Hi everyone! Can you tell that our trip to Tuscany, July 3rd, is drawing near by the increase in the number of posts from me? All of your info has been such a great help in planning the trip.

One more (but probably not last) question: Has anyone used a AAA cash card in Italy? It is like a pre-loaded Visa, "works anywhere Visa is accepted" as ATM or credit card with local exchange rates, no or little fees.

I have heard various things about the fees, exchange rates, but wanted to hear from someone who may have used the card in ITaly.

Skip it. It is terribly expensive to use as an ATM card. In addition to the per-transaction fee, AAA adds a conversion factor of 7%.

The typical bank converts at 1% over the official rate for ATM use, 3% for purchases. Why would you want to pay more than twice as much as necessary -- for no added convenience or value?

Thanks, I saw a great review of the card with user comments on Frommers site. I'm disappointed that AAA was so uninformed or intentionally mislead me when I asked about the card. I thought it might be a good backup for my bank card, but I'll definitely skip it now.

jodyleigh,
AAA has changed the supplier they use so they no longer get 7% over the interbank rate just 3% plus all the fees.

Just because the AAA card is a bad deal is no reason to change your mind about having a back up. Open a new checking account where you get free checking and low or no fee ATM withdrawals and 1% or less conversion fee. A debit card from this new account "works anywhere Visa is accepted as ATM or credit card with local exchange rates, no or little fees." This is because they are both basically just debit cards.



Henry

I have not used this card but my kids had trouble with a visa buxx until i called the bank amd made them Up the daily limit