Leaving in Three weeks. Still unsure of the best way to have and get cash. Have credit card to use. Last time, we found that Amex travelers checks were a hassell and expensive. Even got charged to change into Euro from the Euro tvlrs cks. So, we won't be doing that again. We also found that Italians seem to like the American money. Did not find having it to be a prob. But, we will have to pay the apartment fee. Arriving on Sat. the banks won't be open. Please give some good advice on $$. Thanks

loveitaly,
See http://www.slowtrav.com/europe/hs_money.htm for getting euro. Check with your bank on ATM cards, most have limits per card not per account.

Henry

Cash is really the way to go, cash obtained from the handy ATMs, called Bancomats, using a debit card, not a credit card. I usually go with 100-200 Euro in cash to tide me over the first few day or two, but I pay my apartment in advance. Last year, however, I had to bring cash, as I rented a different apartment. Rather than hustle around and hit various Bancomats, I brought the cash with me. It was a little odd carrying so many simoleans with me, but I am super-careful with my wallet and I didn't worry.

I don't know where you live, but there is a good place here in LA that provides Euro at an OK rate. I believe that they will supply Euro and fedex them to you. International Currency Express, Beverly Hills. 888-278-6628; www.foreignmoney.com. And then I just go to the Bancomats whenever I need more fun tickets. Tell your bank when and where you are going, make sure your ATM card is attached to your checking account, know what your maximum withdrawal per day is, and don't panic if one Bancomat says no; just try another.

Yrs, Robert

Italians like cash, but i get nervous and feel like a bank walking around with all that cash even in my money belt. I get nervous about going to the ATMs that thieves might be hanging around waiting there.

When i have rented apartments and had to pay in cash on arrival, I get nervous with all those euros. The amount of money needed would exceed the amount allowed out of an ATM in one day, so i change the money at home at my bank and jsut pay them whatever the fee is because of the convenience factor.

Cash is King in Italy. Bancomats are prevalent and safe, and by far the cheapest and most convenient way to obtain it. No need to walk around 1000s of euros, as you'll use cash for most of your daily expenses, and credit cards for the larger ones if you prefer.

Bring more than one card with you that will work in the ATM machines (a debit card and an ATM card, for example). Verify your daily withdrawal limit, raising it before you go in need be (You may have to make more than one withdrawal at a time for larger amounts, but can do it at the same machine.) Verify any fees as well, and negotiate to minimize or eliminate them.

I've been running back and forth for 10 years; can't remember the last time I exchanged dollars for euro in the States. Too expensive and not necessary...

For your purposes, the advice given here is valuable regarding paying for your apartment. Near the end of this trip, plan to bring home some "start up" Euros for your next trip. That way, when you go again, you'll have a few euros in your wallet for cab, drinks, etc. until you can reload at the ATM. I've done this for years, in fact, I still have French francs that I never bothered to convert. Also, British pounds...and occasionally I'll give up a 50-euro note to a graduate who's taking their first trip abroad.

There are ATMs in the major airports, so you can easily hit one once you get off the plane and before you will actually need the Euros.

quote:

and credit cards for the larger ones if you prefer.

Note that most credit cards are now charging "currency conversion" fees: up to 2% per transaction. http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/20020513c.asp
Even at 3 USD per withdrawal of 300 USD worth of Euros, that's still only 1 percent. Not much, but over a couple weeks it'd equal a taxi ride. ;^)

Also, I second the advice to alert your debit or ATM card bank AND your credit card company to the fact that you'll overseas. Call customer service and tell them all about it: dates, places, phone numbers if you have them. If they are not alerted beforehand, they WILL stop your service when the overseas charges come in. And I mean lock it down tight, shut it off just like you had been canceled. A much needed security measure, and a good service unless it happens to YOU yourself.

Here's a nice chatty precis:
http://goeurope.about.com/cs/currency/a/atm_use_europe.htm

One week before my husband and I left for Rome last month, we notified our banks (we have separate accounts) that we were going and asked that our ATM limits be raised to $1000 per day. This was done (Bank of America).

When we arrived at FCO, we went to the bancomat in the baggage claim area and withdrew 250 euro TWO TIMES each, for a total of 1000 euro. No problem whatsover. We withdrew almost 4000 euro during our trip with no problems at all.

Taking a lot of cash may involve some risk, but we had no problem doing so. We went online to Am Express(will check on that for sure tonight)and ordered a certain amount of euros. With a certain amount they fedex the money right to your door within 2 days. We had no problem-the rate was not bad - it was very easy and convenient. My husband wore a thin money belt under his shirt. He also put some of the money in a thin wallet in his front pocket. We never felt threatened by anyone who even remotely looked like a pickpocket, but others are not always singing the same tune as we are. We just did not want to deal with cash machines especially since our hotel had ordered a taxi waiting for us at the airport. Cash machines may be very safe there-I did notice however that many were stuck right on the pedestrian sidewalks which are narrow usually anyway. I am not sure I would feel any more comfortable doing that than carrying hidden money. My thoughts only--you must do what you feel comfortable with. Have a safe trip!

quote:

Note that most credit cards are now charging "currency conversion" fees: up to 2% per transaction. http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/cc/20020513c.asp

Actually for many of them it is now 2% plus the 1% already assessed by MC and Visa. Check out Captial One cards--they charge no fee plus they absorb the 1%.