Travelex 'Cash Passport' (Preloaded Card)

Hi Sharon,
True, you can't use your AMEX card very often, but it has low fees so it can be worth bringing.

I have never used this Travelex card before, so I can only ask, not advise. What happens if your card, or even just your card number is stolen? Will you be stuck and out of cash? Will you spend hours on the phone trying to fix this?

My colleague just returned from Naples. While she was there someone got her card number--not the card, she still has it-- and ran up hundreds of dollars, close to thousands, in charges. It was a hassle when she returned, but at least it did not destroy her trip by emptying her bank account or leaving her penniless. What would happen if something similar occurred to you?

Another option is you can just get another credit card with better terms and leave the Barclays at home. Search the helpline for good recommendations.

In general pre-loaded travel cards as well as Traveler's Cheques are a bad idea, and have been discussed over and over on numerous occasions.

Get yourself a couple of ATM cards and a Capital One card (no foreign transaction fees) and be off on your exciting vacation.

Good luck buying tickets on Trenitalia - that's another frequently discussed point of frustration. Only a very few people seem to have actually been able to purchase tickets and for no apparent reason other than they were lucky.

I have a B&B reserved in Venice and they were kind enough to take my card number and purchase tickets from Trenitalia. Even though my card is declined in the USA it doesn't seem to be declined in Italy.

Buy your tickets at the train station at the automated kiosks. They are very easy to use. I traveled to Italy last May and am going back this May. I didn't have any trouble getting tickets through the machines. Just arrive early enough to get your tickets and find your train.

DO NOT USE TRAVELEX! They have the highest exchange rates of ANYONE. They are a ripoff!! I usually take enough Euros to take care of things that will require a cash transaction such as transportation and some B & Bs. Then, as I need more cash, I use the ATM machine. You will get the best exchange rate from an ATM. If you buy your Euros before you go, generally you should be charged about 8 cents above the wholesale rate (a good rate). When you buy Euros, you are charged the retail rate. Please check with your bank for their current rate. It changes minute by minute however. The best credit card to use is the Capitol One card. They don't charge a foreign transaction fee. It would also be a good idea to bring two ATM cards from two different accounts, one of which you can transfer funds to the other if needed, just in case your ATM card is stolen or compromised, you can quickly transfer the funds from one account to the other to prevent loss and still have access to your funds.