Obtaining money in italy...help?

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hatorihansotanaka

you can go to any bank and exchange your currency there, they give the best rates! ATM's charge astronomical prices. I suggest that you exchange at least $500 dollars for Euros at the airport here in the US first, you have to because your plane may arrive late and you'll need cab fare.

like any other place in the world, you have to take care of your money very well, don't wear any jewelry or pricy looking clothes, there are literally hundreds of pick pocketers on Italian city streets, and when people are on vacation they become unaware of their surroundings. I suggest you buy yourself one of those leg or chest straps with zipper pockets that you can conceal within your clothes, carry your money and passport there. They will come in so handy, trust me!! Also, try to find one with metal wires knitted into the straps, many people have their purses stolen when thieves easily cut the straps with knives. And I repeat myself, do not wear any jewelry, I went last year and a lady in our tour group would have jewelry stolen of her arms like everyday! She never learned her lesson!
Remember to cherish and take care of your passport, in many places they're worth more than gold!! DO NOT leave it in your luggage at your hotel, carry it with you at all times!!

Ignore beggars and make a slash with your arm saying NO, that's the only way they understand, they will follow you, but don't give them any money whatsoever. Haggle with street vendors, last year I bought a fake Rolex watch in Pisa for $3!!! lol
You must also be aware that Italian people are very rude, and they're worse with each other, so don't expect too much hospitality from them.

Also before you leave, buy an international calling card, you'll need it, and the public phones in Italy are difficult to use. Make calls from your hotel room. And always carry change because you never know what you're going to buy. Also be aware of extra charges, for example many hotels in Italy actually charge their patrons extra fees to use amenities such as the pool!

Also, if you plan on mailing back home any postcards you've got to remember that Italian post offices DO NOT SELL stamps, you need to buy them off the souvenir kiosks and small shops.

Enjoy the food! most likely you'll never taste more delicious pasta in your life! Enjoy the wine and gellatto!! Buy the large water bottles, they're less expensive than the smaller water bottles. Don't worry about drinking from the public drinking fountains, their water is actually cleaner than ours!

have fun!!!

conley39

You do NOT want to use Traveler's checks here in Italy. They are not widely accepted. The ATM is very easy here. I have been using my US card here for over 9 years without any problems. A couple of things though - unless your account allows your card to be reimbursed for transaction charges, you don't want to be making a number of small withdrawals. My account pays me back all the transaction fees from other banks, so there is no extra charge to getting money. A few bigger withdrawals will be cheaper in the long run if you don't have this feature. An ATM is called a bancomat here - they're very easy to find even in the small towns. Most of them will be on the major international networks and will accept your card.

madeche70

Yes if you have a Visa, either a debit or credit card, you can get cash advance at any ATM (in italy the name is Bancomat) .
Just make sure your Card has a logo such "cirrus, or Star, usually they're on the back of the card. Of course you'll be also be able to pay for hotels, shops, restaurants etc, using the card directly.
As for the rate changing $ in Euros, they apply the official rate of the day of your purchase. Keep with you the number to call in case you loose the card or somebody steals it, or anything. Just in case.

Charlie

Travelers checks are a complete pain in the but. CALL the customer service number on your ATM card and tell them you will be in italy and give them the dates. Ask them about using your card there. usually , you get the best conversion rate at
at ATMs and you do not have to carry a lot of cash.

Mari76

You can change your money in Italy. The best solutions are banks or post offices. I live in Italy and send money (dollars) home every month. I either go to the bank or post office. If you don't want to carry money with you, you can use an ATM card or charge your credit card. I'm not sure how much the fees are, but if you ask your bank they should know. It's probably a few dollars.

Al M

Most of what hatorihansotanaka above said is right, but I disagree with him on the friendliness of Italians. Still, the people who live in places which are mobbed by tourists can get a bit fed up with the demands of foreigners, even if they do depend on them for their living. However, you'll be here long before the worst of the tourist season, so it's very possible the locals will be very pleased to see you.

I agree with what people have said about the ATM option. It really is the best way. Just make very sure that you keep your card safe and that you have the number you need to call if it should be lost or stolen somewhere else.

Pickpockets are a real problem in places like Rome. If anyone EVER touches you anywhere, assume that they or an associate is going for your money.

Another rip-off you need to be aware of is the unofficial taxis in Rome. Use ONLY cabs which are white and have the seal of Rome on their front doors. They are the licenced cabs and they are required by law to charge you only the legal rate for journeys. Everyone else will charge you lots more and possibly take you places you don't want to go.

Ph. Benny

Bring some cash and a credit card; Visa is widely accepted, anyway cash is better, expecially when you have to pay small amounts (for example if you get a coffee or postcards).

Will you stay in an hotel? In this case, 300 euro are not enough...

Bye!=)

me11o13

Do not carry travelers checks, many places do not accept them. The best bet is to find an ATM / Bancomat they are all over the place. Do not trade dollars in for euro, you will get ripped off by the exchange rate.

Mia

Here is a site that might help you.

remy hadley/13(katia)

300 euros is not much but it's not not little i guess you gotta pay attention anyway and i guess you can have any answer going to a travel agency too don't forget about banks where you can ask for infos :)where are you going exactly?

Burt C

It is better to carried Travel Checks to Italy and then change them to Euros...There are several locations throughout Europe.
Your Bank can also change your money before you leave the U.S. or at the airport there is a money exchange place there too.
Good luck.

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