Hi All...
I'm traveling to Italy in a couple of weeks. I've read on this site not to buy my train tix in advance on Rail Europe.
Can I buy my train tickets at the train stations in Italy the same day or a day in advance using my Visa or MC? I don't wanna carry too much cash with me.
Are they cheaper than rail europe?
Ken
Absolutely. Just make sure your card provider knows ahead of time that you will be in Italy so they don't freeze your account for suspicious activity.
Most train stations in Italy, especially large ones like Termini in Rome, have automated self-serve kiosks that take credit cards. You push a button (usually the British flag) for English and follow the directions on the screen. Easy!
ken (BTW, nice name),
Yes, you can buy tickets at train stations in Italy using your Visa or M/C, either at the self serve ticket machines or at staffed ticket windows. Some of the automated ticket machines (especially in France and other countries) are being converted and will now only accept the "chip" credit cards, however when I was in Italy in June the magnetic strip cards were still useable at the machines. At the staffed ticket windows, magnetic strip cards are fine.
Where in Italy are you planning to travel? It's always a good idea to have some cash (even in a Money Belt) as some places "discourage" credit cards due to the fees. Some Hotels and B&B's will accept reservations by credit card, but require payment in Euros.
DON'T buy tickets in advance from Rail Europe as you'll pay more (sometimes considerably more). Buying tickets on the same day is usually fine, although I often like to buy tickets for an outgoing journey a day or two before I'll be travelling (especially where reserved seats are involved).
DON'T forget to validate tickets in the yellow machines before boarding the train!
For more detailed information on the automated ticket machines in Italy, have a look at Ron's website.
Happy travels!
Thanks for such detailed advice. I'd be lost without you guys...
I'm gonna be all over Italy and also gonna be in Prague for a few days and I'm really excited about my trip...
Yes I will carry some cash in a money belt with me but it's nice to not have to carry too much and just use my Visa card.
