My husband and I just recieved American Express gift checks as early birthday presents for our trip to Italy. Will we be able to use them there?

I believe you can use the gift checks in any establishment that accepts American Express, but you should check their website first to make sure.

You mean the gift cheques, not the prepaid AMEX travel card - right?

Since they are almost certainly in US (or Can) dollar denominations I don't see how they could be used in Italy w/o exchanging them at an AMEX office or perhaps a bank.

If it were me - I'd cash them at home and deposit the money in my checking acct. Then you can withdraw euro using your ATM card at favorable exchange rates.

Thanks for the advice. I think I will put them in the bank and just use the ATM while I'm there.

A very good idea, ala.