Has anyone cashed American Travelers Checks recently in Bologna? I'm off to Bologna tomorrow. Yes, I'm taking two ATM cards, but I have always used American Travelers Checks as an emergency backup. Now I'm worried that I won't be able to cash them as I can't find an American Express Office in Bologna. I was able to cash some at a bank in 2004, but times change. Certainly I'm not expecting a great rate.

---Marlene

no one really likes travellers checks as they charge a lot to change them
I think about 5 Euro each at a bank. not at American Express

Save them for an emergency.
I know in Florence the post office had a special window where they also changed TC's, and the rip off change bureau's take them too.

There are only 5 American Express Foreign Exchange Service offices in Italy, Rome (Pzza Spagna and Cinecitta) Florence, Milan, and Venice.

There are some Travel service offices in other cities, including some travel agencies that are "franchised" by AMEX. There is one of the "franchise" (my term) office in Bologna. It doesn't list cashing Travelers' Checks.

Bigtours Travel Service
Via De'Monari 2/C
Bologna, Italy 40121


Telephone:+39 (051) 239950
Fax:+39 (051) 265771
Email: info@bigtours.com



HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday-Friday 09:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Monday-Friday 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM

HOLIDAYS
January 1, January 6, April 25, May 1, June 2, August 11, August 12, August 13, August 14, August 15, October 4, November 1, December 8, December 24, December 25, December 26, December 31, March 28
SERVICES OFFERED
Cardmember Remittances
Client Letter
Emergency Card Replacement -- Pickup Point Only
Emergency Funds Access through a Local Bank
Travelers Cheques -- Refunds

You could email them and ask about check cashing. I agree, though, that Travelers Checks are very inconvenient now. I don't use them anymore.

Bill

Instead of travelers checks, I would suggest a back credit card. You can always draw money on those as well (though I am sure you will be charged a nice fee).

Cyn

I agree. Lose the travelers checks and take any other card that will work in an ATM, or inside a regular bank where they give you a cash advance money in an emergency.

Just keep the cards in different locations, and if something happens to one, you'll still have the other(s).