Robin Temple

We are visiting France & Italy soon. I was told by a friend that ATM machines are available, but have been unable to find info in tour guides,etc. Does anyone know if they do exist in those countries? Thanks!! Robin Temple

Dick Hardy

I've used ATM machines in both Paris and Venice. Be aware that not all machines will accept your card, however. You might have to go to several to get one that works. Having more than one ATM card helps, as does having a Visa, Mastercard or Amex, all of which might work. In case of total failure, take along a few travelers checks (available free from many banks or AAA) in case. You can always deposit them into your account when you get home.

Joe Lomax

Even if the machine does not have a symbol for your particular ATM system, give it a try. Often times it will work. I found that Visa and Plus were the most common, but Cirrus was all over, too. Take a spare, as you do not want to be caught with a fried magnetic strip, etc... Also, I agree with Dick: take some travellers checks as a weekend backup. The last time I went, the only time I cashed travellers checks, it took me so long, I missed the only two hour opening window per week for the cloister of S. Cecilia in Trastevere. I would have been much better served spending five minutes finding a bank machine.

Boris

Just remember that you need a 4-digit numeric PIN. The machines are everywhere. Once you insert the card the instructions on the screen are in English.

anne

ATM's are readily available in all the main cities, and even smaller ones. You can get local currency right when you arrive at the airport, there are ATM's there. Also at main train stations, and of course in front of banks. We now just make sure to have some cash (usually dollars) with us in case there is a problem with the ATM, but we've haven't had to exchange any dollars on our last 8 trips.

R.J. Baxter

What is the exchange rate like when using ATM's? Is it comparable to regular cash exchanges?

Diane Spiegel

Had no trouble using ATMs in Italy and France in September. My friend did, however. Not every machine took hers. Check with your bank or credit union to see what fees they charge. My just raised theirs to $3 per transaction. I think that's too high. Most charge $1 per transaction. It's a good idea to have about $30 worth of foreign currency before you go just to have some in your pocket, and some travelers checks just in case. The exchange rate for ATMs was excellent. About equal to using a credit card. All in all, we were quite pleased with the ease of using ATMs over cashing travelers checks.

Mary

Just returned from Paris.The exchange rate we received thru ATM withdrawals was 6.05 FF per dollar, with a $1.25 charge per transaction from our
bank. Compare this with the 5.65 FF our travelling companions got at CDG's exchange desk, and the 5.35 FF offered by various change offices in the city. We also found the ATM machines literally everywhere, and never had difficulty in making withdrawals. Check out the ATM locator at www.visa.com if you're
looking for specific locations.

Mary

I too was under the impression there were lots of ATM's and would be able to get money with no problem. So when I went to Paris last week, I did not take much with me. The ATM's were in abundance, however, it took me about 5 ATM's to find one that would accept my card (check your symbols on the back of your card). We were just ready to head into a Thomas Cook and use our visa, when we tried one last ATM and it accepted my card. There were many Thomas Cook's.