Do people use these in Italy? I went to the FAQ section but couldn't post, so here it is. I've always wondered about traveler's checks and if they're safer to use.

And do you how much euro to ask for at the bank? I don't want to go overboard and get robbed when I'm in Italy. I hope the exchange rate is good.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,

I wouldn't bother with travelers cheques. Many places do not want to accept them. Instead, just bring credit cards and ATM cards. Make sure your banks know that you will be traveling and get a 4 digit pin number. Have a couple of cards to be safe and keep them in different places. Make sure your card is attached to the right account (checking) and that you have enough to last. When you first get off the plane, hit the nearest ATM at the airport and get €250. You should be fine.

BTW, you get the best rate with credit and bank cards.

We have taken travelers checks with us for the last four trips - and NEVER used them. I finally cashed them in at the bank here.

But, I always start off with a few hundred dollar worth of Italian money that I order from my bank in the US. That way I have money when I arrive and can wait a few days to find an ATM.

We always take some travelers checks but only to use as backup. ATMs are wonderful and so convenient worldwide. There are always several ATMs located at the airport and I get my money at the airport. There is a limit to the amount you can get per day (~ $300US) so you do need to keep that in mind if you need to make a cash deposit on a rental.

We never have had to use the travelers checks in the last few trips. But we almost had to this last trip to Italy. We took an ATM and a credit card along with traveler checks. In the middle of the trip, we got to Pisa airport to pick up our car and travel on to our rental. Our ATM card did not work. But it had been working a couple of days earlier. It was Saturday and the line was long for the bank at the airport. So we just thought we'd try another ATM when we got to the coop in Poggiboni. We had set aside our deposit for the rental and had about the equivalent of $100US to grocery shop. We got to the store in Poggiboni and the card didn't work there either! Panic somewhat set in because it was the weekend and banks were not open to cash a traveler check. We did minimal shopping and went on to our rental.

The next day (sunday) we tried another ATM and it worked fine. We guessed that there was some technical issue with our ATM provider on Saturday. Never had a problem after that.

There is usually always a bank at the airport in addition to ATMs. You can exchange cash or travelers checks at the bank. The bank will be open most days with maybe the exception of Sunday. If you are arriving early, late or on Sunday, you might want to get some currency in advance from a US bank just in case the ATM doesn't work.

Marta

We don't bother with them either. I always get about $300-500.00 of local currency before we leave, so we aren't scrambling around upon arrival looking for ATM's while hugely jetlagged!

The one tip that I might offer is to ask your bank for an extra ATM card. Mine was once eaten by the machine and it was a Sunday so no way to retrieve the stupid thing until the next day ( this actually happened in the States but it could happen anywhere, so now I always carry an extra )

Anyways, between ATM cards and credit you should be fine, just work out how much you'll be needing since daily limits vary or alternatively you could ask your bank to up your personal daily limit while you are traveling.

Colleen, my bank initially told me the same thing about not issuing me a 2nd ATM card, and because it made no sense to me either I asked to speak to the manager and she promptly gave me one!

I was told that because my card was not just an ATM card, but specifically a DEBIT card, that's why they don't issue additional cards. I haven't pursued this since my return, but just might give a follow up call to the CU...

Colleen, mine is a debit card as well, so pass on that info to your less than helpful teller! ( At least mine was until I asked to speak to the manager!)

Totally agree with the no-need for travelers checks advice. The only place we have taken them in recent years was our trip to Africa last month. We have been in many European countries--including central and east Europe--and have always found ATM machines easily accessible. You will lose money cashing them whereas with ATM you will get the best rates. Credit cards and a VISA or Mastercard connected ATM or debit card are all that you will need.