Credit Card in Italy? Also Cash machines?

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Tnchk

We were in Italy a month ago, and most places in the major cities took Visa and MC, not so much AmEx. However, both your card issuers and Visa Intl. assess a foreign transaction fee, so you generally pay 3% surcharge on official foreign currency conversion rate. It is generally cheaper to use ATMs to get cash, rather then pay with your credit card. Some small stores also gave us a discount for paying in cash.

We do have Citibank, but there is only 1 Citibank location in Rome, and I think 1 in Florence, and none in Venice. But there are other bank's cash machines everywhere you go though, in places large and small, and they do not (as a general rule) assess a fee for other bank's withdrawal, like they do in US now. Citibank does charge you a higher transaction fee if you use non-Citi ATMs, you can call them to find out the details.

What we did also - opened an ATM-rebate account at First Republic Bank - they don't charge you a fee to use other ATMs and refund other bank's fees, if any, and used it throughout Italy with no problem. See if you have one of those at a nearby bank.

With either method (cc or ATM), call you bank to notify them of travelling abroad, so they don't freeze your account for security reasons.

Mari76

Hi, I live in Italy. Yes, you can pretty much use any major credit cards in shops/stores (except for the very small ones) and restaurants. Plus, you will be visiting 3 of the most touristy cities of Italy, so don't worry. To be sure, look for the sign on the door or ask, "Mi scusi, accettate carte di credito?". There are a lot of banks in Italy with cash machines (called bancomat in Italian)....well, at least where I live there are! =) Have a great time in Italy.

P.S. It might be more difficult to cash travelers checks, so take cash and credit cards/bank cards with you.

been_here_and_gone

Major credit cards are accepted all over Europe even at gas stations, just like here. Just look for the card symbols just like here or ask the retailer. There are also ATM's in most hotels, airports, public places, etc. The transaction fees are kind of steep since you are doing a currency conversion. But, what the heck, take out as much as you can at one time then you won't have to keep going back. Use the cards for hotels, rental cars, etc. and the cash for everyday stuff on the streets and at mom and pop places. Also, remember euros are worth more than US dollars and call your credit card companies to tell them you will be travelling in Italy/Europe during a certain time period. This let's them know that the charges are authorized and card security won't freeze your cards. Don't know about Citibank...

Felicity???

ATMs--ATMs are prevalent in all Italian cities and even the smaller towns. ATMs are linked to a national network that most likely includes your bank at home.

Visa offers traveler's checks at Citibank locations nationwide, as well as at several other banks. The service charge ranges between 1.5% and 2%; checks come in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $500, and $1,000. Call tel. 800/732-1322 for information. AAA members can obtain Visa checks without a fee at most AAA offices or by calling tel. 866/339-3378.
MasterCard also offers traveler's checks. Call tel. 800/223-9920 for a location near you.

Credit Cards--Credit cards are a safe way to carry money, they provide a convenient record of all your expenses, and they generally offer good exchange rates. You can also withdraw cash advances from your credit cards at banks or ATMs, provided you know your PIN. If you've forgotten yours, or didn't even know you had one, call the number on the back of your credit card and ask the bank to send it to you. It usually takes 5 to 7 business days, though some banks will provide the number over the phone if you tell them your mother's maiden name or some other personal information. Keep in mind that when you use your credit card abroad, most banks assess a 2% fee above the 1% fee charged by Visa or MasterCard or American Express for currency conversion on credit charges. But credit cards still may be the smart way to go when you factor in things like exorbitant ATM fees and higher traveler's check exchange rates (and service fees).

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49 & Holding

All can be used in upper scale shops but you will need cash for the mom & pop shops. It would be wise to check with your cc company for any foreign fees that might be applied.
ATM's are available in the larger cities, of course for a withdrawl fee. Check Citibank website for their international locations.

gabrielalaura74

no! no credit cards or atm machines in Italy.. they use roman coins! Sorry, stupid question deserves a stupid answer!

generalteh

yes but give your credit card company atleast 2 weeks notice of the locations you are going to be traveling to. if they see purchases around the world they will cut off the card. so tell them what countries you will be visiting.

Genius Cook

All major cc accepted and cash machines all over both major smaller cities. Have never seen a Citibank in all of my travels in Italy... ask you local Citibank for more info. on their euro-locations or affiliates.

monorailgold

Hello,

Most of the shops in Rome and Venice will only take cash. It is the same with restaurants. The larger designer stores and more trendy and expensive restaurants will take credit cards but unless you want to spend that kind of money, I'd stay away. You can get money out of the ATM's all over these cities. Check with your bank to let them know you will be travelling and also to see what their daily limits for withdrawl are. Also, let the credit card companies know you will be travelling so they don't put a hold on your card thinking it is stolen. You can call citibank to ask about exact locations.

Just check with the restaurant or store as you enter to see if they will take a credit card. It has been my experience that using cash is much more the "norm" and easier. Some of the attractions (borghese gallery, vatican museums) will allow you to use a credit cards but most of the sites in Rome are free.

Donna

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