Centralparkgirl

I tried to purchase Florence to Milan tix last night without success. I tried Amex gold, Amex SPG and Aadvantage Visa. All failed. I'm using Safari on an iMac. I've read all the threads here and opened a Capital One card online last night. I also called Visa and they told me there was no hold on the card and they couldn't even see the attempt to use it on Trenitalia. This morning, I had two emails from Amex about a security alert for possible fraudulent use. I called them and explained what I was trying to do. They released the cards, I tried again with the gold card and the transaction went through without a hitch.

I went through this three years ago and can't remember how I resolved it. It's amazing that these problems continue to plague travelers.

btw, I have a pdf of the transaction with PNR code. Do I need to do anything else before we board? For future reference, what is an SMS?

Thanks so much!

Myer

Last June we went to Florence for 10 days doing daytrips and overnight trips.

When we travel I carry 2 credit cards and my wife carries a different one.

I called both in advance to let them know we would be in Europe.

After about 4 days we were in Cinque Terre having dinner and my credit card didn't go thru. After another attempt we used one that my wife had with no trouble. Just to make sure I tried to purchase a train ticket with mine and it didn't go thru.

The next day when we got back to Florence I tried the foreign "call collect" number listed on my card. I got a message that said this number doesn't accept collect calls. I then call customer servie using my calling card.

I don't remember exactly what the person said. "Your card works" or "Your card works now". A big difference.

When I go back I called Citibank, complained and we negotiated. They credited my credit card with $100.00 and 5,000 air miles.

Other than tha event, I never had a problem buying train tickets at any station using the vending machine. They were very easy to use and had an English choice.

kybourbon

In the past, Trenitalia stated on their website that they didn't accept AmEx (unless you had an Italian AmEx), but that seems to have changed since their last schedule update (end of Dec.). Good to know AmEx is being processed now, but my MC doesn't charge the conversion rate that AmEx does so it's cheaper to use my MC. Scroll down to secure payment system for online purchase using credit card info.
http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/inde...003f16f90aRCRD

>>>btw, I have a pdf of the transaction with PNR code. Do I need to do anything else before we board? For future reference, what is an SMS?<<<

SMS is where you are texted the code to your phone (need Italian phone number I think). For some tickets, you need to print your ticket at a kiosk in the train station. There will be a selection on the screen "collect your ticket". Your e-mail should say whether you need to print your own ticket or can just show your code on board.

You should always notify your credit card in advance that you will be making an online purchase out of the country so they don't think it's fraud. I usually give them 24 hours to flag my account and make sure it's noted on my account so they don't block the purchase.

Were you able to get the Mini-Fares?

Centralparkgirl

Were you able to get the Mini-Fares?

Better than that. I got the Saturday One Way fare - two for the price of one.

You're probably right about the conversion fares, but I was so anxious to complete the transaction that I forgot.

Lexma90

Some of these foreign transactions are baffling. On one purchase within the last few years, may have been TrenItalia, I called my credit card issuer before the purchase to let them know. After a couple of tries, I was successful. I STILL received a call from them the next morning for a fraud check to confirm that it was me who'd made the purchase. I guess I'd rather have them err on the side of caution.