Tolls

ALWAYS go through the manned lane. The automated lanes won't take US-based credit/debit cards because, unlike European cards, ours aren't "chip-and-PIN."

In June 2010, every toll station we passed on the autostrada (between Lucca and Florence, and Florence and Siena) had some manned booths, and they would give change for cash payment. We only paid in cash, so I can't help with your credit card/debit card question.

Tom, please don't take offence, but is that your experience or have you heard it? We regularly use the Autostrada and we always use a credit card in the machines. Yes, ours are English and we do have chip and pin. But on the Autostrada, like the French Autoroutes, you just stick the card in the slot. No PIN is asked for. It reads it and spits it out with a metallic female voice squeaking "Arrivederci" as the bar goes up. In Italy you put the card in the same slot you put the ticket in. I don't believe it is using the Chip and Pin technology because it takes it all the way in, then spits it out, unlike leaving half the card exposed like C&P. - ^ - I am, however, prepared to be proven wrong, and if so I apologise.

Nigel, yes that's been my experience - specifically in Italy. The autostrada machines wouldn't read my Visa card and it was only later that I learned the reason. On the other hand, it's been a couple years since I've driven in Italy so things may have changed.