travel checks in Euro

Travellers cheques are rarely accepted by anyone, any more. It's even difficult to cash them at banks, and you will probably find they take quite a charge for cashing them for you. Cash is king with smaller hotels, pensions, hostels, etc, so use your ATM card to withdraw money....or your credit cards.

Norm is absolutely, 100% correct. Fraud has been a HUGE problem with traveler checks so no one wants. A bank might cash them but the few will be high. A debit card at an ATM is the cheapest and most convenient way to obtain foreign currency anywhere.

Thank you very much, very helpfull.

elena,

As the others have mentioned, using Traveller's Cheques is not a good idea. Not only will they be difficult to cash, but you'll be charged a high fee. ATM's are by far a better option.

However, a few points to mention regarding ATM's (called Bancomats in Italy). Your travel funds must normally be in a chequing account with a four number PIN. It's a REALLY good idea to have a "backup" ATM card as well, in case your primary card malfunctions (I know from personal experience how valuable a backup card can be!). At least one credit card would also be prudent.

Be sure to notify your Bank(s) that you'll be travelling abroad, or they may "freeze" your cards when they detect a change in spending patterns.

I strongly agree with Rick on this - "I've cashed my last Traveller's Cheque"!!!

Buon Viaggio!

Elena: Use your ATM card. It's much easier and travellers checks are pretty much obsolite. I don't see them at all anymore and I work in the hospitality industry in Florida. ATM is the newest way to go.

Make certain that you contact your bank and credit card companies' SECURITY DEPARTMENTS to let them know that you will be using your ATM/Credit Cards overseas. Don't rely on an automated service or general customer service over the phone to take care of this properly. It has been my experience that this information doesn't always filter down to the right people. Also have them increase your daily withdrawal limit to the maximum so that you can avoid having to go to the ATM so often.

I always bring a backup ATM card linked to a secondary account just in case my primary ATM card is lost, stolen, or otherwise compromised. If my ATM card is compromised, I can transfer funds from one account to the other and begin to use my secondary ATM card instead.

Bring several hundred Euros in cash, depending on your needs, to get you started and then withdraw as needed.

Thanks again to everyone for all recommendations.
We already set up all exactly as recommended :)
Notified Banks, upgraded daily limits, etc.

Now we are thinking maybe we should rent GSM phone (our cell cannot be used in Europe, we checked). We are not that concern with calling home, rather for safety in Italy, like calling Hotel, etc.

We just came accross the company ACE Telecom Corp. on the web. They offer $19.00 2 week rental, rather low rates in Italy. Would somebody have any recommendation?
Thank you.

elena,

I'm not familiar with the cell phone company you mentioned in your last post, so can't offer any comments on them.

You might also have a look at some of the other "travel phone" firms such as Roam Simple, Call In Europe, Cellular Abroad, Telestial or Mobal. They have inexpensive phones for sale or rental. Buying a phone would provide you with something to use on future trips, although you might have to re-activate the cell plan (they often "expire" if not used for a few months).

Be sure to check their rates so you'll have somewhat of an idea on what your costs will be.

Cheers!