We read what there is to read on euros/atm/traveler card/checks. We decided to wait to get to Bush Int'l airport here in Houston TX and see what the exchange rate is there. Depending on the rate, we will exchange $50.00 just to have a few or couple of hundred and just use our ATM while in Italy along with our VISA debit and AM Exp card. We can withdraw up to $600 a day. Are we doing this right? I am doubting our simplicity on this. Is there a need to have traveler's checks? Can we get by just using our ATM when we need cash? Thanks for any opnion you can give on this. We leave Thursday.

Vicky, I'd say wait until you land in Italy and just hit the ATM in the airport. Just remember to check if your bank has fees to withdraw and to notify your amex and Visa ahead of time that you'll be overseas and for how long.

We always exchange about $250.00 at the airport prior to our flight (don't forget the exchange rate and that your $50.00 MIGHT not be enough to get you through until you reach an ATM for more cash when you get to Italy). Then, we carry with us an ATM card each (I have my own and my husband has his) and two or three credit cards. Visa, Mastercard and American Express. You do NOT need travelers checks so don't bother with those.

This arrangement has always worked perfectly for us and should be just fine for you as well. I do think though that $50.00 is not enough....exchange at least $150.00 initially.

Have a WONDERFUL trip!!!!

I get on 20 dollars enough for coffee etc.
So far I havn't had problems at airport Atm's.the one trip i had problems my card was linked to savings a no no.Has to be checking.RR

I always hold back about 50 euro from my last trip just so I have taxi fare, something for a light dinner and coffee money. I generally head to the bank the next day and exchange my money. I know the popular thing is to use the ATM's and credit cards but I prefer just to have cash. I find I budget myself much better that way. I take one credit card just in case of emergency.
I am no less safe about carrying cash abroad than I would be at home. Fortunately, I've never had a problem.

I always get about 100.00E from AAA before we go to hold us over with cab's and coffee in case the ATM is not working at the airport. (I have never had a problem with that though.) I use ATM's from then on.

I am going to cast a vote for getting some Euro before you leave. Not a huge amount - €100 or €150. The one time I arrived at the airport and went to an ATM to get cash, for some inexplicable reason, my card kept getting bounced, and it took a call to my bank to fix it.

Now, I do what Torile does; I always bring some extra Euro home with me. But if I want to augment that, I go to an American Express Travel office, or through the Bank of America's website to buy Euro.

I just like knowing that I can grab my taxi or a cup of coffee or a bite to eat without even thinking twice, and it is reassuring to have it in case of an emergency.

That covers your arrival. As for your time in Italy, just continue to use the ATM. Don't get traveler's checks.

I've flown back and forth several times a year for over 10 years, never exchange dollars for euro in the U.S., and have never had a problem (knock wood). Most often I'll have 20 to 50 euro with me, left over; but even in the Venice airport there are a mininmum of three ATMs in case one doesn't work, along with several other money changers from banks to exchange offices, should something go wrong.

Do it though, if it makes you feel more comfortable; but just the minimum, as it's usually a pretty rotten exchange rate.

THANKS A MIL TO ALL OF YOU - Now I can relax.