ATM cards
 

I have 2 ATM cards from small bank and the other from a credit union-- one has the Mastercard symbol, Co-op and Star on the back. The other has Cirrus and NYCE on the back

Will both of these work in Italy for ATM Machines???

Both will work as long as u have a 4 digit password, ie 1234,. Be sure and call your credit card and ATM providers before u go and tell them u are going to Italy.

Italy has more atm's than anywhere in Europe. Be sure and use only bank affilated atms because they don't have fees on their end. the banks will have their name posted so there will be not dourbt. u will be hit by ur bank but not the italian one.

have a good trip.

Also, be sure they're connected to a checking account, not a savings account. This proved a problem to me in 2005, altho perhaps the system is different now?

Hi b,

Good advice

Don't wait until a Sunday to get money from the ATM. Many run out of money and you have problems.

We would use the ones where you go inside rather than on the street if they were available.

I found that I needed the money in the checking account rather than the savings account. You didn't have a choice - only checking account was offered.

Thanks for all of the great advice--I knew all of you would be able to answer my questions

You may be able to find out from your bank the network that the card will work on. I found where I could use my Credit Union Visa Check Card in Germany on the bank's website (Cirrus network). Never had issue except when the network at home was "updating" and my card would not work. Ask your bank prior to leaving if they are anticipating any interuptions. They may be able to tell you they update their systems every Sunday night at midnight, meaning the card may not work early morning Monday in Italy.

And as stated, make sure you tell the bank (maybe a couple of times) that you are heading to Italy. They will shut your card off immediately...

And be weary of where you use an ATM. Lots of devices out there can be attached to the outside of the ATM. I only trust ATM's at a bank location and prefer an ATM inside. I also take out 300 - 500 euros at a time to avoid frequent visits. I use the money belt to keep it safe...

Have fun!!! Italy is amazing...