also want to verify that he has a PIN for his credit card, this would be as a back-up in case he needs cash if he runs out and ATM card does not work, then he can do a Cash Advance on his credit card in a pinch.

And not to start another argument on here, but he should also take some security precautions, not keep all his cash and cards in one easily accessible wallet in his pocket, splitting up his cash and cards, basic strategies discussed in some of the tips on this site.

Editing to add this link, lots of good information: https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/money

Thank you Paul. This isn’t the first time traveling to Italy but the first time he would be traveling for more than a few weeks.
Thank you for the information and advice. Our bank (Santander) does not have partner banks in Rome (although they do have branches in Prato, Arezzo and Firenze), and I already Know that THEY charge a $6.00 per use fee. Additionally we were advised that the Italian bank he withdraws from will also charge a fee on top of that. He does have 2 credit cards (Discover and Visa), both of which are free from foreign transaction fees. We know the Discover is not readily accepted and he should be fine with his Visa.
Also. any POS purchases he may make with his ATM would also be charged a 4% conversion fee from euros to USD.

Can you advise on checked luggage mentioned in my original post? Thanks again.

My Wells Fargo ATM card charges 5% plus $5 per transaction--excessive.
I load up a credit union ATM card for travel only. And I use it sparingly.
Most of the money spent is on a Capital One card I receive a rebate on, and they give you 100% credit with no discount on the exchange rate. That credit card's rebates have paid for two round trip airfares to Europe this year.

In the time remaining have him obtain another Visa or MasterCard that does not have foreign transaction fees. We have used CapitalOne for years. He basically has one credit card now as Discover does not count. Cutting it too close. Get 100-200 Euros from your bank. Better he lands with some cash to get him started. Never use the debit card for POS purchases. If that card gets compromised you stand to lose the entire account and now you have no debit card.

What is your question about luggage. All I see is a statement...

I think he's asking for recommendations for a "lightweight and durable 29” bag, under 10 pounds if possible? That is evidently the only checked luggage the son intends to take.

I don't know as he couldn't get away with a 25" plus a max. sized carryon? Do laundry once a week (like many of us do) to keep the bulk down. :O)

"A couple of weeks" should be enough time to open, fund, and obtain an ATM card for a Capital One or Schwab account (among others). These are US accounts, not Italian. The two named have no foreign transaction fees nor fees for ATM use, one is withdrawing one's own money from one's own account., at essentially interbank exchange rates (a 1/4 of 1 percent or so friction). Schwab even refunds fees imposed by ATMs. Similarly there are credit cards available with no foreign transaction fees (and thus exchange rates), I can name Capital One, Amazon's Chase card, and TD for starters, all which accrue their promised cash-back awards overseas. The bank account can be opened in your name, as can the credit card with a card issued for your son.

We have had both a son and a daughter spend a semester in Europe, and this method has worked flawlessly.

Hi,

I agree with Larry (PA)

Opening an account online with Cap One or TDBank is fast and secure. Also, TDBank has pretty good exchange rates for Euro to get your son started with a few hundred. For customers, they do charge a small fee. For non customers wanting the Euro, they charge a bit more.

Most of the bigger branches have the money in house in different denominations. If you can go "that route," I would suggest getting small bills - 5's, 10's and 20's - easier to use. (I realize he has been to Italy before, but it is good to get familiar again with the Euro dollar differences and 1€ and 2€ coins.)

If you have a TDBank branch near you, you can open an account and get the card the same day as your visit. I am not sure about Cap One. The TD debit will work in Rome. Of course, it is always a good idea to have a back up debit with cash in the account and credit card too if possible.

Also, make sure you note your son's account number in case you have to add funds to his account or something else happens and you need to contact the bank. Make sure he writes down contact numbers to call the bank if need be.

As stated above, Discover Card is not popular in Italy. Cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Some small markets may not accept a credit card for small purchases - good to have the euro on hand for snacks and drinks, etc.

Adding - Just a little reminder: In case he is not aware, make sure he does not press the DCC button on an ATM/Bancomat screen or wherever he may withdraw money. That will incur a much higher fee & charges. Always decline.

Of course, you know the drill - money belt for the extra euro and cards and passport. No wallet or anything of value in back pockets or jacket pockets where it can be lost or easily accessed for stealing.

Backpack secured - no phone, computer/Ipad or money put at the top for easy access to thieving.

I love Rome besides my "home town." It is exciting and has a surprise around every corner it seems.

I hope your son has a lot of fun while studying abroad.

For luggage, maybe look at TJMaxx and/or Marshall's. I think TJM has the most in selection though.

If he did not get one yet, probably he would want a very durable backpack for obvious reasons. His luggage will be stationary in his room of course, so wear and tear will be minimal.

Also, as you may know, the bigger the luggage, the more it will weigh starting out empty. I am not fond of 4-wheeled spinners.

Some suggestions:

Travel Pro - Macys.com has a good selection and most are lightweight. I took my (22" Walkabout) to Rome a few times now and it has held up very, very well. I check it and carry on a smaller piece. Personally, I really love this brand.

American Tourister - they have lightweight choices, pretty durable.

Luca - found at TJMaxx. I have seen many and their luggage can be a hit or miss.

Another thought: I will presume your son will travel around Rome when not in Uni.

Maybe? he can pack a very lightweight (foldable) heavy-duty nylon backpack to carry essentials - water, snacks, notebook, hat, etc, etc. I have seen those types of backpacks at TJMaxx and sometimes Marshall's - mostly at TJMaxx in the travel section. Other stores such as Walmart, Target, Kohls are carrying similar.

Large backpacks will not be allowed (or will need to be checked) in many attractions in Rome. If he visits The Vatican and St. Peter's. he will have to check it which will end up being a hassle. Same for Colosseum, The Borghese, - all the big hits in Rome.

Thank you all for your very helpful information and advice. He’s going to do great!!

One more important suggestion. Show him this web site, so he can research his potential issues and also obtain great information directly here.

Larry, I already did! :)

Great advise so far, but I will add a few things:

1) For using the debit card, make sure the code is no more than four numbers.
2) If you decide to purchase some Euros in the USA, Wells Fargo and Bank of America have the best exchange rates, but you have to have a credit card or account with one of them to use the service. Most US banks rip you off buying foreign currency.
3) Rome is my favorite city in Europe, but pickpockets are a concern there. Suggest that he wear a money belt, or at a minimum a neck wallet.
4) Prior to leaving for Rome, suggest he do some research on things to see and do in Rome. TripAdvisor is a great place to start. Also, taking a map of the city is a good idea. You can print on off the internet that shows the key points of interest.

Hi again sdall, another thought on the topic of luggage -

What about a rolling (canvas-style) duffle bag? And since he won't be lugging it around Italy, it may be an idea. Rolling duffles are usually much less in weight than that of a big luggage piece. Also, perhaps he can roll most of his clothes "military style." They have YT vids on how to.

They have sizes 28", 30" and 32" and above. Since it is "unconstructed" compared to a regular luggage piece, your son can fit more into it - athletics or boots, sweater...